Singing together is a powerful way for Christian parents to bond with their children and instill important values. These five simple yet meaningful songs are perfect for family worship time, bedtime routines, or impromptu praise sessions. Let's explore how these tunes can help nurture your child's faith and create lasting memories.
1. Jesus Loves Me
This timeless classic is often one of the first songs children learn in Sunday school. Its simple lyrics convey a profound truth about God's love.
"Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong
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Lyrics:"Jesus loves me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong
Yes, Jesus loves me (x3)
The Bible tells me so."
Actions: Point to yourself when singing "me" and open your arms wide for "loves."
2. This Little Light of Mine
This upbeat song encourages children to share their faith boldly. Its catchy melody makes it easy for kids to remember and sing along
"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine"
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.Lyrics:"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine"
Actions: Hold up a finger as your "light" and pretend to shine it around the room.
3. He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
This traditional African-American spiritual teaches children about God's sovereignty over all creation. Its repetitive structure makes it easy for young ones to learn.
"He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole wide world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands"
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Lyrics:"He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole wide world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands"
Actions: Use hand gestures to mimic holding the world, pointing to different groups mentioned in the song.
4. I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart
This lively tune helps children express the happiness that comes from knowing Jesus. Its upbeat rhythm makes it fun to sing and dance to.
"I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart, down in my heart
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay"
3
Lyrics:"I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart, down in my heart
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay"
Actions: Clap hands or stomp feet on each "joy" to add energy and excitement.
5. The Doxology
This short hymn of praise teaches children to express gratitude to God. Its brevity makes it easy to learn and perfect for ending family devotional times. You can find it in the Gospel Story Hymnal!
Lyrics:
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen"
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen"
Actions: Encourage your kids to raise their hands in praise during "Amen" for an uplifting experience.
Incorporating these songs into your family's routine can help strengthen your children's faith and create joyful memories. Remember, the key is consistency and enthusiasm. Even if you're not a skilled singer, your children will appreciate the effort and love behind these musical moments.
For more ideas on Christian songs and activities for children, check out the Classical Collective Facebook group. This community of like-minded parents often shares valuable resources and ideas for nurturing faith in young ones through music, purposeful parenting, and more. By making praise and worship a regular part of your family life, you're laying a strong foundation for your children's spiritual growth. So gather your little ones, lift your voices, and let the melodies of faith fill your home!
As parents, we often hear about the importance of music in our children's lives. But did you know that actively making music, rather than just talking about it, is vital for children aged 0-7? This key insight might transform your approach to music time and significantly boost your child's development.
The Power of Active Musical Participation in Early Childhood
Research consistently shows that engaging in music-making activities has profound benefits for young children. When kids create music, they stimulate multiple areas of their developing brains, fostering skills that extend far beyond musicality. Let's explore why hands-on musical experiences are so crucial during these formative years.
1. Cognitive Development Through Music
Active music-making stimulates brain development in areas related to language, memory, and spatial-temporal skills. Studies have shown that children who regularly engage in musical activities often demonstrate improved performance in subjects like math and reading. The complex patterns and structures in music help build neural pathways that enhance overall cognitive function.
2. Emotional Expression and Regulation
Music serves as a powerful outlet for emotions, especially for young children who may not yet have the vocabulary to express their feelings verbally. When children create music, they learn to express and regulate their emotions in a healthy way, enhancing their emotional intelligence and resilience. This emotional awareness can have lasting impacts on their social interactions and self-understanding.
3. Building Social Skills Through Collaborative Music-Making
Making music is often a collaborative effort. Whether it's singing in a group, playing instruments together, or participating in musical games, these experiences teach children valuable social skills such as teamwork, sharing, and communication. Group musical activities provide a fun and natural environment for children to practice turn-taking, listening, and cooperating with others.
4. Enhancing Motor Skills and Coordination
Playing instruments or moving to music helps develop both fine and gross motor skills. These physical interactions are essential for overall coordination and dexterity. From the precise finger movements required to play a piano to the full-body coordination involved in dancing, music-making offers a comprehensive workout for a child's developing motor skills.
5. Fostering Creativity and Imagination
Engaging in music-making encourages children to think creatively and use their imagination. This not only boosts their artistic abilities but also fosters innovative thinking that can benefit them in all areas of life. Improvisation in music, for example, can help children become more comfortable with experimentation and thinking outside the box.
The Critical 0-7 Year Window for Musical Aptitude
The early years, particularly from birth to age 7, are critical for developing musical aptitude. During this period, children's brains are exceptionally adaptable and receptive to new experiences. They are more likely to absorb musical concepts, patterns, and rhythms effortlessly.By engaging in music-making during these formative years, you lay a strong foundation for your child's future musical journey. While they will have a lifetime to learn about music theory, history, and appreciation, the skills and love for music cultivated during early childhood can significantly enhance their ability to engage with and enjoy music throughout their lives.
Practical Tips for Making Music with Your Young Child
Now that you understand the importance of active music-making, here are some practical tips to incorporate it into your daily routine below. For more, see this Kindergarten Music Activities post or 7 vocal exploration books your preschooler will love.
- Explore Various Instruments: Introduce your child to a range of instruments, from simple shakers and tambourines to more complex ones like keyboards or drums. Let them experiment with different sounds and textures.
- Incorporate Movement and Dance: Encourage your child to move their body to music. This could involve simple actions like clapping, swaying, or more elaborate dance moves. Movement enhances the musical experience and helps develop coordination.
- Create Music with Everyday Objects: Turn your home into a musical playground by using everyday objects as instruments. Pots, pans, plastic containers, and even your voices can become part of your musical exploration.
- Sing Together Regularly: Make singing a part of your daily routine. Whether it's during bath time, while doing chores, or as part of a bedtime ritual, singing simple songs and nursery rhymes can be a joyful way to bond while developing language skills.
- Attend Music Classes or Workshops: Consider enrolling your child in age-appropriate music classes. These structured environments often provide a wealth of musical experiences and opportunities for social interaction with peers. But make sure that they are focused on DOING music rather than ABOUT music!
Embracing the Journey
Understanding the importance of active participation in music-making can significantly enhance your child's development during those crucial early years. By prioritizing hands-on musical experiences over mere discussions about music, you're setting the stage for a lifetime of creativity, emotional expression, and cognitive growth. Remember, the goal isn't to create a musical prodigy, but to foster a love for music and the many benefits it brings. So grab an instrument, turn on some tunes, and start making music together today! Your child's future self will thank you for the rich, musical foundation you've provided.
As the holiday season approaches, many young families are searching for ways to make Advent more meaningful and Christ-centered. If you're looking to create lasting memories and instill the true spirit of Christmas in your little ones, you’ve come to the right place! Here are five (plus a bonus!) fantastic resources that can help young families engage in fun activities and heartfelt discussions throughout the Advent season.
1. A Jesus Christmas by Barbara Rainey
Kickstart your family's Advent journey with "A Jesus Christmas" by Barbara Rainey. This family-friendly devotional is a treasure trove of daily readings centered on the life and teachings of Jesus. Each entry includes:
- A relatable scripture passage
- Thought-provoking questions to spark family discussions
- Space for journaling or drawing, making it interactive for kids of all ages
What sets this resource apart is its ability to break down complex ideas into bite-sized, age-appropriate concepts. It's an excellent tool for parents who want to dive deeper into the significance of Christ's birth with their children.
2. Wonders of His Love: Finding Jesus in Isaiah Family Advent Devotional by Champ Thornton
Next on our list is the beautifully illustrated "Wonders of His Love" by Champ Thornton. This four-week devotional takes families on a journey through the book of Isaiah, exploring themes such as:
- Light
- Branch
- Shepherd
- Savior
Each week is packed with engaging activities, including fun family-friendly recipes and conversation starters that deepen your discussions. This resource strikes the perfect balance between education and engagement, making it a hit with both parents and kids alike.
3. Christ-Centered Advent Activities
For families who love hands-on learning, Christ-Centered Advent Activities is a must-have resource. This versatile collection offers a wide array of activities that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Highlights include:
- Creative crafts that bring Bible stories to life
- Daily scripture readings to keep your family grounded in God's Word
- Family games or activities that create lasting memories
These activities are designed to help families stay focused on Jesus amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, making them great for busy households.
4. Daily Grace Co Advent Studies
Daily Grace Co has earned a reputation for creating beautiful, accessible Advent studies that appeal to all ages. We love their board books at our house, and their Advent materials are just as high quality! They offer:
- Thoughtfully designed journals or guides
- Daily scripture readings and reflections
- Practical applications for real-life situations
This Advent Family bundle, the ultimate Advent family bundle, or even just this board book! are all a great to check out. What makes these studies stand out is their flexibility. Whether you have five minutes or an hour, you can easily adapt these materials to fit your family's schedule and needs.
5. Gentle + Classical Advent Curriculum
Rounding out our top five is the Gentle + Classical Advent Curriculum. This comprehensive resource combines literature, art, and scripture into a rich learning experience for all ages. While it’s especially great for homeschooling families, anyone can adapt it to fit their needs. The thematic lessons encourage creativity and critical thinking while focusing on the biblical narrative of Christmas. Use this link for $5 off $20 or more for new customers!
BONUS! The Gospel Story Hymnal
The Gospel Story Hymnal is a beautiful addition to any family's Advent (and beyond!) resources. With over 150 well-known hymns woven into a thoughtful retelling of Scripture, this hymnal features:
- Bright illustrations that engage young readers
- Child-friendly notes on scriptural themes and theological concepts
- A three-year plan for family or personal worship
This hymnal serves as both a musical resource and a theological guide, making it easy for families to incorporate hymns into their worship routine during Advent and beyond. I also happen to personally know how generous Word + Wonder (the company) is as well! They are wonderful people to support and have a huge heart for seeing families grow together in worship.
By incorporating these top-rated Advent resources into your family's holiday preparations, you'll create a more meaningful celebration centered around the true reason for Christmas. These tools not only enrich the Advent experience, empowering you as a parent to teach and train up your children in the faith, but also foster deeper family connections through shared traditions.
Remember, the key to a successful Advent season is consistency and intentionality. Choose the resources that best fit your family's needs and commit to making them part of your daily routine. With these engaging options, you'll be well-equipped to guide your young family through a memorable and spiritually enriching Advent season. So, which of these fantastic Advent resources will you try this year? No matter which one you choose, you're sure to create beautiful memories and strengthen your family's faith as you prepare your hearts for the arrival of Jesus!
Finding engaging and educational resources is essential for homeschooling parents. ABC books are a fantastic way to introduce young learners to the alphabet while instilling Christian values. Here’s a curated list of favorite ABC books & workbooks that combine literacy skills with teachings of faith, perfect for preschool and early elementary students.
Top ABC Books for Christian Homeschoolers
- The Biggest Story ABC Board Book
This beautifully illustrated board book introduces children to the grand narrative of the Bible, with each letter representing a key biblical concept or character. It’s an engaging way to teach both literacy and foundational faith principles. - ABC's of How God Made Me
This book explores a child's identity in Christ through the alphabet, helping young learners understand their worth and purpose from a biblical perspective. It’s both educational and spiritually enriching. - ABC Bible Verses
This book pairs each letter of the alphabet with a memorable Bible verse, encouraging children to memorize scripture while learning letter recognition. It effectively integrates faith into early literacy education. - ABCs of Bible Characters
Written by Sunny Kang, this book introduces children to key figures from the Bible, with each letter representing a different character. Each entry includes a brief description, helping kids learn about the lives and significance of biblical figures in a fun, engaging way. - ABCs of Prayers
This book teaches children about the importance of prayer through the alphabet. Each letter corresponds to a different aspect of prayer, helping young readers understand how to communicate with God and the significance of prayer in their lives. - The Reformation ABCs
This book offers a child-friendly introduction to key figures and concepts of the Reformation, making church history relatable and fun. It’s an excellent resource for teaching historical themes alongside alphabet skills. - Church History ABCs
This title provides an overview of significant events and figures in church history, presented in an age-appropriate manner. It’s a great way to introduce children to the rich heritage of Christianity while reinforcing letter recognition. - Bible ABCs: People of the Word
This book highlights important individuals from the Bible, with each letter representing a different person. It provides short, engaging stories that help children learn about the lives and contributions of biblical figures, making it a valuable addition to any Christian library. - Bible History ABCs
This unique book takes children on a journey through major biblical events, connecting each letter to important narratives and characters from Scripture. It’s an engaging way to teach both literacy and biblical knowledge. - ABCs of God's Names Workbook
This workbook combines learning the alphabet with discovering 52 names of God. It includes activities such as coloring, letter tracing, and games that help strengthen children's understanding of God's character. This resource is perfect for reinforcing early learning concepts while reflecting on the nature of God. - ABC Adoration Coloring Book
This interactive coloring book allows children to express their creativity while learning about worship and adoration. Each page features illustrations related to the themes of praise and worship, making it a fun way for kids to engage with their faith while developing fine motor skills.
Additional Resources
- Christian Light's ABC Readiness Series
This comprehensive series includes workbooks that teach the alphabet through engaging activities, seamlessly integrating biblical stories and principles. It promotes both literacy and spiritual understanding in a structured format. - The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New by Marty Machowski
This beautifully illustrated beginner's theology book helps kids understand who God is and how we, as His children, relate to Him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, it connects each truth to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The engaging narrative and creative illustrations make complex theological concepts accessible for young readers, making it an excellent resource for family devotionals.
By incorporating these resources into your homeschooling curriculum, you can create a rich learning environment that nurtures both academic and spiritual growth. These ABC tools not only teach the fundamental building blocks of language but also introduce children to important biblical concepts, characters, and historical events in an age-appropriate manner. Make learning the alphabet a fun, interactive experience by combining these books with hands-on activities, songs, and games. With these resources, you’ll be well-equipped to lay a strong foundation in both literacy and faith for your young learners.
Considering music lessons for your child?
Before diving into instrumental training, it's important to ensure they have a solid foundation. This follow-up to the popular blog post "What Every Child Should Know Before Beginning to Play a Musical Instrument" explores five important skills that will prepare your child for a successful musical journey.
1. Active Listening: Understanding Music's Components
Active listening involves engaging with music beyond passive hearing. It's a fundamental skill for aspiring musicians that can be developed through:
- Exploring diverse musical genres and discussing what your child hears.
- Identifying different instruments within a piece while listening -- from solo to multi-instrument ensemble.
- Analyzing how music conveys mood and emotion.
Developing active listening skills helps children appreciate music's complexity and prepares them for instrumental study.
2. Rhythm Recognition and Reproduction: Internalizing & Applying Steady Beat
Building on beatfulness, rhythm recognition is crucial for any musician. Develop this skill through:
- Clapping or tapping out patterns for your child to repeat.
- Creating rhythms with everyday objects.
- Introducing basic notation concepts using music symbols (not necessary to start lessons but can be fun!)
These activities help internalize rhythm, facilitating future instrument learning.
3. Pitch Matching: Developing Melodic Awareness
Pitch matching, an extension of tunefulness, is vital for developing musical ear. Practice with:
- Playing simple melodies on a piano or xylophone for your child to sing back. Using your own voice is even better! IMPORTANT: make sure you don't go too low for young children though.
- Using hand signals to represent pitch changes while singing.
- Engaging in call-and-response and echo singing games & songs.
Mastering pitch matching gives children an advantage when learning instruments, especially strings or winds.
4. Fine Motor Skills: Preparing for Instrumental Techniques
Many instruments require precise movements and coordination. Enhance these skills through:
- Finger exercises and games.
- Arts and crafts activities involving small object manipulation.
- Puzzles and building blocks to improve hand-eye coordination.
Developing fine motor skills eases the transition to handling instruments and performing intricate movements.
5. Patience and Persistence: Cultivating a Growth Mindset
Learning an instrument requires time and effort. Foster these qualities by:
- Engaging in activities that require focus and repetition.
- Acknowledging progress and effort, not just results.
- Demonstrating persistence by learning something new alongside your child.
These traits are crucial not only for musical success but also for overall personal development.
Preparing for Musical Education
Focusing on active listening, rhythm recognition, pitch matching, fine motor skills, and patience sets a strong foundation for formal instrument lessons. The goal is to make music accessible and enjoyable, paving the way for long-term musical engagement. Developing these skills can be a collaborative effort. Consider joining The Classical Collective Facebook group, where parents, educators, and musicians share insights and resources to support children's musical growth.
Whether your child is interested in piano, violin, guitar, or any other instrument, these foundational skills provide a solid starting point. By investing time in these areas now, you're facilitating a smoother transition to instrumental learning. Each child's musical journey is unique. Recognize their individual progress and keep the learning process engaging. With the right foundation, your child will be well-prepared to explore the world of instrumental music!
Introducing vocal exploration to preschoolers can be a fun and engaging way to help them discover the power and versatility of their voices. Vocal Exploration is an important and developmentally helpful pre-singing activity (check out this how-to guide here). Here are seven delightful books that will captivate your little one's imagination while encouraging them to explore different vocal sounds:
1. "Red Sled" by Lita Judge
This almost wordless picture book invites children to follow a group of woodland creatures as they take a child's sled for a nighttime joyride. The whimsical illustrations and sweet sound effects make it a fantastic choice for vocal exploration. Your preschooler will love mimicking the sounds of the animals and the sled as they glide through the snowy landscape.
2. "Through the Town: A Follow-the-Trail Book"
This interactive book encourages children to trace the trails with their fingers while exploring different sounds and sights in a bustling town. As they follow the paths, preschoolers can practice making various noises associated with the scenes, such as car horns, construction sounds, and people chatting. It's a great way to combine tactile and vocal exploration.
3. "Around the World: Follow-the-Trail Book"
Similar to "Through the Town," this book takes children on a global adventure, inviting them to trace trails in different countries. Each page offers opportunities to explore new sounds, from the bustling markets of Asia to the wildlife of Africa. Your preschooler will enjoy making the diverse sounds that represent different cultures and environments.
4. "Say Zoop!" by Hervé Tullet
This interactive book is a preschooler's dream come true. As you turn each page, your child will be invited to respond to colorful dots by making various sounds like "oh," "ah," and of course, "zoop!" The book encourages kids to dive, shiver, and even talk like robots, all while exploring the full range of their voices. The playful nature of "Say Zoop!" helps take away any self-consciousness, allowing children to freely experiment with different vocal expressions.
5. "Blue Hat, Green Hat" by Sandra Boynton
This classic book by Sandra Boynton is filled with silly animals wearing clothes in all the wrong ways. The repetitive and humorous text encourages children to join in and mimic the sounds and words. It's a great way for preschoolers to practice their speech and have fun with vocal exploration in a light-hearted context.
6. "The Squiggle" by Carole Lexa Schaefer
In this imaginative story, a young girl finds a piece of red string and uses it to create various shapes and stories. As she transforms the squiggle into different objects, encourage your preschooler to make corresponding sounds. Whether it's the whoosh of a kite or the roar of a dragon, this book offers plenty of opportunities for vocal play.
7. "Up, Up, Down" by Robert Munsch
This entertaining book follows a young girl who loves to climb everything, much to her parents' dismay. The repetitive text and the girl's adventurous spirit make it perfect for vocal exploration. Your child can mimic the sounds of climbing, falling, and the various exclamations throughout the story, making it an engaging read-aloud experience.
These books not only make vocal exploration fun but also help develop your preschooler's listening skills, creativity, and confidence in using their voice. Remember, the key is to keep it playful and pressure-free. As you read these books together, join in the vocal play yourself—your enthusiasm will inspire your little one to explore the amazing capabilities of their voice.
By incorporating these vocal exploration books into your preschooler's reading routine, you'll be fostering a love for reading and vocal play that will benefit their language development, musicality, & creativity. Happy reading and exploring!
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.
