January 6, 2013

Opening Song: My Heavenly Father Loves Me (p228)

Closing Song: I Am a Child of God (p2-3)

Program Song: I Am a Child of God (p2) 
Wiggle Songs: Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam (p60)
                         Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (p275)

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Identify the doctrine: I am a child of God. God is my Heavenly Father. He knows and loves me.

Help the children understand it:
Tell children that this year our theme is "I Am a Child of God". Bear testimony that each child is a child of God, that He is their Heavenly Father, and that He knows them by name and loves them. Show the video, "I Am a Child of God" made by the church on the Mormon Channel on YouTube:

Tell the children that they will sing the first verse twice and then the second verse once. Invite the children to sing along. Tell them that we will be learning the second verse today, so don't worry if they don't know the words yet! (Especially our new little Sunbeams!)

Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior Primary

1. Sing the second verse to them, phrase by phrase. Have them sing each phrase back to me. (Mirror Singing)
2. Keep the beat by clapping, patting knees while singing.
3. Use How To Sing Sticks if time.
   
   Wiggle Songs: Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
                           Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
   
4. Sing the first and second verses together once.
5. Bear testimony and explain 2013 Primary Music CD's.

Senior Primary

1. Invite the children to sing verse 2. Listen for any trouble spots. Fix with Mirror Singing.
2. Teach the children verse 3 using Mirror Singing, Keep the Beat (clapping, patting, walking), and How To Sing Sticks.
   
   Wiggle Songs: Do As I'm Doing
                           Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
   
3. Sing verses 1-3 together once.
4. Bear testimony and explain 2013 Primary Music CD's.

Nursery (following singing time, go into Nursery and sing the following songs with them)

1. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
2. Give Said the Little Stream
3. I Feel My Savior's Love
4. I Love to See the Temple
5. Families Can Be Together Forever
6. I Am a Child of God

December 30, 2012

Opening Song: Latter Day Prophets (p134))
Closing Song: Stand for the Right (p159)

Christmas Review Songs: Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus p.36, Once There Was a Snowman p. 249, Picture a Christmas p. 50, Our Christmas Story Tree (the Friend),  Away in a Manger p. 42, Christmas Bells p. 54, A Shepherd's Carol p. 40, Stars Were Gleaming p. 37, It's Autumntime (but sing winter time, the snow/rain is falling down) p. 246, He Sent His Son p. 34

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Identify the doctrine: The Christmas season is one to remember our Savior Jesus Christ.

Listening and Singing Experiences:
Here are the ornament pages I would use:

Ornaments 1

Ornaments 2

Ornaments 3

I planned to print them out and write a number on the back (that corresponds to a Christmas song). I would tape them either under the kids chairs or hide them around the room. Ideally, each child would get to pick or find an ornament. Tell the kids you will choose reverent singers to pick ornaments, to look under their chairs, or you could play the hot/cold game where you have the children start singing in strong voices and when the child searching for an ornament is close to it, the kids sing quieter and quieter.

Here again are the 10 songs we'll be reviewing:

1. Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus (p36)
2. Once There Was a Snowman (p249)
3. Picture a Christmas (p50)
4. Our Christmas Story Tree (the Friend)
5. Away in a Manger (p42)
6. Christmas Bells (p54)
7. A Shepherd's Carol (p40)
8. Stars Were Gleaming (p37)
9. It's "WinterTime" (p246)
10. He Sent His Son (p34)

If there is still time, choose from the Songs of the Heart box.

Nursery (following singing time, go into Nursery and sing the following songs with them)

1. Once There Was a Snowman
2. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
3. Away in a Manger
4. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
5. I Am a Child of God

December 16, 2012

Opening Song: Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus (p36)

Closing Song: Stars Were Gleaming (p37)

Christmas Song: Our Christmas Story Tree (the Friend)
Review Songs: Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus (p36), Christmas Bells (p54)

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Identify the doctrine: Our Christmas tree and ornaments are symbols of the true meaning of Christmas. These symbols are to remind us of our Savior Jesus Christ and His birth. 

Help the children understand it (Attention Getter): Have mini Christmas tree lit up, ask children to raise their hands if they have a Christmas tree in their homes. Teach them that Christmas trees and their ornaments can help remind us about the true meaning of Christmas. Have the ornaments from the song laid out on the table, show them to the children and have them guess in their minds what they might symbolize/represent. Play the slideshow. Discuss the meaning behind the ornaments as we hang them on the tree (sing it as we hang them). At the end, hand out Christmas Story Tree Matching Sheet

Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior/Senior Primary

Our Christmas Story Tree

1. Use hand actions while singing (have children come up with them).
2. Put pictures of ornaments, etc. up on board (instead of flipchart, next week put on poster)
3. Clap the melody rhythm.
4. Keep the beat while singing with feet or patting knees.

Christmas Bells

1. Review song by singing and having the children join in singing when they think they remember the words as we walk in a circle. Use Christmas bell. Start with Isabella and Emma.
2. Teach descant (have Emily play it on the piano while the rest sing the melody).

Nursery (following singing time, go into Nursery and sing the following songs with them)

1. Once There Was a Snowman
2. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
3. Away in a Manger
4. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
5. I Am a Child of God

December 9, 2012

Opening Song: He Sent His Son (p34)
Closing Song: Picture a Christmas (p50)

Christmas Song: Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus (p36), Christmas Bells (p54)
Review Songs: Picture a Christmas as Closing Song

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Identify the doctrine: Even though Jesus was born on another continent, Heavenly Father wanted all of His children to know when Jesus would be born. He sent Samuel the Prophet to tell the people that in 5 years time the Savior would be born. 

Help the children understand it (Attention Getter): Show the Book of Mormon video about Samuel the Lamanite. Have the children tell the story in their own words. Then sing the song to them with the flipchart.

Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior/Senior Primary

Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus 

1. Use to, with, and by method to teach song first time through.
2. To practice the song, use the dice or how to sing sticks. 

Christmas Bells

1. Teach song by singing and having the children join in singing when they think they know the words as we walk in a circle. Use Christmas bell.
2. Choose a super singer to shake Christmas bell (on beat).
3. If time, teach descant to willing singers (Emma, Isabella, Auden). Have the piano play the descant while leading the rest of the children in the melody.

Nursery (following singing time, go into Nursery and sing the following songs with them)

1. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
2. Away in a Manger
3. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
4. I Am a Child of God

December 2, 2012

Opening Song: He Sent His Son (p34)

Closing Song: I Am a Child of God (p2-3)

Christmas Song: Picture a Christmas (p50)
Review Songs: Away in a Manger (p42)

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Identify the doctrine: Heavenly Father loves us so much, He sent His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to show us how to return to live with Him. Jesus was born in a stable. Shepherds came to visit Him that night. The wise men didn't come for another couple of years (that's why we don't sing about them in the song).

Help the children understand it (Attention Getter): Make connection by showing personal pictures of Christmases past. Ask the children to share what they see when they "picture" Christmas (have a partner A and B so everyone gets to share). Then share Gospel Art Kit pictures of Christmas (and connect to how these are pictures of the first Christmas).

Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior/Senior Primary

Picture a Christmas (Flipchart)

1. The first 2 phrases tell us to picture something, raise your hand when you hear what they are. (stable in Judea, sacred silent night) Discuss stable and sacred. Have children sing with me and then by themselves.
2. The next phrase has rhyming words, when you hear what they are touch your nose. (hear and near). Have children sing with me and then by themselves. 
3. Sing the next phrase to and with children, then have them sing it by themselves.
4. Sing verse from the beginning. 
5. When we picture the little baby Jesus, what are we supposed to think about? (His life and words so dear) Sing to, with and by. Have children use the sign language for baby and Jesus.
6. We should do 2 things as we picture Christmas this year, what are they? (sing praise and remember Him) Sing to, with and by. Have children silent clap for praise and point to head for remember. Sing chorus from beginning. 
7. Sing verse 1 with  chorus. Have children stand to sing.
8. What are the 2 words that describe Joseph? Hands on your shoulders when you know (kind and gentle). Sing to, with and by.
9. What 1 word describes Mary? (fair) Fair = beautiful. Sing to, with and by. 
10. The next part of a phrase has rhyming words, what are they? (see, rev'rently) Have children sing with me and then by themselves.
11. Sing the last part of the phrase to and with the children, then have them sing it by themselves.
12. Sing verse from beginning. Then sing it again with the chorus. Have children march quietly in place.
13. Sing the whole song through. Have children stand to sing.

Away in a Manger

1. Review verse 1 with chorus. Work on trouble spots.
2. If time, teach verses 2-3 using similar method used above. Solo/Duet for these verses?

*Tell children that after singing Away in a Manger and Picture a Christmas we will be singing "Jingle Bells" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". We can't practice them in church, so practice them at home during the week. The adults will be joining in to sing with us. 

Nursery (following singing time, go into Nursery and sing the following songs with them)

1. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
2. Away in a Manger
3. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
4. I Am a Child of God

November 11 and 25, 2012

Opening Song: I Hope They Call Me on a Mission (p169)
Closing Song: Love One Another (p136)

Songs: Thanks to Our Father (p20), My Heavenly Father Loves Me (p228), Children All Over the World (p16), I am A Child of God (p2), I Feel My Savior's Love (p74), For Health and Strength (p21), I Love to See the Temple (p95), Families Can Be Together Forever (p188), It's Autumn Time (p246), If You're Thankful (p266)

Wiggle Song: Head Shoulders Knees and Toes (p275a)

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Identify the doctrine: Our Heavenly Father loves us, and to remind us, He has given us daily blessings.

Help the children understand it with Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior/Senior Primary

Sing Wiggle Song (if needed)
Attention getter: Last week I showed you my Thankful Turkey Book book. This week I made a Thankful Turkey for you! It's different from my book, but another way for you to keep track of things you're thankful for! Today we are going to sing songs about being thankful to give you ideas to draw or write on your turkey at home. This is Tom the Turkey! On the back of each of his feathers is a song about Thanksgiving and autumn time. I'm going to draw your names out of my turkey basket to see who gets to come choose a feather!

1. Draw a name from the basket and have that child choose a feather. Put feathers aside after being drawn.
2. When the children draw the following songs, take more time to go over and learn them better:
• Thanks to Our Father (p20)
• Children All Over the World (p16)
• Life is O'erflowing with Beautiful Things (the Friend)
• For Health and Strength (p21)
3. Do as many as possible within 20 minutes.

Nursery (following singing time, go into Nursery and sing the following songs with them)

1. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam (jump up on "beam", start crouched down)
2. I Love to See the Temple (use simple hand gestures for words)
3. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
4. Families Can Be Together Forever (draw circles in the air, switch arms, reverse direction) 
5. Popcorn Popping (simple hand actions)
6. I Am a Child of God (clap then pat knees to keep beat)

November 4, 2012

Opening Song: My Heavenly Father Loves Me (p228)

Closing Song: I Hope They Call Me on a Mission (p169)

Songs: Thanks to Our Father (p20), My Heavenly Father Loves Me (p228), Children All Over the World (p16)
2013 Program Song: My Heavenly Father Loves Me, verse 1 (p228)
Wiggle Songs: If You're "Grateful" (If You're Happy, p266)

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Identify the doctrine: Our Heavenly Father loves us, and to remind us, He has given us daily blessings.

Help the children understand it with Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior/Senior Primary

Wiggle Song: If you're grateful and you know it...clap your hands, stand up, stomp your feet, do all 3!

• Junior Primary: sing after "Thanks to Our Father" activity.
• Senior Primary: first thing! 

Attention getter: One of my favorite foods at Thanksgiving is the turkey! I especially love the juicy dark meat, yum! So, turkeys always remind me to be thankful. I brought my turkey gratitude book today to share with you. Share turkey gratitude book (visit link for an idea of what mine looks like).

1. Sing the first verse of "Thanks to Our Father" (p20). Invite the children to sing it with me, use pitch leading. 
2. I have left blank pages at the end of my book. I'm going to sing you more of the song (verses 2-3), and let's fill the rest of my book with the things we sing about (eyes, ears, hands, feet, clothes, food, father, mother, baby). For Senior Primary: book will already be filled out. Challenge them to remember all 6 things from verse 2. For verse 3, talk about what the blessing of eternal families means to them individually.
3. Practice verse 2 of "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" using flipchart.
4. During the month of November, I challenge you to say "thank you" more than ever. And, to make saying "thank you" a little more fun, I'd like to teach you how to say it in 6 different languages: Spanish, Tongan, German, Danish, French and Japanese (show flags from each country)! For Junior Primary: have kids repeat back each thank you phrase as you point at the corresponding flag. For Senior Primary: show kids the real spelling of each phrase (on large word strips) and have them guess how to pronounce it. Then have them repeat back the correct pronunciation. 
5. Sing "Children All Over the World". Point to either the corresponding flag or word strip for each thank you phrase. Repeat at least 2 times. Have kids stand up whenever they sing a "thank you" phrase.
6. Fast Finisher: Songs of the Heart

Nursery (following singing time, go into Nursery and sing the following songs with them)

1. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam (jump up on "beam", start crouched down)
2. I Love to See the Temple (use simple hand gestures for words)
3. Families Can Be Together Forever (draw circles in the air, switch arms, reverse direction)
4. I Am a Child of God (clap then pat knees to keep beat)