Word Hints

As I have been working with the children to memorize the Sacrament Meeting Songs, I find that there are a few words that they are singing incorrectly.  I put each word on a small circle (6 to 8 inches wide - I like a circle shape) then taped it to a popsicle stick.  I hold it up just before we sing the song and it's just enough to remind them to sing the correct word.

Focus

Practicing for the "big" performance can be tedious.  I like to use signs like "P" for piano or soft and "F" for forte or loud.  I also use a "Hum" sign as well as a "boys" and "girls" sign.  This helps keep the children focused on me.  They quite enjoy the changes.

5 Star Singing

Reviewing songs prior to a preformance is critical.  However, the process has to have some "pizazz!"  Cut out several stars in varying colors or all one color.  Make them at least 3" in diameter.  Write out each song title on the board or make large word strips of each title (so you can use them again).  They can be listed in any order.  Sing each song and then ask by show of hands (this can be totally silent) how many stars the singing was worth.  Example:

• Do we know this song well enough for 1 star?
• 2 stars?
• 3 stars?
• 4 stars?
• 5 stars?  This would mean that they all know the words memorized and sing it the "best."

Place the number of stars next to the title.  This visual will help the children see which songs need extra work.  In two weeks try this again to see improvement.  Make sure you write down how many stars each song received the first time you did this activity.