Our Heritage

This time of year I think it is important to remember those who sacrificed so The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints could spread throughout the world.  Regardless of whether you have ancestors who crossed the plains or where among the first branches all over the world, we thank them for their sacrifices.

Choose a few songs from the "Heritage" section of the Primary Children's Songbook, p.214 - 223.

Ask the children, and teachers if they know of any stories about their ancestors becoming members of the church.

Read the words of the songs and ask what sacrifices the pioneer children made to leave their homes and walk hundreds of miles.

Sing some of the songs.
Remember to review the songs that you have been teaching.

I'm Glad to Pay a Tithing

There are two great songs in the Primary Songbook that teach about tithing.  We talk about tithing in primary but rarely sing about it.  The lesson and melody are simple yet both songs are great learning tools.

I'm Glad to Pay a Tithing, p. 150, talks about all the things God has given to us.

First verse: Pictures are easy - sun, rain and meadowlark (a bird).

• First line - sing it twice, then have the children sing it a few times.
• Second line - Use the pictures and sing it twice, then have the children sing it a few times.
• Sing the entire first verse

Second verse: Show a tithing envelope and receipt, draw 10 pennies or tape real ones to a poster and circle the tenth one.

• First line - Show the receipt and envelope and the poster of pennies.  Sing the first phrase twice. (The children will recognize the melody.) Have the children sing it a few times.
• Second line - Sing the last line then have the children sing it a few times.
• Sing the second verse
• Sing the whole song.  
• Review this song next week so the children remember it.

Finish singing time (if time remains) with a "movement" song such as Do as I'm Doing.  Conclude with singing the tithing song one more time.