I'm Thankful for Christmas

I love the Christmas songs and the season never lasts long enough - for me, anyway. 

Choose some songs familiar to the children - I'm using all Christmas songs.  Don't forget to try some Christmas hymns from the Hymn Book - "Silent Night," "Joy to the World," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," and others the children might be familiar with.  Print the titles on strips of paper.  Cut out shapes of Christmas ornaments from colored paper or use real ornaments.  Tape the strips of paper on the back or bottom or the ornaments.  Tie a long piece of ribbon (yarn, string, curling ribbon) about 3 feet long onto each ornament.  Hang them from the top of the board so they dangle down. 

Tell the children that the greatest gift God gave us was His son.  Christmas is a time to celebrate His birth and to be grateful for for His life.  Ask the children to think of something that they are thankful for this past week.  Choose a child to share their thoughts and then have them choose an ornament.  Sing the song.  After the song, you could ask what in the song could we be thankful for, or continue choosing a child to share their thoughts and then picking an ornament.

Some ideas could be: getting together as families, quiet times with family, giving a special gift to someone, enjoying special holiday foods or family dinners.

Christmas Nativity

The Christmas songs in the Primary Songbook tell the story of the nativity so beautifully.  Without "lavish" costumes, you can have a "nativity" scene for each song that you choose.  Here are a few ideas for a fun activity this week or next week.  I have done it both weeks with different songs.  The children love it!

One example:

• Samuel Tell of the Baby Jesus p. 26
• Samuel stands as if on a wall
• Mary holds a doll  of to the side as if in a vision
• When Joseph Went to Bethlehem  p. 38
• Joseph acts out the words while the children sing
• Mary walks with Joseph
• Joseph sits beside Mary as she holds baby Jesus. He smooths the baby's blanket
•  Joseph turns down the lamp (acts this out) then holds the baby
• Away in a Manger  p. 42
• Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus act out the words as the children sing
• Picture a Christmas  p. 50
•  Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus sit to the side.  Angel stands behind.  A child holds up a star behind them.  two or three shepherds kneel close by.
• Stage a family (using the children) as if having a family home evening talking about the nativity
• Sing both verses

Substitute songs that the children know.  Choose different children for each song.

Thanksgiving - Pluck a Feather

I will be using my turkey this week.  I am putting several "thankful" songs on the back of each feather plus a few favorite songs and a couple of Article of Faith songs.  A child will come will come and pick a feather and we will sing that song.  Continue until there are no feathers left or time runs out.

Here is a sample of  the Turkey that I use:

For Thy Bounteous Blessings

Another great "thankful" song is "For Thy Bounteous Blessings," p. 21.  It is written in a minor key and there are not too many in the Primary Songbook that are.  It is also a round.  Learn it as written then learn it in the major key.  All you have to do is play the exact same notes with no flats except B flat.  Leave the B natural on the last line on the word loving-kindness.  Ask the children which version they like best.  Once they know it, try singing it in a round.  Try two parts first and then try 3 and 4 parts.  There are small circled numbers within the song that tell you when to begin each part.

For Health and Strength

"For Health and Strength" p. 21 is a fun song to add to our thankful songs.  It can be sung as a round.  First, sing the song several times so the children know it well.  Then divide the primary in half and have one side begin and sing it all the way through.  Have the other half begin singing from the beginning when the first group sings "and."  Trade sides and have the other side begin and the first side begin second.

The teachers will be a big help if your primary has never sung songs like this.  If you are especially adventurous, divide the room in fourths and have each group begin as it shows in the songbook.  Try having everyone stand up.  As each group finishes singing, have them sit down.  the last group will be the last to sit down.

Make sure that you review thankful songs that you recently learned.  This will help the children retain them for next year.

Thankful Song

This month is a great time to learn some of the "thankful" songs in the Primary Songbook.  "I Am Glad for Many Things," p. 151 is fun to sing.  After you sing the first verse, sing it again but instead of singing "many things," substitute something that you are thankful for, such as "Primary."  Ask the children to think of what they are thankful for and use their ideas in the song.  You could sing as many verses as you'd like as the children share their thankfulness.  End with the last verse to tie all the thankfulness together.

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.

1 though 10 - How well do you know your songs?

As we continue to review and prepare for the Sacrament Meeting Program, I like to see how the children judge their knowledge of the songs. 

• Make 10 cards (quarter sheets of paper or card stock)
• Number them 1 through 10 - one number on each card

I made 5 sets of ten cards.  Choose 5 children to be "judges."  I like to have one or two teachers judge, too.
Sing one of the songs for the program.  Ask the judges to hold up one card to "grade" how well the primary sang the song.
Ten - awesome
Five - ok
One - needs a lot of work
The rest of the numbers fit in between.

Continue singing the songs and grading them.  Choose different judges for each song.
This also helps you know which songs need a little extra work

Spot the Dot

We are in the "review" mode as we draw closer to "Program" time.  There are many "review" posts on this blog that might be helpful.  Check them out and remember that it's okay to reuse your ideas and visuals.

Spot the Dot is perfect for review.

• Choose short phrases or one or two words from each song.  
• Print each of them on 11" x 8 1/2" paper  
• Cut large circles of colored paper - enough circles to equal the phrases or words that you have chosen.  (My circles are 8 1/2" in diameter. I also laminate the circles so I can use them for other activities.)
• Place the dots on the board (any pattern)
• Put the words or phrase on top of the dots
• Sing one of the songs
• Ask the children to "Spot the Dot" when they sing the words or phrase from the song.
• Move the dot with the words to the perimeter of the board (Non-readers can help with this)
• The goal is to move all the dots to the perimeter.
• Continue singing the songs and spotting the dot

Picture Review

I was recently asked if I do something different every week in Primary singing time.  Absolutely not!  I have several activities for each holiday, many, many review activities and I definitely use ideas over again, especially the ones the children love.  "Singo" is a favorite as is any matching activity. 

This week I am gathering one or two pictures that I used to teach all the songs so far for the program (a picture per song or verse).  I will put them on the board and ask a child to choose a picture and tell what song it belongs to.  We will then sing it.  I try to choose pictures that don't totally give the song away so the children have to think a little.

Wagon Train

The closer we get to the Sacrament meeting program the more we need to keep up all the songs.  In honor of "Pioneer Day,"  I'm making a wagon train that will go across the board.  Decide how many songs you would like to review.  Cut out enough covered wagons to equal the number of songs you would like to review.  Remember you can use one wagon per verse if you want a longer train.  Tape the titles on the back of the wagons. 

Tape the wagons across the board and have the children take one at a time off and sing that song.  Or you can place the wagons on the floor in a line in "ready" position to start the trek to Utah.  Have the children make the wagon train and place one wagon up on the board and sing the song on the back.

Click on the image below to print a larger size.

Why are we baptized?

"Baptism" on p. 100 can always use some review.  There is a lot of doctrine taught in those 3 verses.  I like to use the picture of John the Baptist in the Jordan River with Christ for the first verse.  Help the children know that it was Jesus who asked to be baptized.

In the second verse Jesus explains to John why he is being baptized.  John knew that Christ was perfect and did not know why he need to be baptized.  I use a question mark for this verse as a prompt.

The third verse explains what we must do:

• witness faith in Jesus word
• be baptized
• show obedience as Jesus did

Use a picture of a child being baptized and one of a child being confirmed.

Baptism

The song for this month is "Baptisms" p. 100.  I have taught this song several ways.  The senior primary will learn from the idea in the 2014 Outline for Sharing Time, p. 27.  The "Who, When, How and Where" are great helps in remembering the order of the song as well as teaching about Christ's baptism.

Younger children (as well as the older one) will relate to the pictures.  Obtain these pictures from the library:

• Jesus and John the Baptist
• map showing Judea
• Jordan river (point to the water that Christ is standing in, draw a picture of a river, point to the Jordan river on the map)
• On a piece of paper write "Law" on the top.  Underneath list a few laws:
• Repent
•  Be Baptized
• Receive the Holy Ghost
• Keep the Commandments
• Draw a large "?" on a paper
• Picture of heaven - see picture on the bottom of p. 27 in the 2014 Outline for Sharing Time
• Picture of a child being baptized
• Picture of children with Christ

Display the pictures as you sing the verses or have them all on the board and point to them as you sing.  It is best to sing one phrase at a time several times so the children remember the words and relate them to the pictures.  You can never repeat too much!

Word Strip Review

Now that you have completed a review of the songs for the Sacrament Meeting program, what ones need a little extra work?  The second, third and fourth verse of "The Family of God" need some polishing in our primary.  You will need:

• Picture of a dad ( you can use one from the LDS Art collection or use a picture of a dad of one of the children.
• make word strips of: preside, provide, love (or a red heart), teach, gospel, leads, family, share, love (heart)
• Picture of a mother ( you can use one from the LDS Art collection or use a picture of a mom of one of the children.
• make word strips of: purpose, care, prepare, nurture, strengthen, teaches, obey, pray, love, serve
• Picture of a family
• make word strips of: love, serve, example, mom, dad, glad, help, remember

You may need to do one verse at a time but if you can, put the 3 pictures on the board spaced so that you can put the word strips around each picture.  You can also put the word strips under each picture.

Sing the 2nd verse (the father verse), pointing to the words as you sing them.  Repeat it twice.  Now take one or two word strips away and sing it again.  Continue in this manner until all the word strips are gone.  Do the same thing with the next two verses.

Out to Dry

I like to review all the songs that we have learned so far this year - particularly for the Sacrament Program. 
You will need:

• a piece of heavy string or thin rope that you can tie across the primary room or between two poles or chairs high enough for the children to reach and see.
• clothes pins - (they are cheap at the dollar stores)
• small doll clothes or clothes cut-outs
• strips of paper with the titles of the songs your primary has learned thus far.  If the song has more than one verse, make a strip for each verse - "Family of God, verse 1."
• adhere the strips to the clothes - tape or safety pin
• a clothes basket or small basket for the clothes

Tell the children that they will be reviewing songs today.  As they finish a song or verse, you or they will help determine if the song is ready to "hang out to dry" or if it needs a "second washing."  Hang up the article of clothing with the song on it after they have sung it well enough to "dry."

You can just hang out the strips of paper for an easier version of the activity.

This is a great activity to repeat again in 6 weeks or so.

Out of a Hat

Choose several songs you would like to sing/review.  Include some Father's Day songs if you'd like.  On strips of paper list several things that fathers do for us.  On several strips put a question mark (?).  Put all the pieces of paper in a hat - ball cap, derby hat or any other hat that a dad might wear.  Ask a child to pick a strip of paper.  If it has a "?," they must think of something their dad, grandpa or bishop does for them.  If it has something written on it, have all the children stand that it applies to.

Here are a few ideas for things that fathers do.  Add your ideas that might apply to your own primary.

• Plays ball with me
• Helps me with my homework
• Fixes great breakfasts
• Takes me fishing
• Prays with me
• Tickles me

After each comment, sing a song that you want to review or a Father's Day song.

Father's Day Program

Father's Day is a week away.  Here is a great idea to make it a special day.

• Learn 2 or 3 or more Father's Day songs  (review them if the children know them)
• Cut out a "tie" bookmark and have the children decorate it and sign their names. (If you make the bookmarks this week, gather them up and give them to the children on Father's Day to give to their Dad - some dads will get more than one.)
• Ask 2 or 3 children to be prepared to tell what makes a great Dad or Grandpa.
• Invite Dads to come to Primary during sharing/singing time.
• Sing a song and then have one of the assigned children tell what makes a great Dad or Grandpa. 
• Sing a song and then have the next assigned child tell what makes a great Dad or Grandpa. 
• Continue until the assigned children have all spoken.
•  End with a song.

This could also be done during closing exercises or the last 20 minutes of Primary.

Click here to download the tie bookmarks.

Jesus Is My Shepherd

Our Primary has chosen to learn "Jesus Is My Shepherd" printed in the Sept. 2013 Friend, for this month.  The simplified version is perfect for teaching the song to the children.  The original version has an optional obligato and the piano accompaniment does not include the melody.

Click here to download the free visual aids that can be used to help teach the song.

Jesus Is My Shepherd

Jesus is my shepherd.  I’m His precious lamb. use Jesus and lamb

Tenderly He guides me with his gentle hand.   hold up you hands

Calm are waters where He leads   

                            use picture of water with the pasture - place the lamb and Jesus by the water

Green are pastures where He feed me.  picture of the green pasture - place the lamb and Jesus the grass

Jesus is my Shepherd.  He loves me.  place your hand over your heart or cut out a red heart

Jesus is my Shepherd.  Jesus knows my name,  place the name on the lamb

For His sheep are numbered; each He loves the same.  place all the numbered sheep in the pasture

If my tiny feet should roam 

                              place the foot prints part way off of the pasture with the lamb behind the prints

He would seek to bring me home.  move Jesus close to the roaming lamb 

Jesus is my shepherd.  He loves me.  He loves me.   

                            place your hand over your heart or cut out a red heart

                           Remind the children to repeat "He loves me."

"Latter-day Prophets" Review

Here are  some ideas to review "Latter-day Prophets" that the children will enjoy.  If possible, find pictures of each prophet named in the song.  Line them across the board in a mixed up order (2 or 3 rows depending on the size of the pictures).  Sing the song.  Ask two or three children to put them in order.  Give them 30 seconds then have them sit back down.  Sing it again and ask two more children to continue putting the prophets in order.  Again, give them 30 seconds and then have them sit back down.  Continue this process until the prophets are in order.  If you can't find pictures, use their names printed on strips of paper big enough for the children to see.

You can also try putting them in order backwards beginning with Pres. Monson.  Make sure you sing the song several times so all the children can memorize the order.

"Fathers"

As soon as Mother's Day is over, Father's Day is 5 weeks away (4 weeks of practicing or learning songs).  One of my favorite Father's Day songs is "Fathers" p. 209.  I like to have the children learn all 3 verses as they talk about fathers, bishops - fathers of our ward and Heavenly Father.  The following are picture ideas to help prompt while learning the song:

Verse 1:
picture of a dad, a family and a flashlight or light bulb with the word "wisdom" written underneath.
Verse 2:
picture of your bishop and a picture of a bishop helping ward members
Verse 3
picture of children singing and a picture of Christ - with little children
Chorus
a heart shape, picture of eye glasses, compass and the last phrase I point up inferring heaven.

Call attention to all the rhymes. 

Sing the song phrase by phrase using the pictures to help the children.  Be sure to repeat several times so the children learn each phrase.

Mother's Day Review

Make a list of songs that you would like to review: songs that the children have learned for the up-coming Sacrament Mtg. program, Mother's Day songs and a few "wiggle" songs and don't forget the favorite "Popcorn Popping."  Write the names of the songs on strips of paper.  Gather some artificial flowers and secure the strips of paper onto the stems.  Place the flowers on the floor or table.  Bring a vase for the flowers.  Choose children to "pick" a flower.  Sing the song and place the flowers in the vase.  Hopefully, the vase will be full by the end of singing time.

"Mother, Tell Me a Story"

"Mother, Tell Me a Story" p. 204, is a great song to teach the children. Ask the Sister teachers to sing the "mother" verse and after, have everyone sing the duet.  You could also ask someone in your ward that sings to learn the "mother" part (second verse) and then do the duet.  I could be a perfect "special number" for next week - Mother's Day!

Mother's Day

This is a great time to teach or review Love Is Spoken Here, p. 190 and Happy Family, p. 198.  They are perfect songs for Mother's Day.  There are 8 songs in the Primary Songbook that talk specifically about Mothers.  Choose one that your primary does not know and teach it to them this year.  Or, review the ones you know so the children can sing them to their mothers.

There are some ideas in previous posts for Mother's Day.  Check out the labels on Mother's Day.

Easter Egg Singing Time

I have done an Easter Pageant in past years.  There is an outline for a pageant if you click on Easter in past posts.  This year I have put questions about the last week before the crucifixion on strips of paper and put them inside colored, plastic Easter eggs. There are also songs about Easter in the eggs.  The children answer the question or we sing the song.  Here are a few suggestions for questions and songs:

• What did Jesus ride on when He entered Jerusalem?   Donkey
• What did the people lay on the street as Christ entered?   Palm Leaves/branches
• What garden did Christ pray in?
• What was the dinner called the night before He was crucified?
• What did Jesus do for the disciples before they ate their dinner?   washed their feet
• Who betrayed Jesus?
• What was placed on Christ's head before He was crucified? 
• Who carried Christ's cross?
• What was Christ given to drink on the cross?
• Were His legs broken?
• What happened when the cock crowed 3 times?
• How long was Christ in the Tomb?
• Who's name did he call when he left the tomb?

Songs:

• Did Jesus Really Live Again?  p.64
• He Died That We Might Live Again  p. 65
• Hosanna  p. 66
• Easter Hosanna  p. 68
• Jesus Is Risen  p. 70
• I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus  p.  78
• I Feel My Savior's Love  74
• I Stand All Amazed  Hymn # 193
• He Sent His Son  p.  34

Latter-day Prophet poster

I found a poster of all the latter-day prophets with a few missing pictures.  I downloaded the missing pictures from the Church website (they don't have 5" x 7" pictures of the prophets anymore).  There are no names under the prophets' picture but they are in order through Pres. Hinckley.  I laminated the poster so it will last. This is the perfect poster to help the children memorize the prophets (Latter-day Prophets p. 134).  I printed the names of each prophet on strips of paper that I can tape under their picture.  After we sing it, I remove one or two names and then sing it again.  Continue the process.

Children enjoy the challenge to see if they can memorize all the prophets in order.  The music certainly helps!

Latter-day Prophets

General Conference is a week away so we are learning Latter-day Prophets, p. 134. The latest version of this song, which includes Pres. Monson, is available on the Church website.  Ward libraries should have large pictures of the prophets which you can borrow for this activity.  Small pictures are in the back of the Gospel Art Book. 

Put the pictures of the prophets in a mixed up order on the board.  Cover their names with a piece of paper if they are printed on the front.  See if the children can put the pictures in order of each President's service.  Sing the song to help them.  The teachers could help, also. Once the pictures are in order, sing the song with the children.  Sing it at least 3 times.  In between  each time you sing, ask a trivia question about the prophets such as:

• Who had the longest beard?
• How many Prophets had beards?
• When did they begin wearing long ties?
• How many pictures are of paintings?
• How many Prophets are wearing black suits?
• What colors of suits are represented?

You can come up with your own questions, as well.

If time permits, take down the pictures and sing it.  Have one side of the room sing while the other side listens for correctness.  Trade sides.

Spice Up the Review

Often times children aren't into reviewing songs so we need to add some "spice" to the process.  "Oh How I Love to Stand" (279) is a great bit of "spice."  If your primary doesn't know it, sing it through 3 times and they'll have it down.

Choose the songs you would like to review.  I used the following songs:

He Sent His Son p. 34

I Will Follow God's Plan p. 164

I Stand All Amazed # 193

The Family of God

Did Jesus Really Live Again p. 64

After you sing the first song, sing Oh How I Love to Stand, but do a different action.  Continue with your review singing Oh How I Love to Stand after each reviewed song, but change the action each time.  The children will enjoy the movement and they'll never know that singing time was a review.

A Journey Review

Here is a different twist for reviewing songs:

You will need:

• a large map of the Holy Lands - most ward libraries have a large one
• on the same size of paper as the map, draw a brief sketch of your neighborhood, include:
• a few street names
• ward meetinghouse
• school
• land marks in your area - gas stations, grocery stores, parks, etc.

Keep your map simple.  The children just need to recognize their neighborhood.

Show the children the areas that Jesus taught in his life time, Bethlehem, Galilee, etc.  Show the children where they walk, play, visit.  Choose some songs that you would like to review.  As you sing the song (or verse), ask the children to listen to the words and tell what message they learn about Jesus or what He would have us do.  Then ask them where, in their neighborhood, they could share that message or how they could be an example.

Example: 

• "I Will Follow God's Plan"  p. 164
• "holding fast to His word and His love . . ." - Study the scriptures at home and at church
• "I will be happy . . ."  -  Be cheerful at school, home, playground, etc.
• "My life is a gift . . ."  -  always give thanks for our lives when we pray - at home, school, anywhere
• "I Stand All Amazed"  # 193
• "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me."  - Show gratitude for Christ's love by loving our family, neighbors, anyone we come in contact with.
• "that for me, a sinner, He suffered, He bled and died . . ." - Be the best you can be in all situations because of what Christ did for us.
• "He Sent His Son"  p. 34
• "How could the father tell the world of love and tenderness . . ."  p. 34  -  Show kindness, love and tenderness to our family members, our friends, teacher, coach,  people who help us at the store.
• "live like His son. . ."  -  Make good choices on the playground, at church, with our family and friends.

As the children share their thoughts, put a mark on the map where their ideas may take place: at home, at church, on the playground, etc.  See how many marks they can have on the map by the end of singing time.  Show them how they are being Christ-like throughout the neighborhood just as Christ did in His ministry throughout the Holy Lands.

I Stand All Amazed - Review

Using the pictures from last week : GAB 116, GAB 108, GAB 57, GAB 56, place them on the right side of the board.  On 8 pieces of paper, write the following words - one on each paper:

• Amazed
• Love
• Grace
• Proffers
• Tremble
• Crucified
• Sinner
• Suffered

Mix them up and put them on the left side of the board.  Sing the first phrase.  Ask the children which picture goes with that phrase.  Continue so they remember which pictures belong to which phrase.  Now sing it again and ask a child to draw a line from the word to the picture that it belongs to.  There are 2 words from each phrase so there will be 2 lines drawn to each picture.  The children will have to listen for the words to know which ones belong to which picture.  You may need to sing the verse through several times which will be a great review.  Be sure to add the chorus a few times.  Have the children hold up one finger every time they sing "wonderful."

"I Stand All Amazed"

I love this hymn!  From the time I could read the hymn book, this has been a favorite.  I love how the chorus is a celebration of Christ's gift to us.  I taught this hymn to my primary last fall using sign language.  It has some beautiful signs.  The signing is on the church website.  Signing is not for everyone and I am the first to admit that it isn't easy.  Consider it only if you are up for the challenge.  The children will pick it up quickly with repetition.

In the 2014 Outline for Sharing Time on p. 26, there is a great activity to help teach this hymn.  Below is the excerpt: (GAB is Gospel Art Book)

March: “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193)

Divide the children into four groups. Give group 1 GAB 116, and sing the first phrase of the song to them. Discuss it briefly, and then have them sing it a few times with you. Continue with each group and each additional phrase (use the following pictures: group 2, GAB 108; group 3, GAB 57; group 4, GAB 56). Sing the whole first verse with each group standing, holding their picture, and singing their phrase. Invite the groups to switch pictures, and sing the song again. Repeat until each group has sung each phrase. Sing the chorus, and ask the children to listen for how many times you sing the word “wonderful.” Repeat the chorus a few times with them, and invite them to place their hands over their hearts each time they sing the word “wonderful.”

Wiggle Time

It is important to teach the gospel through music, however, singing some "active" songs during singing time helps keep wiggles under control.  Take time to learn several of these songs so you can use them when children are a little restless, seem tired, or just need a change of pace.  Here is a list of songs that can be sprinkled throughout sharing and singing time:

• Sing a Song  p. 253  Start with hands on hips then to knees, shoulders, hips, knees, etc. moving with the high and low notes of the song.  It can also be sung as a round.
• Fun to Do  p.253  Have a child choose an action then do it as you sing.  There are suggestions under the song.
• Here We Are Together  p. 261  There are several suggestions at the bottom of the page.  Children can also choose their own actions.
• If You're Happy  p. 266  There are many things you and/or the children can do while singing this song.
• Two Little Eyes  p. 268  This is a great one for younger children and can be used in classes to change activities.
• I Wiggle  p. 271   Another good "wiggle" song for younger children.
• My Hands  p. 273  This song is fun to do at a slow tempo or a very fast one.
• Roll Your Hands  p. 274  Quick action song to rest children from sitting.
• Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes  p. 275  Quick action song to rest children from sitting.  Can be sung at various tempos, too.
• To Get Quiet  p. 275  Great way to settle children down before class, sharing time or prayer.
• Do as I'm Doing  p. 276  An all time favorite with a many possibilities for movement.
• Hinges  p. 277  This song can be sung at various tempos, but try to end slowly for reverence.
• Stand Up  p. 278  You need to listen in order to do the correct actions.
• Oh, How We Love to Stand  p. 179  There are lots of different actions to do with this song.
• Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise  p. 180  When children know this well, they enjoy singing as a round.
• The Wise man and the Foolish Man  p. 281  Children love singing this song with the actions!

Because He Loves Us

My theme this week is "Because He Loves Us." 
Prepare the following word strips: (If this list is too long, choose a few to meet your needs)

• love and tenderness
• peace and holiness
• pathway we should go
• walk with men on earth
•  sacrifice and death
• have faith, have hope
• Live like His Son
• live is a gift
• a plan
• a purpose
• my choice
• home on earth
• God's light
• holding fast
• work, pray
• happy on earth
•  home above

Cut out 17 hearts (or as many hearts as you have phrases) - red, pink, white - or any color
Tape the strips to the back of the hearts (you may have to fold the strips)
Tape the hearts with the strips on the board in front of the room or on the walls around the room.

• Tell the children that the Lord has given us so many things and done so much for us all because He loves us.
• Tell them that you have spread His love all over the board or room.
• On the back of each heart is a phrase from He Sent His Son or I Will Follow God's Plan.
• Ask two or three children to pick a heart, read the phrase and have them guess which song the words are from.  
• If your phrase is from He Sent His Son, stand on the right of the room (or wherever you would like them to stand).
• If your phrase is from I Will Follow God's Plan, stand on the left side.
• Sing the song and as soon as the children hear/sing the words on the heart, have them stand up.  
• After they sing the phrase they are to sit back down because there might be another phrase from that song that they will need to stand up for.

Hopefully, you can pick all the hearts. It's better to be prepared for more time than have too little prepared. No matter how many hearts that are chosen, you will be able to sing those songs several times.  A great review!

Review Keeps it in the Brain!

I used last week's idea for singing time and it took the entire 20 minutes.  What was even more amazing was that even the sunbeams were engaged in the learning process

If you look in past post, you will also find that there was a great idea in the Feb. 2011of  The Friend.  The picture are great.  Use them both or the one that works best for you.

Then, as a review, use only pictures by mixing them up and having the children put them in order.  Sing it as many times as possible.

I Will Follow God's Plan

The song for this month is I Will Follow God's Plan, pg 164.  I have included the words and pictures that you can easily download, print and color.  Draw a path on the board and place the pictures and words along the path as shown.  Sing one phrase at a time - preferably 3 times, then place the pictures and/or words along the path for the next phrase.  Sing the phrase 3 times adding the previous phrase or phrases as you sing the new phrase the third time.

It's possible to learn the entire song in about 10 to 15 minutes but a review will be needed next week.  However, If the children become restless, review last month's song and/or sing a fun song.

I Will Follow God's Plan Download

Jumble Review

Jumble Review: He Sent His Son
 You will need:

• Pictures of:
• baby Jesus (He sent His son, a new born babe)
• a red heart shape (love)
• Christ healing the sick or preaching (He sent His Son to walk with men on earth)
• the crucifixion (He sent His Son to die for us)
• Christ (like His Son)
• words printed large enough to read from the board (one word per card or paper)
•  How, tell, world, tenderness, peace, holiness (first section of song)
• How, show, world, pathway, go, know (second section of song)
• How, tell, world, Sacrifice, death, rise, breath (third section of song) 
• What, does, ask, live

Tape the words in a mixed-up order around the boarder of the board along with the pictures.  Explain to the children that they are going to put the song in order with words and pictures.  Tell them the phrases that go with the pictures. Use the pictures for non-readers to help fill in the order of the song.

Start by singing the first section. Ask several children to come and put that section in order while the rest of the primary sing the section again.  Sing it as many times as needed to get the words and pictures in order.  Continue singing each section in the same way.  If time permits, sing the whole song or sing it as a closing song to help cement it in the children's mind.

NOTE: You can group each section of words and pictures if needed for a faster result.

"He Sent His Son" Review

Singing a new song many times is critical in helping children internalize the melody, words and meaning.  However, it all becomes meaningless and boring if that's all we do - singing the song over and over.

Hopefully, you have helped the children see the question and answer form that "He Sent His Son" is written.  There could be some confusion as to when you sing "show" and "tell."  If you really think about the words, either word works because Christ tells and shows us.

Make two circles about 8 inches in diameter (use 2 different colored papers).  Print the word "show" and "tell," one on each circle.  I taped each circle to a craft stick.  Sing the song and hold up the correct word just before you sing it. Sing it again and ask two children to hold the correct word up just before you sing it. Sing it again and this time you hold the circles one in each hand.  Just before you sing the word have the children point or hold up their hand on the same side as the correct word.  Ask two children to stand in front and hold one of the circles.  Sing the song again and this time have the children point to the child holding the correct word.  Sing the song one more time without the signs to test their memories.  They will like the challenge.

You have now sung the song 5 times with a purpose.  There was a reason to sing it each time.  this process will solidify the song in their minds.  If possible, sing it again as the closing song.

For anyone in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, Pat Graham will be presenting a workshop on teaching the music for the 2014 Primary theme.  Pat has written 5 songs in the Children's Songbook.

Saturday, January 18th from 10:00 until Noon
Workshop on Primary Music with Pat Graham
Pat will focus on teaching music to children based on music from the 2014 LDS Primary theme.
$10.00 fee
http://www.daymurraymusic.com/cgi-bin/e.magine/productlookup.cgi?productNum=173949

He Sent His Son

The idea in the 2014 Outline for Sharing Time p. 26 for teaching "He Sent His Son," is great.  Having a group sing the question and a second group sing the answer helps child and adult understand and learn the song.  One challenge we had was when to use tell and show.

• How could the Father tell the world of love. . .
• How could the Father show the world the pathway . . .
• How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice . . .

I wrote those three words in the order we sing them on the board and pointed to each just before we sang that word.  We also worked on gradually singing louder (not shouting) as we sang the phrase, and rise with living breath.  Hold out the word breath for at least 3 counts.  I, also, like a slight break after faith and hope.  We tend to pronounce the words more distinctly if we break between those words and listeners can understand our words better.

We spent 15 minutes singing this song and the time flew by.  We divided in many ways, singing the entire song again and again in different groupings.

• one half of the room and the other half
• boys and girls
• adults and children
• four classes and the other four classes
• children with pets and children without pets

There are many ways to divide up the group.  Be creative -- the children love that.

Be Prepared!

The songs that our primary will be singing throughout the year and for the Primary Sacrament Meeting are listed below.  The * songs are suggested in the 2014 Sharing Time Outline.  Our primary has chosen songs for each month's theme and then we sing them in the program in the fall.

*He Sent His Son p. 34

*I Will Follow God's Plan p. 164

*I Stand All Amazed # 193

*The Family of God

Latter-day Prophets p. 134

Love Is Spoken Here p. 190

*Baptism p. 100

*Seek the Lord Early p. 108

I Want to Live the Gospel p. 148

Happy Family p. 198

Jesus Is My Shepherd

Did Jesus Really Live Again p. 64

In preparation for the coming year, I have a paper for the teachers with all the words to the songs that we will be singing.  This is especially helpful to me as I learn the songs.  I also give the pianist a list so she/he can be prepared.  Read the 2014 Outline so you can support the themes and emphasize stories, scriptures and lessons each month through the music.  

The best suggestion I can give to anyone teaching children and youth is BE PREPARED ! ! !  Prayerfully prepare and plan each week.  It shows when you are prepared and the spirit can touch the lives of the children when you do your part.

NOTE: On page 26 & 27 in the 2014 Sharing Time Outline, there are some great ideas and suggestions to help teach each song.