Get singing in Early Years
Here are some exciting Songs for using in your Early Years settings. This half term's focus is "Hello"
Song 1 - "Hello Hamza"
Hello Lucy
Hello Seth
Hello Eleanor
It’s very nice to see you
It’s very nice to see you
At School today
At School today
(this can be sung to the tune of ‘Frere Jacques’)
Sing 2 - "Good Morning Scarlett"
Good Morning Scarlett
Good Morning Scarlett
How are you today
(this can be sung to the tune of ‘Football Crazy’)
Song 3 - "It's time to say hello"
It's time to say hello
Oh yes, here we go
It's time to say Hello
It's time to clap our hands
It’s time to clap our hands
Oh yes, here we go
It's time to clap our hands
It's time to tap our Knees
it's time to tap our knees
Oh yes, here we go
It's time to tap our knees
(this can be sung to the tune of ‘The Farmer’s In His Den’ and you can encourage the children to think of others actions that could be added to your song)
Sing 4 - "Itsy Bitsy bumble bee"
Won't you say your name to me
(Throw toy to a child)
(child says) My name is…Shiv
(All say) Hello...Shiv
(This can be sung, but try it as a chant with a strong sense of pulse that will encourage the children to join in at just the right time)
Song 5 - "Good morning to you"
Good morning to you
Good morning to everyone
Good morning to you
(this can be sung to the tune of Happy Birthday – try signing along with the words)
Song 6 - "Jambo Jambo (Hello, hello)"
Jambo Jambo (hello, hello)
Habari Gani (How are you?)
Habari Gani (How are you?)
Hakuna Matata (No worries)
Hakuna Matata (No worries)
Mzuri Sana (We’re very well)
Mzuri Sana (We’re very well)
(this song is sung to the tune of ‘Frere Jacques’ and is in Swahili)
come back next half term for songs about winter weather...
Early Years resources (0-5 years)
Below you will find a list of resources suitable for Early Years as well as some helpful downloadable advice put together by the team at Coventry Music for parents [https://www.coventrymusic.co.uk/downloads/file/147/introduction-to-music-activities-for-your-child-parents] and early years providers [https://www.coventrymusic.co.uk/downloads/file/148/introduction-to-incorporating-music-in-the-early-years-learning-environment]
BBC
Provides a wealth of free, curriculum-based music resources including videos, songs, and lesson plans aimed at Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/topics/cmjp647k3e8t [https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/topics/cmjp647k3e8t]
Five songs [https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/bring-the-noise/5-songs-in-bsl/z4g88xs/] to dance along to learning BSL at the same time.
Lesson plans and videos [https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/bring-the-noise/teacher-techniques-SEND-guides/zd9w47h/] A series of short films demonstrating different techniques for teaching music activities to SEND pupils.
Charanga
An online music education platform [https://charanga.com/site/] widely used in UK schools, with interactive resources and songs suitable for early years and primary settings. (subscription service)
Coventry Libraries and Information Services
Weekly rhymetime events [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/libraries-1/events-in-Coventry-libraries/5] from Coventry Library Service
Coventry Music
Nursery Rhymes
- A powerpoint of common nursery rhyme lyrics [https://www.coventrymusichub.co.uk/downloads/file/39/online-learning-nursery-rhyme-lyrics]
- a selection of sheet music [https://www.coventrymusichub.co.uk/downloads/file/40/online-learning-nursery-rhyme-sheet-music] with nursery rhyme melodies.
- A selection of International songs and rhymes [https://www.coventrymusic.co.uk/downloads/file/149/international-lullabies-and-nursery-rhymes]
Funky Feet and Coventry Music Free Music Resource
Coventry Music has worked with Funky Feet Music to produce a free music resource exclusively for Early Years practitioners across Coventry. This resource is available for download.
This exclusive package of songs and supporting documents:
- places emphasis on the link between music making and physical development and the subsequent effect on child development.
- provides a broad range of songs and musical games that support language, literacy, and numeracy skills
- follows the same format as the Development Matters framework
- provides opportunities for observation and assessment and gives suggestions for extension activities
- provides creative opportunities
Access the resources [https://www.coventrymusichub.co.uk/downloads/download/15/early-years-resource-download]: - please ask for the password (Please note. you may need to download the file to make the music play)
Early Learning HQ - Music and Rhythm Resources
Offers printable resources, activity ideas, and lesson plans for music and rhythm suitable for Early Years Foundation Stage. Download the resouces here [https://www.earlylearninghq.org.uk/]
Funky Feet
Here are some great resources for early years from funky feet [http://www.funkyfeetmusic.co.uk/] - for the playful child who loves to move. A fantastic opportunity for EYFS practitioners in all settings across Coventry to take part in CPD sessions and receive free music resources.
Check out these great online singing and dancing funky feet videos on YouTube. [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz73wN5rMFEyezAKLCvDUcg/featured]
Music Mark
Shares free and paid resources for early years music education [http://www.musicmark.org.uk], including songs, activity ideas, and professional development opportunities.
If you would like to know the importance of music in early years then Music Mark has lots of information and guidance.
Music in Early Childhood | A Common Approach (musicmark.org.uk) [https://www.musicmark.org.uk/a-common-approach/application/lifelong-learning/music-in-early-childhood/]
Musical Futures
Provides resources and lesson plans [https://www.musicalfutures.org/Â ] for early years practitioners that encourage creative and child-led music-making.
Music Express
Offers music resources for schools, including interactive songs and lesson plans aimed at Early Years and Key Stage 1. Find out more. [https://collins.co.uk/pages/primary-music-music-express]
Out of the Ark Music
Offers a wide range of songs, musicals, and assemblies specifically for primary and early years settings, with engaging songs and activities. Visit their website to find out more [https://www.outoftheark.co.uk/]
Services for Education
In day to day life though, with the pressures of work and home, being a parent can be challenging and there are times when you may be unsure who to ask for advice and support. Services for Education have a range of information, resources and support around topical themes.
Sing Up
A platform [https://www.singup.org/] offering a variety of songs, lesson plans, and activities designed for different age groups, including Early Years. It requires a subscription but provides a good range of free resources too.
Sparkyard
An online platform [https://www.sparkyard.com/] by Out of the Ark Music designed to support primary school music education. It offers a wide range of resources, including songs, videos, and activities tailored for teachers and students. The platform has interactive and engaging content to make learning music fun and accessible. Sparkyard's materials are suitable for various themes, events, and curriculum needs, helping schools enhance their music offer.
Twinkl
Provides a wide range of downloadable resources for early years music lessons, including songs, movement activities, and rhythm games. (Subscription-based)
These websites [https://www.twinkl.co.uk/] offer a blend of free and paid resources and cater specifically to the needs of early years educators.
Youth Music 
Focuses on supporting inclusive music education with practical resources, research, and toolkits for early years educators. ttps://youthmusic.org.uk/ [https://youthmusic.org.uk/]
Primary resources (5-11 year olds)
BBC
BBC radio website [https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/_QJlCJZOYiQB8LmTG5hk3?domain=eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com]. Video songs for KS1, Audio activities for KS2. Topic stories and songs for Vikings, The Tempest, Macbeth, The Trojan War, Rocking Romans, Treasure Island and the Greek Myth of Persephone. World War II Play with music – Archie’s War – script and musical excerpts and sound effects all included. Shakespeare on Trial. Age 3-11 song bank categorised by theme.
Dances for each of the four element [https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/S717CKOPYSrDqxvC3ridW?domain=eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com] have been choreographed to different pieces of classical music including JS Bach, Karl Jenkins, Aaron Copland, Johann Strauss, Claude Debussy and John Adams. These clips are taken from the original BBC series, Dance with the Elements.
Five musical activities [https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/anrfCLgQYCYkPMpImfN2t?domain=eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com] to try out at home with primary school aged children. If you're self isolating or caring for children at home with schools closed these simple ideas will help keep little ones occupied while encouraging them to explore and learn about music.
Five songs [https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/-qcTC1jgYfE6pwDcnsWzp?domain=eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com] to dance along to learning BSL at the same time.
BBC Bitesize [https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/Hp1PCNxVECMZN5rs0Rq6c?domain=eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com] – aimed at KS2. Videos and quizzes related to all the elements of music – pitch, rhythm, pulse, dynamics etc. Plus some singing tips and ideas and choir videos at the end to enjoy.
Weekly activities [https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ten-pieces/ten-pieces-at-home/zjy3382] for primary schools, home educators and parents to share with their students. Each includes a Ten Pieces film to watch and enjoy and a linked creative activity that can be completed by children at home without any special materials or preparation. A perfect, simple and easy way to keep listening, enjoying and creating music at this time.
Videos [https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ten-pieces/articles/zv2gqp3]about all the featured composers and key well-known compositions plus there are loads of other free resources available.
Free teacher classroom resources [https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ks1-music/zbcjscw] suitable for use in music lessons with primary school children at Key Stage 1 in England,
Free teacher classroom resources [https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ks2-music/zfv96v4] suitable for use in music lessons with primary school children at Key Stage 2 in England,
Birmingham Contemporary Group
In this activity [http://resources.bcmg.org.uk/creating-music-at-home/in-the-garden] you will create music using things you find in the garden or park inspired by composer John Cage's Child of Tree. Click here [http://resources.bcmg.org.uk/creating-music-at-home/] for lots more activities from BCMG
BrainPOP
Lots of great learning videos and quizzes on BrainPOP [https://www.brainpop.com/artsandmusic/] and BrainPOP jr. [https://jr.brainpop.com/artsandtechnology/music/] for everyone on music and lots of other topics. Register for FREE.
Charanga
We have some great resources for you from Charanga
How to write your own rap [https://charanga.com/site/writing-rap-free-resources-competitions/%C2%A0] with ideas for making a rhyming word list and a backing track to play to get you started speaking in rhythms.
Plus you can log in to access Coventry Music exclusive resources and lessons [https://coventrymusic.charanga.com/yumu]. We will be adding more to this soon. Login: p773396 and password: gray
(Need help logging on? [https://www.coventrymusichub.co.uk/downloads/file/37/how-to-log-on-to-charanga])
Google Chrome Music Lab
Song maker [https://musiclab.chromeexperiments.com/Song-Maker/] is an easy-to-use primary resource for creating simple pieces of music using blocks of sound
Ex Cathedra
Our friends at Ex Cathedra are delighted to share SingMaker songs via their new SingMaker YouTube platform [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClJ-sRUOPYR90lw7nW7dZ2w/%C2%A0] aimed at up to 11 year olds and free to access. Each Monday this summer term a new song, presented by Ex Cathedra’s SingMaker team as an interactive film, will be released (we snuck in the filming as soon as we realised a ‘stay at home’ instruction was coming) . There will be brief notes associated with each song to maximise learning and enjoyment of participation.
Follow them on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Ex-Cathedra-Singing-Playgrounds-1674277552843257/] for lots more exciting activities.
Katherine Fear - Music Tutor
Here are some fantastic YouTube videos to sing along to [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfajY-ZKxxbkaED_VL04k8g?view_as=subscriber].
Kathy & David Blackwell
These downloads [https://www.kathyanddavidblackwell.co.uk/downloads/] on the Blackwell’s site are really useful for string players
Little Kids Rock
Some great resources for kids and teachers [https://musicwill.org/resources/]. The team at Little Kids Rock is committed to doing all they can to help you, your kids and your communities to thrive and survive during this outbreak. They have put together solutions to help ensure that students continue to learn, grow, and benefit from the transformational power of music, even when we all have to stay away from the classroom. There are online lessons and some great links to some resources.
Leicestershiremusichub.org
Online resources [https://leicestershiremusichub.org/news/2020/03/free-music-technology-planning-resources-for-schools] from our friends at the Leicestershire Music Hub.
Out of the Ark
Many children will know these songs from their school assemblies, singing practises and school productions. Here are some free activities [https://www.outoftheark.co.uk/ootam-at-home/] they can access from home.
Royal Opera House
Royal Opera House Project [https://learning-platform.roh.org.uk/course/create-and-sing-hansel-and-gretel-immersive/] – to learn and perform parts of the “Hansel and Gretel” opera. Ten 60 minute sessions working on vocal skills and characterisation with full lesson plans and music and video clips; the course is presented by CITV presenter Luke Franks. There is a certificate to print out at the end.
Services for Education
Services for Education have provided heaps of home-schooling resources [https://www.servicesforeducation.co.uk/resources-for-parents/] covering a variety of topics to help you juggle working from home and home-schooling.
Sing Up
Sing Up are offering a Home School section [https://www.singup.org/home-schooling/?embutton] with songs and worksheets that you can share with pupils who are working at home. All year groups and including sign language/Makaton.
They are also starting a daily resource for use at home or at school with words on screen. You can also find news of their new resources on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SingUpFanPage] and Twitter [https://twitter.com/SingUpTweets]
Team Tutti
Free interactive music experience for KS2 children [https://teamtutti.org/]. Team Tutti uses animated characters to deliver fun and engaging lesson content including creative challenges and quizzes to promote a deeper dive into making music using technology. Great fun!
Young Voices
Young Voices are putting live warm-ups and songs on Facebook and YouTube:
- Young Voices YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZte4beVYMAcl_LC0p-GT9Q]
- Young Voices on Facebook – live warm-ups and songs [https://www.facebook.com/YVConcerts/]
- Young Voices have released several free songs on Musicroom including “Power in Me” [https://goto.musicroom.com/youngvoices]