One of the first ways we teach our children is through song. I am sure you would agree. What was one of the first songs you taught your child? Most likely it was, “Ah vous diirai-je maman” by Mozart.
“I don’t even know what song that is!” you might reason, but I beg to differ. You do know what it is and if you do a quick Internet search and listen to it, then you will nod your head in agreement that yes, this was one of the first songs that you taught your child. Because that tune, my friend, was not only a popular French children’s song but has also been used for Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star; Baa, Baa Black Sheep and of course, the song I am referring to, the Alphabet Song. In addition to Christian songs such as Jesus Loves Me and This Little Light Of Mine, most of us know that using songs in education works powerfully.
Song evokes emotion, keeps our child’s attention and helps with memory and concentration. Instead of leaving the use of song to teaching our preschoolers, it makes sense to continue this method in the older grades. The Classical Conversation method of homeschooling utilizes song when teaching history from the creation until modern times. It is amazing what those students learn through those songs. I remember when Nelson Mandela died, a Classical Conversation student that I know, only about nine or ten at the time was engaged in the media coverage because she had a connection to that name through the song. When a child feels a connection to something, they are more apt to care about learning it.
Many homeschooling parents agree with this and will allow their child to study topics that interest them because they tend to be more focused on what they care about. So why not reverse it when we have specific facts that we want our children to learn? If your child is struggling with learning the seven multiplication tables, then try using a catchy multiplication song to teach it. If they can’t remember the planets in order, teach them a solar system song. As they get older, and you find they need help learning a specific topic, simply find a song! This will not only help them remember certain facts but it will build confidence. Give them a time frame. Tell them you want them to know all forty-five US Presidents, in order. That might sound like a tall order but give them a few weeks, or months, and allow them to watch, learn and sing, The Presidents Song. Then, either have them sing it to you or give them a written test. Either way they will have gained valuable information. If this sounds like something you would like to implement in your homeschool, here are a few more song ideas. Enjoy!
