"I Stand All Amazed"

I love this hymn!  From the time I could read the hymn book, this has been a favorite.  I love how the chorus is a celebration of Christ's gift to us.  I taught this hymn to my primary last fall using sign language.  It has some beautiful signs.  The signing is on the church website.  Signing is not for everyone and I am the first to admit that it isn't easy.  Consider it only if you are up for the challenge.  The children will pick it up quickly with repetition.

In the 2014 Outline for Sharing Time on p. 26, there is a great activity to help teach this hymn.  Below is the excerpt: (GAB is Gospel Art Book)

March: “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193)

Divide the children into four groups. Give group 1 GAB 116, and sing the first phrase of the song to them. Discuss it briefly, and then have them sing it a few times with you. Continue with each group and each additional phrase (use the following pictures: group 2, GAB 108; group 3, GAB 57; group 4, GAB 56). Sing the whole first verse with each group standing, holding their picture, and singing their phrase. Invite the groups to switch pictures, and sing the song again. Repeat until each group has sung each phrase. Sing the chorus, and ask the children to listen for how many times you sing the word “wonderful.” Repeat the chorus a few times with them, and invite them to place their hands over their hearts each time they sing the word “wonderful.”

Wiggle Time

It is important to teach the gospel through music, however, singing some "active" songs during singing time helps keep wiggles under control.  Take time to learn several of these songs so you can use them when children are a little restless, seem tired, or just need a change of pace.  Here is a list of songs that can be sprinkled throughout sharing and singing time:

• Sing a Song  p. 253  Start with hands on hips then to knees, shoulders, hips, knees, etc. moving with the high and low notes of the song.  It can also be sung as a round.
• Fun to Do  p.253  Have a child choose an action then do it as you sing.  There are suggestions under the song.
• Here We Are Together  p. 261  There are several suggestions at the bottom of the page.  Children can also choose their own actions.
• If You're Happy  p. 266  There are many things you and/or the children can do while singing this song.
• Two Little Eyes  p. 268  This is a great one for younger children and can be used in classes to change activities.
• I Wiggle  p. 271   Another good "wiggle" song for younger children.
• My Hands  p. 273  This song is fun to do at a slow tempo or a very fast one.
• Roll Your Hands  p. 274  Quick action song to rest children from sitting.
• Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes  p. 275  Quick action song to rest children from sitting.  Can be sung at various tempos, too.
• To Get Quiet  p. 275  Great way to settle children down before class, sharing time or prayer.
• Do as I'm Doing  p. 276  An all time favorite with a many possibilities for movement.
• Hinges  p. 277  This song can be sung at various tempos, but try to end slowly for reverence.
• Stand Up  p. 278  You need to listen in order to do the correct actions.
• Oh, How We Love to Stand  p. 179  There are lots of different actions to do with this song.
• Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise  p. 180  When children know this well, they enjoy singing as a round.
• The Wise man and the Foolish Man  p. 281  Children love singing this song with the actions!

Because He Loves Us

My theme this week is "Because He Loves Us." 
Prepare the following word strips: (If this list is too long, choose a few to meet your needs)

• love and tenderness
• peace and holiness
• pathway we should go
• walk with men on earth
•  sacrifice and death
• have faith, have hope
• Live like His Son
• live is a gift
• a plan
• a purpose
• my choice
• home on earth
• God's light
• holding fast
• work, pray
• happy on earth
•  home above

Cut out 17 hearts (or as many hearts as you have phrases) - red, pink, white - or any color
Tape the strips to the back of the hearts (you may have to fold the strips)
Tape the hearts with the strips on the board in front of the room or on the walls around the room.

• Tell the children that the Lord has given us so many things and done so much for us all because He loves us.
• Tell them that you have spread His love all over the board or room.
• On the back of each heart is a phrase from He Sent His Son or I Will Follow God's Plan.
• Ask two or three children to pick a heart, read the phrase and have them guess which song the words are from.  
• If your phrase is from He Sent His Son, stand on the right of the room (or wherever you would like them to stand).
• If your phrase is from I Will Follow God's Plan, stand on the left side.
• Sing the song and as soon as the children hear/sing the words on the heart, have them stand up.  
• After they sing the phrase they are to sit back down because there might be another phrase from that song that they will need to stand up for.

Hopefully, you can pick all the hearts. It's better to be prepared for more time than have too little prepared. No matter how many hearts that are chosen, you will be able to sing those songs several times.  A great review!

Review Keeps it in the Brain!

I used last week's idea for singing time and it took the entire 20 minutes.  What was even more amazing was that even the sunbeams were engaged in the learning process

If you look in past post, you will also find that there was a great idea in the Feb. 2011of  The Friend.  The picture are great.  Use them both or the one that works best for you.

Then, as a review, use only pictures by mixing them up and having the children put them in order.  Sing it as many times as possible.

I Will Follow God's Plan

The song for this month is I Will Follow God's Plan, pg 164.  I have included the words and pictures that you can easily download, print and color.  Draw a path on the board and place the pictures and words along the path as shown.  Sing one phrase at a time - preferably 3 times, then place the pictures and/or words along the path for the next phrase.  Sing the phrase 3 times adding the previous phrase or phrases as you sing the new phrase the third time.

It's possible to learn the entire song in about 10 to 15 minutes but a review will be needed next week.  However, If the children become restless, review last month's song and/or sing a fun song.

I Will Follow God's Plan Download