Grade 3 Music Performing – Signed Singing Games Notes
Signed Singing Games
Topic: Performing — Subject: Music
Age: 8 years — Context: Kenyan classrooms (Swahili / English)
What are Signed Singing Games?
Signed singing games are songs children sing while using simple hand signs or gestures. Signs can be from Kenyan Sign Language or easy gestures everyone understands. These games help everyone join in — including friends who are deaf or hard of hearing — and make singing more fun with movement.
Learning goals
- Sing a short song clearly with classmates.
- Use simple signs to show words in the song.
- Work together in a circle and keep a steady beat.
- Include classmates who use sign language.
Materials
- Open space to sit or stand in a circle (classroom or school yard).
- Simple props (scarves, small shakers, picture cards).
- Song words written in Swahili and English (big letters).
Warm-up (5 minutes)
- Stretch arms up and wiggle fingers to wake up hands. 👋
- Practice 4 counts of clapping to a steady beat. 👏 (1–2–3–4)
- Say hello around the circle: each child waves and signs “hello”.
Easy sign chart (print or show on board)
Use these simple, clear gestures. They are easy to learn and work with many songs.
- Hello — wave hand near head: 👋
- Friend — two index fingers touch and wiggle or hands shake gently: 🤝
- Sing / Music — cup hand near mouth then move away like sound: 🎶
- Clap — clap hands together: 👏
- Sun / Day — make a circle above head with arms: ☀️
- Love / Like — hug yourself or cross hands over chest: ❤️
- Come here / Join — palm up, small beckoning motion: 👉
How to teach a signed singing game (step-by-step)
- Choose a short song (a chorus or a two-line song works well).
- Teach the words first — sing slowly and let children repeat. Use Swahili and English lines if helpful.
- Teach one or two signs for key words in the song (e.g., “hello”, “friend”, “sun”). Demonstrate, then have children copy.
- Practice singing while signing slowly. Count beats: clap on the beat to help everyone stay together.
- Play the game: sit or stand in a circle, sing and do the signs together. Encourage eye contact and smiles so deaf classmates can see signs clearly.
- Change roles: one child signs lead, others follow; or a small group signs while the rest sings.
Two simple example games
Chorus line (sing slowly): Jambo, jambo bwana, habari gani?
Suggested signs:
- Jambo (Hello) — 👋 wave
- Bwana (sir/guest) — point to the person or use two hands open as welcome: 🤲
- Habari gani? (How are you?) — shrug shoulders slightly, then sign “friend” or smile.
Game: Sit in a circle. Each child sings the line and waves (👋) to the person next to them. The next child replies the same way.
Line: Sun up high, say hello, friend! (Repeat)
Suggested signs:
- Sun — arms circle above head ☀️
- Hello — wave 👋
- Friend — hands meet or handshake gesture 🤝
Game: Stand in a circle. On the word “friend” each child points to someone and does the friend sign. That person answers with hello and signs back.
Inclusion tips (important in Kenyan classrooms)
- Face the children when you sign and sing so signs are easy to see.
- Use bright clothes or a coloured scarf to show the leader so everyone can see where to look.
- Use simple Swahili or English words—children can switch between languages they know.
- Invite students who use sign language to teach a sign to the class.
Keep it safe and fun
- Keep enough space between children—no pushing.
- Use gentle gestures; avoid touching without permission.
- Encourage everyone with smiles and applause. 👏
Simple assessment for teachers
Note who can:
- Sing the chorus in tune and on the beat.
- Use the correct sign at the right word.
- Include and respond to other children during the game.
Extension activities
- Make your own verse in Swahili or the child's home language and add a new sign.
- Draw a poster with words and picture signs for the song.
- Record the class singing and signing and watch it together to see the signs clearly.
Tip: Start small — one sign per line — then add more when the class is confident. Signed singing games build friendship, rhythm and language — a joyful way to perform together!