Monthly Plan for Praise to the Man: Older and Younger Children

"Teach a child a song, and the song will teach the child."  

This was shared with me years ago in a music workshop. I have come to find out more and more how true it is.  Hymns that I learned as a youth are still teaching me more and more things as I am ready for them.  How does that relate to us as teachers of songs to children?  For instance, do we have to teach all of the concepts of a song all in one month?

No, I don't believe so.

We teach the song in a variety of ways, some visual, some movement, some puzzles, etc. and let the song teach the child once he or she is ready. This is a big song, with big words.  If we teach the song, focusing in on a few concepts each time we teach it, it will be enough.  The song will eventually teach the child (and us) as we are ready for it.

Here are some ideas to teach this hymn:

Younger

1. Egg carton drums

2. Beat and Action Word Actions for Younger Children (1st verse)

3. Action Word Actions and Beat for Younger Children (3rd verse)

4. Song Story

5. Partner Arm Swings and Freeze!

6. Silent Video

7. Beat Versus Rhythm

8. Paper Clap

9. Clap Instead

10. Magic Paintbrush

 Older

1. Follow the poster body rhythm

2. Body Rhythms and Partner Body Rhythms

3. Silent Video

4. Song Story

5. Beat Versus Rhythm

6. Word Link Game

7. Paper Clap

8. Clap Instead

9. Maori Sticks

Third verse story song