Teaching Hymns To Children

Hymn education is an essential task of the children's music ministry. Good hymn education must be a carefully planned and intentional process. In this article, the author suggests resources and strategies for the children's choir leader or Sunday school teacher. A Systematic Approach In a recent issue of The Hymn, Mabel Stewart Boyter outlined a practical approach to "growing a hymn-loving church" (Mabel Stewart Boyter,"Growing a Hymn-Loving Church: An Interview with Mabel Stewart Boyter," The Hymn 34:3 [July 1983]: 141146). Mrs. Boyter makes hymn teaching the center of children's music education. I have been inspired to give some additional thought to this area based upon several personal discussions with Mrs. Boyter. Systematic theology is having a significant impact upon our understanding of worship and hymnody. Two recent books are opening our eyes concerning what and why we sing in worship. (Geoffrey Wainwright, Doxology: The Praise of God in Worship, Doctrine, and Life [New …