As a freelance choir teacher, having a diverse collection of songbooks is crucial for engaging students and enhancing their musical experience. Here are some of my favorite singing resources that I frequently use in my teaching practice:
Sing in Parts Vol. 1 & 2
The "Sing in Parts" series, Volume 1 and Volume 2, are essential resources for any choir teacher, especially if you teach 3rd-8th graders (but I use these as warm ups at the beginning of the year even with my high schoolers!). These volumes contain easy-to-read folk song arrangements for two- and three-part treble voices, complete with piano accompaniment. Each song includes reproducible sheet music, full performance recordings, and piano-only accompaniment practice tracks. These selections are perfect for concert pieces or sight-reading practice in elementary and middle school choirs. They also coordinate with the rhythmic and melodic skills presented in John M. Feierabend’s Conversational Solfege curriculum, making them versatile tools for music education.
The Book of Canons
"The Book of Canons" is a treasure trove of rounds and canons, compiled by John Feierabend. This revised edition includes 155 pieces, offering a rich variety of music drawn from American folk traditions and classical rounds. Each song is presented with the melody, allowing for flexibility in arrangements and harmonization. This collection is perfect for teaching vocal blend and timing, as rounds require precise coordination among singers. It also provides an excellent opportunity for students to explore melody and harmony in a fun and engaging way.
First Steps in Global Music
"First Steps in Global Music" introduces students to a world of music with songs and activities from various cultures. This resource promotes cultural awareness and appreciation through its global repertoire. It includes interactive activities that enhance musical learning and exploration, encouraging students to appreciate diversity in music. This book is ideal for educators looking to incorporate world music into their curriculum, offering students a broader perspective on musical traditions.
Wander the World with Warm-Ups
"Wander the World with Warm-Ups" is a unique collection of warm-up exercises inspired by global music traditions. Each exercise is based on music from different countries, providing a fun way to introduce students to diverse musical styles while improving their vocal technique. These warm-ups are designed to keep students engaged and motivated, making them a valuable addition to any choir rehearsal.
The King Singers Book of Rounds
The King Singers Book of Rounds features a delightful collection of rounds arranged by the renowned vocal ensemble, The King Singers. These engaging arrangements are accessible for singers of all ages and are perfect for teaching vocal blend and timing. The book provides an enjoyable way for students to develop their musical skills and experience the joy of singing in harmony.
Incorporating songs from these resources into your teaching can significantly enhance the learning experience for your choir. They offer a wealth of material that inspires students to explore their vocal abilities and develop a love for choral music. Whether you're preparing for a concert or simply looking to enrich your choir's repertoire, these resources are sure to be valuable additions to your teaching toolkit.
In today's fast-paced world, many Christian families struggle to create meaningful rituals and habits that nurture faith and strengthen family bonds. However, with the right resources, it's possible to establish a rich spiritual life at home. Here are six essential resources we have loved that can help you transform your family's daily routines into powerful opportunities for worship, prayer, and spiritual growth.
1. Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms
Justin Whitmel Earley's "Habits of the Household" is a game-changer for families seeking to integrate faith into their daily lives. This practical guide offers:
- Strategies for creating faith-centered routines around mealtimes, bedtimes, and other daily activities
- Insights on how simple habits can shape both parents' and children's hearts
- Tools to create a home environment that reflects God's love amidst the chaos of family life
By implementing Earley's suggestions, families can turn ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual formation.
2. Every Moment Holy: New Liturgies for Daily Life
This modern liturgical resource breathes new life into family worship by providing:
- Prayers and liturgies for everyday events, from morning coffee to bedtime rituals
- Ways to infuse sacred meaning into ordinary moments
- Tools to help children recognize God's presence throughout their day
"Every Moment Holy" can revolutionize how families approach daily life, turning mundane tasks into holy experiences.
3. Treasuring God in Our Traditions: Celebrating Everyday Moments and Special Occasions
Noël Piper's book emphasizes the importance of God-centered family traditions. It offers:
- Ideas for creating meaningful customs for both daily life and special occasions
- Guidance on building a legacy of faith that can be passed down through generations
- Strategies for making God the focal point of family celebrations
This resource helps families intentionally design traditions that reinforce their Christian values and create lasting memories.
4. Cloud of Witnesses: A Treasury of Christian Prayers Through the Ages
This comprehensive prayer collection enriches family worship by providing:
- A diverse range of prayers from various Christian traditions
- Options for different occasions and seasons
- A connection to the broader Christian community throughout history
By incorporating these time-tested prayers into family worship, parents can expose their children to rich, meaningful expressions of faith.
5. One Year Praying Through the Bible for Your Kids: A Daily Devotional
Nancy Guthrie's devotional guide offers a structured approach to praying Scripture over children. It includes:
- Daily Bible readings and corresponding prayers
- A comprehensive journey through the entire Bible in one year
- Focused intercession for children's spiritual growth and character development
This resource empowers parents to consistently and effectively pray for their children's faith journey.
6. Morning Benedictions Collection: Free Daily Blessings
The "Morning Benedictions Collection," available for free, provides families with short, uplifting blessings to start each day. This resource includes:
- A variety of benedictions that can be used during family morning gatherings
- Encouragement to set a positive tone for the day ahead
- A simple way to incorporate prayer and reflection into your morning routine
Access the collection here to enrich your family's morning worship experience.
Implementing These Resources in Your Family Life
To make the most of these valuable tools:
- Start small: Choose one resource and gradually incorporate it into your family routine.
- Be consistent: Regular practice, even if imperfect, is key to forming lasting habits.
- Involve everyone: Encourage all family members to participate and contribute ideas.
- Adapt as needed: Tailor the suggestions to fit your family's unique needs and personalities.
- Be patient: Building meaningful family worship habits takes time and persistence.
By thoughtfully incorporating these resources into your family life, you can create a home environment that nurtures faith, fosters deep connections, and helps children develop a strong spiritual foundation. Remember, the goal isn't perfection but authenticity in living out your faith as a family. Whether through daily habits, special traditions, or intentional prayer times, these tools can guide you in weaving your Christian faith into the fabric of everyday life.
Introducing young children to the magic of music and storytelling can be a delightful and enriching experience. Songtale books combine the best of both worlds, offering engaging narratives set to familiar tunes. Here are four favorite songtale books that are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, each bringing its unique charm and educational value to storytime.
Every Little Thing
Based on Bob Marley's beloved song "Three Little Birds," "Every Little Thing" by Cedella Marley and Bob Marley is a vibrant picture book that brings the iconic lyrics to life for young readers. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, the book follows a young boy as he learns to look on the bright side and not worry about a thing. The colorful, cheerful illustrations perfectly capture the song's uplifting message, making it an excellent choice for teaching toddlers and preschoolers about positivity and resilience. I even use this as a songtale in my Kindergarten and 1st grade homeschool music classes. The rhythmic text makes it easy for children to sing along with the refrain once they know it, enhancing their musical experience.
Hush, Little Bunny
David Ezra Stein's "Hush, Little Bunny" is a charming adaptation of the classic lullaby. In this version, a father rabbit comforts his little one with promises of the wonderful things they'll do together. The book features Stein's beautiful, warm illustrations that capture the tender relationship between parent and child, perfect if you're someone who loves living books Charlotte Mason style. The familiar melody, combined with new, nature-inspired lyrics, makes this book perfect for bedtime reading or as a gentle introduction to the changing seasons for toddlers and preschoolers.
Los Pollitos Dicen
"Los Pollitos Dicen" by Ashley Wolff is a charming bilingual board book based on the beloved Spanish folksong. This colorful book brings the traditional nursery rhyme to life with Wolff's vibrant realistic illustrations, depicting adorable baby chicks and their caring mother hen. The text is presented in both Spanish and English, making it an excellent resource for bilingual families or those looking to introduce a second language to their little ones.
What a Wonderful World
Based on the beloved song made famous by Louis Armstrong, "What a Wonderful World" illustrated by Tim Hopgood is a vibrant and joyful book that celebrates the beauty of our world. The book pairs the timeless lyrics with colorful, whimsical illustrations that bring the song's message to life. It's an excellent tool for introducing young children to the wonders of nature and the importance of appreciating the world around us. The book often includes sheet music, allowing parents and educators to sing along or play the melody on an instrument, enhancing the musical experience for toddlers and preschoolers.
These songtale books not only entertain but also support various aspects of early childhood development, including language skills, musical awareness, and cultural understanding. By incorporating these books into storytime, parents and educators can create engaging, multisensory experiences that foster a love for both reading and music in young children, while also promoting multicultural awareness, appreciation of nature, and a positive outlook on life.Incorporating songtale books into your child's reading routine can be a joyful and educational experience. These four favorites are sure to delight young children, helping them develop a love for music and reading that will last a lifetime.
As a Christian mom, "Hunt, Gather, Parent" by Michaeleen Doucleff struck a chord with my values rooted in Christian teachings. The book takes readers on a journey across cultures and time, introducing parenting strategies that align surprisingly pretty well, for the most part, with biblical principles. One of the key takeaways for me was the emphasis on emotional control, where parents model the art of regulating emotions to reduce tantrums in children. This resonates deeply with the biblical concept of patience and self-control, virtues we aim to instill in our little ones (by the Holy Spirit's help as parents and hopefully also for our children one day).
Doucleff's exploration of autonomy and allowing children to safely navigate risks also resonates with the Christian belief in empowering our children while providing guidance. The book encourages a delicate balance between granting autonomy and ensuring a safe space for exploration, mirroring the Christian approach to guiding our children towards responsible decision-making within the framework of faith. The idea of valuing children's and adults' attention and honoring them by not interrupting or distracting makes a lot of sense.
The emphasis on motivating children without resorting to bribes or threats aligns with the Christian value of nurturing intrinsic motivation and a sense of duty. It reminded me of biblical teachings on the importance of cultivating a generous and helpful spirit in our children, encouraging them to contribute positively to their communities. Along with this, she talks about praise and the issues it can create for children. I liked that she talks about lowering the amount of praise from parents. Giving thoughtful feedback or pointing out their maturity to benefit children is more work for parents, but so much more motivational.
I also really liked the emphasis on community and family -- parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles all invested in the children together, training them up in helpfulness (seeing a need and meeting it), taking care of younger siblings, and choosing activities that all members of the family participate in rather than child-centered activities (which she defines as activities we would only do if we had a child to take vs an activity we'd do regardless of if a child was along).
One point where my perspective differed was in the notion of not disciplining at all and allowing children to hit you (for example) without any response, ignoring it. As a Christian parent, I believe in the importance of loving discipline as Scripture says. Yet, the book's emphasis on controlling one's own frustration before addressing a child's behavior resonated strongly. This aligns perfectly with what the Bible warns about avoiding the pitfalls of disciplining in anger.
"Hunt, Gather, Parent" not only provides practical strategies and tools for our parenting, but also prompts reflective consideration of our own behaviors as parents. The insights gleaned from diverse cultures serve as a valuable complement to Western parenting principles, offering a broader perspective on raising considerate, responsible, and compassionate children. This book serves as a helpful resource, inviting parents to explore alternative approaches to parenting than the typical Western approach.
