Sing Your Teacher Heart Out!

I don't know about you, but I was not blessed with vocal chords meant for record deals. As much as I try to channel my inner Ariana Grande, those high notes just aren't happening. BUT I love to sing, and I found out quickly that kids do too! Even if you have always saved your voice for the shower, I want to share how you can add songs to help build community, increase engagement and have some fun yourself along the way!

I had learned about music's impact on young children pretty early in my education. Think about your favorite song right now- You might like it because of the lyrics or the beat might make you want to dance. Either way, the second it starts you get excited. The more you listen, the better you know the music and the lyrics WHICH makes you want to listen more. We crave routine and comfort. That's what music can do for us and for our students.

I started just playing songs on YouTube for my kids all of the time. We used them in the morning to greet each other, during transitions, to learn different concepts like sight words, etc. There are a lot of resources online that are a great way to start and get ideas! Plus, you know you have a million other things to do- don't recreate the wheel, as they say.

BUT, you can make them too.

Before starting to teach virtually, I wanted to find a new Good Morning song. Everything I found online had lyrics that really only fit for in-person learning. I searched for -hours- and found.... nothing. After seeking some advice, my instructional coach (Shout-out JB) encouraged me to make my own. I responded with what you might be thinking- "HOW in the world do I make up a song?". Her recommendation was to take a familiar tune (i.e. twinkle twinkle, row your boat, etc.) and change the lyrics. Simple. And seriously something I never considered before!

So, after some collaboration with my teammate, our good morning song was born. It's simple, it's short and it's something kids can easily remember so they are comfortable joining in. Add some hand motions and voila:

This expanded into songs for transitions. Sometimes I spent time planning them and other times I just started singing the directions to what we were doing and it stuck (I like to pretend I'm Jess Day from the TV show New Girl and just sing what I do sometimes 🤷‍♀️):

My kids found early on that singing was something I liked and a great tool to remember different concepts. As we learned a song about vowels last month, a student raised his hand and said-

"Ms. Vannatter, I wrote my own song about vowels"

Record scratch- okay, I did not plan for this at all but this became one of the most fun lessons we've had. Of course, I responded to this student with "SING IT (if you want)" and spotlighted his screen so everyone could hear his amazing creativity. After that, hands went up like crazy and everyone had a vowel song. You might think that this was a distraction but we spent almost the entire class listening to them share their vowel songs because:

1. They were totally engaged

2. They encouraged and celebrated their peers' creativity

3. They walked away knowing vowels! (hello, purpose of the lesson 👋)

I know that singing might not be your thing. It's okay to feel uncomfortable or nervous or unsure. BUT the great thing about singing with your students is that they think you are amazing. Also, the kids will show you it's worth it because of their engagement and connection with one another through song. Now (more than ever) we need a way to come together, and this has been my favorite way to build community so far.

Singing in front of adults? I would never. Singing alongside a group of tiny humans who are creative, excited, and loud? The most fun! YOU will have fun too- I promise!

Nervous about getting started?

• Start with old nursery rhymes (my goodbye song is the Skinamarinky Dinky Dink song with some sign language)

• YouTube!

• Check for other teacher made songs online (Pinterest, TPT, Google). I've attached a Google Drive folder with some that I've found songs- Song Folder

• $$$ Pay for resources if you want/can- I have a subscription to Heidi Songs and use it daily for all content areas. Here is the website- https://heidisongs.uscreen.io/catalog

• Invite parents/students to share songs in their home language or from their culture and community

• Start small! Don't feel like you have to sing all day. Find a part of your day that needs enhancement or connection and think what would fit best there!