Create Motions for Music

Music plays an important part in a child’s development, and you can use music as an effective component in reaching children for Christ. For that reason, many ministries feature worship music during their large group programs. To enhance this music time for kids, consider using motions with the songs. People of all ages love to move during music, and the children in your ministry are no exception. Motions help children remember the song lyrics, provide an outlet for “extra” energy, and are fun! Although it can seem intimidating to create motions for songs that kids will like and actually do, the process doesn’t have to be difficult.

Before you start, know that there isn’t any single right or wrong way to create music motions. The following suggestions will help you start the creative process and realize that you can do it! Here are six helpful ideas:

Find a volunteer, either in your ministry or in your church, who knows sign language. Kids love signing, and it can really add to the impact of a song.
Try not to mix sign language with motions, however—you need to be careful. For example, crossed arms placed over your chest with hands in fists means love, but crossed arms over your chest with flat hands means death. That volunteer who knows sign language will really help!
Gather a group of kids, play the music, and see what they do. Watch how kids naturally move to the music, and use what you see. This works especially well with songs that are a “hit” with the kids and those with which they are familiar.
Keep motions simple; find one motion that expresses the key concept of the phrase you want them to remember and stick with it. Try to use one motion for each phrase (or two at most).
Be age and gender sensitive. Keep your target audience in mind. Younger kids enjoy “cuter” motions, but you’ll lose older kids if they’re too “corny.” A general guideline is to use motions that will appeal to the oldest boys in your ministry, knowing that young kids look up to them for what’s cool. If you capture the boys’ hearts, you’ve won the room!
Be sure to fully perform the motions—if you (or your team) are self-conscious or lack enthusiasm, the kids will pick up on it and feel it’s not cool to do motions, either. So make sure you enjoy doing the motions. If you don’t, let someone who does lead worship!

For further assistance, watch these two short video tutorials: Davey, Davey and Amazing Love. Additionally, the music and motions DVD called Move It Like This contains motion instructions for 10 songs, and videos of those songs as performed in a children’s ministry setting.