No matter what holiday you celebrate during the month of December, a common theme throughout them all is giving! Whether that is giving gifts or giving your time to others, there are many ways that we can give.
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle —shopping, parties, and many other fun things that are happening —that sometimes we forget what the holidays are all about. And in my opinion, the best way to instill the true meaning of the holidays in children is singing about it!
The songs I’ve highlighted are all about the true meaning of the holidays, and are so catchy, everyone will sing along right with you.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year! I love being able to reflect on my life and really appreciate all that I have. I also love being able to discuss this with the children that I make music with. I believe that even young children can begin to understand what it means to be thankful.
Being thankful and giving thanks are HARD concepts. It usually takes a bit of explaining so that my clients and students can truly understand the meaning of both. Incorporating a song like “Give Thanks” into my November music therapy sessions is the perfect way to begin a discussion about all of the things we can be thankful for.
As a vocalist, singing has always been important to me. Growing up, I always noticed how most people shied away from singing, and aside from the musicians I know, that still seems to be the case.
I hear things like “oh no, I don’t have a good voice” or “you sing so much better than me!”, and I am here to tell anyone who is guilty: stop it!!
Your voice is great the way it is, no matter what you believe. Please remove those phrases from your vocabulary if you’ve said them, because I am going to tell you why everyone should be singing!
Every once in a while, someone in a music therapy session or class will ask, “Why are you singing that song again?” Usually it’s an adult, wondering why he or she has to hear the song that’s been stuck in his or head head since the previous week.
Unfortunately, there’s no quick explanation, but there are two important reasons why songs are often repeated in my music classes and music therapy sessions.
Incorporating special holidays into my music therapy sessions and music classes is always fun — most of all, Halloween! I don’t know what it is that makes it extra special; maybe it’s how enthusiastic the kids are, the minor key that is often used for spooky music, or all the imaginative play, but it is just the best!
Since the beginning of October, I’ve been incorporating Halloween-themed songs into my music therapy sessions and music classes. Between the ideas that the monthly session plan gave me and my own favorite songs, I think my Halloween-themed session plan is so fun and goal-oriented, I just had to share!
Welcome! I’m Rachel Rambach, board-certified music therapist and creator of Listen & Learn Music — educational songs and musical materials for children. I love sharing my work with you, along with my behind-the-scenes creative process, adventures in business ownership, and life as a mom of two little ones.
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Session Plans
Next month’s music therapy sessions, early childhood groups, or classroom music…planned for you in advance.
Free Download
Click the image below for this free resource and song collection!
