Fun, Fall Singing Time

Often times we become so wrapped up in preparing for the Sacrament Meeting Program that we forget about the sheer enjoyment of singing.  Here a a few songs to intersperse with the program songs.  Many have actions and you can be creative with some of the words.

• Do as I'm Doing - rack leaves, pick apples, mop/vacuum the floor, bake a cake, etc.
• Fun to Do - racking leaves, eating an apple, making my bed, picking up toys, riding a scooter, etc.
• Popcorn Popping - Try these words for Autumn season:

 I looked out the window and what did I see?
Autumn leaves were falling from the tree.
Fall has brought me such a nice surprise,
Leaves all colors fall before my eyes. 
I could rake the leaves into one big pile,
A mound so high it just made me smile.
My feet began to run,
Leap and oh, what fun!
What a treat the autumn leaves can be!

Follow the Prophet Matching

Children love to sing "Follow the Prophet," p. 110.  This is one of the songs for 2015 Sacrament Program.  Many children already know at least the chorus without prompts, however, they may need some help on the 9 verses.  You can get pictures of all the prophets in the song from the library or you can try this activity.

Write the names of all the prophets in the song on the board (or make strips of paper with their names and tape them on the board).  On the other side of the board, mix up the phrases and ask the children to match the prophet with the correct phrase from the song.  Sing the verse.  You may need to sing the verse first to help them remember.  If time permits, sing the chorus after each verse.

• Adam              first one
• Enoch             so righteous
• Noah              when they saw the rain
• Abraham        12 tribes
• Moses            wilderness for 40 years
• Samuel           "Here I am."
• Jonah             Whale
• Daniel            Lion's den
• People are confused            Heed the prophet

Gathering Leaves

Whether you are reviewing or singing Fall songs, these leaves can make review or choosing time fun for the children.  Put the songs on the back and let the children "gather" the leaves and put them in a basket or a pile on the board.  Print them on colored paper or enjoy coloring them.

Sing to the Sky!

Here is an activity to cut through the norm in singing time.  Plan a review of the songs that you will be singing for any program.

• Have children stand up
• Sing to the wall
• Sing to the back wall
• Sing to the door
• Sing to the Primary President
• Sing to the piano
• Sing to the cieling
• Sing to chair in front of you
• Sing to the floor
• Sing to your neighbor
• Stand in the center o the room and have the children sing to you
• Sing with your eyes shut
• Sing standing on one foot
• Sing with your ears covered
• Hold your nose and sing (they will all laugh at this sound)
• Clap each word/syllable as you sing

The list can go on and on.  The children will never know that they are reviewing songs over and over again.
You can put these ideas on strips of paper and have the children draw one at a time out of a hat or container.

Are You Ready?

Are you ready for your Sacrament Meeting Program?  I like to have our program before General Conference each year.  This year we will be singing 13 songs and I'm proud to say the children know them all!  This translates into 13 ways we have taught the gospel through music.  We began preparing for it last October with a break for learning Thanksgiving and Christmas songs.   The reason that we sing so many songs is that ALL the children are involved in singing which means less discipline problems.  We stand for each song so the children move a little throughout the program.

As you plan your program, look for ways to involve the children.  Have a seating chart. Plan ahead so the rehearsals are organized and run smoothly.  Beware of over practicing.  We choose to rehearse 1 or 2 times for the program.  It's best to have the children fresh and they perform.

Most of all, we want the children and congregation to feel the spirit.

Smile!

A smile is worth a a million!  When you are teaching a song or any time you are in front of children, your smile should radiate your love for them.  A smile is also contagious -- so spread it generously! 

When practicing for the Sacrament Meeting Program, encourage the children to smile.  They will sing better and engage the congregation, as well.  If you  need a little help here is an idea:

• cut 2 circles out of heavy paper or cardboard
• draw a happy face on one (keep it simple)
• draw a frowny face on the other
• tape each one to a stick (paint stirring stick, large tongue depressor, etc.)

During singing time, when you see few children smiling, hold up the frowny face.  Most children will immediately smile.  Trade off  "faces"  as they sing.  This will also help them watch you.

I also use a circle or large cut out of an ear.  I hold it up when I need a little more volume as they sing - NOT YELLING.  Make sure the children know the difference.

Intensive Review!

We, including teachers and children, found one song to be quite weak after singing through all the songs for the program this fall.  This week I have chosen key words for each phrase and wrote them on strips of paper.  If a picture would work, I will use that.  On the board, place the word strips and pictures in a random order.  Ask the pianist to play the first phrase.  Have the children find the word or picture that is in the phrase.  Place it to the side of the board and then sing the phrase.  If it is still weak, sing it 2 more times.  Repeat the process on the rest of the phrases.  This may take the entire singing time but the children and teachers will know the song well.