Sing with Kids

Motivate a group of Kids of different ages and ancestry to sing is a challenge. «Singing» is not just to sing a song. In Worship we want to get to know God, glorify him and express our love. For example, deepen a topic or learn bible verses. The age of the children is about their attention in minutes. (If the child is 10 years old its maximum concentration is about 10 minutes). That is why we want and should create singing with kids interesting and exciting.

Important!

• The kids should sing and praise God, just how they are, it does not have to be orderly, well- behaved and quiet.
• The kids are watching - if the person who leads the singing is motivated, so are they. 
• Singing produces community and togetherness. It gives a feeling of security, helps to learn memorize texts, is a way how the biblical truth finds a way into daily life. (It becomes a catchy record…)

Practical tips

• Often the songs should fit to a certain topic. In advance look for possible songs and practise them. (e.g. fear, trust, love, sin, water…) 
• Give an explanation about the song. What do you sing about? Use illustrative material or examples. (Topic fear- a picture of chicks hiding under their mums wings. Or speak about thunderstorms, wether the kids already experienced one. Or hug a child and explain that is how we can feel save in God’s hands when we are frightened. 

Motivation through ...

• Rhythm instruments (one could create them out of wood or use bells, rattles, triangle, tambourine, djembe, cajon etc.)
• movements to the songs (could even be made up by themselves, dance, clap hands always in pairs…)
• a prayer in between the songs
• Sing a song various (loud - quiet, fast - slow, with high or deep voice, evil or kind voice, sing a cannon, sing in different languages, two cards with boys and girls (e.g. if the boy’s cards is shown only boys sing) 
• Creativity knows no bounds! A song can be whistled, stomped, shouted or even raped.
• Leaders motivation = children’s motivation 

• Structure of the songs. When is an important question. If one sings before the story the songs should quieten down. Singing at campfire or having kind of party we can sing crazy songs. The kids could say which songs they want. Even on a hike, before sleeping or food singing can be great. 
• If crazy songs with moves are sung, not much other ideas are needed. If calm songs use them or do a prayer or a sentence with the children (e.g. 1-2-3- Jesus, thank you for never leaving me alone)
• Preparation is important. Think about which songs to sing. (Are the lyrics easy understandable?) Think about whether you play an instrument yourselves or you make moves. Could a teenager play the guitar or piano? Do we have to practice in advance? Do the kids know the songs without lyrics or do we need a powerpoint presentation or do we have sing books? Pitch is ok? (Sing it for yourself)
• Children could write a text (such as a biblical truth) to a familiar tune, or they could use a story and make their own melody. 
• Accompaniment: tune your guitar before singing. Adapt your speed. Nor too slow neither too fast. 
• Kids love to sing songs over and over again. (It gives security, the songs become hits, awakens «old» feelings.)
• Learn new songs: you should know the song well! Sing loud, clearly and slow so the kids can listen. Then sing together. Speak the lyrics together. Sum the melody. 
• «I cannot sing». No problem. Everyone should be motivated but not forced. They could show the moves, play kind of drums…
• What is the goal of the singing? Relax, praise God, be contemplative, fill a break…

Specials

• Sing for others (e.g. old or ill people, in hospitals, home for elderly people, parents, at church, for other groups…) 
• Karaoke – why not with children’s songs?!
• Polyphonic (should be practised - in every voice a leader) 

All you nations, praise the Lord. All you people on earth, praise him. Psalm 117,1