Reviewing Is Fun

Primary is once a week and many of the children don't practice/sing the songs outside of primary so reviewing new songs is critical.  I want the children to know the songs so well that they hum or sing them while they are playing or working -- that's when the songs become apart of them.

Pass out the pictures that were used to teach "My Heavenly Father Love Me" to several children.  You could also use words or phrases from both verses printed on a strip of paper along with the pictures.  As you sing the song, ask the children to stand when their phrase or picture is sung.

If time permits, review "I Am a Child of God" by asking the pianist to play one phrase (preferably not in order).  Ask the children to sing that phrase from each verse.
Example: And He has sent me here
               And so my needs are great
               Rich blessings are in store
               His promises are sure

This activity helps the children think about the words and the melody.

The Blizzard

Cut out 25 or more snowflakes.  Snowflakes have 6 points.  If you cut circles, fold the circle in half then in thirds, it will be an "authentic" snowflake.  With it folded, snip a few slits on each side, then open it and you have a snowflake.  You will be an expert after you cut out 25.  You can also make square ones, as well.  Choose several songs you would like to review. 

Tell the children that you would like to create a "blizzard" on the board.  As the children sing, you will be watching for super singers, reverent singers, happy singers.  You will give several children a snowflake as they sing.  At the end of the song or verse, ask the children with snowflakes to put theirs up on the board.  By the end of singing time the board will be covered with snowflakes.

This activity keeps the children focused, reverent and singing.  It is best if you can have enough snowflakes for each child to put one on the board, however, this may not be possible if you have a large primary.

Valentine Singing Time

Children love holidays, as do I.  Valentine's Day is this week so hearts will be the theme for this week's singing time.  Cut out several hearts out of red, pink, white, purple paper.  They need to be about as big as your hand.  I will be using about 25 hearts.  On the back of some of the hearts (8 to10), write one phrase from a song that you are learning.  You could use phrases from "I Am a Child of God," "My Heavenly Father Loves Me," or any other favorite song.

On the board, tape all the hearts in the shape of one big heart.  Make sure the blank hearts are mixed in with the ones with phrases.  In the middle, place a large picture of Jesus (there are many to choose from).  Have one child pick a heart.  If it has a phrase on it, figure out which song and verse it comes from.  Sing the song/verse.  If they choose a blank heart, they need to tell how they can show love to Jesus (or family members, teachers, etc., all of which show our love for Jesus).  Continue as time permits.

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

There are several places to look for pictures on the internet.  The easiest is to draw them yourself but if you are not an artist, here are a few ideas.  There is a wonderful site, www.sugardoodle.net that has some great ideas and pictures.  

The primary song for February this year is "My Heavenly Father Loves Me."  Many children already know this song.  Both verses lend themselves to pictures.  

An activity that involves all primary children is to ask the children to draw a picture of one thing that we sing about in this song.  The following are words and phrases that are found in the song that children could draw a picture of.

song of a bird

blue sky

rain

wind

velvet rose

lilac tree

beautiful world

eyes - butterfly wings

ears – magical sound

life

mind

heart

Heavenly Father Loves me

If you would like the pictures before Primary, call several children and assign them one phrase or word.  Ask them to bring it to Primary or gather them prior to Primary.  You could also ask the children to bring pictures about the song all during February and display them in the primary room or hallway.  What a great way to visually see how our Heavenly Father loves us!