Songwriting Workshop for Kids
Kids write their own original song by picking a topic, crafting lyrics, and setting them to a familiar melody — a creative music activity that builds literacy and self-expression.
What You'll Need
- 1Paper and pencil
- 2Whiteboard or large paper (optional)
- 3Phone for recording (optional)
What You'll Need
Paper and pencil for writing lyrics
A whiteboard or large paper for displaying the finished song (optional)
A phone for recording the performance (optional)
How to Play
Ask your child: "If you could write a song about anything, what would it be?" Pets, favorite foods, a best friend, something silly — anything goes.
Brainstorm together. Write every word related to the topic. For a dog song: fluffy, tail wagging, muddy paws, best friend. Aim for 10-15 words.
Pick a familiar melody — Twinkle Twinkle, Row Your Boat, or Happy Birthday. Hum the tune together first.
Fit words to the melody line by line. Count syllables together. "Flu-ffy pup-py wags his tail" — does it fit? Adjust until it does.
Write the final lyrics clearly on a whiteboard or big paper so your child can see the whole song.
Sing it together at least three times. The first try will be bumpy. By the third, it feels like a real song.
Add hand motions for key lines — a tail-wag gesture, a jumping move. These help kids remember lyrics.
Perform for family, stuffed animals, or record it on your phone. Kids beam hearing their own song.
Tips
Do not force rhymes. If one happens naturally, great. If not, move on. Forced rhymes make lyrics awkward.
Let your child lead creative decisions. You handle mechanics — syllable counting and melody fitting.
If writing is slow, have your child dictate while you write. Creative flow matters more than penmanship.
Save the lyrics in a songwriting notebook. Kids who write one song almost always want to write more.
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: paper and pencil, whiteboard or large paper (optional), phone for recording (optional).
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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