Devise an enchanting performance with festive harmonies with this free Christmas music lesson idea for KS2…
Candlelight is a simple and appealing song for LKS2 with lyrics set to a familiar tune. This accessible carol would enhance a Christmas performance. You can also adapt it for any ‘light’ festival celebration, such as Hannukah or Diwali.
Christmas music lesson learning objectives
Sing a seasonal song to the melody of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star with opportunities for learning accompaniments played on tuned and untuned percussion
Starter activity
Children will learn this brand new festive song in no time because they already know the tune (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star).
Display the words, or teach line by line. Starting on the note middle C. Remember to keep the tone sweet, the pace gentle and steady, and stay in tune.
Once children have mastered the song, encourage them to work out the tune by ear. They can do this on pitched instruments such as chime bars, recorders, xylophones, glockenspiels or orchestral instruments. Begin on note C (usually the longest bar on a school xylophone).
This activity supports and helps to develop listening and aural skills and forms a crucial part of children’s musical experience.
The tune is constructed like a sandwich, with outer sections using the same tune and the contrasting middle section made up of simple descending stepping note phrases.
This melodic structure is used in many traditional and folk songs and is also known as ‘ternary’ form.
Sue Nicholls is a freelance music education consultant and author of several music resource books published by Music Education Supplies and OUP. She is a national Sing Up trainer and co-chair of the National Association of Music Educators’ EYFS and Primary Focus Group. Browse more Christmas activities.
