Description
This workshop is designed to offer ways for Christian Educators and volunteers to enhance their curriculum with the use of music. Music offers a wonderful way not only to engage children with the curriculum, but also to build community with one another in interactive music play.
Ideas and resources for integrating music into the curriculum will be presented. Songs will be presented that directly relate to many Bible stories that are often included in Sunday School curriculums for children. Ideas for creating your own songs for VBS will also be included. Often commercially available VBS music is too difficult or too wordy for children to master in a week. By using a familiar tune and your own poetic prowess, creating your own songs that relate to the VBS theme can be fun. And children respond well – they can even create their own verses.
Methods for teaching music to children will be offered, emphasizing the playful nature of music. One does not need a music degree to effectively teach music to children. One does not need to be able to read music or to have a “choir” voice. A willingness to sing, play, move, and use simple rhythm instruments, along with a little knowledge of how children learn music goes a long way!
The use of hymns with children will be explored, offering a way for children to carry what they have learned into worship. We will sing hymns that children can learn easily and sing from memory in worship.
Come prepared to sing, move, and to play simple rhythm instruments, joyfully praising God!
Workshop Leader: Anne McNair
Anne McNair, Ph.D., is a retired church musician, where she offered music opportunities for all ages, cradle to grave. She is also a composer and has a passion for teaching and writing music for children in a church setting.
Co-Leader: