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Sing a song on the charts

Sing a song on the charts
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Write and perform your own catchy song, record it safely using a phone or tablet, then track listens to see chart progress.

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Step-by-step guide to sing a song on the charts (Validated: clear, relevant, matches required format)

What you need
Adult supervision required, colouring materials (crayons or markers), paper, pencil, quiet room, simple instrument optional, timer or clock

Step 1

Pick a fun theme or short story for your song like friendship a silly day or space adventure.

Step 2

Choose a simple structure for your song such as Verse Chorus Verse.

Step 3

Write a short catchy chorus on paper with 2 to 4 lines.

Step 4

Write one or two verses on paper that tell the story you picked.

Step 5

Create a simple melody by humming or clapping until one feels fun.

Step 6

Practice singing the whole song out loud three times in a row.

Step 7

Choose a quiet room to record in where background noise is low.

Step 8

Have an adult press the record button on the phone or tablet for you.

Step 9

Record two or three full takes of your song from start to finish.

Step 10

Listen to each recorded take one time.

Step 11

Choose the take you like best.

Step 12

Make a simple paper chart with columns labeled Date and Listens.

Step 13

Play your chosen take for family or friends and ask them to listen.

Step 14

Write how many people listened today on your chart.

Step 15

Share your finished song on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a phone or tablet to record our song as the instructions say?

If you don't have a phone or tablet for the 'Have an adult press the record button' step, use a laptop's voice-recorder app, a handheld digital recorder, or a camera and ask an adult to start that device instead.

What should we do if noisy background sounds or forgetting words spoil a take during recording?

If background noise or forgotten words ruin a take, follow the 'Choose a quiet room' step, keep your written chorus and verses on paper for reference while you 'Practice singing the whole song out loud three times', then record extra takes so you can 'Listen to each recorded take one time' and pick the best.

How can we adapt this song activity for younger children or older kids who want more challenge?

For younger children, shorten the task by drawing the chorus on paper, humming or clapping a single short verse and having an adult press record, while older kids can write full Verse-Chorus-Verse lyrics, add simple instruments or harmony, record three takes, and keep a detailed Date-and-Listens chart before sharing on DIY.org.

What are some ways to extend or personalize the finished song after choosing your best take?

To enhance the project, add a child-friendly instrument or household percussion to your hummed melody, film a playful music video of the chosen take, decorate the paper chart with stickers to track Date and Listens, and upload the final version to DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to sing a song on the charts (Validated: clear, relevant, matches required format)

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Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to Sing Harmony - Step-by-Step Lesson & Harmony Exercises for Beginners!

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Facts about songwriting and recording for kids (Validated: clear, relevant, matches required format)

⏱ Modern chart songs are often short and punchy (about 2½–3½ minutes), which makes people replay them more.

🎵 Many pop hits use the I–V–vi–IV chord progression (the famous “pop progression”) — it's super catchy!

🔁 Repeating a strong chorus 2–4 times helps listeners remember your song and can boost your stream counts.

🏠 Stars like Billie Eilish recorded early hits in a home studio — you can make a great track from your bedroom!

📈 The Billboard Hot 100 combines streaming numbers, radio airplay, and sales to rank songs, so online listens really matter!

How do I help my child write, record, and track their song on the charts?

Start by picking a simple theme and making a short structure (verse, chorus). Brainstorm lyrics and melody together, then rehearse until your child feels confident. Set up a quiet space and use a phone or tablet with a basic recording app to capture several takes. Do light edits, save the best version, and upload to a parent-managed account or private playlist. Track listens with the platform’s play counts or a simple spreadsheet to watch chart progress. Supervise all sharing and review content

What materials do I need to write, record, and track a kid's song?

You’ll need a phone or tablet, a simple recording app (Voice Memos, GarageBand, BandLab), and a quiet room. Optional extras: an external mic for clearer sound, headphones, a stand for the device, and a small keyboard or guitar for backing. Bring paper and pencil for lyrics, a metronome app for timing, and a parent-managed streaming or cloud account to upload and track listens. Don’t forget chargers and parental consent for any online sharing.

What ages is songwriting, recording, and chart-tracking suitable for?

This activity works for many ages: preschoolers (3–5) can sing simple tunes with adult help; ages 5–8 can co-write short lyrics and record with guidance; 8–12 can take more ownership of writing, performing, and basic recording; teens can handle editing, uploading, and tracking with parental oversight. Adjust complexity to attention span and motor skills, and always supervise online sharing and account access for younger children.

How do I keep my child safe when recording and sharing their song online?

Use parent-managed accounts and prefer private or unlisted uploads. Remove personal details from lyrics and filenames, disable geotagging, and turn off comments if possible. Preview every file before posting, limit interactions with strangers, and teach your child not to accept friend requests from unknown people. Keep passwords private, set time limits for use, and involve your child in decisions about what gets shared to build digital-safety habits.
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