This is definitely a
difficult blog for me to write because I’m always hesitant to give advice when
it comes to behavior issues. You
really need to know the age level, classroom situation, and individual child
before passing judgement. However,
someone recently requested I make a few comments on what to do when children
don’t sing, so I’ll do my best.
When I do free concerts at schools, 95% of the children are right
with. There are a few that look at
me like I’m nuts, but I ignore them and by the end of the concert I’ve usually got most of them
to smile and sing.
First of all, look in the
mirror and ask yourself, “Am I capturing the children’s attention? Am I enthusiastic? Would I want to sing with me if I were
a child? Are my songs engaging and
FUN?” No matter how entertaining
you are, there might be one or two children that don’t participate. My best advice would be to ignore
them. I don’t think you should
ever force children to sing or make it a power struggle. Focus on the positive with
comments like, “The more you sing the happier you will be.” “Singing is good for the brain and will
help you learn.” “Music helps us
love each other.”
Second, think about why a
child might not be singing.
*If you’ve ever taught a
selected mute (child who refuses to speak), you might as well accept their
silence because there’s not a thing you can do about it.
*Perhaps a child feels
shy. Give them a little time and
they may feel more comfortable and confident in joining group activities.
*Divide and conquer! Sometimes you’ll have two children that
will sabotage everything you do when they sit next to each other. Separate them!
*Have a little chat and
ask the child why she isn't singing.
*Ask children what their
favorite song is and incorporate that into your music program.
*Provide musical
instruments or other props that might get children involved. (This could be as simple as paper
plates or tissue paper streamers.)
*Offer a wide range of
music and movement activities, such as chants, dances, exercises, hand clap
games, etc. There’s usually some
special song that will capture their interest. (“The Banana Dance,” “Pizza Hut,” or my cheers usually do the
trick for me.)
*Discuss the issue with
parents. Sometimes the child won’t
sing at school, but they sing the songs at home. By providing parents with lyrics to songs they can enjoy the
music at home with their child.
*One first grade teacher
said she used a behavior system in her classroom where the children moved
their clothespin from green, to yellow, to red. The students learned if they were on yellow or red and they
participated enthusiastically in music they got to move their clothespin back
up to green. She said it worked
like a charm for her.
Every class, every child,
every situation is unique. Put on
a happy face and act like singing is the most fun thing in the world!!! Because it is!!!