On episode 279 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, Debbie O’Shea discusses the benefits of singing together in the music room. Singing in harmony can create a sense of belonging, unity, and bring joy to students, transforming the music room into the heartbeat of the school. In this blog post, we delve into the insights from the episode, exploring how singing can impact students’ emotional wellbeing, foster a strong sense of community, and promote inclusive learning experiences.
During the episode, Debbie shares her experiences and strategies in cultivating a culture of singing in her music classroom. She discusses the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where every voice is heard and appreciated and the significance of group singing in enhancing students’ social skills, building their confidence, and fostering a sense of belonging. We also share practical tips on how to encourage hesitant students to participate in singing activities. This blog post will provide a more in-depth analysis of these topics, highlighting effective ways to integrate collective singing into your music classroom and enhance the overall learning experience of your students.
Establish a Strong Singing Culture
So the first question is: how do we get singing to be a big thing in the music classroom? It’s all about making singing as normal as chatting or writing in class. Try to weave singing into the everyday stuff they do in class, making it part of the curriculum. This way, it’s like singing is just another thing they do, which can help students who might be a bit shy about it at first. The more they’re exposed to singing, the less shy they’ll be about it. As singing becomes something they do all the time, even the students who were a bit unsure at first start to get into it. A big part of getting this singing culture going is making sure everyone feels part of it, no matter their musical skills or where they’re coming from. Remember, it’s all about making sure every student, whether they’re a star singer or someone who’s never sung a note before, feels like they belong in the music classroom. Create a lively music classroom where everyone feels free to express themselves through song. A super inclusive singing culture will keep students engaged and make learning a whole lot more fun.
Encourage, Never Humiliate
So, in Debbie’s class, there’s this super important rule – no room for humiliation, like, at all. It’s all about creating a space where everyone can learn and try new things without fear. The kids are in a place where they feel safe and respected, and don’t have to worry about being made fun of. This chill vibe is super important for building their confidence and getting them to join in, especially when it comes to music, because that’s all about expressing yourself, right? By making sure no one’s going to laugh or make them feel embarrassed, the kids are more willing to try out their musical chops, play around with new stuff, and really grow as musicians. It’s not just about making learning more fun, it’s also about helping them feel good about themselves.
Adjust to Individual Needs
Understand and respect the uniqueness of each student in your classroom. Different students might require varying levels of encouragement or diverse types of activities to feel comfortable engaging in singing activities. For instance, you can utilize tools such as puppets, which can serve as an effective method to encourage younger or more introverted students to express themselves through song. This method can help students overcome shyness and gradually build their confidence in their singing abilities. The use of tools like this can make the learning process more fun and engaging, which can further encourage students to participate actively. The puppet becomes a character that the student can use to explore their voice in a safe and playful context. It also allows for an imaginative play element, which can make learning more enjoyable and impactful.
These practices ensure that your music classroom is a safe and inclusive space where all students, regardless of their initial comfort level or skill with singing, have the opportunity to explore and express themselves through music.
Unified Learning through Group Singing
When students sing together, it creates a unifying bond that goes way beyond the usual classroom dynamics. This unity promotes a unique sense of belonging among students, as they work together to create something beautiful.
You can implement strategies to encourage this sense of unity and belonging through singing. One strategy is the organization of a whole-school singing event. In this event, every student in the school, regardless of their class or grade level, participates in singing the same song together. This creates a shared experience that enhances the sense of a united school community. This strategy not only encourages participation in the arts but also fosters a sense of togetherness among students. As they all participate in creating the same piece of music, they understand that each of them plays a crucial part in the overall performance. This understanding can be a powerful tool in building self-esteem and a sense of value among students. The unity and cooperation required in these events can translate into improved relationships and a better understanding among students in other aspects of their school life.
In your opinion, what are the benefits of singing together? Tell me about it in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media as you share this post. I’d love for you to share this post or any of the resources on my website with a friend or colleague who you know NEEDS to see it too.
P.S. Are you feeling frustrated or stuck as an elementary music teacher? Check out these free resources to help you teach elementary music with confidence!
Also…I wrote a book called “Make A Note: What You Really Need To Know About Teaching Elementary Music” to help music teachers move forward in your teaching career. You can get your copy here.
