Singalong with Chamber Tots
“The only thing better than singing is more singing” Ella Fitzgerald
Singing in Early Years is about play and expression rather than performance. It is something that nearly all children in this age group do spontaneously, often while carrying out another activity. Many will improvise both melody and words. This type of singing is creative and exploratory, giving children the chance to experiment with language and meaning. Making singing part of a circle-time activity formalises and encourages this process.
It can also help in the following ways:
- Songs can support learning in different areas – language; counting; movement; memory; rhythm
- Provides a safe and controlled environment for an exploration of emotions through singing in different ways
- Circle time singing encourages children to think of themselves as part of a group by taking part in an activity together
- Opportunities for creativity through suggesting words, actions or making choices about the way a song is sung
- Songs can make organisational activities such as tidying up and lining up for lunch fun and creative
- Singing can give structure to the day through the use of welcome/ goodbye songs and circle time singing. These routines can reassure and comfort.
Singing and role of developing language
Singing can help language development by providing a more engaging context for words. Repetition of songs or text in choruses gives children time to hear and copy back words and phrases. Babies often learn to speak by listening to adults using ‘motherese’ or Infant Directed Speech (IDS) – this is the sing-songy language with lots of changes in pitch and slower, exaggerated vowels. This type of speech, which is much closer to singing, is more engaging for babies and holds their attention for much longer.
Choosing good songs
- Choose songs that you like and know well
- Make eye-contact with the children – try not to refer to a book/ song-sheet too much
- Remember posture and breathing (see here for an introduction to song leading), then choose a starting note which is comfortable for you so you can sing the whole song confidently. If you’re not sure where this is, try singing it a few times starting on different notes and see how comfortable it is for you and the children. Be aware that children have a limited vocal range (D above middle C – B above this)
- Aim for a clear, strong tone with good diction. Consonants need more work to make them heard when singing
- Sing some songs standing up and use actions to encourage full body engagement and increase confidence.
- Children enjoy songs that are familiar so take the time to repeat new songs often – it might not instantly be a hit but don’t give up!
- Make song sessions as interactive as possible. Ask children to suggest movements, different words, ways of singing (loud/soft; fast/slow; happy/sad; excited/bored)
Here are a selection of our favourite Chamber Tots songs to get you started:
