"Mother, Tell Me a Story"

"Mother, Tell Me a Story" p. 204, is a great song to teach the children. Ask the Sister teachers to sing the "mother" verse and after, have everyone sing the duet.  You could also ask someone in your ward that sings to learn the "mother" part (second verse) and then do the duet.  I could be a perfect "special number" for next week - Mother's Day!

Mother, Tell Me a Story

"Mother, Tell Me a Story," p. 204, is perfect in adding a variety if you are planning a little Mother's Day program.  Teaching children this song can be quite easy by using your hands and arms as you sing.  Every time you sing "love," put both hands over your heart.

• Mother, tell me a story - act like you are holding a book with your hands
• that I love (hands over your heart) to hear - point to ear
• Tell me of heaven - point up
• and why I came here - both hands point to the children
• Mother, tell how you love me - hands over your heart then point to yourself
• and gently speak - put one finger to your lips as if to say "shhhhhh"
• and then I will go to sleep - put both hands to the side of your face as if a pillow and shut your eyes

Ask all the female teachers to learn the "Mother" part or ask a soloist to sing the second part with the children.  I have the children sing first by themselves then sing it again with the second part (Mother part).  A flutist  or violinist could also play the second part as the children sing.

Mother's Day Tell Me a Story, Duet

Mother, Tell Me a Story

This is a great "stand alone" or adult and children duet. I like to have the children sing by themselves then teachers or a few mothers (alto).

1st phrase: close your hands and open like a book, then point to your ear.

2nd phrase: point up to heaven then point down to earth.

3rd phrase: cross your arms across yourself as to give a hug, then point to your mouth. Most children miss the word "how." Make a word strip with "HOW" on it and hold it up as you finish the 2nd phrase to help remind them.

4th phrase: put your hands together next to your cheek and lean that way as if you were sleeping.

The children like these simple actions. If your use the adult duet part, make sure you practice with the children so they know what it sounds like and what to expect.