Submitted by Dan Fee, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Idea posted October 26, 2010
I had a dull chorus once upon a time.... Here's what worked for me:
I had them stand in a circle and sing a known song (e.g., "The Star-Spangled Banner"). I told them to listen for the person on either side of them while they were singing. If students could hear the person on their right, they should raise their right hand. If students could hear the person on their left, they should raise their left hand. I could evaluate/assess by looking to see how many hands were up.
You can also promise something special if and when everyone is able to raise both hands (indicating that everyone was "singing out"). Or perhaps a prize could be awarded after "five days in a row" of singing out.