3 Valentine Singing Games
by Donna Rhodenizer
Valentine’s Day
...is a great time to include the element of “Guess who” and individual singing in the games that are used in elementary classrooms, homeschools and studios.
"Be My Valentine" is a fun song for teaching the tone set d-r-m and can also be used to give students a rhythmic challenge.
"Valentine Name Game" is another chance for students to guess who has given them a valentine.
Enjoy!
Happy Valentines Day
from “Donna Rhodenizer”!
Also - see Donna's free Valentine Rhythm Activity
The download includes the sheet music and the instructions + printables for the singing games/activities I have used with these songs. Where possible, I have included some adaptations to reflect the restrictions on singing and movement that some teachers are experiencing in their teaching environments.
Singing games
... are a great way to internalize melodic concepts and work on refining pitch in young singers. Singing games are supposed to be fun and create a reason for the students to sing many repetitions of a simple song. The songs are not accompanied as the focus is on the singing. Teachers should try to pitch the songs consistently so the singing occurs in the appropriate range for young singers. The best range is between middle C and the D on the 4th line of the staff. So-mi songs in the classroom work very well using the A – F# interval within the C-C octave.
The singing games offered in this package are intended for grade 1-5 students where it is expected that most (but not all) students will be starting to successfully sing in tune with the teacher and each other. Vocal responses should be accepted with respect at ALL times, regardless of whether or not the pitch has been matched accurately. A zero tolerance of any negative peer reaction to responses given in the music class will afford hesitant singers the security they need to continue trying and therefore have the opportunity to develop their singing voice.
Beginning singers
... may also enjoy these singing games but it is expected that the pitch matching will be less consistent. Pitch matching is a goal that requires time and patience and many repetitions. Beginning singers need time to explore their vocal range and discover the difference between their talking voice (chest voice) and their singing voice (head voice). Vocalizing, singing sound shapes and exploring ways to use the voice are all stepping stones to arriving at the ability to match a pitch or sing “in tune” with another person. Teachers should proceed gently as students offer their vocal responses. The vocal response is very personal and needs to be accepted for the positive attempt that it is. After the teacher has established trust and confidence in the young singer, suggestions for moving the pitch to a different “place” can begin the process of awareness of higher/lower and then proceed to pitch matching.
Composer, Elementary Music Specialist, Performer
Donna is a Canadian composer. Her songs are well-loved repertoire for young singers in vocal studios, elementary classrooms and choirs around the world. She honed her song-writing skills in her 35+ year career as an elementary music education specialist in the public school system. Donna’s great sense of humor and unique way of looking at the world are reflected in her lyrics which range from quirky to heartfelt. She knows how to reach into the imaginations of children and create music helping them explore their world and giving them a voice to express themselves.
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