Overview:
Singing is one of the most natural vehicles for self-expression and communication in young students. Research indicates that is linked to neurological development in children and has benefits towards educational success later in life. In addition to building confidence, singing is also fun, helps students to become more calm and focused, and increases students’ sense of pitch.
Objectives:
Students will be able to:
- Identify the strategies for teaching a song to young students,
- Describe the strategies and the rationale for each,
- Define the use of and rationale underlying solfège as a tool in teaching a song,
- Identify and demonstrate best practices for using a song accompaniment,
- Demonstrate the processes used to teach songs,
- Identify the elements used to evaluate and select age-appropriate song literature,
- Identify ways in which technology can assist in teaching a song to students, and
- Evaluate and analyze a song being taught based on standards identified in the text.
Module Summary
One of the most basic and important music activities for young students is singing. Each child should feel comfortable singing. In this module the process for teaching a song was emphasized in order to stimulate teachers to think carefully about the musical experiences provided to young children. The process for teaching a song is an importance aspect elementary music and teacher’s need to confidently lead groups of students in a wide variety of repertoire. Students for whom singing was a primary component of their music lesson will be able to sing in tune quite happily and have a wide range of songs with which to express themselves.
The ability to effectively use an accompaniment, whether using classroom instruments or pre-recorded accompaniment was covered in addition to guidelines for age- and grade-appropriate song literature. The use of technology is also effective for elementary teachers as it can provide fundamental lessons in reading intervals, teaching students to sight-sing, and provide reinforcement and enrichment activities for introducing songs.
Singing is a personal means of self-expression that helps students forge an identity, express emotion, and build social inclusion. The ability to sing is innate and serves as a very personal instrument for children. All elementary music should include singing as a primary component in each music lesson.