Our current method for memorizing is working well. We sing through verse one and the chorus the first week of the month. Then we add verse two the next week and so on. If there are more verses than weeks, we simply add them in a bit faster--after four days or so instead of a full week. The kids are picking up the songs quickly.
Throughout the year, we revisit the songs we learned previously to keep the words and tune in our minds.
A quick note on tunes...those of you who know me in real life know that I cannot carry a tune! In fact, my college piano professor (I took beginning piano thinking it'd be an easy humanities credit...) told me that I had no rhythm and should try singing along with my playing. Until I started. Then she quickly said...um never mind!
So what's a tuneless gal doing teaching all of these songs to her kids? Teaching them the words! I figure that they can always adjust to the "real" tune when they are singing with others, or in a worship type setting with piano in the background. The words are more important anyways! We also always listen to a YouTube video or two the first few days of the month, just to hear what it should sound like.
My husband has amazing musical talent. He works with us on Saturdays and Sundays, and is very patient with my invented tunes. We sound much better on the weekends when he leads us! But alas, his crazy work schedule doesn't allow time for singing together during the week. So I do what I need to do--and lead singing most days.
I said all that to say this...don't let a lack of musical knowledge or ability keep you from memorizing hymns. After all, the Bible says we are to make a joyful noise unto the Lord--not a perfect noise.
Here you are...our selections (and the section of our church's hymnal that they are in...):
August 2014
Just As I Am (Invitation)
September 2014
A New Name in Glory (Salvation)
October 2014
At Calvary (Repentance & Forgiveness)
November 2014
Here Am I, Lord (Commitment & Consecration)
December 2014
Go Tell It On the Mountain (Christ's Birth)
January 2015
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (Faith & Trust)
February 2015
Tell It to Jesus (Prayer)
March 2015
Lead Me to Calvary (The Cross)
April 2015
He Lives (Christ's Resurrection)
May 2015
Blessed Assurance (Assurance)
June 2015
Heavenly Sunlight (Peace & Joy)
July 2015
Got Any Rivers (Comfort)
Do you have any plans to memorize hymns for the new school year?
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI love that you are teaching hymns to your children! This seems to have somewhere alone the way been lost, so sad. I just started teaching my kids hymns this past spring and it has been wonderful. It is amazing the conversations and God promptings that come from learning them. I totally appreciate the "tune- lessness". In college, I had to take an elementary education music/art class. Just playing (trying) the recorder was painful. My dear professor patted me on the shoulder and told me that I will have great empathy for my students. haha. Anyway, I have found a great set of books from Focus on the Family called Hymns for a Kids Heart, written by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada. It comes with a cd :) and a hardback book. The book will have an assortment of hymns with all the lyrics and either the background story on the author or a short devotional. We have really enjoyed them this year and having the music has been a huge blessing.
Love your blog, keep up the great work.
Many blesssings!
Tammy
Tammy,
DeleteThank you so much for stopping by and letting me know about the Hymns for Kids Heart set. I checked it out, and was amazed at the great selection of hymns in the different volumes. I think I might have to try one out, as it looks like it'd be a huge help. Thank you!!!
Lisa
My pleasure, much like you, I love to pass on great things that inspire and lead us closer to our Lord:)
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