Sing, sing, sing

To help the children rejoice in the gift of singing.

by Guy Donegan-Cross

Suitable for Whole School (Pri)

Aims

To help the children rejoice in the gift of singing.

Preparation and materials

• You will need four verses from the Psalms written out on paper/card (see 1. below) with the word ‘sing’ missing.
• Two or three CDs of current favourite songs.
• Prizes.

Assembly

1. Show the children the verses from the Psalms with the word ‘sing’ missing. Ask them to put up their hands when they think they know the missing word.
   
   Psalm 5.11: But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever ____ for joy.
   
   Psalm 9.2: I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will ____ praise to your name, O Most High.
   
   Psalm 13.6: I will ____ to the Lord, for he has been good to me.
   
   Psalm 147.7: ____ to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.
2. Ask the children if they like singing. Why do people sing? Why do people sing in church and/or assembly? You could also talk about when they sing – singing along to music on the radio, for example. Has anyone ever been listening on headphones and singing away at the same time without realizing it? Do they sing in the bath or shower?
3. Introduce a singing game and offer prizes. Ask for two competitors – either two children who are confident, two groups of children, or a member of staff and a child or group of children.
   
   You will need to demonstrate first what they have to do. Begin playing a current popular song on a CD. Start singing along to it, then fade the music out and continue singing. After a short time, fade the music back in and see how closely you have been able to stick to the timing of the song. This should cause lots of amusement!
   
   Ask each team or individual to do the same, one or more times. Give prizes to all.
4. Say that Christians believe that God loves it when we worship him – in fact, that’s what we are made to do. When we sing together we bring pleasure to God and to ourselves.
5. To finish, teach the children a short, simple song (for example, ‘Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu-ia, Praise ye the Lord!’). Or play one of your favourite songs and display the words, explaining briefly how it helps you to worship.

Time for reflection

Reflection

What music do you like? Chart music, film music, classical music, TV themes?

What do you feel like when you sing – is it a good feeling?

Why not try to find and listen to some new music today?

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank you that you give us voices to sing

and hearts to praise.

May our lives and our songs

bring you joy.

Amen.

Song/music

Take a vote and choose the favourite to sing!