Sing a song you know and love
Choose a favorite song you know and love, practice singing it aloud with expression and proper breathing, then perform or record it for family.
Step-by-step guide to singing a song you know and love
Step 1
Choose your favorite song you know and love.
Step 2
Find the lyrics on paper or run the words through your mind so you remember them.
Step 3
Stand in a quiet space with room to move your arms a little.
Step 4
Take three deep belly breaths to warm up your breathing.
Step 5
Hum or sing a simple "la" scale for 30 seconds to warm up your voice.
Step 6
Sing the first verse slowly and clearly, paying attention to your words.
Step 7
Sing the chorus with more expression and use your face and hands to show feeling.
Step 8
Practice the whole song two times in a row using steady breaths and expression.
Step 9
Invite a family member to be your audience or to help you if you want to record.
Step 10
Perform your song for your family using the breathing and expression you practiced.
Step 11
Ask a family member to record your performance if you want to save it.
Step 12
Thank your audience and ask for one compliment or one tip to make it even better.
Step 13
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!?
I don't have the lyrics on paper or a quiet room—what can I substitute so I can still do the steps?
Write key lines on index cards or open the lyrics in a phone notes app to run through the words, and create a quiet spot by singing inside a closet or pillow fort so you still have room to move your arms a little.
What should I do if I forget words or run out of breath during the practice or performance?
Use the three deep belly breaths you practiced to recover, hum a short 'la' scale to warm your voice again, then sing the next line slowly and clearly as you did in the step to practice the whole song two times in a row.
How can I adapt this activity for a 3-year-old, a 10-year-old, or a teenager?
For a 3-year-old pick a very short familiar song and do one parent-led run-through with big gestures, for a 10-year-old follow most steps with a family member as audience, and for a teen do the full warm-ups, add expressive face and hand work in the chorus, record, and share on DIY.org.
How can we make the performance more special or improve it after the first try?
Add simple props or a backdrop, exaggerate the chorus expression using your face and hands as instructed, record multiple takes to choose the best, then thank your audience and ask for one tip before sharing on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to sing a song you know and love
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Facts about singing and vocal practice for kids
🫁 Learning to breathe from your diaphragm helps you hold notes longer and sing with more power.
🎬 Performing or recording for family builds confidence—small performances make stage nerves shrink.
👂 Practicing singing trains your ear: your brain gets better at hearing and matching pitches over time.
🎶 Singing a song repeatedly strengthens memory—kids often remember lyrics and melodies faster than spoken lines.
🎤 Singing releases endorphins and can boost your mood—it's like a tiny happy workout for your brain!
How do you sing a song you know and love with a child?
What materials do I need to sing and record a favorite song at home?
What ages is this singing activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of singing a favorite song and performing it for family?
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