Singing songs comes naturally to many preschoolers, but often they do not understand the words. Children enjoy the musicality of songs, the emphasis of beat and dynamic, and are less concerned about comprehension. Teach children the words and the meanings of songs to give them an appreciation for the lyrics and even greater enthusiasm to sing. Introducing educational concepts through songs can enhance a child's enthusiasm and appreciation for learning. ABC's, arithmetic, animals, geography and even socialization are concepts celebrated in songs.
Instructions
1
Give a brief synopsis of the song for preschoolers.
Give a brief overview of the song as a story. Paraphrase the words and meaning to correspond with a preschooler's vocabulary.
2
Use an illustrated music chart to trigger imaginations.
Write out the words of the song in large letters using an oversized illustrated chart. Highlight the words to match the pictures of the song.
3
Speak the words and rhythms of the song.
Speak the words of the song out loud and ask the children to echo the lyrics. Then repeat call and response, but this time include the melody.
4
Clap the beat of the song.
Tap or clap out the beat and words of the song.
5
Enlist the help of puppets to make a song come alive.
Use puppets to retell and amplify the story of the song.
6
Sing the song with the children and deliberately leave out key words for the children to fill in and sing. For example, sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," and leave out the word "boat."
7
Act the song out with the children.
Act out the song or dramatize the lyrics by using hand-motions and body percussion.
8
Add movement and dance to enhance the meaning of a song.
Use scarves and ribbons to add movement and dance and accentuate the lyrics.
9
Give the children musical instruments to play along with the lyrics.
Give the children musical instruments to play with the words.