Singing Time - 2019 "Come Follow Me"

Here is the suggested songs for Primary for 2019.  You can read more about the new schedule beginning this year at https://www.lds.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-singing-time-2019/instructions.html?lang=eng

Begin with one of the songs the children already know if possible.  "Come Follow Me," hymn #116, is a perfect hymn to sing when a quiet reverence is needed.  Read through the words so you are familiar with it.  I like to challenge the children to learn all verses.

• cut out simple foot steps and print one word on each form every phrase.
• 1st phrase - follow
• 2nd phrase - Footsteps
• 3rd phrase - alone
• 4th phrase - begotten
• Use this simple pattern for all 6 verses

Learning all the verses will help the children sing in Sacrament meeting, gives them words to think about when they need help or inspiration, and it's a great challenge! 

Music for Singing Time in 2019

January

“Come, Follow Me,” Hymns, no. 116

“A Child’s Prayer,” Children’s Songbook, 12–13

“Jesus Once Was a Little Child,” Children’s Songbook, 55

February

“Baptism,” Children’s Songbook, 100–101

“I Will Follow God’s Plan,” Children’s Songbook, 164–65

“He Sent His Son,” Children’s Songbook, 34–35

March

“I’m Trying to Be like Jesus,” Children’s Songbook, 78–79

“Did You Think to Pray?” Hymns, no. 140

“Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” Children’s Songbook, 57

April

“Faith,” Children’s Songbook, 96–97

“I Feel My Savior’s Love,” Children’s Songbook, 74–75

“Jesus Has Risen,” Children’s Songbook, 70

May

“Keep the Commandments,” Children’s Songbook, 146–47

“Families Can Be Together Forever,” Children’s Songbook, 188

“I Am a Child of God,” Children’s Songbook, 2–3

June

“Love One Another,” Children’s Songbook, 136–37

“Behold the Great Redeemer Die,” Hymns, no. 191

“Did Jesus Really Live Again?” Children’s Songbook, 64

July

“Stand for the Right,” Children’s Songbook, 159

“I’ll Walk with You,” Children’s Songbook, 140–41

“I Know My Father Lives,” Children’s Songbook, 5

August

“When I Am Baptized,” Children’s Songbook, 103

“The Holy Ghost,” Children’s Songbook, 105

“The Lord Gave Me a Temple,” Children’s Songbook, 153

September

“When We’re Helping,” Children’s Songbook, 198

“A Child’s Prayer,” Children’s Songbook, 12–13

“I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” Hymns, no. 136

October

“When He Comes Again,” Children’s Songbook, 82–83

“The Church of Jesus Christ,” Children’s Songbook, 77

“I Love to See the Temple,” Children’s Songbook, 95

November

“Search, Ponder, and Pray,” Children’s Songbook, 109

“Tell Me, Dear Lord,” Children’s Songbook, 176

“Kindness Begins with Me,” Children’s Songbook, 145

December

“My Heavenly Father Loves Me,” Children’s Songbook, 228–29

“Choose the Right Way,” Children’s Songbook, 160–61

“When I Am Baptized,” Children’s Songbook, 103

Away in a Manger

There are 7 different versions of "Away in a Manger."  The Primary Songbook has one version on page 42 and the Hymn Book #206 is another one.  There are 3 verses that most of us are familiar with.  Try singing both versions with the children.  They are in two different keys so allow for an interlude for the key change. 

Singing the same words to different music helps us listen for the meaning of what we are singing about.

If you need picture prompts for the words here are a few suggestions.

1st verse

• Manger
• baby or baby Jesus
• Stars
• manger with straw

2nd verse

• cow or several cattle
• smiley face
• heart
• cradle or bed

3rd verse

• picture of Jesus with children
• heart
• picture of Jesus blessing children
• Explain what "fit" means - to prepare us, get us ready 

The chorus in the Primary Songbook is fun to sing girls first then boys and all together at the end.

Picture a Christmas

"Picture a Christmas," p. 50, beautifully describes the birth of Jesus.  This activity is fun for the children to act out as they sing.

• Use a large empty picture frame or make one out of poster board, cardboard or foam board
• cut two 2' to 3' (larger if you would like) about 3 inches wide
• cut two pieces the same size for a square frame - smaller for a rectangle frame
• tape the corners together
• color if you'd like
• cut out yellow stars - 4 or 5 and 1 large star (the star of Bethlehem)
• tape stars on straws so the children can hold them
• make gold halos for the angels out of gold pipe cleaners
• use a doll or roll a towel and wrap in a blanket for a baby Jesus
• use a picture of baby Jesus

Choose several children to be part of the picture.

• Mary, Joseph, a few shepherds, 4 or 5 stars, a few angels

Ask two children to hold up the frame. Start singing the song.

• "Picture a sacred, silent night"   the stars stand behind the frame
• "And can you hear the angels near"    angels stand in front of the stars
• "And see the star so bright?"   one child stands by the stars with the star of Bethlehem
• have a child hold up a picture of baby Jesus as you sing the chorus.

Second verse

• Have a boy (Joseph) stand in the frame
• a girl (Mary) enters and stands by Joseph holding the baby Jesus
• Shepherds come in next (a few boys and/or girls)
• Then sing the chorus.

You can do the who scene without the frame and just set a few chairs for Mary and Joseph and have the rest of the characters stand around them.

The children will love this activity and it will help them remember the words and meaning of the song.

"Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus"

The Sunday after Thanksgiving is a great day to teach or review "Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus," p. 36.  It's perfect to Samuel's prophecy as we prepare for Christmas. 

The notes at the bottom of the page tells what its original title was - "Christmas in Zarahemla."  You might want to ask the children why that title was a good one and perhaps why the current title is good also.

Be sure to sing both verses and sing the chorus joyously!

Thankful

My favorite activity the Sunday before Thanksgiving if "Put the Feathers on (or off) of the turkey.  When a child picks a feather, they tell one or two things that they are thankful for and then choose their favorite song to sing or you can put a "thankful" song on the back of each feather and sing that one.

There are several "November" posts that you might want to check out for more ideas.

Thankful

I love this time of year - Thankful time!  The Primary Songbook has some great "thankful" songs - pages 6 through 21 and several more under "gratitude" in the index.

"I Am Glad for Many Things," p. 151, is a favorite.  Children love replacing "many things" with something they are specifically thankful for.
"I am gald for my fam'ly, my fam'ly, my fam'ly"
You could sing this many times, asking for things the children are thankful for and then singing about what they are thankful for.

"I'm thankful to Be Me," p. 11, is another "thankful" song the children will enjoy singing.  You could also substitute the words on the third line with other things the children are thankful for.

You could also share pictures of things that we are thankful for and substitute them in place of the words in the song.

Fall Time

Cut out several simple leaves from different colored paper.  Write the names of several favorite songs on the back of the leaves (one song per leaf).  Have several blank leaves and tape them to the board or wall. 

Have a child choose one leaf.  If it is blank, they can tell something they like to do in the fall (rake leaves, ride their bike, hike, go for a walk, play in the leaves, go to a pumpkin patch, etc).

If the leaf has a song title on it, sing the song.

Obeying Laws and Commandments

Review "I Want to Be a Missionary Now," p. 168  It's important to review new songs so they become favorites of the children.

"Keep the Commandments," p. 146, is a great song for this month as well.  Missionaries need to keep the commandments to be able to hear the spirit and know who to visit and how to teach.  We need to do the same in order to have heavenly Father's help.

• Ask the children to define commandments or laws.
• Do we have laws that we must obey?
• Stop signs/lights
• railroad crossings
• No Parking signs
• Do not drink
• Stay on the path
• etc.
• What happens if we don't obey these laws?
• What happens when we do obey these laws?
• Have the children list some of Heavenly Father's commandments
• What happens if we don't obey these commandments?
• What happens when we do obey these commandments?

Sing "Keep the Commandments."

Missionary Work

The theme for this month is missionary work.  "I Want to Be a Missionary Now," p. 168, is a great teaching tool to help the children learn how to be a missionary even at their age.

Begin with the first verse. 

• Sing the first 2 phrases then ask the children to sing with you.
• Sing them 3 times
• Then do the same with the last 2 phrases
• Sing the 1st verse

Use the same method for the 2nd and 3rd verses. Be sure to teach the 3rd ending as you teach the 3rd verse.

You could use a picture of missionaries, The Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith in the scared grove.  Sometimes pictures help bring the song and message to life.

After-Program Fun

Once you have finished performing the Primary Sacrament program, the following week is wide open to something different and fun for singing time.  I like to sing some "action" songs listed below and then allow some time for choose-you-favorite-song.  Generally, the children will choose a song from the program. Make sure that your pianist is okay with a "free-for-all" choosing time.

Action songs

• The Wise Man and the Foolish Man p. 281
• Do as I'm Doing p. 276
• Fun to Do p. 253
• If You're Happy p.266
• Oh, How We Love to Stand p. 279
• Sing, Sing, Sing p. 253
• Rain Is Falling All Around (Leaves Are Falling All Around) p. 241

There are several others listed under "Activity Songs" in the index of the Primary Songbook.  Choose your favorites or teach a few new ones.

Stand Up, Sit Down, Eyes on Me

Make your rehearsals for the Primary Sacrament Meeting Program enjoyable.  This can be a real drudgery for teachers and children. Here are a few ways to make the "getting-ready" process fun.

• Standing and sitting quietly
• Ask the children to listen as you stand them up (with a hand motion)
• Have them sit back down.
• Ask just the girls to stand - then have them sit back down
• Ask the boys to stand - then have them sit back down
• Who stood and sat down the most quiet?
• Ask a teacher, member of the primary presidency or another adult to listen to see how quietly the children stand and sit.
• number cards 1 through 10 (large enough for the children to see them)
• after each time they stand or sit, rate their reverence with one of the cards - 10 = awesome, 1 = not so good
• Eyes on you (as the music director) 
• Encourage the children to watch you:
• so they know when to sit or stand
• so they can get clues for the words of the songs
• so they know how loud or soft to sing
• Make a circle from an 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper
• draw a set of eyes on it (like a face)
• tape a stick on the back so it is easy to hold up
• Tell the children that every time you hold it up they are to STOP singing.
• After a few times of unrehearsed solos, they will start watching you more. (DO NOT do this activity during the Primary Program)

Be Prepared for Your Rehearsals

As you prepare songs, speaking parts, seating, etc. for the Primary Sacrament Program, do your VERY best to make rehearsals smooth.  The best way to do that is have everything organized prior to the rehearsal.

• How many seats will be needed in the chapel for the children and teachers?
• Are you seating the children in order of their speaking parts?
• Are teachers spaced well for reverence control?
• Do you need extra chairs? Will they be in place before the meeting?
• Make a seating chart prior to the rehearsal and make sure all adults helping have a copy.
• If possible, put the names of the children on the seats before the rehearsal.
• If you plan on a full "run-through" of the program, make sure there are NO distractions for the children.
• all adults focused - no side talking
• Anyone walking around (moving children, making last minute changes, discussing things) takes the focus off of the music leader and/or speakers.
• sit quietly with a paper and pencil and write down changes to be made AFTER the rehearsal.
• Adults make or break a rehearsal.  Be focused. Don't talk. Set a reverent, attentive example.  The children will follow your lead.

Leaders and teachers can make the difference in a fabulous rehearsal or a disjoint and time wasted rehearsal.  BE PREPARED ! ! !

"Stop" and "Go" Review

A good way to test the children's knowledge of a song is to play the  "Stop and Go" game.

• Make a "stop" sign (red)
• Make a "go" sign (green)

When you hold up the "Stop" sign the children stop singing but the piano keeps playing.  Hold up the "Go" sign and the children continue singing with where the piano is playing.  They mus sing in their minds to know what to sing when the "Go" sign goes up.

Give an example before you begin.

You could also make a "Hum" sign, "Boys," "Girls," "Teachers," etc. signs to add variety.  The children will enjoy this activity!

Review with Variety

As you review songs for the Sacrament Meeting Program, work at being able to sing all the songs at the same level of performance.  I especially find the 2nd or 3rd verses to be weak. 

Spend time singing the verses beyond the first verse.

• Stand and sing facing the back
• Everyone with birthdays on even numbers sing 
• Everyone with birthdays on odd numbers sing
• Everyone in the 1st, 3rd and 5th grade sing
• Everyone in K, 2nd, 4th and 6th sing
• Preschool and 6th sing.

Use this type of variety to sing verses/songs several times.

Preparing for the Sacrament Meeting Program

The Primary Sacrament Meeting Program is a big deal for the children and the one thing that they can all participate in is singing.  Make sure they know these songs well!  Be prepared!

• Make a list of all the songs that you will be singing for the program
• List them in the order order that you will sing them
• Sing the songs with the children
• Make note of the songs or verses that need some extra review
• Know how many weeks you have before the program
• Plan your singing time to review the songs

If the children know the songs well, they internalize them, the understand the message and enjoy singing.  This will carry over to the congregation.  They, in turn, will feel the spirit of the song and the love the children share in singing the songs.

"A Child's Prayer" Duet

If your primary has not learned "A Child's Prayer," They will need to know both parts before you sing it as a duet.  Have the children sing both verses all together.
Make sure they know the melody of each part and the words, also.

Choose someone to sing one part with half of the children and you sing with the other half.  You could have another teacher, member of the presidency or even an older child who knows the song well, help one half of the primary.

Try singing it a few times as a duet.  Change sides so everyone has the chance to sing both parts as a duet.

This song will become a favorite once the children truly learn it.

A Child's Prayer

One of my all time favorite songs is "A Child's Prayer!"  I'm so glad we are revisiting it this year for the program.

On page 17 of the "Outline for Sharing Time," are some excellent helps in teaching this song.  If your primary do not know this song, start by teaching one phrase at a time.  Sing it several times.  Then go to the next phrase.  Learn both parts well before putting them together as a duet.

When I have the children sing this, they sing each part and then they divide and sing the duet.  A powerful testimony can be felt as they sing!

My best suggestion is to learn each par extremely well before doing the duet.

Pioneers

A favorite pioneer song for children to sing is "Whenever I Think About Pioneers," p. 222.  When the children know all the verses, the duet is very satisfying and fun to sing.  Have the entire primary sing verses 1 and 2, then divide the primary in half for the third verse and have half sing the 1st tune and the other half sing the 2nd tune together. Make sure there are teachers on both sides to help.

You may have to sing the duet several times until it becomes easy to sing. 

• Try having the piano play one part while you sing the other part with the children.
• Ask another person that can hold their part, sing with half of the children and you the other half.
• Switch parts so all the children get a chance to sing both parts.

Pioneers Yesterday and Today

A pioneer is one who first discovers a place, area, land and makes it possible to develop.

We refer to the people we settled in Salt Lake City as the early pioneers of the Church of Latter-Day Saints.  It was a desert and they made it "blossom like a rose."  It was hard work, but they made it their home.

Now we have a world-wide church with many pioneers of today.  They may not have discovered a new land but the church is "blossoming" all over the word with "pioneers" who work hard to do missionary work and serve in wards and branches.

Choose a few pioneer songs in the Primary Songbook.  Talk about the challenges the children had as they walked across the plains and then made their home in a desert. 

What sacrifices do we make today to help our church grow?

Pioneers Then and Now

"Pioneer Day" was what my grandmother called "The 24th of July" holiday.  It is the day the pioneers entered the Salt Lake valley in 1847.  Salt Lake City has the third largest parade in the United States on that day.  Yes, it's a big holiday in Utah!

We can all celebrate the freedoms that the pioneers found in this valley, to worship without fear of persecution.  We have grown into a world-wide church and celebrate these same freedoms all over the world.

Share some pioneer stories of children walking that long distance and then sing p. 216, "Little Pioneer Children" and p. 214, "Pioneer Children Sang..."  If time permits, sing p. 215, "Pioneer Children Were Quick to Obey."

Ask the children questions about the children then and now.

• What were some difficult things about being a pioneer?
• What is difficult today?
• Why was it important to quickly obey as a pioneer child?
• Why should we quickly obey today?
• What did the pioneer children do for fun?
• What do we do for fun?

Families Can Be Together Forever

"Families Can Be Together Forever," p. 188 is the song for July.  This is also the theme for the month.  This song should be a part of all primary repertoire.  A fun way to review is as follows:

• Ask each class to take a turn singing a phrase. (Start with an older class so the younger classes can see the example.)  
• Ask the oldest class to stand and sing: "I have a family here on earth."
• Second class stands quickly and sings: "They are so good to me."
• Continue until you reach the chorus, then everyone sings the chorus together.
• Sing the second verse the same way.
• You could also rotate boys and girls singing each phrase and challenge them to keep continuity - no breaks or stops between phrases.

Patriotism

Patriotism is important to all of us no matter where we live or what country.  There are 2 great songs in the Primary Songbook about patriotism. 

"My Country," p. 224, gives a message of being proud or who we are and where we live.  It is also perfect for including children from different countries.  Use a world map to locate where some of the children's ancestors are from.  Then show the flag of that country.  You could also point out where missionaries from your ward are serving and show that flag.

"My Flag, My Flag," p. 225, expresses pride for our flag.  Before teaching this song, find flags (or pictures of them) from countries where some of the children's ancestors are from or from where missionaries in your ward or stake are serving.

Both songs are quite easy to teach one phrase at a time.

Celebrate Father's

Celebrate fathers through song!  List all the Father's/ family songs the children know, then gather the "dad bag."

Dad Bag:

• shoes, small shovel, hammer, dish towel, tie, barbecue spatula, scriptures, child's book, The Friend magazine etc. or any other item that you can relate to fathers
• place in a bag
• pull one item out or let a child pull one out and ask how fathers could use it.
• sing one of your chosen songs.
• repeat process

Children will enjoy sharing how their fathers help them and it will remind them of all the things fathers do for us!

Review Father's Day Songs

Use ALL or as much time as you can singing.  Children will learn far more from song than any lesson or presentation.  They will hum or sing a song when they are busy working or playing.  They recognize when a song is familiar to them.  Next time your congregation sings one of the primary songs in Sacrament meeting, glance around at the children and see their faces light up and join in singing.  Music is powerful!

Review Father's Day songs this week.  Choose various children to tell one thing that their father does for them then sing one of the Father's Day songs.  Include grandfathers, uncles, home teacher, Bishop etc.

Father's Day

Father's Day is coming up and there are 9 songs that celebrate fathers.  Some just need to change "Mother" to "Father."

My favorite is "Fathers," p. 209.  It talks about our own father, the father of our ward - bishop, and our Heavenly Father. 

"Love Is Spoken Here," p. 190 tells about the role fathers play in the family.

There are also the grandfather songs listed under "Grandparents" in the Primary Songbook.

Challenge yourself and your primary to see how many you can learn before Father's Day.  Check out earlier posts on specific helps in teaching many of these songs.

My Flag, My Flag

Every country has a flag.  They all represent a love of country.  "My Flag," p. 225 can be sung in any country to celebrate patriotism.   The children will enjoy standing and singing this song for any country's patriotic celebrations.

Find a picture or a small flag from the countries where your ward, branch or stake have missionaries serving.  Show each flag and tell which missionaries are serving there.

• Sing the first 2 1/2 lines of the song.
• Sing it again and ask the children to listen for words or phrases that are repeated.  ("my flag" - 4 times and "my county's flag" 2 times)
• Were there rhyming words?  (wave and brave)
• Sing it with the children
• Sing the last 2 1/2 lines of the song.
• Sing it again and ask the children to listen for words or phrases that are repeated.  ("wave on" - 4 times and "forever" 2 times)
• Were there rhyming words? (Free and liberty)
• Sing it with the children
• Sing the whole song a few times with the children

Following the Prophets

There are several songs about following prophets and one the children especially love to sing is "Follow the Prophet" p.110.  Challenge the children to learn ALL the verses and be able to tell a story about each one.

There are great helps in the "Outline for Sharing Time" p. 11, for teaching "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" # 19 in the Hymn Book.  This is a good one to introduce the children to the Hymn Book.

A few other songs are:
"Latter-Day Prophets" p. 134
"Seek the Lord Early" p. 108
"Stand for the Right" p. 159

It's always fun to review songs the children already know.  Add a few of these to their repertoire.

Mother's Day Activity

Mother's Day is a special day and I would hope that we can honor ALL the women in our lives.

Choose several Mother's Day songs and add a few other songs as needed ("Do as I'm Doing"," I Am a Child of God," etc.)

Tell the children that  they are going to make a list of all the women/girls that help them.  List 3 to 5 then sing one of the songs.  List a few more and singing after.

The list could include: mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, step-mom, nurse, teacher (could include primary teacher, school, piano, flute, violin, dance, ballet, math, music, etc.) tutor, coach, babysitter, doctor, etc.

Now go back and next to each one, write what they do for us.  Sing a song after you write a few.

This activity will help the children (and adults) appreciate what these women do for us.

Honoring Womanhood

Honoring women is important to teach children.  Most of the songs in the Primary Songbook are specific to mothers.  Ask the children what other women/girls help, serve, teach, play and love them.  Examples might include aunts, babysitters, nannies, teachers, friends, friends' moms, nurses, doctors, dentists.

Choose several songs about mothers.  Sing them and in between songs, ask the children to share ways that we can show our thanks/gratitude to our moms and other women in our lives.

Songs about family begin on p. 188.

Time to Review

Reviewing songs is critical for the message, melody and words to stick in our minds - regardless of age.

Dot-to-Dot Review

• Cut out at least 10 circles the size of a dinner plate out of colored paper.
• Write a word or short phrase on the back of each circle from the songs you want to review.
• Use a magnet or tape to put all the circles on the board in random order
• Have a child choose a circle.
• Read the word or phrase.
• Ask the children what song the word or phrase comes from.
• Sing the song. (Note if there are parts that need a little more review.)
• Choose another circle and repeat process.

Because you will be singing the songs several times, make sure you take note if difficult parts become easier with practice.  You may want to work on these sections if time permits or next week.

The Priesthood Is Restored

"The Priesthood Is Restored," p. 89, is a simple yet powerful song to teach to the children.  It has a "march" feel to it and is quite powerful in music and words.  Retell the story of the priesthood restoration to Joseph Smith.  Have the children help you as they can.

• If possible, download  children singing it from the church website and play it for the children.
• Show a picture of the priesthood being restored to Joseph Smith
• Sing the first line and then have the children sing it with you a few times.
• Sing the second line and then have the children sing it with you a few times.  Sing both lines together with the piano accompaniment.
• Sing the third phrase and then have the children sing it with you a few times.
• Sing the forth phrase and then have the children sing it with you a few times. 
• Sing the two last phrases together.
• Sing the whole song.
• stand and sing it with power (not yelling).
• Be sure to hold out the last note at least 4 counts - longer if possible.

The children will enjoy singing this song!

The Sacred Grove

"The Sacred Grove," p. 87, explains simply Joseph Smith's prayer in the grove of trees.  The children will enjoy singing this song once they have learned it

Show a picture of Joseph Smith in the sacred grove while you sing the first verse.

• Ask the children what "green and fresh" might look like.
• Sing the first phrase then have the children sing it with you.
• Sing the second phrase, then have the children sing it with you.  Tell the children that the third phrase is the same but with a different melody.
• Sing the third phrase, then have the children sing it with you.
• Sing the first 3 phrases two times.
• Sing the last phrase then have the children sing it with you.
• Sing the whole first verse  twice.

Show a picture of the first vision.

• Sing the 2nd verse.
• Ask the children to tell what Joseph asked Heavenly Father.
• Ask what Heavenly Father answered.
• Sing the first two phrases then have the children sing it with you.
• Sing the last 3 phrases then have the children sing it with you.
• Sing the last verse two or three times

Depending on time, you may only be able to teach the first verse.

God speaks to us

We have the opportunity to sustain a new prophet and two new apostles April 1, 2018.  What a great event!

This is a good time to review the words to "If the Savior Stood Beside Me."  We have been given a prophet to guide us and help us live as if the Savior were beside us.

Share with the children your testimony, especially with Easter being next week.  The third verse tells us how Christ is always there for us, how he "dearly" loves us and watches over us.

Remind the children that God uses his prophet and apostles to give us His message.  So, If we want to know what the Savior wants us to know today, listen to General Conference and we can all know.

*Note:
There are ideas for Easter activities in earlier posts if you need more ideas.

Kite Review

Using different and fun visuals put pizzazz into reviewing songs.

• cut several (6 - 8) kite shapes out of various colored paper (diamond shape works quite well) You can use more kites depending on how many words and/or phrases you want to have.  Different sizes and shapes are also fun.
• tape a piece of string or yarn on the end for a tail (8 to 10 inches long)
• Put key words from the phrases of the song you would like to review
• "If the Savior Stood Beside Me"
• commandments
• example
• righteously
• say
• do
• near me
• words
• gospel
• reverently
• kind of person
• watchful

Depending on the amount of time you have, ask one or two children to put a kite in the "air" (on the board) and sing the song.  Ask the children to stand or raise their hand when they sing the word or words on the kite.  continue until all the kites are flying.

You may want to divide the kites by verses so you sing one verse at a time.

If the Savior Stood Beside Me

"If the Savior Stood Beside Me"

In March of 2013, I wrote the following post to teach this song.  It has been used in the 2008 Primary Sacrament Program as well.  I am re-publishing it for those of you have not been serving in primary for 5 years or more.  

Using a set of pictures from the scriptures one week and the set in the program , p. 28, the next week, can help the children see how the message in this song are eternal and apply to all of us at any time in history.

"If the Savior Stood Beside Me" is the song for March.  The music is printed in the 2013 Sacrament Meeting Program.  It was used in the 2008 Sacrament Meeting Program, as well.  There is a great idea on page 26 for teaching this song.  On the church website, the entire song is printed out with a question mark in the back ground.  I love the pictures that were chosen to go with the questions, however, I couldn't find them all.  Instead of using modern day pictures, I am using pictures from the scriptures such as for the phrase, "would I do the things I do," the picture of Nephi subduing his rebellious brothers or the conversion of Alma the Younger, would be appropriate and a little more difficult to match.  I like to have easy pictures that match the words for the younger children and pictures that the older ones need to think about.

Place the words in order on the board.  Put the pictures on the sides of the board.  Sing the first phrase and have the children find the picture that goes with the phrase.  If they choose the "wrong" picture, put it under the question anyway and go to the next phrase.  Hopefully they will see the mistake as more pictures are chosen.  Be sure to sing the phrases several times.

This activity may take the entire singing time.  You could teach the second and third verse the next 2 weeks the same way.  Be sure to sprinkle in an active song such as "Do as I'm Doing," "Fun to Do," "Popcorn Popping...," etc. help with keeping wiggles under control.

Choosing Time

During the wintertime, sometimes things get a little dull - boring, as children put it.  Try a singing time of all the children's favorite songs or teacher's favorites.  If your pianist is capable, you can do a "choosing time" on the spot.  However, if he/she needs to practice first, you choose the songs the children like so the pianist has time to practice before you sing.

Don't forget to use action songs like "Do as I'm Doing," "Fun to Do," "Once there Was a Snowman," "Rain (Snow)Is Falling," "The Wise Man..." etc.  There will be songs from previous programs that the children love to sing.

You might consider ending singing time with "I Am a Child of God."

All Things Bright and Beautiful

There are several songs in the Primary Songbook that are about the creation.

"All Things Bright and Beautiful," p. 231, has some great lyrics about many things that God has created.  The chorus is at the beginning but can easily be sung at the end, also.

The verses can be easily illustrated by drawing the pictures on the board or finding pictures to go with each verse.  During the week call a few children and give them an assignment to bring a picture that will go with the various verses:

• one child could bring a picture of  flower
• another could bring a picture of a bird
• etc.

There could be could be 13 pictures to illustrate all 4 verses.  Some children will be quite happy to receive an assignment.  Be sure to talk with parents, too, and send a reminder on Saturday.  With e-mails, assignments like this can be simple.

Make sure that each phrase is repeated several times so the children learn the melody.

"I Have Two Ears"

Review "My Heavenly Father Loves Me," p. 324.

"I Have Two Ears," p. 269, is a good song to sing this month as we learn about God's creations.

Use pictures or word strips of the following to help teach this song:

• 2 ears
• "truth"
• 2 eyes
• "to see"
• 2 feet
• "carry me"
• 2 lips
• "speak kind words"
• 2 hands
• "to work
• "loving helpers"

I like to teach teach the chorus first so we can always end the song.  Sing the first phrase then ask the children to sing it with you a few times. Continue singing one phrase at a time with the children singing after you until they know the chorus.

Match the picture with the word as you sing the verses.  Sing a phrase then have the children sing it with you.

Save your visuals to use as you review this song in coming weeks.

Pictionary

Try a game of "Pictionary" to review "My Heavenly Father Loves Me," p.228.
Tell the children that we are going to play "Pictionary" for this song.  If they know the song, tell them to keep it a secret until all the hints have been given.

• Write the following word/phrases on small pieces of paper and put them in a hat, bowl or bag.
• bird singing/whistling
• blue sky or just sky
• rain
• wind
• a rose
• lilac tree
• world
• eyes
• butterfly
• ears
• mind
• heart
• Tell the children that who ever chooses a paper must draw a picture on the board to help us guess it.  (Do your best to have the children raise their hand and NOT shout it out.)
• After all the pictures have been drawn, put them in the order as you sing the song.
• Ask one class to sing one line then another class sing the next line, etc. until you have sung the entire song.

Who Am I - God's Plan

January's theme is "I Am a Child of God, and He Has a Plan for Me."  Review all 4 verses of "I Am a Child of God."  Review the 4th verse a few times if the children are still struggling with the words.  Ask the children how this song helps them know who they are.  Allow them to share their thoughts.  Sing it again.

Sing "I Will Follow God's Plan," p. 164.  Ask the children what "the plan" is and how they can attain it.  Sing it again.

"Choose the Right," Hymn #239, is also a good hymn to review.  If the children need a review, look up the post "Choose the Right."  There are some easy and effective ideas on how to teach this hymn.

Plan of Salvation

"I Will Follow God's Plan," p. 164, explains the Plan of Salvation so well  and simply.
Prepare for the following activity by:

• Read through the words 
• Come up with questions that are answered in the song. Examples:
• What is a gift? Who gave it to us (my life, Heavenly Father)
• What are 3 things our life has? (a plan, a purpose)
• What was our choice? (to come to earth)
• What are some things we can do to follow God's plan? (work, pray, walk in His way)
• Write the questions on pieces of paper, fold them and put them in a container for the children to choose from.

As you begin singing time, explain to the children that this songs answers many questions about the Plan of Salvation.  In the container are questions that must be answered by using the words from the song for answers.  Have one child choose a question.  Sing the song.  Ask the children what the answer is using a word or phrase from the song.  Continue until all questions have been asked.

I Am a Child of God, Variety

The outline for this year has some great ideas and suggestions. It is always up to you as to which song you choose to sing for the Primary Sacrament Program in the fall. The suggested song for this month's theme is "I Am a Child of God."  Most children know this song.  Here is an activity that will add variety to singing the song rather than just singing it through.

• On 8 cards or sheets of paper, number them 1 - 8  (Make two sets of cards)
• Give each class one card (If you don't have eight classes, use only cards for  the number of classes that you have or give a class or two one more cards)
• You keep a set of cards
• Explain to the children that when you hold up a number, only the class with that number sings. They will need to watch carefully to see when they sing.
• Hold up a number to begin the song. After each phrase, hold up a different number.
• The last phrase, "Teach me all that I must do to live with Him some day," have all the children sing. (You can hold up all the numbers or make a card that says "ALL.")
• It is fun to hold up 2 or more cards so more classes sing.
• Be sure to sing all the verses, including the 4th verse written below the song.

Seek meaning in singing songs

Excited for the New Year?!?!  This year's outline is a repeat of the 2013 program.  This is the first time a program/outline has been repeated.  That means that most of the children that are 7 to 11 have learned these songs.  What a great opportunity to review and teach in depth!

The songs suggested to support this month's theme (I Am a Child of God, and He Has a Plan for Me) are as follows:

• Week 1 
• I Am a Child of God, p. 2
• I Know My Father Lives, p. 5
• Week 2 and 3
• I Will Follow God's Plan, p. 164
• Week 4
• Choose the Right, Hymn # 239

Any one of these songs could be used in the Primary Sacrament Meeting this fall.  The more the children sing the songs, the more the songs and meaning become apart of them.

This week try singing all of them and determine which ones need more repetition.  Ask the children about the meaning of each song after they have sung it.  Ask questions that are answered in the song.  This will help you know what you need to explain as they sing for understanding.

I have posts on all of these songs.  If you need more ideas search the tags on the side of the blog for previous posts.