How Do You Lead Jewish Song For Children?
As a Jewish professional or lay leader, you may have to teach Jewish songs to children. The following tips apply primarily in the classroom setting at the elementary and middle school levels, but they can be adapted for a multitude of contexts. Buy Jewish songbooks. Transcontinental Music is a main publisher of these, although there are others. Amazon.com and some Judaica stores also carry songbooks (see Resources below). Identify songs of interests. As you peruse, consider the age of the students, any topical issues (like holidays) and their Hebrew ability. Determine how much time you have for instruction and make a final set list. You want to open with a “grabber” and limit the number of new songs you introduce (you might also consider the relative energy levels of the songs before you put them in order). Memorize the songs you will teach. If you will be playing guitar or another other instrument, it is best to memorize the music as well. Create handouts with all the lyrics (these sh
