Teaching a New Song

The question is asked over and over and over:

How do I teach a new song??

There is no simple answer to this.  But I'll give you a few tips that I use.


1. CREATE YOUR OWN LESSON PLAN

First of all, there are so many ideas for different songs out there that it can be overwhelming.  There are resources everywhere.  However, don't feel like you have to do someone else's idea the exact same way they did it!  I usually take parts of lessons I find or think of and mesh them together to form my own Singing Time lesson plan.  Do what you think and feel will work best for your own Primary!

2. REPETITION

I think the very most important thing, no matter how you decide to teach a song, is repetition.  Let the children hear the song a few times before you ask them to sing it (especially for Junior Primary).  Even break it up in small sections if you feel you need to for them.  And then repeat, repeat, repeat!  

3. MIX IT UP

I like to use a variety of teaching methods.  Questions, sign language, pictures, flip charts (only occasionally), movement, actions, words on the board, drawing...  To name a few.  There are many different types of learning and so I try to do different things to reach all those types in the children.

4. EXPECTATIONS

Don't be discouraged if the children don't have the song down perfectly the first time they learn it.  They will get it, in time.  Take 2 or 3 weeks to learn a new song if you feel they need it.  Keep singing those songs throughout the weeks and months to keep their memories of it fresh, and it will help them keep learning it too. 

5. RESOURCES

There are so many wonderful resources out there for Primary Music Leaders!  Click on over to my RESOURCES page for a list of some great ones.  (Including a few sites to help you teach a new song.)

6.  BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Have confidence!  You are doing a great work, teaching the gospel through music!  The Spirit is felt so strongly through music.  The children will remember these songs and the way they make them feel.  Heavenly Father knows you and He knows the children in your Primary.  Make sure you spend time on your knees asking for guidance.  And ever be spiritually preparing yourself in daily prayer, scripture and gospel study, keeping the commandments, living up to the covenants you've made so as to be worthy of the Spirit's guidance in your calling and in your life.

Note: Here's a post about how I Sing a Variety of Songs in Singing Time