You’ve chosen the perfect Bible song for learning time — but instead of joyful singing, you see blank stares, half-hearted singing, or rolling around on the carpet. You wonder, What am I doing wrong?

It can feel discouraging when music time doesn’t go as planned, especially when you know how powerful songs can be in shaping the child’s faith. The good news? Teaching a child to sing Bible songs doesn’t have to be loathsome. With a few simple strategies, you can help every child participate with confidence and joy.

Children singing and doing motions to Bible songs.

Teaching a Child to Sing Bible Songs

1. Make Songs Memorable, Repetitive, and Fun

The goal in teaching Bible songs is for the children to hide the truths of these songs in their hearts! Choose songs that are age-appropriate, easy to remember, and repetitive. I have a rule that if I can’t learn the song and motions in less than 2 minutes, it is too hard for preschoolers. Looking for good preschool songs? Check out this Kids Bible Song list.

2. Help the Child Understand the Words

I was way older than I desire to admit before I recognized the meaning of the song “Deep and Wide.” I desire my children to understand what they are singing. Before or while singing, talk about what the song means – God’s love flowing. Sometimes it helps to teach simple motions first while simply speaking the words a phrase at a time. Once the child knows the actions and meaning, add the melody. This helps turn a simple tune into meaningful song.

3. Encourage the Child’s “Pretty Voice”

What happens when you ask the child to sing louder? They YELL! Remind the child that yelling is not singing. Teach the child to use a gentle, pretty voice because we are singing to God.

A child playing a drum while singing BIble songs.

4. Make Repetition Interesting

Repetition is how children learn and repetition can be fun! Sing in different voices—high, low, big, small. Try silly voices like a singing like a mouse or elephant or sing parts softly or loudly (without yelling). Add percussion instruments like tambourine, maraca, or drum, clapping hands, or stomping feet. Variety keeps the child engaged while reinforcing the song.

5. Pause to Practice and Reflect

It’s okay to stop mid-song! I do it all of the time. Repeat a line with bigger words or tricky motion. Stop to regain focus or attention. Talk about what a phrase means.

6. Take It Slow, Keep it Simple

Most pre-recorded songs (CD’s) are too fast for young ones to learn every word and motion. I encourage all songs to be taught acapella (without music). Speak or sing the song slowly at first – very slowly – and wait for the child to complete an action before continuing. Motions should be very simple at the preschool age. Using only one or two action per phrase allows the child to process words, rhythm, and meaning all at once. Key: The younger the child, the slower a song should be sung and the fewer the actions. Looking for simple actions to Bible songs? Watch the FREE Bible Songs and Motions Video Collection.

7. Play with Rhyming and Counting

If the song contains them, stop at rhyming words and invite the child to fill in the missing word. Or count how many times a special word appears—like “joy” or “Jesus.” These activities strengthen early literacy while keeping the experience musical and fun.

8. Sing Throughout the Day

Listen to Bible songs during the daily—during cleanup, car rides, or transitions. Even if the child isn’t singing aloud, the child may be singing in her head. Those lyrics take root. Keep this in mind when listening to secular songs. Little years are always listening.

Music Review: Slugs & Bugs – Sunday Songs

A fun CD to add to your listening is the newly released music from Slugs and Bugs. Sunday Songs is a delightful collection filled with both classic Sunday School favorites and brand-new tunes in that fun Slugs & Bugs style.

Classic songs include:

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
Father Abraham
This Little Light of Mine
The Wise Man Built His House Upon a Rock
I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy
Jesus Loves Me

All songs used in the ABCJesusLovesMe Preschool and Bible Curricula!

Children singing and clapping for Bible Songs.

Building a Lifetime of Joyful Worship

Teaching the child to sing Bible songs is about far more than learning words or actions — it’s about planting truth deep in the child’s heart.

So, take it slow and keep it fun. And if you’re looking for quality music to fill your day, Slugs & Bugs: Sunday Songs is the great place to start. Then enjoy the sweet sounds of little voices in worship.