Celebrate with Favorite Songs

When I was in primary we met one afternoon during the week.  My favorite singing time was when our music leader brought a bouquet of balloons.  She would choose one child to pop the first balloon and inside was a little slip of paper with a song written on it.  We then sang the song and awaited the next lucky child to pop a balloon.

Popping balloons in primary today is not quite appropriate, however, you can cut out several large balloons from colorful paper, tie or tape a string  on the end with a song written on the back and tape it to a wall or blackboard.  Ask a child to choose a balloon and then sing the song written on the back.  I have chosen several favorite songs that the children know very well.  We will end the year with a "bang!"

If your pianist is capable to play any song the children might choose, allow the children to choose their favorite song. 

Christmas Story in Song

This activity can take the entire sharing time.  You can shorten it by choosing fewer songs.

Choose songs from the Christmas section in the Children's Songbook that the children know.  Sing the songs in chronological order.  Some songs are about the same event or place.  Sing them in a group.  I have chosen the following songs in this order:

Samuel Tells of Baby Jesus p. 36

When Joseph Went to Bethlehem p. 38

Stars Were Gleaming  p. 37

Who Is the Child p. 46

Shepherds Carol  p. 40

Away in a Manger  p. 42

Picture a Christmas p. 50

            Christmas Bells Are Ringing p. 54
            Silent Night  # 204 in the Hymn Book 

Make name tags and tie a piece of string or yarn on each tag so the children can hang them around their neck.  As you sing about one of the people, have the children with that name tag, stand up during that song.  They will need to listen for their character.  I have chosen 6 people in the nativity and a star.  I will be giving each Sunbeam and 4 year-old a star to hold.  When we sing about the star, they will stand and hold up their star.

Girls:

• Mary
• Angel  (boys, too)

Boys:

• Joseph
• Wise Men
• Samuel
• Shepherds

Stars: as many as needed
 
Make enough tags that each child can be one of the characters.
Example:  When you sing "Samuel Tells of Baby Jesus,"   all the boys with the "Samuel" name tag will stand.  All the children sing the song.

If organized well, this is a memorable activity for the children. 

Decorate a Christmas Tree with Song

Decorating Christmas Trees is a tradition for many people around the world regardless of the climate.  Decorate a tree with the songs of Primary.  A small artificial tree or a tree cut from a green piece of poster paper will work beautifully.

Cut out several ornaments (use the patterns below if desired) from colored paper.  On the back, write the page numbers or titles of several Christmas songs - you could use songs from the Sacrament Program as well.  On the remainder of ornaments put a question mark. 

Have children choose an ornament to place on the tree.  If they choose one with a song on it, sing it.  If there is a question mark on the ornament, ask them to tell what gift they can give back to Christ.  Some examples might be: serve my family, help my mom/father, play with a younger child, visit an elderly neighbor, etc.

 I like to end with "Silent Night" or "Away in a Manger" and ask a Sunbeam to place the star on top as we sing.  A paper star cut out of yellow or gold paper with gold glitter works perfectly.

 If you are using an artificial tree, punch a hole at the top of the ornaments and tie a ribbon or string through the hole so it can be hung on the branches.  If you have a short singing time, have several children at a time choose ornaments so the tree has plenty of ornaments on it at the end of singing time.

Christmas Song Review: The Wreath

With 3 Sundays left to learn, review and most of all just sing as many Christmas songs as possible, enjoying them is most important.  We learn so much from the words that we sing.  I have posted several ideas in the past for December singing time, use them again this year. 

The Wreath and Berries:

• Cut out a large Christmas green ring - a wreath. (You can cut out holly leaves and make a wreath out of the leaves or draw leaves on the green ring.) 
• Cut out a large red bow
• Cut out several red berries.  
• On the back of the berries write the page number of a Christmas song that you would like to sing.  If you need to review it a few times, add a berry to the wreath for each time you sing the song or for each verse.
• End with one of the children's favorite Christmas song and then add the bow.

"Who Is the Child?"

"Who Is the Child?," p. 46, is a lovely song about Christ's birth.  I teach it with pictures and words.  Prepare the following:

• picture of Jesus in a manger (swaddling clothes)
• picture of a manger - a trough for feeding animals (lying asleep in the manger)
• word strip of "manger"
• picture of Mary and Joseph ( Mary and Joseph watch nearby)
• Shrug your shoulders while singing the last phrase
• word strip of "stranger."

2nd verse

• put finger to lips - meaning quiet
• draw a baby face with its eyes shut
• word strip of "sleeping"
• picture of the shepherds
• picture of angels heralding Christ's birth 
• word strip of "keeping"

(The picture in The Children's Songbook is perfect.)

Musically, you can point out how the music goes up and down:

• 1st phrase moves down
• 2nd phrase moves up
• 3rd phrase moves up higher
• 4th phrase moves down

Pointing out the rhyming words helps children to think of the words and it helps the teachers, too.
Sing the song and point to the pictures and words so the children have an idea of how the song sounds.
Sing each phrase 2 or 3 times and then put the whole song together.
Be sure to review it in the coming weeks.

Christmas Bells

Cut our several bells - Christmas colors or all yellow (gold).  On the back write the titles of a few Christmas songs that the children already know.  Choose children to pick a bell and then sing the song.  You may need to sing them more than once as a review.  You can also review the words as the pianist plays the song as a reminder for the children.

The "Thankful" Turkey

Here is a great way to sing "thankful" songs and and share things that you are thankful for - the "Thankful Turkey!"  Cut a large circle from brown paper for the turkey body.  Draw or cut out another small circle from tan or grey paper for his face.  Draw a beak and eyes and a red waddle.  Paste the face in the middle of the large circle.  Cut several hearts from all colors.  These will be the turkey's feathers - thankful feathers.  Put the hearts in a basket.  Choose songs that talk about thankfulness or favorites from the Sacrament Meeting Program.  Before you sing a song choose several children to pick a heart and tell what they are thankful for, then tape the heart around the turkey body as feathers.  You can have 10 feathers (hearts) or as many as 50 if time permits.  A challenge would be not to repeat anything that the children are thankful for.

I Am Glad for Many Things

"I Am Glad for Many Things," p. 151, is a great song showing thankfulness.  It is simple to teach because of the repetition.  Once they know the words and have sung it a few times, you can help them come up with things that they are thankful for.  Ask the children to think of something that they are thankful for.  While they are thinking for a moment, bring out the bag or basket of items that you have brought from home that we all could be thankful for.  Your basket could contain anything you feel inspired to bring such as: measuring cups, a computer mouse, a phone, disposable diaper, a toothbrush, a can of soup, tuna, peanut butter, a bar of soap, glue, scriptures, The Friend magazine, etc.  Sing the song again and in place of "many things," use one of the items you have brought.  Some of the words won't fit the three notes in the song but do your best to fit them in with a few extra notes.  You can have the children suggest things that they are thankful for and use them in the song.

As time permits, review "Autumn Day" p. 247.  Encourage the children to look around and see how many things that they are thankful for each day.

Gratitude

We can never teach gratitude enough!  If we said "thank-you" more often there would be more peace.  Those hyphenated  words are powerful, indeed. The Primary Songbook has 24 songs listed under "gratitude."  How many do the children know and how often do we sing them?  I am going to put more of these songs into our repertoire and help the children understand the importance of being thankful -- and this month is a great time to begin.

"Autumn Day" is a perfect song for this time of year.  It is about the abundance we have at harvest time.  The rhyming phrases are very helpful in learning this song.  Cut our 10 apples (I used red and yellow paper for the apples).  Make them large enough to print the word at the end of each phrase.  Draw a tree on the board and tape the apples on the tree so the children can see the words.  Sing the song for them and have them listen for the rhyming words.  Sing two phrases, then have the children sing the phrases with you.  Ask a child or two to pick the apples that match the phrases and put them in the order that we sing them.  I like to put the apples in a row under the tree.  When you have all the apples/ words in order, explain the importance of the last two phrases - or ask the children to tell why the phrases are important.  What should we learn from this song.

If time permits, sing "It's Autumntime" on page 246.  Ask the children what we could be thankful for in this song.  Answers could include: beauty, colors, our eyes that we can see the beauty, raking leaves with friends or family - thankful that we can serve, be with friends and family, etc.

Pumpkin Patch

Create a Pumpkin Patch!  Cut out 10 or 12 pumpkins out of orange paper.  I like to glue a brown or green stem on the top for each one.  Choose songs to review or songs for fun and write the titles on the back of each pumpkin.  I like to laminate the pumpkins then on a strip of paper, write the titles on each and tape one on the back of each pumpkin.  That way I can use the pumpkins again for another activity.  I like to review the Articles of Faith so I have 14 pumpkins with one Articles of Faith number on each pumpkin and on one I write the question, "Why is it important to know the Articles of Faith?"  Place the pumpkins in rows or piles and allow the children to choose one, then sing the song or answer the question.  If time permits, ask several children to answer the question.

Falltime

When it's falltime!  I love to put songs on the back of leaves or apples, tape them to a chalk-drawn tree on the board and let the children pull them off.  We sing the song and put the leaf or apple -- or both in a basket.  It's especially fun to write half of a phrase on the back of the apple or leaf from a song and have the children guess the song.  Enjoy the season!

Choosing the Right Is Fun to Do

Choosing the right is fun.  Ask the children to choose the right as they sing " Do As I'm Doing," p. 276.  They could act out raking the leaves, washing dishes, vacuuming, picking up toys, etc. 

Using "Singing a Song," p. 253, ask the children to think of actions that show choosing the right and substitute the words in the song.  Picking the apples is fun to do, making my bed is fun to do, reading the scriptures is fun to do, are a few examples.

 As a fun song for the season, sing "Rain is Falling All Around"  p. 241, only substitute leaves for rain.  These are great actions songs to help wiggly children.  Coming up with different ways and actions to choose the right helps to keep them focused.

What are we being taught?

Each song that we learn in Primary teaches us something that Jesus would like us to learn.  As you review the program songs, ask the children what we are being taught in each song.  There may be several things that they come up with.  Allow several children to share their thoughts as time permits.  Make sure you manage your time so all the songs are sung.  This activity can be tied into the coming General Conference.  Everyone who speaks will give us a message that Jesus would like us to learn.

Cookie Review

Great idea from out of town!  If you are okay with giving treats after the program here's a great way to have the children help earn one.

Choose a simple cookie recipe.  I have included one below.  As you review songs for the next several weeks for the program, have the children earn an ingredient as they sing a song beautifully.  That means knowing the words and melody, dynamics, actions (if any), smiling, singing loud enough (not shouting), etc.  Tell them that they will need to do their best to earn all the ingredients before the program.  After the program (during primary or as they leave), you will put the ingredients together and give them each a cookie.

2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup margerine or butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups chocolate chips

Cream butter and sugars
Add eggs and vanilla
Add all dry ingredients  (Do not add more flour)
Refrigerate over night
Form small balls and place on slightly greased cookie sheet
Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes  (time may vary)
Makes about 48 cookies depending on the size of each cookie

If you need more repetitions of a song, divide up the flour, eggs and chocolate chips and earn one cup or egg at a time.  You could write each ingredient on a large strip of paper and tape each ingredient to the board.  Cut out a paper mixing bowl or use a real one and let a child put the strip of paper with the ingredient written on it in the bowl.  Remind the children that the cookies will not turn out right if they don't have ALL the ingredients in the bowl.

This is a great motivator!

Choosing the Right through the Scriptures

Our theme this year is "Choose the Right."  A great way to keep that theme in the children's minds -- and the program songs, is to find ways people in the scriptures chose the right - or didn't.  Choose 7 or 8 pictures (from the ward library or your own) of people in the scriptures that depict them choosing the right.

• Lehi and the liahona
• Nephi building the ship
• Moroni and the Standard of Liberty
• 2000 Stripling Warriors
• Abraham sacrificing Issac
• Judas betraying Christ (poor choice)
• Peter denying Christ (poor choice)
• Adam and Eve leaving the Garden of Eden (poor choice)
• Joseph Smith praying in the grove
• Pioneers - crossing the plains, the crickets, building a temple, etc.

Choose your favorites or the children's favorites.  Sing one of the program songs then hold up a picture and ask the children to tell about the choice that is being made in it.  Continue singing a song and talking about one picture after the song as time permits.

Working on a Difficult Song

Sometimes in preparing for a program, we get lost in the "singing through the songs."  This week, determine which song is hard - hard to remember the words, hard to remember the melody, just plain hard, therefore it doesn't sound as good as all the rest of the songs.  Once at Primary, ask the children which one is "hard" for them.  Hopefully, it is the same one you have already determined.  Quickly tell them the story of Nephi and his brothers returning to get the plates from Laban.  Sing "Nephi's Courage."   Then explain that we have been asked to sing this hard song (which ever one you and the children have decided on).  With the Lord's help, we can do it just like Nephi did.  Sing the difficult song through.  Work on the words that are difficult to remember or go over the difficult part of the melody a few times.  Ask the children to remember to ask Heavenly Father to help them remember the words, etc. to this song and help them sing it well because "the Lord will prepare a way for them to remember and sing the song beautifully."

The Word Count

Reviewing songs in preparation for a program can become tedious.  I feel that it is my job to never let a child feel bored.  I call this activity "The Word Count."  Choose a song to be reviewed.  Choose 5 or 6 words that are repeated or a long word or one that is only used once.  For example, "Choose the Right:"

• Repeated words - choose, right
• Long word - evermore
• Word used once - wisdom, light, mark

Choose a few more songs and do the same thing.  List all the words on the board.  Ask the children to keep track of the words that they sing while they review (sing) the songs.  You could also have one or two children come to the board and mark next to the word when it is sung. 

The children will focus on the words as well as on the activity.

Choosing the Right

Our program this year is all about choosing the right.  After the children sing one of the program songs, ask them to tell you 3 things that they sang about the would help them choose the right - or how the song fits into the theme of "Choose the Right."  You may want to tell them what they are listening for before they sing each song.  This activity will help them understand what and why they are singing each song.

Under the Chair Review

This idea is an old one and I remember loving it when I was in Primary.  Write the title of each song on a strip of paper.  You can be fancy and use a shape -- circle, apple, flower, CTR shield, etc.  On 4 or 5 other pieces of paper or shapes write "How can I choose the right each day?"  Before Primary (if possible) tape them under several chairs in the room - make sure each class has at least one. (You can also tape them around the room and ask a child to pick one if under the chair will be too disruptive.) Ask one class at a time to look under their chairs.  Have the one with the paper on it read it and answer the question or if it is a song, have the whole Primary sing it.  Continue as you have time.

Watermelon Review

As we gear up for our annual primary program, there is no such thing as too much review.  However, it can become very boring!  Our job is to put pizazz into review so no one knows that we are reviewing.

Cut several 1 inch rings out of green paper (you could color them using white paper if you would prefer).  Cut circles out of red paper big enough to fit into the green rings.  Glue the ring to the red circle.  Allow to dry.  This is now a slice of watermelon.  You could add a few black seeds to create a realistic look.  Cut the circle into wedges - I like 6 to 8 pieces.  The more wedges you have the more reviewing you can do.  On the back of each wedge write the name of each song you need to review.  I put the title of each song on 3 wedges to ensure that we sing the songs several times.

Put the the wedges on the board in circles - 3 or 4 circles (slices of watermelon).  Draw a large plate at the bottom of the board.  Have children choose a wedge from the slices and place them on the serving plate.  Try to fill the entire plate by choosing all the wedges.  Sing the song on the back each time a wedge is placed on the plate.  Try not to waste too much time in the choosing process - the goal is to sing, sing, sing!

Olympic Review

It's review time!  Make a list, large enough for the children to see, of all the songs that your Primary will be singing for the Primary Sacrament Program this fall.  Sing through each song.  After each song, ask the  children to rank or grade it with a "10" being awesome and "1" needing a lot of work.  You could ask 3 teachers and 3 children to be the judges and hold up a number much like the Olympics.  Make sure you record the grade.  Next week work on the song that receives the lowest mark.

This is a great way to help the children "own" the songs and know which ones need improvement.

Wheels a'turning

In honor of our pioneers, we are making a wagon wheel.  Using a large piece of black paper, cut a large circle, then cut the middle out leaving a large ring about 1 inch thick.  Cut a small circle for the middle of the wheel.  Now cut spokes for the wheel out of brown paper.  (If you would prefer use brightly colored paper for the wheel and spokes -  the children will love the colors!)  Depending on the time, put a phrase from several songs on the back of each spoke.  Have the children guess the song and then sing it.  See how many spokes you can put in the wheel.

Stars in the Sky

July is a great time to reflect on our pioneer heritage.  This activity is perfect for reviewing program songs or pioneer songs.

Use a large picture of a covered wagon or handcart (clipart or a picture from the library).  Place the picture in the middle of the board.  Cut out several stars (your choice of colors).  I have a bag of 50 or more stars that I have saved.  Tell the children that the pioneers slept under the stars each night.  Our goal is to put as many stars in the sky as possible.  Each time you sing a song or verse, ask a few children to choose a star and put it up on the board.  Choose the songs that need reviewing.  If the song needs to be repeated allow more stars on the board.

Activities such as this one keeps the children focused during singing time and as they sing songs more than once.

Whenever I Think about Pioneers

Regardless of where you live, July 24 is an important date to all of us.  It is important enough to sing about!  "Whenever I Think about Pioneers"  p. 222, is a great song to sing this month.  I teach all 4 verses to the children and then we work on the duet - verses 3 and 4 (which are almost the same but different melody). 
1st verse: use a picture of pioneers and talk about the children that came, too.  Sing the verse then have the children sing it a few times.
2nd verse: I use 1 or 2 words from each line - play games, fun, slept and measured.  I tell them about what "measured journey" means.  the pioneers measured the circumference of a wagon wheel and a counter was placed on the wheel to count the rotations and that's how they measured their journey.  Sing the verse. be sure to tell the children that it is a different melody.  Have the pianist play it through while you sing it.
3rd and 4th verses: you could write the two verses side by side on a poster or chalk board and then look at the differences.  Sing them both to see how they fit with the music.  Then try singing them as a duet. 

This may take two weeks to complete.

Patriotism

Every year I try to sing about patriotism.  In the Children's Songbook, p. 224, is a great song for any nationality.  I have picture prompts of a desert, mountains with pine trees, snowy landscape or an iceberg, and a heart for the first verse.  The second verse, I have a picture of a crown, a heart with the word "country" in the middle and the words "honest and free."   This is easy to teach with the picture helps.  If time and space permit, obtain your country's flag and have the children march around the room (or outside) singing this song several times.

Reviewing Songs

It's review time!  During the summer I like to review songs.  Children are in and out of town on vacation so reviewing works well to help keep the songs in the minds of the children and teachers, too.

Divide the children in half -- one side of the room and the other side, boys and girls, etc.  Make sure that there is a variety of ages on each side.  Have one side sing a phrase then have the other side sing the next phrase.  Continue through the song.  Have the teachers sing one verse then the children.  It's best if the children sing an entire phrase or more so they review songs with continuity.  Singing soft and loud is also a great variation in reviewing songs.

Father's Day Tie

This Sunday is Father's Day.  We will sign a tie for each member of the bishopric and give it to them after primary.

Draw and cut out a large tie from heavy paper - card stock or poster board.  Down the center write "We love you!"  Choose several songs to sing (review songs and/or Father's Day songs) during this activity.  Explain to the children that the bishopric do many things for us and spend a lot of time serving us.  To show our appreciation to them on this Father's Day, we will be signing these "ties" and give it to them as a thank-you.  The 3 and 4 year-olds could draw a smiley face in place of their name.  If your primary is large, choose a child from each class to write their class name on each "tie" - or 3 from each class to write their class name on one "tie" each.  After you sing a song or verse, invite a few children to come and sign the "ties."  Use colorful markers, crayons or pencils to sign names.  Always encourage the children to sing so they can come up and sign the tie.

Invite the bishopric to come to primary at the end and present them with their "tie."  You could also take the "ties" to the bishopric's office after primary and present them to each bishopric member.

As we draw closer to "Father's Day" I thought it would be fun to use Dad's toolbox.  You can use pictures or cutouts of tools or the real thing.  This is a great review activity.  You will need several tools: hammer, screw driver, wrench, large nail, a large nut and bolt, saw, tape measure, level, paint brush, sand paper.  You could use pictures of them if you prefer.  Tape a song you would like to review on each tool.  Tell the children that we are going to help Dad put his tools away in his tool box (or a large box).  Choose a child to pick one tool, then sing the song taped to that tool.  Use "Father's Day" songs, too.

"Nephi's Courage"

In The Friend magazine, February issue, the inside back page has a Book of Mormon scripture cutout of Nephi and Laman and Lemuel.  In the April issue there is a cutout of Zeezrom.  I am using him as Laban because he has a frown.  If you want them bigger, enlarge them.  Color an outline of a book brass color to look like the brass plates.  Use these pictures to teach the first verse of "Nephi's Courage."

The second verse, use the picture in the Children's Songbook on page 120 - Nephi building a boat.  Use the cutouts of Laman and Lemuel from the first verse.  Ask two children to be Laman and Lemuel laughing and pointing.  Put all pictures and children in order and sing the second verse.

Draw a picture of the 10 commandment tablets.(1st phrase)  Make a picture of the CTR shield. (2nd phrase)  Draw a frowny face.(3rd phrase)   Write the word "reply" on a word strip. (4th phrase)  Sing the third verse.

Chorus: Write "GO" and "DO" on two word strips or signs.  I attached the words to a stick so the children can hold them when we sing the words.  Sing the chorus for the children then have them sing it with you.

This activity can be divided into 4 weeks or less if time permits.  Once the children know this song, it will be a favorite!

"Fathers" - Another Activity

I have shared a post about "Fathers" p. 209, last year.  You can look that one up from the labels.  Here is a different activity as we review it for Father's Day.

If possible, obtain a picture of a one of the children's father, one of the bishop and on Christ -- preferably large enough for the children to see.  On strips of paper, print a word or phrase from each verse.  I am using yellow paper for the strips.  Place the picture of a father on the board.  Place the word/phrase strips streaming from the picture around it (like sunbeams).  Sing the verse.  Do the same for each verse.  Cut out a large red heart.  Around it place words or phrases from the chorus around the heart -- like sunbeams.  Sing the chorus.  If time permits, gradually take off the word strips and sing the song with only the picture of the fathers and heart.

Primary Color Choir

A fun way to review songs is creating a "Primary Color Choir!"  Ask everyone who is wearing red to stand up. (You can determine if shades of a color are allowed.)  Have these children come to the front and sing a song, with their best voices.  (I use a song from this year's Program.)  Once they finish the song have them take their seats.  Ask everyone who is wearing blue to stand and repeat the process, however have them sing a different song.  After they are seated, ask those wearing yellow to come up and sing a different song.  There may be some children wearing all of the colors so they will be singing in all the choirs.  You can continue this activity using different colors as time permits.  This is a great activity because it mixes the children up.  Be sure to remind those listening to the choir to be polite and listen reverently.

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.

The Memory Game

I have shared the memory game last year but when you use different songs, you need to make different matches.  The challenge in primary is that you have readers and non-readers, so here are a couple of ways to make this activity work for everyone.

If you used pictures, drawings or word prompts to teach any of the songs that you would like to review in the memory game, gather them.  Make sure you label what song they come from.  Write the titles of all the songs to be reviewed on a piece of paper (8 1/2 x 11 preferably), one title per page.  I make 2 matches for each song (you can make more).  Then tape or glue the paper with titles and pictures or words on the same colored paper so the words and picture won't show through.  I like to use a pin board because it's easy to turn them back and forth.  Pin all the pictures and words to the board in a square or rectangle face to the board so only the colored paper is showing (or try a different shape - circles are fun).  Let a young child choose the first paper to turn and let an older child choose the second paper.  If they are a match, sing the song.  Continue until all the papers have been matched.  This can be a longer activity.

Shortened version:
Have all the titles pinned on the board so they can be read.  Pin the pictures and/or words facing the board so only the colored paper shows.  Have children turn the papers and match them to the song.  Sing the song.

Examples:
a picture of blue flowers    matches
     "I Often Go Walking"
a picture of children at Jesus' feet     matches
     "As a Child of God"
a picture of Nephi getting the plates from Laban     matches
     "Nephi's Courage" (1st verse)
a picture of Nephi building a ship     matches
     "Nephi's Courage" (2nd verse)
words "when I'm discouraged"     matches
     "Nephi's Courage" (3rd verse)
a picture of a rock or a house on a rock     matches
     "The Wise Man"
a picture of some sand or a house on sand     matches
     "The Wise Man"
a picture of a child helping a neighbor     matches
     "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus"

p.s. You are welcome to request help with a song, etc.

Popcorn Popping!

Begin singing time with "Popcorn Popping,"  p. 242.  Prepare the board with a large branch from a tree - drawn on the board or tape one that is cut out of brown paper.  Make sure there are a few branches.  Cut out about 40 blossoms from pink, dark pink, purple and white colored paper.  The blossoms can be as simple as a 2 to 3 inch circles or elaborate with petals.  On the back of 5 to 7 blossoms write the names of songs that you would like to review.  If you would like, write "choose your favorite" on a couple blossoms.  Explain to the children that Spring is popping out everywhere.  Sprinkle the blossoms on the floor or put them in a basket.  Tell the children that you will choose 4 or 5 children to put a blossom on the tree branch after each song.  If they choose a blossom with a song on it, sing that song or the child's favorite.  If more songs are chosen from the 4 or 5 children, sing each song but continue to choose super singers after each song to help get all the blossoms on the branch by the end of singing time.  If time permits, sing "Popcorn Popping,"  p. 242 at the end.

Umbrella Singing Time

How about "Singing in the Rain" under an umbrella!  Print as many umbrellas as you have songs or phrases to sing and teach.  Print them on colored paper or color them yourself.  On the pack tape the song title or phrase of a new song to learn.  Put the umbrellas in a basket or other container.  Choose super singers to pick an umbrella and tape it to the board where you have drawn a number of raindrops.  If you have time, you can draw or cut out stick-figure children to place on the bottom of the board and have the children place the umbrellas above them so they don't get wet.  This is a great way to review songs!

Songs about Jesus

This month's song is your choice - a song about Jesus.  In the Sacrament Meeting Outline, page 9, there are some suggestions on teaching "He Sent His Son" CS p. 34 - 35.  This is a great song that teaches the children some of the things Jesus taught us.  Counting how many times we sing "His son" is a good way to keep the children focused.

Another song about Jesus is "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus," CS p. 57.  Use pictures that illustrate the phrases of the song such as:

• Children gathered around Jesus
• Healing the lepers or the good Samaritan
• Christ by the seashore or walking on water

Make sure the you repeat the phrases several times if the children are not familiar with the song.

Easter Week

Write the follow events on a paper then fold it and put it in a plastic Easter Egg.

• Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem
•  The Last Supper  (washing the apostles' feet)
• Jesus praying in Gethsemane
• Peter's denial
• The crucifixion
• Burial of Jesus
• Mary and the Resurrected Lord

Obtain the pictures of each of these events -- it is a good visual for the children.

Choose 7 songs that go along with the Easter theme or about Jesus.  Place the eggs in a basket.  Write the numbers 1 - 7 on the board.  Place the pictures on the floor or on the board in a scrambled order. Explain to the children that they will be putting the pictures in order of when each event happened the last week of Christ's life.  Choose a child from each class or pick names from a jar with all the children's names in it.  Let the child choose an egg and read what the event was.  Sing a song.  While you are singing have the children decide where that event (and picture) goes in order of when it happened.  Repeat until all the pictures are up in order.  Always share your testimony -- it will have great impact on the children as they remember their Primary experiences.

Twelve Apostle Matching

Obtain pictures of the Quorum of the Twelve.  (There is a link for these pictures two posts ago.)  Make sure their names are NOT on the picture.  Print the name of each apostle on a strip of paper or you can write them on the board.  Tape the pictures in random order on the board.  The children's job is to match the name to the apostle.  You can also add the first Presidency which will equal 15.  Choose 5 songs to sing and after each song let 3 children try to match 3 names - teachers may help.  Sing another song and do the same.  Make sure you watch the time and keep the activity moving so you can complete the matching by the end of singing time.  Challenge the children to tally how many times President Monson speaks this General Conference and tell one thing that he tells us.  Plan time in primary to share their findings in the coming weeks.

The "Acronym" Game

Write "THOMAS S. MONSON" in a column down the left side of the board.  There are 13 letters.  The goal is to write a word that begins with each letter that has to do with Conference.  After the children sing a song or verse, choose a child or class to think of a word that begins with the letter in Pres. Monson's name that goes along with General Conference.  Here are a few examples:
Testify
Honor or honesty or Heavenly Father
Obey or obedience
Missionaries
Atonement, ancestors
Service

If time permits, sing 13 songs or verses.  You could also ask two children or classes to think of a word after each song or verse sung. 

Choose the Right with the General Authorities

Obtain a picture of the current twelve apostles and the first Presidency.  This equals 15 pictures.  The meeting house library has them or you can click here and down load them from the Church website.  They need to be large enough so the children can see them.  In the hymn, "Choose the Right" we sing "right" 6 times.  Every time the children sing "right" put up a picture of a general authority.  You may want to put a number on the board and place the men in order -- just as they are on the website.  You can also see the order in the March Friend on page 40.  Note: You will need to sing the hymn 3 times in order to get all 15 pictures on the board. 

When the children see pictures of the General Authorities and hear their names, it will help them listen for them as they listen to General Conference.

* Remember to save all your visual aids and keep them organized so you can use them again.

This is a great month to get ready for General Conference.  The March issue of The Friend, page 26, has a great picture page.  I downloaded the page from the Church website.  I enlarged each square to about a 6 inch square, then cut each one out and laminated each square.  This week I will place them on the sides or the board.  As we sing our songs (I'm using the songs from the 2012 Sacrament Meeting Program), I'll ask one or two children to find a picture that we sang about or has the word in the song.  We will then try to make a large square of pictures.

I will be using these pictures for the rest of the month to help the children listen for these words.  By April 1, 2012, they will be ready to listen to Conference and find these words as they listen to each speaker and songs that are sung.  Each week this month I will post a new activity.

Singing with Children with Disabilities

The February Ensign 2012 has a great article on working with children who have disabilities and other challenges.  Our primary has had opportunities to serve these precious children.  Using pictures and having them help hold them has encouraged their participation.  Also, having them help put up various things on the board depending on the activity has helped them feel apart of primary.

One thing that I have found is that too much noise -- whether it be singing, laughing or talking, can be a source of anxiousness in children with learning challenges.  Always encourage children to sing reverently.  Shouting is NOT singing, nor is screaming.

 I cut 8 inch circles from brightly colored card stock.  I printed the dynamic symbols below on 5 circles. (I did a quick search for these symbols on the internet.)  Then, tape a tongue depressor stick or paint stick on the back of each circle to use as a handle.  I explained each symbol's meaning.  The children enjoy watching carefully so they can sing the proper dynamic level.  The children will enjoy taking a turn holding them up, also.

Teacher, We Love You!

February is a great month to show our love and appreciation to others,  Here is an idea to show appreciation for our teachers.  Cut out about 20 or more hearts the size of a hand using red and pink paper.  Print the words in large print: "We Love You!"  Choose several songs to sing that the children love to sing.  (They will sing them well if they know them.)  After the children sing each song, have several children put a heart on the board in the shape of a large heart. When the heart is complete, put up the words "We Love You" and ask the children to say it to the teachers.

Choose the Right Ideas

"Choose the Right" is the hymn for this month.  I teach the sign language to the hymns each year.  If you are interested, you can follow this link to watch the sign language.  Even if you do just a few signs it will be a help to the children as they learn the hymn.

Another option is to teach the chorus this week. Cut out the following:

•  3 hearts (red or pink) 
• a white heart with an arrow pointing up (you could make the arrow red)
• a yellow circle for the sun (light)
• a circle with a happy face drawn on it 

Write the words to the chorus on the board.  Every time it says "Choose the right" put a heart up instead.  The white heart is in place of the words "mark the way before."  In place of "In the light," place the sun there and the happy face in place of the words, "bless you evermore."  Explain to the children what the symbols stand for then sing the chorus.  Sing it enough times that you can erase the words and just sing it with the symbols.  Make sure you review last month's song, "As a Child of God."

Build an Igloo

Draw an Igloo -- it's as easy as drawing a half circle.  Cut out a door, then cute the Igloo into "ice bricks."  Cut them as big or as small as you would like.  The children can put the Igloo together brick by brick after each phrase learned well or each time it is sung, or after each song is sung.  You can ask several children to put up a brick as a reward for singing in their best voices, or for being reverent in between songs.  Try to have the entire Igloo built by the end of sharing or singing time.

"As a Child of God"

"As a Child of God" has a powerful message.  The melody is simple which helps us focus on the message.  I chose pictures to teach each set of two lines. 
First two lines: A picture of a baby, of the earth and a family
Lines 3 and 4: A picture of a happy family and a heart with "love" written in the heart
Lines 5 and 6: A picture of a house and a child doing service (cleaning, yard work, visiting the elderly)
Chorus: A picture of a child with Christ, a light (light bulb, flashlight), a "CTR" shield

As you show each set of pictures, sing the two lines while pointing to the pictures.  Singing the phrases 3 times helps the children hear the melody.  Have the children sing the phrases 3 times, then move on to the next two lines.  Sing the whole song once all phrases have been learned.