Plato said, “Music is the essence of order and leads to all that is good, just and beautiful, of which it is the invisible, but nevertheless dazzling, passionate and eternal form.” Songwriting can be a social and emotional creative activity that can help children develop skills essential to their intellectual development and memory. There are many different styles and approaches used by people all over the world. The following techniques can be used to encourage children to participate in the development of their own music.

Infants: Piggyback Songs - These are songs written using the tunes from old nursery rhymes to introduce new concepts or reinforce ones that have already been learned.

My Dear Mommy: (Daddy, Grandma, etc.) sung to the tune of “London Bridges”

1. Who’s the one that I love best, I love best, I love best?
   Who’s the one that I love best? My dear Mommy. (Daddy)
2. Who’s the one I truly love, truly love, truly love?
   Who’s the one I truly love? My dear Aunty. (Uncle)
3. Who’s the one I love to hug, love to hug, love to hug?
   Who’s the one I love to hug? My dear Grandma. (Grandpa)

Toddlers: Old Spirituals - These gospel songs have tunes that are familiar and moving.

1. I’m Gonna Sing When The Spirit Says Sing (Clap, jump, dance, shake, wiggle, etc.)
   I’m gonna sing when the spirit says sing. I’m gonna sing when the spirit says sing.
   When the spirit says sing, I’m gonna sing right along.
   I’m gonna sing when the spirit says sing.
2. Red Fruits: Sung to the tune of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hand.”
   I’ve got red fruits, in my hand; I’ve got strawberries in my hand.
   I’ve got apples in my hand; I’ve got cherries in my hand.
   Repeat with green vegetables, dairy foods, cereals. Use as a way to teach food groups.

Preschoolers: Songwriting Technique – I learned this technique in New York City while studying at the Guitar Study Center. I was told that it was an approach that Paul Simon sometimes used. I have adapted it to be used with young children, but in reality there is no right way for everyone, you simply have to find the one that is right for you.

1. Choose a theme, and put it at the top of the paper.
2. Have children give you a list of words that have to do with that theme. Write this list of theme words down the side of the paper, accept everything! This is called “Free Association.” Put some of these words together to form the first sentence of the song.
3. Make a new list of words across the top of the paper that rhyme with the last word of the first sentence.
4. Every line or every other line should use one of the rhyming words at the top of the page to finish the sentence. Every line or every other line should use one of the theme words from the side of the paper to create new sentences.
5. In the beginning use nursery rhymes for the tune. When you feel more comfortable try making up your own original music.

Music is moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, and gaiety and life to everything. (Plato)