My leave of absence...

I've received a few emails inquiring if I've been released - nope! I've been on a maternity leave/vacation leave of sorts for the summer. Our son, Will was born April 27th - our family reunions in Utah and Idaho were big successes - my sister's wedding was beautiful - we loved the Dominican Republic - and now I'm back! It feels so good to be home, nearly 3 months of travel is way too much for one summer. I've heard my little primary has changed quite a bit in the past few months, so I am anxious to get back and get involved again. New posts will be on their way!

April 21, 2013

Opening Song: I am a Child of God (p2)

Closing Song: My Heavenly Father Loves Me (p228)

Program Song: The Sacred Grove (p87)
Other Songs: The Priesthood is Restored (p89)
Wiggle Song: Hinges (p277)

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Identify the doctrine: After Jesus Christ and the Apostles died, Gospel truths were lost. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in latter-days to bring back the lost truths.

Help the children understand it: (use for both Jr and Sr): 
(2 minutes)

(Review from last week) Hold up a picture of Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith had an important question he wanted to ask Heavenly Father. He wanted to know which of all the churches was the right one. He decided to go to a special place, away from his home, to say his important prayer. It is called the Sacred Grove. 

Raise your hand if you know what "sacred" means. Call on children to answer. Be sure they understand it means special and holy; if we are in a sacred place we should be quiet, reverent, and respectful (just like we are in the Chapel or in the temple).

Today we are going to practice the song "the Sacred Grove" we started learning last week.

Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior Primary/Senior Primary (see notes in red for Sr. Primary) 

The Sacred Grove (p87)
(10 minutes total)

Materials:

• Flipchart Pictures to tell the story (velcro on back) - pictures found using LDS Media Library and Divine Secrets of a Primary Chorister
• Posterboard with velcro spots
• Keywords Strips (velcro on back)

1. Ask the pianist to play through the song one phrase at a time as you review the poster pics...
2. Ask the children to tell me what the song taught about each picture after you sing it. (Sr. Primary focused, still use if combined): Listen for keywords as they answer and add strips to poster under the corresponding picture. (Have keywords visible on board/extra poster board). Be sure they know what the "message" was that "answered all his fears and made his heart rejoice" (none of the churches were true, but they would restore the true church through Joseph)
3. Verse 1:
• “The Sacred Grove was green and fresh,”/ picture of the Sacred Grove
• “The morning sun shone bright around,”/ picture of the sun
• “As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer,” (sing twice) / picture of Joseph praying in the Sacred Grove
• “Upon that sacred ground.”/ picture of the ground or of the Sacred Grove and point to the ground
  
  Verse 2 : 
• “The Father and the Son appeared,”/ picture of the First Vision
• “They spoke to him as with one voice,”/ picture of Father and Son and the number 1, word "voice"
• “Their message answered all his fears,” (sing twice)/picture of church building
• “And made his heart rejoice.”/picture of a heart

More review with piano:

1. Invite the children to sing WITH me as I point to the pictures, singing as much as they can. 
2. If you listen to the music, you'll hear that it has a lot of ups and downs. Let's hum the melody, and I'll show you the pitch leading (go SLOW), repeat each phrase twice before moving on.
3. Sing the song a couple times through using pitch leading.

Invite children to return to their seats for the Wiggle Song: Hinges (p277)

The Priesthood is Restored (p89)

(5 minutes total) - Review from last week...

With piano:

1. Tell the children that it was through Joseph Smith that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ restored, or brought back, the Priesthood to the earth. We're going to learn a song about it! 
2. First, let me show you something important about leading music. When I turn my palm facing up, it means we are going to hold that note (sing an example), and when I close my hand, it means we stop singing (sing an example). 
3. Our new song has 3 long "holds". Sing the song TO the children using leading techniques. Invite them to lead along with me.
4. Let's find out how long we held each of those long notes! Tell children to keep the beat on their knees.  Sing SLOWLY, and when you come to the "hold", ask the children to count how many beats they did on their knees (6). Repeat with the rest of the song. The last note is tricky, it's not 6, but 12! (Forget the fermata for now).

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

1. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
2. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
3. Book of Mormon Stories
4. Popcorn Popping
5. Wise Man and the Foolish Man
6. Families Can Be Together Forever
7. I Am a Child of God

April 14, 2013

Opening Song: I Will Follow God's Plan (p164)
Closing Song: I Know My Father Lives (p5)

Program Song: The Sacred Grove (p87)
Other Songs: The Priesthood is Restored (89)
Wiggle Song: Popcorn Popping (242) 

---------------------------------------------------
Identify the doctrine: After Jesus Christ and the Apostles died, Gospel truths were lost. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in latter-days to bring back the lost truths.

Help the children understand it: (use for both Jr and Sr): 
(2 minutes)

Often times when we have questions we want to ask Heavenly Father, we go to a quiet place. In my home, I go in my room, shut the door, and kneel by my bed. But sometimes, if I need to make sure I am not disturbed or interrupted by Olivia or my husband, I take a drive to the ocean and find a quiet spot where there is no one else around to say my prayer. 

Think in your minds where you go to say your prayers. If you would like to share, raise your hand. 

Hold up a picture of Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith had an important question he wanted to ask Heavenly Father. He wanted to know which of all the churches was the right one. He decided to go to a special place, away from his home, to say his important prayer. It is called the Sacred Grove. 

Raise your hand if you know what "sacred" means. Call on children to answer. Be sure they understand it means special and holy; if we are in a sacred place we should be quiet, reverent, and respectful (just like we are in the Chapel or in the temple).

Today we are going to learn a song about the Sacred Grove and what happened there.

Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior Primary/Senior Primary (see notes in red for Sr. Primary) 

The Sacred Grove (p87)
(10 minutes total)

Materials:

• Flipchart Pictures to tell the story (velcro on back) - pictures found using LDS Media Library and Divine Secrets of a Primary Chorister
• Posterboard with velcro spots
• Keywords Strips (velcro on back)

1. Invite children to sit at the front of the room. 
2. Ask the children to listen for what the song teaches about each picture. Play "the Sacred Grove" on the CD player. As it plays, add the appropriate flipchart picture (one for each phrase).
3. Ask the children to tell me what the song taught about each picture. With the Senior Primary only, listen for keywords as they answer and add strips to poster under the corresponding picture. (Have keywords visible on board/extra poster board). Be sure they know what the "message" was that "answered all his fears and made his heart rejoice" (none of the churches were true, but they would restore the true church through Joseph)
             Verse 1:
• “The Sacred Grove was green and fresh,”/ picture of the Sacred Grove
• “The morning sun shone bright around,”/ picture of the sun
• “As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer,” (sing twice) / picture of Joseph praying in the Sacred Grove
• “Upon that sacred ground.”/ picture of the ground or of the Sacred Grove and point to the ground
  
  Verse 2 : (Senior Primary Only)
• “The Father and the Son appeared,”/ picture of the First Vision
• “They spoke to him as with one voice,”/ picture of Father and Son and the number 1, word "voice"
• “Their message answered all his fears,” (sing twice)/picture of church building
• “And made his heart rejoice.”/picture of a heart

With piano:

1. Sing the song TO the children, pointing to the pictures.
2. Invite the children to sing WITH me as I point to the pictures, singing as much as they can. 
3. If you listen to the music, you'll hear that it has a lot of ups and downs. Let's hum the melody, and I'll show you the pitch leading (go SLOW), repeat each phrase twice before moving on.
4. Sing the song once through using pitch leading.

Invite children to return to their seats for the Wiggle Song: Popcorn Popping (p242)

The Priesthood is Restored (p89)

(5 minutes total) - just introducing, will work on it throughout year

With piano:

1. Tell the children that it was through Joseph Smith that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ restored, or brought back, the Priesthood to the earth. We're going to learn a song about it! 
2. First, let me show you something important about leading music. When I turn my palm facing up, it means we are going to hold that note (sing an example), and when I close my hand, it means we stop singing (sing an example). 
3. Our new song has 3 long "holds". Sing the song TO the children using leading techniques. Invite them to lead along with me.
4. Let's find out how long we held each of those long notes! Tell children to keep the beat on their knees.  Sing SLOWLY, and when you come to the "hold", ask the children to count how many beats they did on their knees (6). Repeat with the rest of the song. The last note is tricky, it's not 6, but 12! (Forget the fermata for now).

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

1. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
2. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
3. Book of Mormon Stories
4. Popcorn Popping
5. Wise Man and the Foolish Man
6. Families Can Be Together Forever
7. I Am a Child of God

March 31, 2013 - Easter

Opening Song: Reverently, Quietly (p26)
Closing Song: Did Jesus Really Live Again? (p64)

Program Song: If the Savior Stood Beside Me (2013 outline, binder)
Wiggle Songs: Kids Choice! (choose 3-4 from name sticks)
Other Songs: I Know That My Savior Loves Me (binder)

---------------------------------------------------
Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior Primary/Senior Primary

1. Congratulate the children on their Easter performance! 
2. Sing 3-4 wiggle songs, choosing children using the name sticks (or just call on kids, depending on how many are there)
3. Review the song "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" using posters and the simplified ASL (don't show the video, just for reference):

I Know That My Savior Loves Me


Identify the doctrine: Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered for us in the Garden of Gethsemane, He died for us on the cross, and He was resurrected so that each of us will be resurrected one day.

Help children understand it: (Use at the end of the lesson, for "I Know That My Savior Loves Me") Today is Easter. It is the day when Jesus was resurrected. Bear testimony of the doctrine (identified above). I brought a special song and video to share with you today. It is called, I Know That My Savior Loves Me. As we watch and listen to it, I want you to pay attention to how you feel. I know that if you listen to the words and the beautiful music and look at the pictures, you will feel how much your Savior loves you. 

1. Play the video:
   
2. After the video, invite children to share how they felt. Also invite teachers/leaders to bear their testimonies of the Savior.
3. Time permitting, sing the song again to/with the children using piano and flipchart.

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

1. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
2. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
3. Popcorn Popping
   And choose one of the following:
4. I Love to See the Temple
5. Families Can Be Together Forever
6. I Am a Child of God

March 24, 2013

Opening Song: Did Jesus Really Live Again? (p64)
Closing Song: Jesus Has Risen (p70)

Program Song: If the Savior Stood Beside Me (2013 outline, binder)
Easter Song: He Sent His Son (p34)
Wiggle Songs: If You're Happy (p266)

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Identify the doctrine: Heavenly Father sent His Son Jesus to teach and to show us how to return to live with Them. Jesus Christ taught the gospel and set an example for us. We should follow Him in what we do, how we think, and how we live, what we say and how we share the Gospel.

Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior Primary/Senior Primary

Sing a wiggle song! (1 minute)

If the Savior Stood Beside Me - 2013 outline, binder
Lesson plan from Sugardoodle
(15 minutes total)

Materials:
* 2 pictures of the Savior (included with the keyword posters)
* If the Savior Stood Beside Me Keyword Posters Verse 1 (4 pieces of paper, all the same color, that have a large question mark on one side. On the opposite side write one of the keywords on each paper. Keywords are: do, think, follow, live.)
*If the Savior Stood Beside Me Keyword Posters Verse 2 (keywords: say, words, share, speak)
* Sign language for the 8 keywords (do, think, follow, live, say, words (could include true and kind), share, speak). Simplified ASL
* Magnets
* Picture sticks
* Chalk & eraser 
* Wordstrips (on construction paper): He, Him, He, His, I’ll, I, I’d, I.

1. Review verse 1-2. Sing both verses using actions. Post pictures.
2. Note: this lesson is divided into 2 parts, since my Jr and Sr primaries will be combined, the first half is geared for Jr and the second half for Sr.
3. Tell the children the 3rd verse is a special verse. It's not the same as the other 2 verses. The first part of the verse talks about how Jesus is always near us even though we can't see him. Then the last part of the verse says "I'll be the kind of person that I know I'd like to be if I could see the Savior standing next to me". Remind them how each of us would probably act a lot better if Jesus was always standing right next to us.
4. Pass out props (sticks). Tell the children expectations: the props are to be held this way, we keep them to ourselves, etc. 
5. Sing the song using the sticks, showing the kids with my own stick what to do. Sing 2 more times, the children joining in when they can:
• He is always near me: Hold picture of Jesus in front of you.
• Though I do not see him there: Put picture behind your back.
• And because He loves me dearly: Hold picture at your heart.
• I am in His watchful care: Hold picture at chest with 2 hands, like you're hugging the picture.
• So I'll be the kind of person: Flip stick to the picture of child.
• That I know I'd like to be: Raise picture up into air as the notes go up on "know I'd like to be" (like they are growing up and getting taller)
• If  I could see the Savior standing nigh: Flip the picture back to Jesus, bringing it slowly down in front of you.
• Watching over me: Move picture slowly back up in the air, one note at a time (watch---ing---o---ver---me) This will help the children remember the ending is different.
6. Senior focused review (Jr Primary can participate as much as possible, still using sticks to practice): Before singing time, write on the board the words of the 3rd verse, leaving blanks for wordstrips (He, Him, His, I'll, I, I'd, I). Have the wordstrips on the board in random order. Board should look like this:
   ______is always near me, though I do not see ______there, and because _____ loves me dearly, I am in ______ watchful care. So _____ be the kind of person that _____ know ______ like to be if ____ could see the Savior standing nigh, watch---ing---o---ver me------.
7. Show the children the chalkboard and wordstrips. Tell the children you will sing the 3rd verse together and they are to listen and figure out which wordstrips go in which blanks. Sing the verse (Jr can use their sticks). Ask for 2 volunteers to fill in 2 of the wordstrips. Sing the phrases again to be sure they were right. Repeat with 2 new volunteers. There will be 1 wordstrip left, just add it to the board. 
8. Time permitting, invite Jr. primary to erase words off the board and sing through a couple more times.

He Sent His Son - p34

(5 minutes total)

Materials:

• 6 Question Posters, 6 Answer Posters (now as a flipchart)
• Super Singer poster

1. Remind children that we're singing NEXT week! Also remind them that we will be in our old building and church starts at 9:30am.
2. Quickly review the Super Singer poster.
3. Sing through the song 2-3 times.

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

1. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
2. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
3. I Love to See the Temple
4. Families Can Be Together Forever
5. I Am a Child of God

March 17, 2013

Opening Song: He is Risen (p70)

Closing Song: Life is O'erflowing with Beautiful Things, vs 1 only (binder)

Program Song: If the Savior Stood Beside Me (2013 outline, binder)
Easter Song: He Sent His Son (p34)
Wiggle Songs: Stand Up (p278) 

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Identify the doctrine: Jesus Christ taught the gospel and set an example for us. We should follow Him in what we do, how we think, and how we live, what we say and how we share the Gospel. (If the Savior Stood Beside Me). Jesus Christ was resurrected and we will be too. (He Sent His Son).

Listening and Singing Experiences: (same lesson plan for "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" as last week since I didn't get to it, kids needed a long wiggle break, lots of visitors and birthdays)

Junior Primary/Senior Primary

If the Savior Stood Beside Me - 2013 outline, binder
Lesson plan from Sugardoodle
(12 minutes total)

Materials:
* 2 pictures of the Savior (included with the keyword posters)
* If the Savior Stood Beside Me Keyword Posters Verse 1 (4 pieces of paper, all the same color, that have a large question mark on one side. On the opposite side write one of the keywords on each paper. Keywords are: do, think, follow, live.)
*If the Savior Stood Beside Me Keyword Posters Verse 2 (keywords: say, words, share, speak)
* 4 pieces of paper with a single large number written on each of them. They should be numbered 1-4.
* Magnets
* Sign language for the 8 keywords (do, think, follow, live, say, words (could include true and kind), share, speak). Simplified ASL

Verse 1:

1. Ask the children if they remember the first phrase of the song. (If the Savior stood beside me). Get their answer and put the first picture of Christ on the board. Ask the kids when else we sing about the Savior (the end) and put the other picture of Christ on the other side of the board.
2. Ask them how many questions are in between the pictures. (4) Post the 4 question marks. 
3. Sing through 1 time, flipping over each question mark to reveal the keyword. 
4. Sing through again, this time use the signs for the keywords.

Verse 2:

1. Tell the children the 2nd verse starts and ends the same as the first verse. Sing each phrase. It also has 4 questions in the between the pictures. Ask, "what did all 4 questions in the first verse start with?" (would I) Tell them that in the 2nd verse, one of the questions starts with a different phrase.
2. Tell them you are going to sing the 2nd verse and they are to listen for the question that starts with different words. When they hear it, they should touch their nose. Get their answer (would my).
3. Sing through the song again and this time they are to listen for which question starts differently - the 1, 2, 3, or 4 question. When they know what question number it is, they are to show that number on their fingers.
4. Get their answer (2), and post all 4 question marks on the board. Number 2 will be a different color.
5. Sing the 2nd verse together 1 time, flipping over the question marks as you sing.
6. Sing through the 2nd verse a second time, and this time use the signs for the keywords.
7. Practice verse 2 by using Shamrocks (cut out of construction paper)with different ways to sing it on the backs. Place shamrocks around the room, draw sticks for kids to choose one. Continue to use signs for keywords and any simplified ASL appropriate.

Sing a wiggle song! (1 minute)

He Sent His Son - p34

(7 minutes total)

Materials:

• 6 Question Posters
• 6 Answer Posters
• magnets

1. Last week you sang He Sent His Son beautifully! We are going to review the song today and practice singing like "Super Singers" for our performance on Easter Sunday (the last Sunday of this month).
2. How do each of the questions start? (How could the Father) How do each of the answers start? (He sent His Son)
3. The end of the song is different. We ask 2 questions in a row (post on the board): "What does the Father ASK of us?" "What do the scriptures SAY?" (sing to the children) And there are 4 answers (post on the board): "Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way" (sing to children). Sing questions and answers together.
4. Sing through the song once, identify any trouble spots and clarify.
5. Introduce Super Singer poster, practice singing until time is up.

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

1. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
2. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
3. I Love to See the Temple
4. Families Can Be Together Forever
5. I Am a Child of God

March 10, 2013

Opening Song: My Heavenly Father Loves Me, both verses (p228)
Closing Song: Life is O'erflowing with Beautiful Things, vs 1 only (binder)

Program Song: If the Savior Stood Beside Me (2013 outline, binder)
Easter Song: He Sent His Son (p34)
Wiggle Songs: Stand Up (p278) 

---------------------------------------------------
Identify the doctrine: Heavenly Father sent His Son Jesus to teach and to show us how to return to live with Them. Jesus Christ taught the gospel and set an example for us. We should follow Him in what we do, how we think, and how we live, what we say and how we share the Gospel.

Listening and Singing Experiences:

Junior Primary/Senior Primary

He Sent His Son - p34

(12 minutes total)

Materials:

• 6 Question Posters
• 6 Answer Posters
• magnets

1. Tell children that for the Easter program during Sacrament Meeting this month (the last Sunday) we'll be singing the song, "He Sent His Son". In this song we ask a question and then we answer it. Today we are going to match the question with the answer and talk about each one.
2. Method: Have posted the answers in mixed up order on the board. Put up the questions one at a time in the correct order.
3. Sing and discuss each answer on the board with children first:
• "He sent His Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness" (Briefly remind children of the Christmas story)
• "He sent His Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know" (Teach children that Christ taught everywhere He walked. He walked with His disciples.)
• "He sent His Son to die for us and rise with living breath" (Teach children that Christ was crucified and died for us. 3 days after He died, He was resurrected (that means His spirit came back into His body). Because Jesus died and was resurrected, when we die we too will be resurrected one day.
4. The first question we ask is: "How could the Father TELL the world of love and tenderness?" (sing it, don't say it). Ask the children which answer they think goes with the question. Tell them to show which number question (1, 2 or 3) on their fingers. Sing the question and the answer together.
5. The second question we ask is: "How could the Father SHOW the world the pathway we should go?" Ask the children which answer they think goes with the question. Tell them to show which number question (1 or 2) on their fingers. Sing the question and the answer together.
6. The third question we ask is: "How could the Father TELL the world of sacrifice, of death?" Point out there's only one answer left! Sing the question and the answer together.
7. How do each of the questions start? (How could the Father) How do each of the answers start? (He sent His Son)
8. The end of the song is different. We ask 2 questions in a row (post on the board): "What does the Father ASK of us?" "What do the scriptures SAY?" (sing to the children) And there are 4 answers (post on the board): "Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way" (sing to children). Sing questions and answers together.
9. And at the very end we repeat a very important question (sing to children as you post on the board): "What does He ASK?" (Who's asking us? Heavenly Father). And then we answer (sing to children as you post on the board), "Live like His Son". Sing question and answers together.
10. Sing through whole song once.

Sing a wiggle song! (1 minute)

If the Savior Stood Beside Me - 2013 outline, binder
Lesson plan from Sugardoodle
(7 minutes total)

Materials:
* 2 pictures of the Savior (included with the keyword posters)
* If the Savior Stood Beside Me Keyword Posters Verse 1 (4 pieces of paper, all the same color, that have a large question mark on one side. On the opposite side write one of the keywords on each paper. Keywords are: do, think, follow, live.)
*If the Savior Stood Beside Me Keyword Posters Verse 2 (keywords: say, words, share, speak)
* 4 pieces of paper with a single large number written on each of them. They should be numbered 1-4.
* Magnets
* Sign language for the 8 keywords (do, think, follow, live, say, words (could include true and kind), share, speak). Simplified ASL

Verse 1:

1. Ask the children if they remember the first phrase of the song. (If the Savior stood beside me). Get their answer and put the first picture of Christ on the board. Ask the kids when else we sing about the Savior (the end) and put the other picture of Christ on the other side of the board.
2. Ask them how many questions are in between the pictures. (4) Post the 4 question marks. 
3. Sing through 1 time, flipping over each question mark to reveal the keyword. 
4. Sing through again, this time use the signs for the keywords.

Verse 2:

1. Tell the children the 2nd verse starts and ends the same as the first verse. Sing each phrase. It also has 4 questions in the between the pictures. Ask, "what did all 4 questions in the first verse start with?" (would I) Tell them that in the 2nd verse, one of the questions starts with a different phrase.
2. Tell them you are going to sing the 2nd verse and they are to listen for the question that starts with different words. When they hear it, they should touch their nose. Get their answer (would my).
3. Sing through the song again and this time they are to listen for which question starts differently - the 1, 2, 3, or 4 question. When they know what question number it is, they are to show that number on their fingers.
4. Get their answer (2), and post all 4 question marks on the board. Number 2 will be a different color.
5. Sing the 2nd verse together 1 time, flipping over the question marks as you sing.
6. Sing through the 2nd verse a second time, and this time use the signs for the keywords.
7. Practice verse 2 by using "how to sing" sticks, continue to use signs for keywords and any simplified ASL appropriate.

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

1. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
2. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
3. I Love to See the Temple
4. Families Can Be Together Forever
5. I Am a Child of God