I was in the same boat you are in, so at school we used repeated Anglican chant tunes. Anglican chant was created for singing in English and after the third week, the students took over deciding what words go with each note, and practiced it themselves.

You use the same tune week after week, switching to another one only after they can sing the first one in their sleep.

There are some simple rules attached that explain was to work with the words.

These are sung with the rhythm of the words...meaning, you speak the line and then sing it the same way, just change pitches.

The choice of which words go where are a matter of taste is called "pointing". You will find different ways to fit the words. Some people get into heated arguments about which ones to choose. That appears to be normal behavior for some reason or other!

Gregorian chant psalm tones are more difficult since they are designed to start on a note but, depending where it fits in, end on another one - since they are sung with specific chants. Also, the moving notes are written to match Latin word structure.

Anglican chant matches English.

This way you do not have to learn new music every day...instead you and the students can focus on getting better and better at singing.

Feel free to contact me if you need any help. We are preparing some audio files...

noel@frogmusic.com

Here's an interesting page about hating singing the psalms, as well.

http://www.stutler.cc/russ/sing_psalms.html

I doubt that "a classroom teacher who just happens to be able to play the piano." will have the energy and time to learn to play and sing a new psalm every day.

CharlesW should have some thoughts on that aspect. I think that it's helpful to try to meet people on their own level whenever possible.

Thank you! Yes, we have school Mass only on Wednesdays. Since I am a classroom teacher, I don't have time to practice with the students either. I'll check out both your suggestions. I really appreciate you taking time to go over this with me.