First teach the children basic signs for following the music director’s directions. (e.g., make the notes go higher; faster; louder; longer). During music time in the classroom, observe a small group of children following the adult’s manual directions as they sing a familiar song.
The director changes the pace, etc. of the song as it is sung. Note whether individual children understand how to go longer, louder, etc.
Children will quickly pick up on the meaning of the signs and be able to apply them to their singing (although maybe not well!)
Children of this age are capable of learning a great deal about the construction and performance of music. In classroom music classes, children should learn the basic elements of music and following musical directions. This may motivate them to go deeper into music.
 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015
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