Blossom Tree

This is a great "Spring" choosing time.  Cut out several flowers - all different colors.  Draw a large tree on the board (you can cut one out of brown paper if you choose).  In a basket, place all the flowers with songs on the back.  On some of the flowers put a question mark.  Have children choose a blossom to put on the tree.  If it has a song on it, sing it.  If it has a question mark, ask them to tell what Heavenly Father blesses us with, particularly in the Spring.  You can also have some blossoms to give to reverent children to place on the tree.  Try to cover the tree with flowers by the end of singing time.

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.

I Often Go Walking

Mother's Day is a month away.  If you need to teach or review some Mother's day songs, now is the time.  One of my favorites is "I Often Go Walking" on p.202.  I have several "prompts" for phrases that help the children.
First verse:
  1st line - cut-out of a green clover 
  2nd line - several stems of artificial or paper blue flowers
  3rd line - act like you are picking flowers
  4th line - point to flowers and then point to the children

Second verse:
  1st line - cut out a few hearts with love written on them and put them on a stick to look like a flower
  2nd line - a bottle of perfume or smell a flower
  3rd line - use a picture of a field of flowers
  4th line - show a picture of a mother

The first verse is beautiful but the second verse tells about the heart and soul of loving a mother.  There is also a post on this same song last year.  You may choose to use those ideas, as well.