Advent looks a little different this year, doesn’t it?
In the midst of a global pandemic, we know what it feels like to be a people walking in darkness, waiting for the light. We know what it feels like to hope for something and long for peace in the world.
This year, Advent takes on new meaning for us. But that doesn’t mean we have less to celebrate.
Whether you're gathering via Zoom or in person (6' apart), here's a fresh, creative resource you can use with your children's choir this season.
New! Family Music for Christmas
*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
About the Curriculum
My friend, Kathryn Brunner, an early childhood music educator, licensed Musikgarten instructor, and founder of Musik at Home has created a wonderful curriculum resource + digital songbook for churches and families this year called Family Music for Christmas:
“Experience the Christmas Story with songs, poetry, movement, and more! Take a trip to Bethlehem, visit the shepherds in the fields, listen to the sounds of the animals, sing with the angels in the heavens, and celebrate the King's birthday.”
Family Music for Christmas is a 5-week, ready-to-use music curriculum designed for children up to age 8. The curriculum follows the four weeks of Advent and the week of Christmas. Stream the classes live with your choir on Zoom or project them onto a large screen if gathering in person.
Here’s a closer look at each class in the Family Music for Christmas curriculum:
Promises Foretold
Be immersed in songs that speak of the promises that tell of the birth of the coming King.
Journey to Bethlehem
Take a trip to Bethlehem alongside Mary & Joseph with songs, finger-plays, animals, and instruments.
Shepherds Watch
Gather in the fields with the shepherds to experience what it might be like to receive the news of the Christ child’s coming.
Angels sing
Lift your eyes to the heavens to hear the songs of the angels announcing the birth of the newborn King.
The King’s Birthday Party
Celebrate the birthday of baby Jesus with gifts, cake, candles, and camels!
What’s Included:
Here’s what you’ll find inside the Family Music for Christmas curriculum:
Five 15-minute classes that mirror the four weeks of Advent + the week of Christmas
Five 5-minute story videos that tell the story of Christmas week by week
70+ song, instrument, and movement activities designed to help children experience the wonder and beauty of the Christmas season
That’s 20 minutes of done-for-you curriculum planning and instruction each week!
Recommended Materials:
Here’s a list of recommended materials to accompany the Family Music for Christmas curriculum. If you’re doing virtual choir this year, you might consider putting together grab-bags with some of these things so children have them at home when it’s time for choir:
Rhythm sticks (or two pencils)
Shaker (a can or jar with rice or dried beans)
Scarf (make your own with tulle fabric)
Jingle stick (or jingle bells)
Drum (or an empty bucket turned upside down)
The Family Music for Christmas Songbook
The Family Music for Christmas Songbook is a companion resource (digital download) that includes 70 beloved Advent and Christmas carols (100 pages) with notated, easy-to-read sheet music (melody only) and chords and Nativity-scene coloring pages.
This can be used in conjunction with the Family Music for Christmas curriculum or on its own.
Some of the Titles include:
O Come Little Children
O Come O Come Emmanuel
Deck the Halls
The Holly and the Ivy
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming
Joy to the World
Away in a Manger
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Once in a Royal David's City
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Angels We Have Heard on High
Saw You Never in the Twilight
We Three Kings
O Holy Night
The songbook is included with your organizational license (see more below), but you can also purchase a license to print copies for your congregation.
Questions about licensing? Email info@mymusickathome.com.
How to Purchase
The Family Music for Christmas curriculum is available for churches to rent during the month of December. During this time, you will have unlimited access to all the class videos and resources and ability to stream the content at any time.
Family Music for Christmas (Organizational License)
License to print 3 copies of the Family Music for Christmas Songbook for choir leaders or staff members
1-month rental of Family Music for Christmas curriculum to stream via Zoom or show on a large screen in person
*This product is on sale for $79 through November 28, 2020. Regular price $99.
I hope these resources are helpful to you as you plan and prepare for the Advent and Christmas season. How will you celebrate Advent with your children’s choir this year?
