Perform a song in another language
Choose a simple song in another language, learn pronunciation and meaning, practice with gestures, then perform it for family or record a video.
Step-by-step guide to perform a song in another language
How to Sing in Different Styles AND Sound Authentic!
Step 1
Choose a short simple song in a language you want to learn and that you think is fun.
Step 2
Ask an adult to help you print or write the song lyrics on a sheet of paper.
Step 3
Play a clear recording of the song so you can hear the pronunciation.
Step 4
Listen to the recording while following the lyrics with your finger on the paper.
Step 5
Circle any words that sound tricky or hard to say.
Step 6
Ask an adult to help you look up the meanings of the circled words in a picture dictionary or online.
Step 7
Write a short one-word or short-phrase meaning next to each circled word on the lyrics.
Step 8
Practice saying each line slowly out loud to get the pronunciation right.
Step 9
Pick a simple gesture for each chorus line to help remember the words.
Step 10
Practice the gestures by themselves so your hands know what to do.
Step 11
Sing the whole song while doing the gestures in front of a small mirror.
Step 12
Time your performance so you know how long the song lasts.
Step 13
Tell an adult whether you will perform the song for your family or record a video of your performance.
Step 14
Perform your song for your family or record a video of your performance.
Step 15
Share your finished performance on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of printing the lyrics or a physical recording if we don't have a printer or CD player?
Use a tablet or phone to display the lyrics on screen and stream a clear recording (for example from YouTube) so you can still follow the step 'Listen to the recording while following the lyrics with your finger'.
What should we do if the child can't hear or copy the pronunciation well when following the song?
If pronunciation is hard to hear while following the lyrics, put on headphones, slow or loop the tricky line in the recording, and then circle the hard words and practice saying each line slowly out loud as the instructions say.
How can this activity be changed for younger or older kids?
For younger children choose a very short song and write one-word meanings next to circled words with big simple gestures, while older kids can look up full translations, add choreography to the chorus gestures, and record the timed performance to share.
How can we make the performance more interesting or personal before sharing it on DIY.org?
Enhance the activity by making illustrated flashcards for circled words, rehearsing gestures in front of a mirror with a simple costume, and timing the full run to polish the recorded performance you will share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to perform a song in another language
ABC Song Sign Along | Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes | Learn ASL & Baby Sign Language for Kids
4 Videos
ABC Song Sign Along | Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes | Learn ASL & Baby Sign Language for Kids
Learn to Sing Hello in Different Languages! 👋🎵 Little Baby Bum: Music Time
"Teaching Singing To Kids & Children Pt. 1" - Voice Lessons To The World Ep. 118
How To Sing A Song for Beginners - Vocal Lesson for Beginners
Facts about language learning for kids
🧠 Music and language share brain pathways, so singing in another language trains both at once.
🌍 Nursery rhymes and folk songs often use simple, repetitive phrases—perfect for learning meaning and pronunciation.
🎬 Recording a performance is a fun confidence booster and a great way to share progress with family.
🎵 Singing new words with a melody helps kids remember them much more easily than just speaking them.
🤸♂️ Adding gestures or actions turns words into movement and helps children remember vocabulary and meaning.
How do I help my child learn and perform a song in another language?
What materials do I need to perform a song in another language with my child?
What ages is learning and performing a song in another language suitable for?
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