Melody Maps -
What is a melody map? Lots of things... It is a chart of shapes. It is a chart of colors. It is a concrete representation of a song. It is a way to help children map out visually where a song goes. It's a wonderful way to add variety as we teach a child a song.
Below are several examples of different kinds of Melody Maps. Look for the variety in each map. Sometimes the colors will mean a certain word. Sometimes the colors will mean the length of a note (short or long). Sometimes the colors will mean the highest or lowest note of the song. Each of the shapes means something different, also, like length of the note, higher or lower pitch, or even a different word. Look at the maps below and sing the song with them, trying to figure out what the different things mean. (That is also the challenge for the children. Their curious nature is peaked as they try to figure out each of the elements.) I have tried to include a variety of maps below to give you some starter ideas for your own creativity.
Below are several examples of different kinds of Melody Maps. Look for the variety in each map. Sometimes the colors will mean a certain word. Sometimes the colors will mean the length of a note (short or long). Sometimes the colors will mean the highest or lowest note of the song. Each of the shapes means something different, also, like length of the note, higher or lower pitch, or even a different word. Look at the maps below and sing the song with them, trying to figure out what the different things mean. (That is also the challenge for the children. Their curious nature is peaked as they try to figure out each of the elements.) I have tried to include a variety of maps below to give you some starter ideas for your own creativity.
Let the Holy Spirit Guide (1 and 2 of 4 melody maps)
Lord, I Would Follow Thee (1 and 2 of 6 maps for the song)
I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus (1, 2, and 3 of 5 maps for the song)
I Lived in Heaven (1 and 4 of 4 maps for the song)
Through a Still Small Voice (5 and 6 of 6 maps for the song)
Heavenly Father Now I Pray (1,2 and 4 of 4 maps for the song)
Article of Faith #6 (1 and 2 of 2 maps for the song)
