*Change One Thing

Help children learn about different aspects of music, such as tempo (speed), melody, harmony, and dynamics (loud/soft), in this musical game. Choose a favorite song and sing it all the way through. You can find lyrics to lots of classic children's songs at http://kids.niehs.nih.gov. When everyone is familiar with the lyrics, start the game. The first person starts to sing the song by changing one thing.

It could be adding, substituting or subtracting a word, leaving a blank space, changing a note or the speed, or singing it louder or softer. After the first person changes one thing, the next person starts the song from the beginning, incorporating the first person's change and adding another. When each person has had a turn, talk about the differences that each change made to the song. Finish up the game by singing the entire song with the original lyrics, or choose another song to play the game again.