| Do you make good use of music in your Sunday | | | | to something else. |
| school? Although music may not be the most | | | | Â - Do be sure children and young people, |
| important part of Sunday school, it certainly has | | | | as well as adults, understand the message of any |
| to be right up near the top of the priority list. | | | | song that you sing. |
| Music appeals to our emotions, it can set a mood, | | | | - Do choose songs that your children will enjoy |
| can provoke feelings of joy or sadness; and a | | | | singing because they are easy to learn and easy |
| song can teach as surely as any lesson taught | | | | to sing. |
| from our Sunday school curriculum. Good music is | | | | Consider: |
| imperative to a good Sunday school. | | | | - Using music to work out the excess energy in |
| Some reasons for singing in Sunday school: | | | | children. Action songs are great for this. |
| 1. As a means of worship. | | | | - That music can set the mood for prayer or the |
| 2. As a process of prayer. | | | | lesson time as well as to celebrate special |
| 3. To facilitate the teaching of facts. | | | | occasions such as birthdays. |
| 4. As an aid to memorization. | | | | - That many songs present a thought in a more |
| 5. To indicate desirable Christian behavior. | | | | clear and concise manner than any other form of |
| 6. To encourage and give opportunity for | | | | presentation. |
| participation. | | | | Make use of special music in Sunday school. |
| 7. To review or to reinforce truths. | | | | Encourage children to use their talents for the |
| 8. As a means of introducing meaningful activity | | | | Lord and provide opportunities in Sunday school, |
| into the program. | | | | or have special guests, such as puppets, present |
| Singing is mandated in God's Word. In the Psalms | | | | special music. Don't forget that instrumental music |
| we read, "Serve the Lord with gladness: come | | | | is important, too. |
| before his presence with singing" (Psalm 100:2). | | | | Help the children make their own musical |
| Paul said, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you | | | | instruments shakers made from plastic containers |
| richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one | | | | or small cartons filled with uncooked pasta. |
| another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, | | | | Remember that rhythm bands are still excellent |
| singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" | | | | for use with pre-schoolers. Allow them to play |
| (Colossians 3:16). | | | | along as you sing. Use marching songs as a |
| Do: | | | | change of pace. |
| - Know the songs and choruses before you | | | | Above all, enjoy the music that you use in |
| attempt to teach them to anyone else. | | | | Sunday school yourself. Then the children are |
| - Sing out well. A leader must do the leading. | | | | much more likely to enjoy it, too. Music should be |
| - The leader sets the tempo and should be easily | | | | an expression of your inner joy and satisfaction in |
| followed by the group. | | | | serving the Lord as well as an excellent teaching |
| - Sing a new song enough times for the group to | | | | tool and an outlet for energy. Happy singing! |
| feel familiar with it before you leave it to go on | | | | |