Keep the Commandments

We learn from Lehi and Nephi how important it is to keep the commandments that the Lord has given us. Nephi was able to get the brass plates from Laban because he obeyed the commandment to to bring the plates back to Lehi. The Liahona only showed the directions or gave instructions when the people obeyed the commandments.  They were kept safe and felt peace.  They received blessings and so can we.

"Keep the Commandments," p. 146, tells us the very things the Nephites were told.  This song has several lines that are repeated. Repetition helps us to learn and remember.

• Sing the first two lines.
• Ask the children what two things we can have if we keep the commandments.  Safety and peace 
• Sing the two lines a couple of time with the children.
• Sing the next 2 lines.
• Ask the children what Heavenly Father will send us if we keep His commandments.  Blessings
• Sing the two lines a couple of time with the children.
• The last two lines will be easy.  Sing them then have the children sing with you.
• Sing the first verse all the way through 2 times.

*Remember to review songs that you have taught in previous weeks so the children remember them.

The Iron Rod

It's important that we all take the time to teach as many hymns as we can to these Primary children.  "The Iron Rod," # 274, is perfect for this year's study of the Book of Mormon.

Begin with the first 2 lines:

• "To Nephi, seer of olden time,"
• show a picture of Nephi
• "seer" a person that can see the future such as a prophet
• "A vision came from God"
• What is a vision?
• This hymn talks about holding to "the rod of iron" in Nephi's dream.
• "Wherein the holy word sublime"
• "Holy word" - word of God
• sublime -  beauty that can inspire great admiration or awe, wonder
• "Was shown an iron rod"
• What did the iron rod represent? The word of God
• Where can we find the word of God?  The scriptures

The chorus is easy to teach by singing one line and having the children repeat it with you a few times. (3 times is my magic number).  You can use word strips for "strong, bright and true" so the children get the correct order.

The children will love this hymn - especially the chorus!

"Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus"

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is a great day to teach or review "Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus," p. 36.  It's perfect to Samuel's prophecy as we prepare for Christmas. 

The notes at the bottom of the page tells what its original title was - "Christmas in Zarahemla."  You might want to ask the children why that title was a good one and perhaps why the current title is good also.

Be sure to sing both verses and sing the chorus joyously!

"Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus"

There is never enough time to sing Christmas songs, so dive in!

"Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus," p. 36 is a great song to begin with.  The original name was "Christmas in Zarahemla." (see p. 36, footnotes)

This song begins in the minor key and tells the story of Samuel prophesy of Christ's birth.  The children may want to help tell the story.

Sing the first verse a few times with the children then sing or read the words to the second verse.  Sing the second verse a few times.

The chorus is joyous and the major key enhances the message of joy.  Sing it for the children then have them sing it with you.  Sing the entire song a few times.

You can also point out the rhyming words throughout the song.