Now that we've talked about some considerations for teaching hymns to children, here are a few ideas for hymn selection and ways to incorporate them into worship:
HYMN SELECTION
Range considerations • Choose hymns that fall in a comfortable singing range for children (typically, no lower than D above Middle C and no higher than Treble D)
Repetition and variety • Find opportunities in hymns to teach the children about musical form: AABA, ABA, verse/chorus
Good text • Connect the hymns you choose to an overall theme, Scripture reference, or season of the church year • Give children an opportunity to sing in another language: German, Latin, Spanish, Zulu, Cherokee, etc.
SUGGESTIONS
1. Have children process into the service during the opening hymn 2. Plan a joint choir anthem with adult choir, children's choir, and handbells for a special service (ex. We Gather Together) 3. Create a special music slot for a children's choir anthem before the children's message 4. Plan a hymn festival to celebrate the church's legacy of hymn-singing
How have you used hymns with your children's choir? Have any other suggestions not mentioned here? Please leave a comment below!
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Previously: Teaching Hymns to Children - Part I
