My Flag, My Flag

Any nationality can enjoy singing "My Flag," p. 225.  The United States celebrates its independence soon.  This is a great song to learn and it's quite easy.

Begin by singing it through for the children to hear.

• Sing the first 2 1/2 lines
• Ask the children how many times you sang "my flag?"  (6)
• Ask them to sing it with you, then ask what the two rhyming words are.  (wave and brave)
• Sing the 2 lines again
• Sing the last 2 1/2 lines
• Ask the children how many times you sang "wave on?"  (4)
• Ask them to sing it with you, then ask what the two rhyming words are. 
• (free and liberty)  
• Sing the 2 lines again
• Sing the whole song
• Tell the children that there are two phrases that are repeated in the song.  Ask if anyone can guess what one or both of the phrases are.
• Sing the song again
• Ask the children if this song can be sung in any other country.  (yes! It celebrates patriotism!)

Gather flags or pictures of flags where missionaries are serving in your branch, ward or stake and wave the flags as your sing.

Father's Day review activity

If possible, write the names of each child on a paper and put them in a bag or box.  (We have all their names on popcicle sticks in a jar.)  Choose several songs that you need to review along with some Father's Day songs.  Give the list to your pianist.  Let the pianist choose which one to sing.

• draw 5 names from the bag and ask them to tell what they like about their dad.
• Ask another child to guess what the song as the pianist plays the introduction.  Sing the song.
• draw 5 names from the bag and ask them to tell what their dads do for them. 
• Ask another child to guess what the song as the pianist plays the introduction.  Sing the song.

Continue in this fashion as long as time permits.

First Principles & Ordinances of the Gospel

The theme for June incorprorates "The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel."  Several songs are used in the month's presentations.  The Fourth Article of Faith, pg. 124, presents the theme perfectly.  Faith, pg. 96, explains the first principle - faith.  The Holy Ghost, pg. 105, is also suggested as it explains how the Holy Ghost helps us and what we need to do to receive his help.

I have written a post on how to teach the 2nd verse of Faith, which is a bit more difficult than the first verse.  Check it out on previous posts under Faith.

First Verse:  Use a picture of Christ being baptized.  Tell the children that He received the Holy Ghost right after He was baptized.  Then show the picture of The Last Supper.  Tell the children that Jesus promised the disciples that He would send another comforter once He was gone, which was the Holy ghost. Sing the first verse using the pictures to prompt the words.

*** Father's Day is just a few weeks away.  There are several posts about "Father's Day."  Check them out for ideas for activities and learning Father's Day songs.