I Sing, You Sing: Holiday Songs: CD Kit (Book & CD)

Albrecht and Althouse have built this collection around pure pedagogical logic: the echo song format forces young singers to listen intently before singing, creating accountability and engagement that passive singing never achieves. The inclusion of a complete holiday program script with connecting verse transforms what could be a loose collection into a cohesive performance opportunity, while the activity pages ensure every song becomes a teaching moment rather than just another tune to learn.

Bright and playful, with melodies that stick in young minds. The echo format creates a call-and-response intimacy between teacher and students, turning singing into a conversation that builds confidence and community.

Classroom teachers and music specialists working with K-4 students who need a structured, engaging approach to developing ear training and vocal independence. This collection works equally well for general music classes, choir programs just beginning with young singers, and teachers seeking seasonal programming solutions.

• Start with the recorded accompaniment to establish the melodic and harmonic framework, then gradually shift to singing the echo yourself so students track your phrasing and dynamics rather than relying on the recording.
• Work through the suggested activities on each song's page before the echo exchange; students who understand the song's context and meaning will echo with better intonation and expression.
• Layer in body percussion or simple movement during echoes to deepen listening and engage kinesthetic learners, especially in lower grades where attention span is shorter.
• Use the chord symbols to add instrumental accompaniment (piano, ukulele, or Orff instruments) once students secure the melody; this builds harmonic awareness early.

Build your winter or spring concert around the included holiday program framework, using the 30 songs as flexible modules you can mix and match depending on your performance length and ensemble size. The echo song format also serves as an excellent warm-up or icebreaker for the opening minutes of class throughout the school year, regardless of the season.

• Listening and reproducing melodic contour accurately
• Pitch awareness and intonation matching
• Following a singer's phrasing, dynamics, and articulation
• Reading simple melodies with chord symbols
• Understanding seasonal vocabulary and cultural contexts
• Building vocal confidence through repetition in a low-stakes format