I want to share one of my all-time favourite activities to do with children of any age… Singing! I’m a firm believer that it is one of the easiest ways to bring joy, warmth, empathy, and life to any learning space, and can be done with any sized group of children. I’ve sung together with children in small groups, and led assemblies – all and any can bring so much goodness to a day.
In fact, I really think that everyone should get a chance to sing as part of a group regularly. This is even more important for children, and in the Waldorf classroom/homeschool, we are positioned all the more to be able to provide opportunities for this.
Using Singing as a Tool for Social and Emotional Learning
In my work with children, singing has been a fundamental part of our morning routine in the classroom, serving as a way for students to come together as a group and start the day with purpose and meaning.
Every day begins with singing. It has become a backbone and staple of our morning work together as a class. Whether in a traditional classroom or a homeschool setting, it is important for children to come together as a group and establish a sense of unity. The morning circle/circle time routine changes from year to year, however, singing remains a part of it that has so many benefits to the individual children and the class as a whole, that it should never be left out.
At a fundamental level, singing has been proven to have numerous benefits for social and emotional well-being. It promotes a sense of togetherness and helps build a strong community within the classroom. Singing together allows students to connect with one another on a deeper level and fosters a sense of empathy and balance. It also helps students to breathe and relax, providing a moment of respite from the demands of the day.
Regardless of setting, it’s important to adapt the singing we bring to students as they grow older. Singing skills can be developed and expanded as children mature and progress to more challenges. In the early years, simple songs with actions are an ideal way to begin the day to both engage the students and teach them the basics of singing. As they progress, they learn about different vocal techniques, such as using chest voice and head voice. They also learn proper posture and breath control.
By Class Three, students can start singing in rounds, splitting into two or three parts (this classic is always a goodie). It is important to choose songs that are designed to be sung in a round to ensure a harmonious sound. As students advance, they can learn to count rhythms and hold them more clearly. This allows for the introduction of two-part songs with a melody and a simple harmony. Singing in harmony helps students develop their listening skills and teaches them to be aware of others’ parts (this is a beautiful three-part winter song which is a good first taste for singing in parts).
As students reach the older classes, they can be challenged with more complex singing techniques. They can sing in multiple parts, such as three or four parts, and incorporate body percussion into their performances. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of rhythm and beat, especially if the rhythms are reasonably challenging on their own. Reading music can also be introduced, allowing students to follow along and learn the song through notation.
Bringing singing into the learning space is a powerful way to build a strong sense of community. It requires students to listen to each other, be aware of their surroundings, and work together to create a harmonious sound. Singing teaches balance and empathy, all while providing a daily opportunity for students to engage in a shared activity. In a society where singing is becoming less common, it is crucial to incorporate it into the classroom to preserve this lost art.
If you don’t know where to start looking for age-appropriate songs, my absolutely favourite website is VrijeSchoolLiederen – this website has been put together by a few Dutch Waldorf teachers and is an absolute treasure trove of songs, recordings and ideas. It’s free to sign up and one of the best resources out there. And if you haven’t grabbed it yet, I have 101 Morning Circle Time Activities as a resource collection for just $7 – it’s full of songs and more to enliven your mornings.