Fathers

Father's Day is a month away.  We have a tendency to make more of Mother's Day.  There a several great "Father's" songs in the Primary Songbook that have some great messages about our fathers.  Let's learn some!

"Fathers" p. 209

• picture of a home (house)
• picture of a church
• picture of God the Father and His son, Jesus (first vision)

Sing the first verse.  Point out the rhyming words - family/me and light/right

Sing it three times with the children.

Sing the second verse.  Rhyming words are - care/there and needs/deeds

Sing it three times with the children.

Sing the third verse.   Rhyming words are - call/all and One/Son

Sing it three times with the children.

Chorus:

• Sing the chorus
• "Special" is used twice in the first phrase.  
• fathers are special
• they have a special love
• I use a word strip for the next phrase to help everyone remember the order
• watch - protect
• guide - direct
• The last phrase, point up to heaven

Sing it three times with the children.

Now try the whole song!

Father's Toolbox

Gather several tools that a dad would have or use.  If you can find a tool belt or tool box to put the tools in, that would be even better.  Label each tool (strip of paper taped on the tool) with attributes of a father, such as, helpful, good listener, good example, kind, hard worker, fun to play with, homework-helper, great chef.  Feel free to use your own ideas.   Have the children choose a tool and read the attribute.  Sing a Father's Day song or choose songs you want to review.  After singing the song, ask the children if there was an attribute in the song that a dad could have.
Examples:
I Can Be Valiant -- Dads are valiant, they serve others, etc.
I Am a Child of God  --  Dads help us find our way back to Heavenly Father
When Grandpa Comes -- Grandpas are kind and say kind things, they brighten our day

After each song choose another tool.  If time permits, have the children tell how their father has that attribute.

Puzzling Singing Time

Puzzles are great for all ages!  Enlarge this picture to the size you would like (preferably a large enough size that the children can see).  Mine is poster board size and I put it on heavy paper.  I always suggest that you laminate for durability.  Carefully cut out the puzzle pieces.  I have put Mother's Day songs and some of the Sacrament Meeting Program songs on the back of each puzzle piece.  We will sing the song and put the puzzle piece up on the board.  There are 12 puzzle pieces.  If you don't have time for 12 songs, put a few songs on the backs then on the rest have the child tell how he can help his mother or ways he shows his love and appreciation for her.  You could also have the children tell ways to choose the right.

This picture is the cover of the May issue of The Friend.  It can be used for all sorts of singing times.  Family songs, Father's Day, serving, caring for others, etc.