Articles of Faith Review

This is a great time to review the Articles of Faith!
Build a Snowman!

• cut 3 circles out of white paper - 1 large, 1 medium and 1 small
• cut 1 black hat or be creative and cut out a colorful stocking cap
• 3 buttons - black or use colored paper
• 2 brown sticks for the arms - brown paper
• 2 eyes - black
• 1 nose - orange carrot or black button
• 1 mouth - cut out to look like black rocks or coal

You can put a number on the back of each cut-out and sing the Article of Faith as each piece is placed on the board.

OR

Sing the Articles of Faith in order and build the snowman one piece at a time as you sing each Article of Faith.

Christmas Singing Time

There are so many things that you can do this Sunday before Christmas:

• Decorate a cutout Christmas tree with every song you sing
• put berries on a paper wreath with each song you sing
• act out a nativity through song
• wrap several boxes in Christmas wrap with a title of a song in it and let a child or class unwrap it then sing the song

One idea that has been fun is to cut out a large Candy Cane out of white butcher paper (at least 3 feet tall).  Cut several red strips for the candy cane stripes.  Put a song title on the back and have the children add the stripes to the cane after each song.  Se how many stripes you can get on the cane.

Happy Holidays !

Christmas Gift Chain

Choose several Christmas songs from the Primary Songbook and print the titles on strips of red, green and white paper.  (Choose at least 5 or 6 songs.)  Then make at least 20 to 40 more strips in those colors and leave them blank.

Tell the children the Jesus gave us the greatest gift when he was born.  What gift can we give to Him in return?  Ask the children to think of something they can do that would make Jesus happy.  Suggestions might include: help Mom, be kind to a neighbor, sister or brother, write a note to Grandma or Grandpa, rack leaves or shovel snow, etc.

Tell the children that they can each pick a strip of paper.  If a song is written on it, they will sing the song.  If it is blank, they must tell one thing that they can do to show their love for Jesus.  Have tape easily available to tape the links together.  See how long the chain will be by the end of singing time.

The Shepherd's Carol

This song is written in D minor - a little different than most Christmas carols.  The children love this song because it is different and when they know it well, they enjoy singing it as a round.

First line

• Show a picture of Mary and sing the first phrase.  Have the children sing it with you a few times.
• Show a picture of Joseph and sing the second phrase.  Again, have the children sing it with you a few times.
• Sing both phrases together.

Second line

• Show a picture of Jesus and sing the first 4 notes.  Tell the children that the notes begin high and come down.  Sing it a few times with the children.
• Show a picture of a crown and sing the second half of the first phrase.  Sing it a few times with the children.
• Sing the first phrase together.
• Point to the baby Jesus and sing the last part of the second line.  Sing it a few times with the children.
• Sing the whole song together pointing to the pictures as you sing.

Second verse

• Point to all the children and sing the first phrase.  Sing it a few times with the children.
• Bring a present wrapped with the word "love" printed on it.  Sing the second half of the line.  Sing it a few times with the children.
• Tell the children that the last line is the same as the first verse.  Sing it a few times with the children while you point to the corresponding pictures.

Sing the whole song.  

I Am Thankful

This is a fun activity to help children to recognize the many things they can be thankful for.

You will need:

•  a stapler (the smaller the better) or tape
• 1 inch strips of paper (8 inches long)  fall colors
• choose several songs of gratitude and favorite songs

The goal is to make a "Thankful Chain" as long as possible.  Depending on how large your primary is will depend on how many children you choose in between songs.

Begin by telling one thing you are thankful for.  Make the first link.  Ask each member of the presidency to tell one thing they are thankful for and add a link for each one.  Sing a "thankful" song.  Now ask a few children to tell one thing they are thankful for.  Have each of them add a link to the chain.  (Younger children may need help, so enlist the help of another adult to help them so you can keep the activity going.)  Sing another song and then ask a few more children to share one thing they are thankful for.  Continue until you are out of time.  Try to give all the children an opportunity to share and add a link.

*This is similar to a previous post on gratitude.  Check out other posts on this subject.

I Am Glad for Many Things

One of my favorite thankful song is "I Am Glad for Many Things," p. 151  I have spent the entire singing time on this song.  Children come up with something that they are thankful for and we substitute it in place of "many things."  (You may need to change more words in the song to make sense.) Keep track of what the children are thankful for by writing it on the board.  See how many things they can be thankful for without repeating anything.  Use the last verse to finish.

Example:
I am glad for my Savior, my Savior, my Savior.
I am glad for my Savior who is mine today.

I am glad for sunshine bright, etc.

I am glad for my fam'ly, etc.

I am glad for forests green, etc.

I am glad for oceans blue, etc.

I Am Thankful to Be Me

It is always good to pause from our busy lives and think of the many blessings we have.  It is important to help children take a moment to feel grateful, as well.  "I Am Thankful to Be Me," p. 11, is the perfect song to help children recognize their blessings.

Ask the children to listen to the words and see if they can find things in the song to be thankful for.  Recite or sing the song as the pianist plays it through.

• Sing the first line.  Ask what might be happening.  (getting ready to pray)  
• Sing the second phrase and ask where blessings come from.
• Have the children sing both phrases with you 2 or 3 times.
• The third phrase suggests some specific things to be thankful for.
• Sing the third phrase with the children.
• Ask them what specific things can we be thankful for. (They may have other ideas, but point out what the song lists.)
• Sing the last phrase and have the children sing it with you 2 times.
• Ask why it's important toe be thankful to be who you are.
• Sing the whole song.

I Think the World Is Glorious

Teaching children to be grateful is critical as they grow.  "I Think the World Is Glorious" p. 230, describes the many things that we all have been blessed.  Children will love this song and especially enjoy the chorus.

Make or find pictures of the following for the 1st and 2nd verses:

• the world
• birds, bees, flowers
• teachers and parents

The chorus:

• write the word "sing" 4 times and put musical notes around each word.
• attach each word to a stick

Sing the first line using the world picture.  Ask the children to sing it with you.  Tell them that the Lord has given us many things and we need to be thankful for all of them.  Sing this line 2 more times with the children.

Show the pictures of the birds, bees and flowers while the pianist plays the 2nd line.  Sing it for the children then ask them to sing it with you.  Ask them why the birds, flowers and bees are a blessing to us.  (There will be many answers.)

Now sing the 2nd verse.  Tell them that the first line is repeated in the 2nd verse so they already know it. Sing it with them.  Show the pictures of teachers and parents.  Sing the 2nd line then have them sing it with you twice.  Sing both verses (without the chorus).

Sing the chorus.  Ask the children how many times you sang the word "sing." (8)  Ask 4 children to hold the words "sing."  Have them hold it up high as you sing the chorus again.  Tell them to listen for the rhyme in the chorus - love and above.  Ask them to sing with you.  After each time you sing the chorus, ask the children with the sticks to give them to 4 other children to hold up as they sing it again.

Sing the whole song using children to hold the pictures and the word sticks.

Friendship and Kindness

There is a great little gem of a song on page 61 in the Children's Songbook - "Jesus Said Love Everyone."  It is only two lines but packed with a powerful message.  It will be easy to teach.  You will need a picture of Jesus with little children and one or two more with Him healing the sick and one with people in general, and a cut out of a heart (red).

• Sing the first line and show the pictures of Jesus. 
• Ask the children to tell about each picture (briefly)
• Ask them to sing the first line with you
• Sing it again and ask the children if it sounds like there is more to the song.
• Hold up the heart
• Sing the last line
• Tell the children that if we treat others with love, they will treat us with love.
• Have the children sing the last line with you - twice
• Sing the whole song twice so the children have it in their minds.

Variation:

• Substitute "everyone" in the first line with "teachers, dear"
• Substitute "everyone" with "all my friends"
•     "               "             "     "family"
•     "               "             "     one of the children's name
• repeat with different children's names - use two names if they are both one syllable - Ann and John
• The children may have some ideas, too.

This is a great song to sing before a prayer.

Each month in The Friend magazine there is a page designated to an Article of Faith.  It is so important for all of us to know what we believe in particularly if someone asks us.  Children can learn them at a very early age.

Cut out 13 pumpkins and number them 1 through 13 on the back.  You can make the pumpkins look like jack-o-lanterns or leave them plain. Tape the pumpkins on the board in random order.  Begin by telling the children how important it is to know what they believe in. Tell them that each pumpkin has a number on the back - 1 to 13.  Challenge the children to see if they can sing all thirteen Articles of Faith.  Before singing each one, ask a child to summarize the Article of Faith.

If this is a little difficult, write a few word summary on the board or on strips of paper and tape to the board. Ask a child to choose a pumpkin and another child to find the correct summary.  You can make your own summaries, ask the children to help make summaries or use the following example.

1 - The Godhead
2 - we are responsible for our own sins
3 - Atonement
4 - 4 principles and ordinances
5 - Man must be called or God
6 - organization of the church
7 - gift of tongues
8 - the Bible and Book of Mormon
9 - Revelation
10 - literal gathering of Israel
11 - worship as we want
12 - subject to rulers
13 - Paul's admonition

After the Primary Sacrament Program

Take some time to learn a new birthday song.  With the program complete, the children will enjoy learning a fun song.  There are 6 birthday songs in the Primary Songbook.  Choose one and have the children listen to it - either on a recording or have the pianist play it through while you sing it.  Have the children sing the first phrase 3 times and then move to the next phrase and do the same thing.  Sing both phrases then work on the third phrase.  Follow this pattern until the entire song is familiar to the children.  You could sing it in honor of The Family: A Proclamation to the World and it's 20th birthday.

General Conference Ready

The week before General Conference is a great time to prepare for ways to listen and get the most out of Conference.  Choose several songs you need to review for the Primary Sacrament Meeting Program or songs that the children love and know well.

• cut out several leave shapes from colored paper or use artificial leaves
• tape or glue the titles of the songs that you have chosen on the back of the leaves
• place the leaves in a bag or basket
• Ask a child to pick a leaf from the basket
• Sing the song
• Ask the children how the song will help us prepare and listen to Conference.  Here are a few examples.  Help the children see that songs can really help us learn the gospel as well as prepare us to listen to Conference.
• Last verse of Follow the Prophet - Our prophet will speak to us.  Write down one ore two things that Pres. Monson says that will help me in some way.
• I Am a Child of God - How can those that speak "lead me and guide me?"
• How will those that speak help me to follow Jesus?  (Come Follow Me)

Autumn Time

The day of your Sacrament Meeting Program can be a fun day for singing time.  If you know some favorite songs of the primary, this is a good week to sing them.  Also, singing some fall songs are perfect.

Autumn Day p. 247
It's Autumntime  p. 246
Rain Is Falling (use "leaves are falling:)  p. 241
Popcorn Popping p. 242  (Use these words that I wrote as a substitute for fall:)

Autumn Leaves (Popcorn Popping music) 

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!

Preparing for the Primary Program

As you prepare for the Primary Sacrament Meeting Program, listen carefully to the children as they sing.

• Can you understand their words?
• Do they know all the words?
• Are they watching you?
• Are they shouting?
• Are they singing too softly?
• Do they stand and sit quietly?
• Do they stand reverently (I ask them to stand like toy soldiers)?
• Are they smiling?

If there is a word or phrase that they are missing, or the first word of a verse (Follow the Prophet might need this), make a word strip and hold it up in front of you just before they sing it.  The congregation won't notice if you keep the word strip right in front of you.  This also helps the children to watch you.

If children are shouting, they are not singing.  You can't sing and shout at the same time.  Be careful when you ask the children to sing louder.  Ask them to make a big, beautiful sound.  Choose words that the children can understand and demonstrate the difference..

Challenge the children to see how quietly they can stand and sit.  They will rise to the occasion.

You may need to make a funny face or hold up a smiley face to help remind the children to smile. 

Review with a Purpose

Reviewing songs for the Primary program can be quite boring for everyone!  Planning and preparation can help tremendously!  Here are some suggestions :

• Plan seating before you rehearse in the chapel 
• Give seating chart to all the teachers so they can be a support
• Print a copy of the program including songs and talks and give copies to all Primary personnel - you need all the support you can get!
• Print the words to the songs for all teachers - not children ( you need them to keep their eyes on you)
• Encourage reverence - even during rehearsals.  The chapel is a sacred place.
• Plan some physical movement during rehearsals
• walk around the building - inside or out
• plan for drinks and bathroom breaks
• a treat can go a long way if your rehearsal is longer than 30 minutes.

The theme is "I Know that My Heavenly Father Lives."  Tell the children that you will be making a list of ways we know that Heavenly Father lives.  Ask them to be thinking of how they know that He lives.  During the rehearsal and the weeks leading up to the program, sporadically ask a child how he/she knows Heavenly Father lives.  Answers can come from the songs, sharing time or the talks.  Challenge them to see how many ways they know that Heavenly Father lives.  Set a goal to have a list of 30, 50 or more ways that they know.

This is a great way to keep everyone focused.

Follow the Prophet Performance

It is "REVIEW TIME!"  Some primaries have learning all the verses to "Follow the Prophet" and others have learned a few.  Here are a few ideas to perform the song so it is more exciting to listen to and perform.

• Assign each class a verse and have them sing it in turn.
• Sing the chorus after every other verse or after every 3 verses.
• Rotate children and teachers singing every other verse.
• Print the last verse for the congregation to sing with the primary after they have sung all the verses (or a few of the verses).
• Have the 2 youngest classes sing the chorus once or twice.  Have the whole primary sing the chorus the last time.
• Ask the congregation to sing the chorus the final time with the primary.

Include ALL Children in Singing Time

One of the challenges in teaching in Primary is dealing with readers and non-readers.  Depending on the size of your primary, there could be half or more that aren't yet reading.  How can we be more inclusive for all children?

When teaching new songs, many music directors default to a would chart of some kind.  As they teach the song, they wonder why the young children are not paying attention, or they are fidgeting or somewhat rowdy. What would happen if you were the student and all the words and/or notes were written in a foreign language?  The teacher would be speaking in English but the notes were not.  At what point would you "shut-down" and let your mind go elsewhere?  This is exactly what happens to non-readers - they have not yet learned to read the written word.

On the other hand, you don't want your readers to feel that singing time is for "babies."  Next time you choose to make a word chart, make a list of all the words that could be substituted with a picture or symbol. Write the words but let a non-reader hold the picture or symbol that belongs in the phrase.  This way you are involving the youngest children and the older children can exercise their reading ability.  Every time you sing the song both picture and words are in front of the children.  As you learn it better, remove more and more words but keep the pictures.  You will find that the children will then be able to use the pictures as a prompts for the phrase. This method keeps all children involved.

Choosing Sticks

As I have watched over the many years that I've served in Primary, many children are chosen to help while a few never get a chance.  Some of the "ugly truths" that I've seen are: children of parents serving in the Primary  and disruptive children are chosen far more than the rest, particularly the quiet and shy children.

The best way to prevent "favoritism" is simple.  Purchase a bag of popsicle sticks (craft sticks, tongue depressors, etc) - it is well worth the investment!  Write the names of each child in Primary on a stick.  I like to separate them into junior and senior Primary - a jar for each.  Make a few "visitor" sticks, also.

When you need help from a child, choose from the sticks and you will find the children will find it to be more fair.  It will be easier for you so you don't have to remember who was chosen and who wasn't.  Also, if you have a large Primary, don't put the sticks back into the container each week.  Set aside the ones chosen this week and choose from the jar until all have been chosen then return all the sticks to the jar and begin again.

No one is left out and that is fair . . . and Christ-like!

Why do I like this song?

Write the title for each song that you are singing for the Primary Sacrament Meeting Program on strips of paper. You will need 2 or 3 strips for each song.   Hopefully, you will be singing at least 5 songs.  Put the papers in a basket or container.  Tell the children to be thinking about the songs that they have been learning for the program and what they like about the song.  Answers could be: I like the melody, I like how fast we sing it, I like the words, I like the part that goes like _______, I like how fun it is to sing it, I like the story it tells, etc.  The children may need suggestions to begin with.

Have a child draw a paper and read the title.  Sing the song and then ask two or three children to tell what they like about it.  Continue drawing the papers and singing the songs.  You should be able to sing each song twice during singing time.

Butterfly Review

August is a great time to review songs for the Primary Sacrament Meeting Program.  Cut out several butterflies - at least one for each song that you will be singing for the program.  Decorate them if you would like and/or use different colored paper for each butterfly.  Print the name of each song on the back of the butterflies.  You can place them in a basket or punch a hole in one wing and tie a string (different lengths) on each butterfly and hang them on a dowel rod, broom handle or anything else to display them.  Divide the board in half  and label one side "Needs Practice" and the other side "Awesome."  Ask a child to pick a butterfly and have them hold it while you sing.  Have the children vote by show of hands which side the butterfly should fly to and tape it to the board.

Be sure to make note of which songs need more practice.  if time permits, review those songs on the "Needs Practice" side of the board.

"Come Follow Me" Review

"The 2015 Outline for Sharing Time" on page 15, shows 8 footprints with the phrases printed on them from  the hymn "Come Follow Me."  Make 4 sets (more or less depending on the size of your primary).  Pass them out to the children in the Primary.  (There may not be enough for each child, but that's okay.)  Ask the children to quietly read their footprint. Tell the them that as everyone sings the hymn, when they hear the phrase on their footprint, they are to stand up.  Hopefully all the children holding a footprint will be standing as you finish singing.  Pass the footprints to children who have not had a turn and sing the hymn again following the same pattern.  It is fun to include the leaders and teachers.

You can also do this activity backwards.  Everyone holding a footprint should stand until their phrase is sung.  No one should be left standing at the end of the hymn.  Hopefully you will sing the hymn several times to "seal" the words in the children's mind.

The Handcart Song

The Handcart Song, p. 220, is a fun song for the children to learn as we commemorate the pioneer trek. Begin by telling a little about the handcart pioneers.  There are many stories - or you could ask the children to tell what they know about these hard working people.

Sing the first 2 lines of the song.
Ask the children to listen for the rhymes and sing it again.
Print the rhyming words on the board: West, test, long, song
Have the children sing with you and point to the rhyming words when you come to them.
Ask the following questions - tell them that the answers are in the song:

• What were the pioneers doing?  moving to the West
• How did they meet the test?  With courage strong
• How long did they push their handcarts?  all day long
• What did they do while they pushed?  sang

Chorus:

Do the actions to the words of the first line of the chorus.  Have the children sing and do the actions with you.

Sing the last line and then have the children sing it 2 or 3 times

This song can be sung as the children march around the primary room.  Sing it 2 or 3 times so they can all march around the room and quietly march to their seat.

Pioneer Children Sang As They Walked

Regardless of where you live, our pioneer heritage belongs to all of us.  Unless we share stories of the pioneers, children will never know them - their trials and victories.

The Primary Songbook has several songs about the pioneers.  My personal favorite is "Whenever I Think about Pioneers" p. 222 - 223.  It is also the most difficult.

An easier one is "Pioneer Children Sang As They Walked" p. 214.  The first 2 lines are the same with a slightly different melody.  The last line is the same as the first with very slight variation.  These 3 lines are quite easy to teach.  The third line can be taught with actions.  Let the children choose actions to this line.  Once they have sung it a few times, have them walk around the room while singing it

"Come Follow Me" Footprint Review

Hymns tend to be a little more difficult for the children to learn - especially for the little ones.  The more you sing it with them the better they learn and come to love it.

Using the footprints from last week, place them in order on the board and then sing the hymns with the children.  If they are still struggling with the words, sing it one or two more times.

Take the footprints down and place them back up in a mixed up order.  Ask two or three children to come and place them in order.  If they get stumped, sing the song with the children.  Remove the footprints and replace them in a mixed up order but this time leave one footprint out (without the children knowing).  Have a few children put them in order.  See if anyone notices the the missing footprint.  Sing the hymn again.

Now place the footprints up in a mixed up order but leave out 3.  Sing the hymn again.  To end singing time, try singing the hymn with no footprints.

*Plan ahead:  Ask the music director for Sacrament meeting to sing "Come Follow Me" in a few weeks.  The children's faces will light up as they recognize the hymn.

Come Follow Me

The song for July is a hymn - #116.  The 2015 Sharing Time Outline, p. 15 has a great idea for teaching this hymn.  The footprints are easy to make - use brown paper or add pizzazz and use bright colored footprints.  Print the words on the footprints or print word strips and tape or glue them on the footprints.  The words need to be large enough for the back row to read them so the footprints need to be at least a foot (12 inches) long or longer.

Teach one phrase at a time and sing it at least 3 times before moving to the next phrase.  You should be able to learn the 1st verse in one singing time.  Keep the footprints to use as a review during the rest of the month.

Father's Day Singing Time

There are several "Father's Day" activities that I have posted throughout the past several years.  Because I only use them once or twice at this time, I save the visuals and use them again another year.  If the kids remember the activity, they love doing it again.  If it is new to some, they will love doing it.  Click on a couple of "Father's Day" labels and choose one and use songs that your primary needs to review or Father's Day songs.  Here are a few activities that I've shared over the years:

Decorate a tie
Father's tie choosing time
Tool box choosing time
Daddy's hat choosing

Be sure to encourage the children to do and say something nice to their Dads, Grandpas, Uncles and special men in their lives.

My Dad and When Grandpa Comes

Father's Day is a week away.  One of my favorites is "When Grandpa Comes" p. 201.  The children especially like the phrase "He has a wrinkly, twinkly smile;" and the end of each phrase rhymes - except for the last line.  Sing it through twice then ask the children a question that can be answered in the song.

• What does Grandpa say?   the kindest things
• How does he say it?    in the kindest way
• Describe Grandpa's smile?  wrinkly, twinkly
• It's always fun when who comes?  Grandpa

My Dad, p. 211 is another great song about fathers.  Note that the first two and last two phrases rhyme. Sing each phrase then have the children sing it with you.  Sing the next phrase and have the children sing it twice.  Sing the first 2 phrases.  Follow the same pattern for the last two phrases.  Ask questions that can be answered in the song.  After each question, sing the song and ask the children to raise their hand when they sing the answer.  You might want to mix up the questions so they are not in the order as the song.

• Who's your favorite pal?  My dad
• Who do you help every day?  My dad
• What is plain to see?  I want to be like him in every way
• What does your dad teach you?  honesty  is best in all you do
• I'm very glad that ____________.  (fill in the blank)  he's my dad
• Who loves you?   My dad

The Holy Ghost 2nd verse

The second verse of The Holy Ghost further explains about the Holy Ghost.  This verse answers the following questions:

1. What is it called when we receive the Holy Ghost?  And when we are confirmed
2. How do we receive the Holy Ghost?   By sacred priesthood power
3. What does the Holy ghost do?   The Holy Ghost is given to us to guide us every hour.
4. What must I do?  May I always listen to that still small voice.
5. How will He help me?  With his light I'll do what's right each time i make a choice.

Use a picture of a child being confirmed.  Ask each question, one at a time and sing the answer.  Then have the children sing the phrase.  Continue until they know the whole song.  Repeat the verse again.  Now add the first verse.

The Holy Ghost first verse

The song for June is The Holy Ghost, p. 105.  This song talks specifically about the Holy Ghost.  I like to use dynamics as we sing this song to help understand the words.
1st verse:

• show a picture of the resurrected Christ with his disciples
• sing the first 2 lines  (try not to breath between send and The at the end of the first line to make more sense of the statement) 
• Tell the children that Christ made a promise.  Ask them what the promise was.  Sing the first 2 lines again for the answer.
• Why did He send the Holy Ghost?  Sing the first 2 lines again for the answer.
• Have the children sing it with you 3 times, after each time ask one of the above questions.  This helps them remember the words and the concept.
• Sing the last 2 lines.  Explain that Holy Spirit means the same as Holy Ghost, just like Jesus is the same as Christ.
• Ask, "Does the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost ever yell or speak loudly?"
• Sing the 3rd line softly, then have the children sing softly with you.
• Sing the last line.  Ask the children what "testify" means.  Help them understand the meaning.
• Sing the last line with the children a little louder than the third line.
• Put the whole song together remembering to sing the 3rd line softer.

Kindness

Kindness is so important for every child to understand.  A Special Gift Is Kindness and Kindness Begins with Me, p. 145, are both great songs for children to sing often.  They are easy to teach.  Begin by telling the story in the May 2015 Friend, p. 42.  Ask the children if they have ever felt like the boy or the girl in the story.

A Special Gift Is Kindness, you will need:

• a gift wrapped box with the word "kindness" inside
• A heart shape with a musical note on it

Tell the children that inside this present is a special gift that we all can have.  Sing the song.  Ask the children if they can guess what is in the box.  Have a child open it.  Sing the first line.  Have the children sing it with you 2 or 3 times.  Hold up the heart and sing the last line.  Have the children sing it with you 2 or 3 times.  Sing the whole song. 

Kindness Begins with Me, you will need:

• a picture of Christ with little children
• a picture of children playing
• a picture of children helping someone

Sing the song.

Show the pictures.  Ask what is common in each picture.  Help the children see "kindness."

Ask, where does kindness begin?  What should we always remember?

Have the children sing the first line 2 or 3 times.  Then sing the last line 2 or 3 times.  Sing the whole song.

End with the question: "How can I remember to be kind?"

Mother's Day Review

There are 12 songs listed in the index under "Mothers" that would be appropriate to sing at this time of year. I choose 4 or 5 to review each year.  Choose your 4 or 5 to review and use the following activity.

Gather the following and put in a laundry bag or basket:

• dish rag, sponge or brush for cleaning dishes
• laundry soap (a picture or small box or bottle)
• a small shovel for planting or garden gloves
• box of band-aids
• story book (a scripture story book is great)
• a computer or picture of one

Have a child pick one and tell how moms use it to help their children.

Sing on of the songs you'd like to review.

Continue as time permits.

Mother's Day Flowers

Mother's day is coming up and with several songs about mother's in the Primary Songbook, it's time to brush them up.  Whether you are singing in Sacrament Meeting, a mini program in Primary or singing these songs for fun,  Moms all over will love to hear their little ones sing to them.

Using the patterns below, cut several flowers out of various colors of paper. (You can color them if you prefer.)  On the back put the page numbers or titles of the Mother's Day songs that you know.  Leave several flowers blank.  Have a child "pick" a flower.  If there is a song title on it, sing it.  If it is blank, ask the child to tell one thing they love about their mom.  If you can have someone write the comments down with the name of the child and give it to their mom.

Reviewing "The Church of Jesus Christ," p. 77

Reviewing "The Church of Jesus Christ," p. 77, can be easy by simply asking questions that can be answered in the song.

• What church do you belong to?  sing the answer
• What 3 things do you know and do?  I know who I am. I know God's plan. I'll follow him in faith.
• Who do you believe in?
• What will you honor?
• What are 2 more things that you will do?
• What will you proclaim?

Sing the song all the way through, then begin asking the questions. If you ask each question in order, you will sing the entire song.  If you ask the questions in a scrambled order, the children will have to think a little. You know that they know the song when they can answer the questions out of order.  

"The Church of Jesus Christ"

I love how there are "helps" in the "Primary Outline for sharing Time."  The song for this month is "The Church of Jesus Christ," p. 77.  On page 9 of the outline, is a great suggestion for learning this song.  Also, the "Tip" at the bottom of the page is priceless by Boyd K. Packer.  As I work with 16 through 18 year-olds, I am amazed and thrilled at how quickly they come up with a song from primary that goes along with what we are talking about.  Music is powerful!  Help the children feel that power!

Follow the Prophet - Words and Pictures

The Friend magazine is a great resource for teachers and music directors.  Follow the Prophet was one of the program songs in 2010 and The Friend was a great help.  Check out the ideas on page 24 and 25.  Also, a verse about Pres. Monson is a perfect ending verse.  Children will like singing about our living prophet - especially with General Conference coming up!  The last verse in the Primary Songbook is fun to sing as well.

Follow the Prophet - Daniel

Follow the Prophet - verse 6 - Daniel

If you know the first word or two of each line, this is an easy verse.  Here are some ideas:

Daniel was a prophet. He refused to sin;   draw a red circle, print "SIN" in black letters, draw a red line diagonally through the word meaning: don't sin

So the king threw Daniel in the lion's den.   draw or cut out a crown

Angels calmed the lions, and the king soon saw    use a picture of a lion lying down or the picture of Daniel in the lions den from the library

Daniel's pow'r was great, for he obeyed God's law.  use a picture of healthy food or the word "obey"

Make sure that you tell the story or have the children help tell the story so the younger children understand what the law was that Daniel obeyed - word or wisdom, and how he was blessed because he obeyed.

Review verses that you have learned each week.

Jonah - "Follow the Prophet"

We all know the story of Jonah and the whale.  However, this verse is the most difficult for me because I have a tough time remembering what comes next in each line.  I like to have an simple action that will help the children remember a phrase.  However, words and/or pictures help as you teach them, especially to non-readers.  After they have sung the verse several times, try singing the verse without prompts - words or pictures, with just a few simple actions. 

As a teacher, you must know the verse or song very well.  This will be the biggest help to the children.  Here are two examples to use in teaching this verse:
 
Example 1:
Jonah was a prophet, tried to run away, 
(use "tried to run away" as a word prompt or footprints for non-readers, or look like you are running)

But he later learned to listen and obey
(word prompt - but he later or a picture of an ear or put your hand to your ear as if listening)

When we really try, the Lord won't let us fail:
(word prompt - when we really try or picture of Jonah on the beach and the whale swimming off or use an action of winning a game or good job)

That's what Jonah learned deep down inside the whale.
(word prompt - that's what Jonah learned or point to your brain then point down as if pointing down into the sea)

Example 2:
You can write the verse on the board and erase  2 or 3 words each time you sing it until all the words are erased.

"Follow the Prophet" Contest

After you teach the 6th verse (Samuel) of  Follow the Prophet,  follow up with this activity. 

Ask the children if they remember who said, "Here I am."  Then ask who was his mother.  If they can't remember, have them sing verse 6.  Repeat the questions and they will be able to answer.  Sing it one more time.

Now divide the room in half and have one side sing the first verse - Adam.  Have the other side sing the 6th verse - Samuel.  Which side was better?  Chances are that the first side was better because they knew the first verse better.  Switch sides and sing the verses again.  Did the "Samuel" side sound any better?  When the children realize that it's a "contest," they seem to try a little harder.

Sing the 6th verse two more times with all the children.  Now try the "contest" again.  Change sides so both sides have the same opportunity.  End by singing the chorus all together.

Follow the Prophet - Samuel

Chances are that many promary children know this song - or at least a few verses.  The middle verses seem to be often over looked.  Verse number 6 is the least known.  Samuel chosen to be a prophet when he was only a boy is a great story.  Use a picture (from the ward library) to share the story.  Sing the first two lines and then have the children sing it with you.  Ask the boys to sing it then the girls.  Ask the teachers to sing it then everyone.  Now sing the last two lines then have everyone sing it twice.  Challenge them to sing the whole verse followed by the chorus.  Have one side of the room sing the verse and the other side sing the chorus then change sides and sing it. 

When you do different things as you are repeating and learning songs, the children (and teachers) are more engaged and learn the song without realizing that they have sung it several times.

Hymn Singing in Primary

Primary is the only place (besides choir practice) where a time is set aside to sing.  No wonder people don't sing as much in our meetings - they don't know the hymns.  The primary learns one hymn each year for the Sacrament Meeting Program.  That means by the time a child moves on to Young Men or Women's, they might learn 8 or 9 hymns (if they sing and review them throughout their time in primary) and there are well over 300 hymns.  Thankfully the children also know many primary songs.  With that in mind, make sure you are using your singing time wisely - singing more than talking or playing games.

Last year we learned "I Stand All Amazed." The year before we learned "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice" and the year before it was "Choose the Right."  Are we singing these occasionally for closing, opening or during singing time just to review them?  Try adding these to the children's repertoire.  Maybe even sing one this week!

Fun Choosing Time

This week is a great time to sing some of those favorite songs that the children like to sing.  Choose 5 or 6 songs that your primary loves and add 1 or 2 review songs - "He Sent His Son" and "I know the My Savior Loves Me."  Put the titles on a slip of paper and put them in a basket, jar or bag.  Let the children choose a slip of paper then sing that song.  You can also give a slip of paper to 8 teachers/leaders and have the children guess if a teacher or leader has a song.  (Be sure to give one to your pianist - they never guess them!)  Then sing the song or have another child guess.

Heart Attack Review

This activity is perfect for Valentine's Day or a friendship singing time.

Cut out 8 to 10 large hearts out of red, pink, purple and/or white paper.
Write one of the following words or phrases. 

• love and tenderness
• pathway
• sacrifice
• faith, hope
• live like His son
• Adam
• Enoch
• Noah
• Abraham
• Moses
• Samuel
• Jonah
• Daniel

Tape the hearts on the board so the words do not show.
Have a child choose a heart.  Sing the song the word or phrase comes from. This will be a fun way to review "Follow the Prophet" and "He Sent His Son."

He Sent His Son

This is the perfect month to teach or review this song, p. 34 in the Children's Songbook.  We sing about God's infinite love.  This song asks a question then answers.

Teaching:

• Sing the first phrase (1st question)
• Show a picture of baby Jesus and sing the answer - 2nd phrase
• Sing the 3rd phrase (2nd question)
• Show a picture of Christ walking/teaching among the people (you could use a picture from the New Testament and Book of Mormon) and sing the answer - 4th phrase
• Sing the 5th phrase (3rd question)
• Show a picture of Christ on the cross and in Gethsemane and sing the answer - 6th phrase
• Hold out the last word of that phrase on the word "breath" and show the resurrected Christ.

 Return to the beginning of the song and have the children sing it with you.  Sing the question and answer two or three times before going to the next question and answer.  You could ask children to hold the pictures as you sing about them.

There are 3 questions left:

• "What does the Father ask of us?  The picture on the back cover of the 2015 Outline is a great picture for this question or one with Christ and children.
• "What do the scriptures say?  Hold up a set of scriptures or a picture of scriptures.
• Write on the board the 4 answers (or make word strips of the next phrase)  1. FAITH   2. HOPE     3. LIVE LIKE HIS SON    4. HELP OTHERS ON THEIR WAY  (I break after each of the 4 answers to emphasize each one.  Let your accompanist know so he/she can stop after each one with the children.)
• Sing the last 2 phrases and have the children sing it with you.

Repeating the questions and answers one at a time helps the children remember the words and melody.
You can't repeat too much!

I Know That My Savior Loves Me - 2nd verse

Teaching the second verse of "I Know That My Savior Loves Me" can be taught in a fun and memorable way. 
In a large bag (pillow case, big plastic or paper bag) be creative, place the following items that go with the phrases of the 2nd verse:

• Now I am here in a beautiful place - a globe of the earth or a picture of the earth
• Learning the teachings of Jesus. - a set of scriptures (The New Testament because that's what we are studying this year)
• Parents and teachers will help guide the way - a picture of parents and a child and a teacher in a classroom
• Lighting my path ev'ry day - a flashlight (preferably one that works)
• Wrapped in the arms of my savior's love - a picture of the Savior with his arms out-stretched and a heart cut-out
• I feel His gentle touch - a cut-out of a hand - point to one finger (you could also use a glove)
• Living each day, I will follow His way, home to my father above - a map - you could draw a home or earth then a line from earth to Heaven (clouds with light shining behind it) or a picture of Lehi's dream and the iron rod

Once you have taught each phrase (in order) put all the items back into the bag and have a child pull out one item and  sing the phrase.  End by singing the entire song with the chorus.

"I Know That My Savior Loves Me" - First Verse

When you are teaching songs to non-readers, the more you can use actions or pictures, the easier the little ones will learn.  However, repetition is by far the best way to learn.

The first verse of "I Know That My Savior Loves Me" can be taught using actions or pictures.

• 1st phrase - a picture of the Garden of Eden (no people in it)
• 2nd phrase - Jesus with little children around Him
• 3rd phrase - a heart cut-out
• 4th phrase - point to your eyes as if tears were on your cheek
• 5th phrase - another heart cut-out
• 6th phrase - point to yourself
• 7th phrase - reach out as if touching someone
• 8th phrase - put both hands on your knees
• 9th phrase - picture of Jesus

Follow by singing the chorus.
Sing the first 2 phrases 2 or 3 times, then add the 3rd and 4th phrases.  Sing the first 4 phrases.  Continue in this fashion adding a phrase then singing from the beginning until they can sing the entire verse.  It is very possible that this will take the entire singing time, but the children will know this verse, especially if you review it next week.

I Know that My Savior Loves Me

This month's song is the new one in the back of the 2015 Primary Program, "I Know that My Savior Loves Me."  We learned and sang it in 2011 for the program so some of the children may remember it.  In the 2015 Primary Program, the last two pages give some great ideas for teaching songs to children.  The last page gives some ideas for teaching "I Know that My Savior Loves Me."

I teach the chorus first.  Repeating after each verse solidifies not only the message but the children internalize it and they all enjoy singing it.  This also helps those 3 and 4 year-olds learn it and they will sing it out even if they never really learn the rest of the song.

Here are some ideas for teaching the chorus:

I know He lives    point to your head (brain)
I will follow faithfully    2 fingers "walk" along the palm of the other hand
My heart I give to Him     hand over your heart then stretch your arm out as if giving your heart
I know that my Savior love me     both hands cover your heart

These are helpful hints for the children (and teachers) to remember the words.