Let's Get Warmed Up! Using Vocal Exploration in Kindergarten Music

In my kindergarten music class, vocal exploration is not just essential, its fun!. This approach creates a fun and engaging environment, allowing kids to get excited about singing while developing their vocal skills. For young children, these exercises help them understand their vocal range and how to use their voices safely. When I incorporate vocal exploration into our routine, I notice my students become more confident in their abilities, which is crucial for their musical development.

My favorite activity for warm ups are visual vocal slides. I put them up on the board (we have AppleTV in our classrooms) and the students trace the shapes with their fingers while I make the sound. Then they trace the shape again and make the sound themselves. This helps with so many cross-content things!

1. Left to Right reading/tracking

2. Gross motor/crossing the midline

3. Listening/waiting turns/patience building

I love to match these to whatever topic we're covering for the week - animals, pumpkins, aliens, ice cream. The kids have so much fun imagining the different scenes I tell them about before they complete the activity. The goofier the better!

Incorporating vocal exploration into my kindergarten music class has truly transformed how my students engage with music. It’s not merely about singing; it’s about discovering their voices and building confidence. I encourage everyone to try vocal exploration in their classrooms. Let’s warm up those little voices and get them ready to sing!

If you're interested in using these in your classroom, I have many themed vocal slides created and available in my TPT store. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/savvy-music-teaching