Singing is a powerful way to feel connected to others, and sharing songs helps unite the school community, giving everyone a voice. From Singing Playgrounds to Singing Tablecloths (more on this below!), there are lots of ideas here to promote a sense of belonging – perfect for Children’s Mental Health Week (9-15th February), which this year has the theme of ‘This Is My Place’ – as well as all year round. Read the end to get a free song to get you started!
Add a morning singing session to your Children’s Mental Health Week activities. Starting the day in this way not only helps lift spirits but also builds a strong sense of togetherness. It is also a valuable opportunity to check in and see where everyone ‘is at’. There are many songs to choose from, but why not involve the children in selecting their favourites for this daily musical check-in? If you are a Sparkyard user, these can be added to the Treat Box – a lovely way to celebrate their choices, which will help to build a strong sense of class identity over time.
Song suggestions: Together; Sing Together; We’re Better Together; All My Friends
Singing together in the playground involves the whole school community. Perhaps invite older children or playground leaders to lead songs and singing games during lunch or morning break to encourage social interaction. Together-Gether! is a great choice – can the children follow the actions and then find a new partner at the end of the song? Why not send it home via Share Link (Sparkyard feature) and try teaching it to parents? – it’s a recipe for lots of fun and laughter and the structure of the song ensures that nobody is ever left out!
You could also consider holding an informal, outdoor performance in the school playground – a great opportunity for the school choir to share some of the songs they have been learning. It’s also a lovely way to draw in families who might not attend a more formal concert creates a positive atmosphere at pick-up time!
Song suggestion: Together-Gether!
Involve the children in creating an assembly to launch Children’s Mental Health Week. Can they use the songs suggested here, choose a suitable story or reading or write some prayers?
Use songs as a starting point for creative exploration and collaboration. Here’s a great idea to try:
Offer each class a song on the theme of belonging. Use the lyrics to spark ideas and discussion about where and how we feel we belong. Then, invite children to respond creatively by adding artwork or simply doodling onto the communal ‘song cloth’. This can be made by simply covering a table with large sheets of paper and providing a pot of coloured pens. Bringing individual responses together on the singing tablecloth helps children see how their ideas connect and belong alongside others. Through a Sparkyard Share Link this can even become a take-home activity – share a QR code linking to another song and invite families to sing and draw together at home.
Song suggestions: We Are One; Singing A Thankful Song; As One; We’re So Proud Of Our School
If a real campfire isn’t possible, create a communal ‘campfire’ space in the school grounds. Take a look at this lovely staging idea from Fireside Nativity. (insert link) Classes can take it in turns to visit throughout the week to sing some of their favourite songs – perhaps inviting parents along to a singing session.
Song suggestions: Ubuntu; Sing A Song In Unison
Invite parents and community members to share songs and stories from their homes either in person or using a video or sound recording. Discover new songs together and explore the cultural richness of the community. Perhaps create a display or map to show origins of songs you sing to build a strong sense of place and connection.
Combine singing with cooking! As part of class activities or small- group work, play and sing a song from the collection as you prepare food together. Children could decorate biscuits or cakes on the theme of belonging, then share them with the class or set up a stall at the end of the school day to raise money for a mental-health charity. Why not send home the recipe along with a QR code (Sparkyard feature) linking to the song used, allowing families to enjoy cooking and singing together at home as well?
Throughout the week, and beyond, create opportunities to explore songs chosen by members of your school community, including pupils, parents, and local residents. A simple way to include this in your regular singing assembly is to feature a photo of the person who selected the song, or a picture of the place they’re connected to (e.g. the corner shop, church, or community centre). Share why they chose the song, what it means to them, and what it makes them think about.
This can be a lovely activity to try when feeling anxious. Ask the children to choose a song they like to sing or listen to. Before it plays, explain that they can take the song to their ‘happy place’ – somewhere they feel most like themselves. What are they doing there? (e.g. playing football outside, cuddling their dog, painting a picture, shopping). If they wish, they can share their ideas – where did they take the song? You might even encourage them to close their eyes and sing the song while imagining they’re in that special place.
We’re giving you FREE access to the anthem We Are One to spread the message of Children’s Mental Health Week across your school community, including to governors, church leaders, school volunteers, lunchtime staff and parents/carers. Click on the link below and get singing! Your free access lasts until 15th February.
https://app.sparkyard.com/shared/song/472/5d5af795-3b5a-449a-ac85-d7e3f7fb9f74
Sign up for your free trial at www.sparkyard.com
