If you grew up singing old hymns, then you’ll love this free printable hymns sheet music for your homeschool. Not only will you add a unique twist to teaching music to your children, but you’ll also share a foundational piece of Christian church history that can be a great addition to your homeschool.
Keep reading to learn the benefits of using hymns in your homeschool, tips for how to incorporate them with any learning style, and access to pdf files of over 500 hymns originally written in the early 1900s.
Some parents experience a reluctant reader or two and often wonder how they can help their student learn to read in a less arm-pulling way. One of the first things I like to tell these parents is to introduce reading in a different way. There aren’t many children who do not like music of some kind, so having them read by singing hymns or Bible songs can do just that.
Many of the older hymns have words that we typically may not use in everyday conversation; however, there are a lot of words that can be used as vocabulary words, spelling words, and sight words.
Speaking of communication skills, hymns will give your children plenty of new vocabulary to learn and study. As they learn the meaning of new words, they’ll begin to have a deeper understanding of the songs they are singing. This can also be carried over into the way they speak, listen, and carry on everyday conversations with others.
Although hymns are not Scriptures themselves, they were written from biblical concepts and truths. Hymn books with classics like The Old Rugged Cross, Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art sing of the miraculous works and power of Jesus on the cross and how amazing His grace is towards us. You can easily pull out the truths of Scripture and use them to teach important biblical principles. In fact, here is a list of 25 hymns that I think our kids should know because they are foundational to our faith.
Hymn studies can be fun and offer a lot of context that crosses many subject areas. For starters, you and your children can look up the history behind the hymn, who wrote it, what inspired them to write it, and the like. These rabbit trails can often open up deep understanding behind the story of the author and their testimony.
No matter the age or grade, hymns can be used for quick and easy copywork lessons. If you have a new writer, consider printing out the hymn and have them trace it using a clear protector page and dry-erase marker. For more seasoned writers, challenge them to write the hymn in cursive.
Music changes over time and the same can be said about hymns. The version you learned as a child growing up in church may be different than the version sung today. Go on a hunt to find different versions, then compare and contrast them. Have a family discussion about which ones you like best and/or least.
Encourage your children to listen to hymns and draw what comes to mind. They can try to illustrate it according to the words of the song or what they feel inspired to draw. You may be surprised by what they draw. An added piece to this activity is to have them talk about their drawing or write a report to go along with it.
You don’t have to be a musically inclined family to enjoy singing and worshiping together. Sing along with music video songs you can find on YouTube or lead your own worship session using any instruments you may already have on hand. We also played good Christian music when we were in the car when they were playing, or even at nap time. We taught them lots of worship songs for children. They learned scripture songs, kids’ choruses, and hymns. Here are 5 easy piano hymns to teach children to help you get started!
Below is access to a free sheet music (public domain) printable. You’ll instantly have access to over 500 hymns, many of which were written as far back as the 1700s. They are in alphabetical order, which means you can easily find some of your favorites and even learn a few new ones. Click here to access the printable sheet music now.
These popular hymn arrangements and more, are included:
I hope you can use my tips and suggestions above to easily include this printable hymn sheet music in your homeschool. And if you’re looking for a done-for-you curriculum instead to help your kids study hymns and grow in their personal faith, family worship time, or simply for music appreciation, then I have a course for you!
Great Hymns of the Faith is perfect for all ages because such a variety of activities are included.
Here are the 10 hymns included in the course by Music in our Homeschool
In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you. Have you ever used hymns in your homeschool? If so, let me know in the comments below!
