Since St. Patrick’s Day is rapidly approaching, we have seen rainbows everywhere, from foods, and crafts to science experiments. We occasionally get lucky and see one in the sky too. Our children love rainbows and they enjoy singing. Since this week’s theme for Playful Preschool is rainbows, I decided to combine their love of rainbows and singing by having them invent their own songs. This activity is great for children of all ages.
Have Children of All Ages Invent Their Own Songs:
Give children a topic or a choice of topics and have them invent their own songs about it on the spot. You could also have topics written on pieces of paper that they draw out
of a bag. Whatever topic they pick, they make up a song about it. If possible, videotape them and have them watch themselves and others.
Possible Topics:
- Rainbows
- Flowers
- The Zoo
- Ladybugs
- Spiders
- Animals (specific or general)
- Outer Space
- Pizza
- Ice Cream
- Dancing
- Jumping
Benefits:
- Encourages creativity
- Helps kids develop improvisational skills which are important throughout life
- Builds literacy skills by having them formulate lyrics
- Helps them develop self confidence
- When they are able to watch themselves on video, it gives them instant feedback about their own work
Here is a video of our kids singing about rainbows. You can see that they all have their own style and take on the topic.
Have you had your kids or students invent their own songs? Do they do it even if you don’t request it? Ours do! I’d love to read your stories on the Capri + 3 Facebook page or right here in the comments.
Rainbow Letter Formation Sticky Wall by Still Playing School
Rainbow Sensory Bin by Tiny Tots Adventures
Inventing Their Own Songs to Encourage Creativity by Capri + 3
Rainbow Domino Game by Rainy Day Mum
Rainbow Patterns with Blocks by Mom Inspired Life
Scented Rainbow Science and Sensory Play by Fun-A-Day
Preschool Engineering with Rainbows by Natural Beach Living
Design a Rainbow Technology Connection by The Educators’ Spin On It
Disappearing Rainbow Colors by Learning to Walk
Creating Salty Rainbows with Preschoolers by Life Over C’s
Rainbow Ice and Salt Experiment for Preschool by Powerful Mothering
Cerys Parker says
So cute – I love their singing. My kids love creating their own songs and stories. I must record them more often.
Devany LeDrew says
The video is precious! Great idea!
Kim Staten says
My kids love making up songs! I often find "secret" videos on my phone!
Theresa says
Thank you Cerys.
Some of our kids best song inventions are early in the morning when they first wake up. I have been trying to figure out a way to record their songs through the door! I know they will love to see and hear themselves some day.
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Theresa says
Thank you Devany.
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Theresa says
Hi Kim.
Those video finds must be really fun! We have found selfies before and one video mostly of the ground. It would be great to find a song!
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Danielle Buckley says
The video is adorable! Typically, I am the one singing made up songs about things we're learning or doing and my son looks at me like I am crazy. Haha. Hopefully, my daughter will join in on the fun with me when she gets a tiny bit older. 🙂
Alyssa Hertzig says
What a fun idea! My daughter loves making up stories, so songs seems like a great next step. and I especially LOVE the idea of videotaping them. would be such an amazing thing to look back on!
pennypinchingpeach.com says
My five year old loves to make up songs! She does it naturally, and I often record some of her cuter ones. It definitely helps channel their creativity, and that particular child of mine has an overload of creative juices. LOL
MrsMuffinTop says
This is so cute! I'm going to start recording my kids, what a great idea!!!
Theresa says
Hi Pennypinchingpeach.
That is great that you record your 5 year-old daughter's songs. She will love to look back on those some day. It would be fun to play one for family near her high school graduation!
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Theresa says
Thank you Mrs Muffintop.
I think your kids would enjoy seeing themselves on video. It takes it a step beyond a mirror and is a great keepsake.
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Marie Novak says
I love this idea. My kids are always making up their own song. They have so much fun doing it!
Theresa says
Thank you Marie.
It is a lot of fun for kids to make up songs (and to see themselves on camera too!)
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Melissa Matters says
How fun! It's interesting to see what kids will come up with.
Theresa says
Hi Melissa.
Yes, it is interesting to see what they come up with and fun to see their creativity.
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wearingl says
I love spontaneous songs! Tonight I've listened to one about a strawberry star 🙂 i must video it, but I always get lost in the moment
mommyatozblog.com says
My daughter loves making up songs, and she always wants me to record it. It's so cute! Great idea for the holiday!
Theresa says
Thank you Alyssa.
I hope you get some great videos of your daughter!
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Theresa says
That is funny Danielle!
Hopefully your daughter will get in on the fun when she is older. Then, your son can look at both of you!
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Theresa says
Hi Wearingl.
The strawberry star song sounds great! Kids are so inventive!
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Theresa says
Hi mommyatoz.
That is great that your daughter wants you to record her. These moments are so fleeting. It is great to capture them.
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Natasha Johnson says
Yes my kids make up songs all the time. I record the really special ones, you know the ones where they don't know we're listening.
Theresa says
Hi Natasha.
There have been many I've wanted to record that I've overheard. I do love seeing their faces in the videos though. I still may have to record a couple of songs incognito.
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Growing Book by Book says
Writing songs is such a fun way to build language skills and it is perfect for adapting to all levels of development!
Theresa says
Hi Growing Book by Book.
I agree that this activity can work for many levels of skill and development (as well as many ages). I could even see this as a high school acting class improve assignment!
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kimberly huff says
I LOVE THIS!!!
Theresa says
Thank you Kimberly!
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alecia francois says
I am now going to try and catch my kids singing their little songs. Thanks for the idea!
Theresa says
Hi Alecia.
I hope you 'catch' them. These moments are so fleeting.
: 0 ) Theresa