The Holy Ghost

"The Holy Ghost" p. 105, helps children understand who the Holy Ghost is and what he does.
Begin by asking who the Holy Ghost is. Accept 3 answers then move on.
Ask what he does. Accept 3 answers then move on.

Sing the first 2 lines. Christ told his disciples that He would not always be on the earth with them, but he would not leave them alone. He would send the Holy Ghost to be with them and comfort them.
Sing the first 2 lines again. Have children sing them with you, then ask:

• What did Christ promise? Sing the 2 lines with the children.
  
• What will the Holy Ghost do? Sing the 2 lines with the children.
• What will the Holy Ghost be to us? Sing the 2 lines with the children.

Sing the last 2 lines, then ask:

• How does the Holy Ghost talk to us? Sing the last 2 lines again. Have children sing them with you
• What does "testify" mean? Sing the last 2 lines with the children.
• The Holy Ghost helps us to be happy and makes our hearts ____________. Sing the last 2 lines with the children.

Sing the whole first verse twice.
Have the boys sing the first two lines then the girls sing the last two lines. Then switch.
Have half the room sing the first two lines. The other half sings the last two lines.
Have the teachers sing the first two lines. The children sing the last two lines.

This should take about 15 to 20 minutes and the best part is that the children will know the song! The key to learning a song is repetition.

Father's Day

Father's Day is 6 weeks away. You can start teaching several Father's Day songs and they will be awesome by June 20.
"Fathers" p. 209 This is a long song so I like to teach it early so we can review it for several weeks.

Idea 1:
Use a picture of a father -- from your library or dad's in the ward.
If possible, obtain a picture of your Bishop.
Picture of Heavenly Father (I like the one in the Sacred Grove)

• Tell the children that this song is about 3 fathers. Show the pictures (in order of the song) and either tell them or let them tell you who they are.
• On a bulletin board or blackboard Put the picture of the father up with a picture of a home and family -- sing the first phrase, then have the children sing it.
• Add the word strips under the pictures: "light," "right" and "good to me." Sing the second phrase, then have the children sing it.
• Sing the 1st verse (no chorus yet) at least 3 more times pointing to the pictures on the board.

2nd verse:

• Put the picture of the bishop on the board and explain that he is the father of our ward and like a shepherd, he tends us with loving care. Make a heart with "loving care" written on it and add that to the board. Sing the first phrase, then have the children sing it.
• Use a picture of a man in a suit (the bishop) helping a child, family or elderly person. (There are several of these types of pictures in your ward library.) Sing the last phrase, then have the children sing it.
• Sing the 2nd verse (no chorus yet) at least 3 more times pointing to the pictures on the board.
• Review the 1st verse.

3rd verse

• Put the picture of Heavenly Father up on the bottom of the board so the rest of the "helps" can go above. Tell the children that He is the father of us all.
• This verse begins with (sing it) "And now we'll sing great praise and rev'rently recall." Word strips, "sing great praise" and "reverently recall" will help. Place them above the picture. Have the children sing this phrase.
• Sing the last phrase, pointing to Heavenly Father then Christ as you sing. Have the children sing this phrase, then sing the 3rd verse at least 3 times.

I teach this all one week and the chorus the next week.

Chorus:

• I sing the first phrase and have the children sing it 3 times.
• The watch us and protect us -- sing the phrase and have the children sing it 3 times.
• Sing both phrases together.
• They guide and direct us back home (heaven). Sing the phrase and have the children sing it 3 times.
• Sing the whole chorus 3 times and then add the verses.

I don't use any visuals for the chorus.

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.

Mother's Day

I Often Go Walking:
Cut out one or more:

• green clovers (shamrocks will do)
• blue flowers
• several different flower shapes (different colors)
• bouquet of flowers (artificial, real or paper)

Idea 1
Have a child or a few children hold up:

• the clover as you sing the first phrase.
• blue flowers as you sing the second phrase.
• several different flowers as you sing the third phrase.
• bouquet of flowers as you sing the forth phrase.

Idea 2
Once they know the song:

• 1st phrase - walk in place through the clover
• 2nd phrase - play like you are gathering armfuls of blossoms
• 3rd phrase - play like you are picking one flower at a time
• 4th phrase - play like you are giving the bouquet to Mother

Idea 3
Trade every other phrase:

• boys then girls
• half the room then the other half
• teachers then children
• children then piano