Choose a song appropriate for children. Give the children songbooks or song sheets that contain the lyrics and music notes. For younger children, choose a song sheet that includes pictures. Read the words aloud, and ask them questions about the words to help familiarize them with the lyrics.
Sing the song aloud so the children can become acquainted with the tune and lyrics. If possible, add musical accompaniment by playing a piano or guitar to help the children learn the beat. You could also play the song on a CD player. Repeat the song three or four times or until the children begin to mouth the words.
Show the children how to sit up straight and breathe correctly before they begin to sing. Have the children warm up their singing voices by performing vocal exercises like the ones highlighted in the Resources section.
Sing the first line of the song, then have the children sing it on their own. Use a pitch pipe or your voice to demonstrate the correct musical note before beginning so the children will sing on key. Continue teaching the new song one line at a time, having the children echo each line of the song back to you. Use hand gestures to let the children know when to start and stop singing.
Practice the song verse by verse and then as a whole, a few times a day. Send a song sheet home with the children so they can practice at home.