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| Zelda Sheldon and a bunch of children for music and singing play |
Play is the work of children - that's how they learn.
And what a superb design feature - that children are given the gift of playfulness. Because it's through the joy of play that they learn how to put together the puzzle of how this world works.
Singing is form of play - so it's easy to understand why singing has such a profound effect on children. I'm not talking about the formal kind of singing where teachers and choirmasters make children sing songs together - or even worse line up in rows standing up straight like soldiers with fingers clasped across their chests - singing classical songs in classical style - Ugh!
No, I'm talking about 'playful singing'. I'm talking about the kind of spontaneous child-centred play singing where a child - either on their own, or with other children, or with a caregiver burst into spontaneous singing during any kind of activity - anytime and anywhere.
Look at this awesome definition of spontaneity I found online.
Spontaneity is the quality of being able to do something just because you feel like it at the moment, of trusting your instincts, of taking yourself by surprise and snatching from the clutches of your well-organized routine, a bit of unscheduled plea.
Children are masters at spontaneity. And because spontaneity, music and play are hardwired into children it comes easy for them.
And it also comes easy to a few playful adults. But sadly, too few adults!
One reason why adults lose that sense of spontaneous play singing could be that as children their parents never encouraged them by being the kind of playful singing role models. That spontaneous joyful play singing may have been riduculed or minimised and then ultimately shamed out of them.
I have singing students who tell me that when they were young their parents told them they should not sing because they could not sing very well. So for years these 'would be singers' went on believing they could not sing and so they should not sing. They have lost all their confidence.
And others simply don't sing because they tell themselves they can't sing and so they never let anyone hear them sing.
Another reason why adults lose their confidence singing is because opportunities to sing are far and few between. Apart from singing in a church or at kindy or school there are not many other places where one is encouraged to sing.
If you feel that you can't sing in front of others - even your children - for any reason including the above then I want to encourage you to break free and enjoy the magic of play singing.
Here are 10 quick tips for play singing.
- Be a role model for your children. Whatever age they are - even if your unborn child is still cosy in the womb they are still listening. Sing a happy little song.
- Use whatever is happening around you to make up a simple little song.
- The more you practice spontaneity the better you get.
- Try to come up with a new song each day.
- Try coming up with funny sounds in your song.
- When you are reading a story book make up a song for the book title.
- Make up songs for regular tasks such as having a bath, going for a walk, or making breakfast.
- Sing in the car. Make up songs about the cars around you, or what happened in your day.
- Don't worry if you don't think your voice is great. Make up a funny voice and just have fun.
- Try to remember the songs you've made up already and sing them again the next day. These can then be part of your family songbook!
Have lots of fun play singing.
About the Author
Zelda Sheldon is an award winning broadcast composer, singer, music producer, educator and founder of Ukulele Baby Music - fun interactive music for 0-5yrs. Zelda's inspirational singing and play programs encourage holistic health and wellbeing for all ages.
For more articles, info and awesome early childhood music visit www.ukulelebabymusic.com
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