In preschool, littles learn the alphabet in song. They might sing “ellemenopee” and it’s adorable, right? But if ALL they do is memorize the alphabet and never move forward with learning that the alphabet represents letters and that those letters can turn into cool things like words — even their own names — and sentences and books, then really, all we’re left with is cuteness.
Repetition is fantastic for memorization, but it doesn’t lead to deeper understanding. That’s why in preschool littles also learn how to sound out the letters, they learn to draw the letters, they may even learn to write words like their own name. And the teacher reads book and they see the letters. And parents at home read books. And eventually these little learners are able to read on their own! Amazing!
Too often we do the equivalent of teaching the ABC song and not explaining about letters with kids and church music. Whether it’s a worship song or a choir song, kiddos need to be taught the meaning behind the songs. Repetition and memorization are kind of the old-school way of doing things, like memorizing times tables. But we’ve concluded that memorization alone is ineffective. Kids need to understand more. Modern teaching with richer understanding is more sustainable. We don’t want regurgitation of facts; we want relationships with Jesus!
So, what can we do?
In worship, don’t just sing songs, but point out the meaning. Read a relevant scripture. Coordinate the song with the message. Do something to integrate the songs into what the littles are learning.
Once, when asked to lead a preschool KidMin choir, I was tasked with adding a Bible lesson and craft to each session. I worked hard to find Bible stories and crafts that would enhance the learning of the choir song so that they would all go together. I later created Little JAM Sessions and went to doing this full time. Kiddos learn in different ways. Basically, they hear, they see, and they do. This is why I love writing integrated choir curriculum. They hear the music and the Bible lesson. They see the pictures, colors, shapes in crafts. They do crafts, handling different textures, and they take home an activity booklet. They get a music playlist themed on their lesson’s big idea and suggested books to be read at home. The learning is multifaceted, modern, and sustainable in leading littles to Jesus and it’s why I love what I do.
Check out Little JAM Sessions, KidMin choir curriculum for littles.