3 Easy Ideas for Valentine’s Day Fun in the Choir Classroom❤️
It’s February 14th and the air is filled with adolescent love and, of course, an abundance of candy. If you're a teacher, you're probably nodding in agreement!
Valentine's Day often lands on a weekday, and while some teachers prefer to treat it like any other Wednesday, I enjoy fully embracing the craziness. So, how do you make it special?
Here are 3 easy ideas to incorporate in Choir on Valentine’s Day
1. What do you love about singing?
Pass out 1-2 sticky notes to each student. On one sticky note, they post why they love to sing. On the other sticky note, they write a song they love. Allow students to stick their note on the white board, wall or bulletin board. Take a picture with or without students and post on your school’s social media page or website. Not only does it help promote a love of singing, but also gives a little attention to your choir program!
Need to decorate a bulletin board for the month of February? Print colorful paper hearts and have the kids attach their hearts to the bulletin board instead!
2. ”3 Nice Things” Activity
I must confess, I borrowed this fantastic idea from a teacher friend who's a real rockstar, and she incorporates it at the end of every theater production. Keep in mind, this activity requires some time and advance preparation, so give it some thought before introducing it to your ensemble.
Here's the rundown: Arrange your choir in a circle, and begin with one student. Instruct the choir to think of something nice about that student. Then, call on three different students, each sharing a positive comment about the chosen person. Continue around the circle, moving to the next individual.
Note: If it's your first time trying this activity, consider briefing the students the day before so they can start contemplating their comments. Additionally, I like to emphasize to my students that we want each student to be "represented" (wink, wink), ensuring that someone says something nice about everyone. We wouldn't want anyone to miss out on having three compliments said about them. Having participated in this activity many times, I'm always amazed at how the students ensure everyone is covered. In fact, there are usually an abundance of kind comments. Stick to calling on only three people, especially if you're short on time!
3. Fast Talker- Valentine’s Day Edition
My students LOVE this game and it works well for choirs of any size! It is simple…project the slideshow, which will include 5 words per round. Students make groups of 2-3 people. One student looks at the 5 words projected and describes them to the other people on their team, who will try to guess the word. Not only is this a fun game, but secretly makes the students use critical thinking skills. And did I mention it is a great brain break activity for the last 10-15 minutes of class?!?!
Just because the kids are in Middle or High School, doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a little fun on Valentine’s Day. Adding quick and easy ways to celebrate shows the students you care about them and builds an excitement for singing!
Happy Singing!
Attention Choir Teachers!
Use this FREE Singing Game for your middle school or high school choirs to add some fun to your lesson plans!
