tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24943014863695028062024-03-12T16:30:19.823-07:00Primary Singing TimeSing! Sing! Sing!
I Love to Sing!
This site has been created to act as a resource for primary music leaders. It's purpose is to assist you in your efforts to make primary singing time a fulfilling, uplifting and cherished experience.Lisa Warneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16001274681917226377noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494301486369502806.post-19597129532516150292010-03-25T16:33:00.000-07:002010-03-25T17:05:55.167-07:00About the song, "I Know That My Savior Loves Me" written by my friend, Tami Creamer!!In D&C 76:2 it says, “Great is His wisdom and marvelous are His ways, the extent of His doings none can find out.” These words will come into play more fully after I share the following experience of mine with you.<br /><br />Back in the year 2000, I was serving as the Stake Primary Music Director. I had been asked to put together and lead a Primary Children’s Choir for Stake Conference. We would be singing prelude music, an opening song and one other number. As I pondered on the music to have the children sing, I felt the impression to talk to Tami Creamer, and ask her to write a song especially for the Children's Choir. She was a piano teacher /music writer that lived close by that I had just barely gotten to know. <br /><br />I approached her about the idea. She was shocked. “Are you serious?” she had asked me with shock in her voice. I responded that I was. <br /><br />After gathering her thoughts she then asked, “What would you like the song to be about.” I told her that I wanted it to be about the Savior.<br /><br />I have found that any time we talk about the Savior, teach about the His life and teachings, and bear witness of Him, there is a profound reverence that fills the room that is unequaled when we talk about any other gospel principles or topics. I ccould think of nothing of greater importance or worth to sing about than the Savior. <br /><br />Tami took the assignment and went to work. In later years she admits that this was one of the hardest songs she has ever written. It did not come easily. She carefully and prayerfully studied 3 Nephi. She thought about the children and what they must have felt when they not only saw, but touched the Savior and saw His wounds when He appeared to them after His resurrection.<br /><br />Here a little and there a little, bits and pieces of the song came to her. They came in phrases or parts of a sentence. She would write them down. It took several weeks, even over a month for it to all come together. She asked a friend of hers, Derena Bell, to assist her with some of the wording and sentence structuring. The music then came together. <br /><br />One day my doorbell rang. In walked Tami with the announcement that the song was done. She sat down at my piano and played. It was beautiful! The message was powerful! It was inspired!<br /><br />Our stake president readily approved it so we began preparing for the choir.<br /><br />Tami and I visited each of the wards in our stake to teach the song to the primary children. I taught and led the songs and Tami accompanied us on the piano. We visited 10 or 11 wards. <br /><br />In teaching the song, I used a lot of body movements to portray the words in the song- just as the general primary board has now suggested in the “How to teach this song” hint box. About half way through the process, we were in the Nordic Valley ward, practicing the song, when for reasons I could not then explain, I interrupted the song and told the children how special they were. That this song had been written especially for the children of the Huntsville, Utah Stake to sing at Stake Conference. I told them this song was so special that someday their children would sing this song, and their children’s children because this song could end up being published in the Children’s Friend magazine. If it is published there, it could end up in the next Children’s Songbook where children all over the world would sing it. They then would be able to tell their descendants that that song was written just for them!<br /><br />As I finished speaking these words, Tami, who was situated at the piano in the back of the room facing me, sat straight up behind the piano, eyes bulging, jaw dropped with a “huh” grunt. I had to ignore her response and proceed with singing the song. <br /><br />After singing time was over, I exited the room through one door; Tami exited through the other and grabbed me in the hall where she put her hands on my shoulders and shook me and asked, “What were you thinking in there?!”<br /><br />I told her it wasn’t me that came up with what I'd just said, it had just came out of my mouth! I too had been surprised. I had never entertained such a thought prior to saying it! <br /><br />Months later, after much thought, Tami submitted the song to the LDS Church Music Competition. She won!! It was then published in the Children’s Friend Magazine in 2002, I believe!<br /><br />In May of 2009, after returning to Utah from Guam where her husband had been working for the church, Tami received a phone call from the wife of a church leader over in Guam informing her that she'd just heard that Tami's song had been published in the Children’s Sharing Time Outline for the year 2010. It was listed as the song the children would learn and sing during the month of January! Now her song, literally, would be sung by children “all over the world!”. <br /><br />Again I repeat, “Great is His wisdom and marvelous are His ways, the extent of His doings none can find out.” Who would have guessed that a woman from Liberty, Utah, my friend, would one day sit down and write a song that would end up being sung by children all over the world? <br />Tami is now living in Syracuse.Lisa Warneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16001274681917226377noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494301486369502806.post-30886013746804871192009-03-10T15:36:00.000-07:002009-03-10T16:34:00.860-07:00ADDING VARIETY Continued!<div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/Sbbz3aLx2VI/AAAAAAAAAIg/c-1NFcufBgA/s1600-h/Music+signs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311700943777159506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 105px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/Sbbz3aLx2VI/AAAAAAAAAIg/c-1NFcufBgA/s200/Music+signs.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/Sbbz3aLx2VI/AAAAAAAAAIg/c-1NFcufBgA/s1600-h/Music+signs.jpg"></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/Sbbz3aLx2VI/AAAAAAAAAIg/c-1NFcufBgA/s1600-h/Music+signs.jpg"></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SbbyttX8iPI/AAAAAAAAAII/3UKFanXh9VU/s1600-h/Music+signs.jpg"><strong><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311699677618145522" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 1px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 4px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SbbyttX8iPI/AAAAAAAAAII/3UKFanXh9VU/s200/Music+signs.jpg" border="0" /></span></strong></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311699243654931074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 7px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 6px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SbbyUcvDYoI/AAAAAAAAAIA/FKwJXoy4xtk/s200/Music+signs.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-size:78%;color:#ff6600;"><span style="font-size:100%;">INCORPORATING</span> </span></strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">MUSIC TERMS</span></strong><br /></span></div></span><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">A fun way to practice singing a song is to sing it in a variety of different ways. One way to do this is to incorporate the use of the different music terms in singing. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">For example, after teaching the meaning of "<em>staccato</em>" and "<em>legato</em>" let the children practice singing the song "staccato", then "legato". </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SbbzjgEqaZI/AAAAAAAAAIY/frz9yzEpgmg/s1600-h/Music+meter.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311700601760541074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 168px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 113px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SbbzjgEqaZI/AAAAAAAAAIY/frz9yzEpgmg/s200/Music+meter.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">You may also try using the Music Meter that is found in "The Big Book of Super Singing Time Helpers" (</span></em></span><a href="http://www.creativeconnectionz.com/"><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">www.creativeconnectionz.com</span></em></a><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">). I have used this meter often and the children have loved it. I even let different children come up and help do the meter.</span></em></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">Explain "forte" and "piano" and sing the song accordingly, "andante" and "allegro" and sing accordingly. You may also want to add an explanation on what a "fermata" is and inspire them to listen to a song that has a fermata in it and see if they can find it by listening.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">This not only makes practicing a song(s) more enjoyable, but it will also help increase the children's appreciation and understanding of music by teaching them about the different ways music is expressed. <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(See definitions of music terms and the MUSIC SIGNS found in "The Big Book of Super Singing Time Helpers" found at </span></em></span><a href="http://www.creativeconnectionz.com/"><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">www.creativeconnectionz.com</span></em></a><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"> )</span></em></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311704841581756498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 43px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/Sbb3aSo0AFI/AAAAAAAAAIo/3ATs78qp8pw/s200/fish.jpg" border="0" /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#9999ff;">GO FISHING!</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Use a fishing pole </span><span style="color:#000000;"><em>(or make a simple one by taking a dowel, tying a string to the end of the dowel, then gluing or tying a magnet to the end of the string) </em>and have selected children come up and help you "fish". Cut out the desired number of fish out of colored paper or cardstock and label them. Attach a metal paperclip to each fish (so the magnet on the end of the fishing line can hook onto the fish).</span><span style="color:#000000;"> Spread the fish on the floor and let the children fish for.....</span> </span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">the song you will be singing next or</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:arial;">how- the type of activity or style you will be singing the practice song in (ie standing, marching, staccato, legato, clapping, etc.) or </span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:arial;">who the next helper will be (a different child's name is written on each fish)- they might get to help lead the song, answer questions, participate in holding up visual aides etc. or</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:arial;">whatever other purpose you come up with !</span></li></ul>Lisa Warneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16001274681917226377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494301486369502806.post-53468156730459292862009-03-09T15:30:00.000-07:002009-03-09T15:32:18.203-07:00I've only added a drop in the bucket of "VARIETY" ideas. There is much more to come.<br />By the way, I'm wondering what states the viewers of this blog are from. If you will, will you let me know in the comments section what state you are from? HAPPY SINGING!!Lisa Warneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16001274681917226377noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494301486369502806.post-15161669502619712502009-03-09T13:42:00.000-07:002009-03-09T15:29:38.158-07:00ADDING VARIETY!Sorry for the long delay in posting. I have been feverishly working on family history and finally got a large batch of names cleared. Now I can focus on a few other things for a while.<br /><br />By the way, I sure appreciate any comments received. And would love to know how the postings are working...for instance, do you find them effective?<br /><br />Well here goes....<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"><strong>HOT & COLD GAME</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This is not a new idea, but one that definitely has it's place when children need extra practicing on a song or just need a diversion with singing time. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The idea is simple: You select a child to go out of the room. After the child is outside the door, you can pick another volunteer to hide your preselected object somewhere in the room (or YOU can do it if time is short or reverence is a factor). After the object is hidden and all those in the primary room KNOW where it is, you open the door and invite the child in the hall to come in and see if he/she can find the hidden object. If the child is COLD or far away from the hidden object then the singing should be soft. If the child is getting HOT or close to the object, the singing should be loud. You may even get to repeat the verse or the song during this game.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">To make it gospel centered, you might select appropriate props that have some application. For instance, years ago, I was given a Lehi and the Liahona set. It have a 10 inch tall Lehi that was colored and laminated and attached to a ribbon (to put around someone's neck). There is also a picture of a Liahona (also colored and laminated). The child finder represents Lehi and wears that picture necklace and we hide the Liahona somewhere around the room. You might make the point that we have to make the <strong>effort </strong>to <strong>search </strong>for the help and direction and guidance we need from our Heavenly Father. But that we have been promised help all along the way. You might quickly remind them of tools that our Heavenly Father has blessed us with to help lead us and qualify us to return to His presence. (This might lead to the singing of other songs that apply!) </span></em><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;"><strong>USING MOVEMENT </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;">Don't forget to take advantage of this easy but effective tool! Here are a few examples that are effective with children- especially younger children who have very short attention spans:</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Use <strong>sign language</strong> (this can be made-up as you work through a song or you can access a book on American Sign Language that shows you how to do the recognized signs for the words to the song (or you can use signs for just the key words). </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">I use a book that I bought off the internet called: "<em>Signing Made Easy</em>" by Rod R. Butterworth and Mickey Flodin. It has illustrations to help you.</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">Have the children <strong>stand and march</strong> to the rhythm of appropriate songs. "Called to Serve", "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ" and "Army of Helamen" are just a few good examples. Keep an eye on the eyes of the children. If they are starting to look glossy and yawning is occuring, it might be a good idea to incorporate movement into your singing. When I sing, "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ" I point to the direction I want the children to face when standing and marching. I change direction every few words or so (north, east, south, west, turn in a circle). This adds the element of them really needing to think and sing. To add a twist, go to the back of the room and have the children stand and sing to you in that direction. </span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Clap to the rhythm</strong> of the song. Teach them how to downbeat of each measure is emphasized by clapping louder on the downbeat. You might also beat the rhythm with a fist into the palm of the other hand or two fingers on the palm of the other hand (depending on the reverence needs in the primary). Try clapping up in the air when the notes are higher and then down in their laps when the notes of the song are lower so the children can visually see how the notes go up and down.</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Clap, Snap and Tap</strong> to the rhythm of the song. Challenge the children to keep up with you!</span></li><br /><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">When teaching a song, if the yawns start up, take a break and do an <strong>activity song</strong> to help stimulate them. At the end of the activity song, slow down the pace of the song and fold your arms to help tone them down to participate in the next phase of learning. </span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;"><strong>HIDDEN OBJECTS</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">It adds a fun element of surprise to singing time when a music leader unexpectedly invites everyone to "look under your chairs" for such-and-such! (Or you can hide them around the room for the children to quickly spot with their eyes.) You might place objects in sealed envelopes so the children have to wait their turn to see what's inside or you might use colored papers that correlate with something they will come up and do. For example, someone might find a pink piece of paper under their chair that correlates with a pink easter egg in the basket. They get to come open the egg and see what's inside- what song they will be singing for example!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SbWS5iKphVI/AAAAAAAAAHw/xnbM55hz964/s1600-h/eggs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311312852675036498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 82px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SbWS5iKphVI/AAAAAAAAAHw/xnbM55hz964/s200/eggs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#ffcc00;">HOMEMADE INSTRUMENTS</span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Pipe bells made out of electrical conduit are a favorite with the primary children. </span><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">(It's a tradition to pull out the bells for christmas songs. I think pattern for the bells can be googled or you might find vendors online for these. I have my own set that I also use for family activities/ reunions etc.)</span></em><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Shakers</strong> are also easily made. I found that I can make cheap shakers out of the plastic easter eggs. I fill them up with a teaspoon or so of rice or wheat kernals or popcorn (each one of these creates a different sound when shaking). Then I seal them shut by stretching tape around the seams of the eggs. The children love to see my bucket of <strong>egg shakers</strong> come out!</span><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;">It's interesting to see how many times the children will ask me if they can keep their shakers- they love them! </span></em><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A friend of mine, Patti, filled old <strong>film containers</strong> with the rice. Those lids fit rather snuggly.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Dried sponges</strong> rubbed together make a fun sound.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I also made <strong>rhythm sticks</strong> out of dowling found at any hardware store. I used the 3/8" or larger diameter sticks and cut them down to about 9-10" each. Each child was given 2 sticks to beat with while practicing the new song we were learning. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#339999;"><em>Let me know if you have ideas for any other effective instruments!</em></span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SbWVsvJMZAI/AAAAAAAAAH4/bMjb6Ee0MEo/s1600-h/notes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311315931355177986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 42px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SbWVsvJMZAI/AAAAAAAAAH4/bMjb6Ee0MEo/s200/notes.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#33cc00;"><strong>BUILD A SONG </strong><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000000;">(adapted from General Primary Openhouse)</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">To sing your selected song, divide the children up into four groups or rows. Instruct:</span> </p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">The first group to start singing on the first line of the song. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">The second group joins in singing on the second line of the song. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">The third group is to join in singing on the third line of the song. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">The fourth group is to join in singing on the fourth line of the song. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">If the song then has a chorus everyone will be singing for this.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:Arial;">The idea is that the song should gradually build in volume and strength as the different rows of voices are added. This can truly be beautiful!!!</span>Lisa Warneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16001274681917226377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494301486369502806.post-27496757126585829412009-02-10T09:49:00.000-08:002009-02-10T09:51:17.592-08:00ADDING VARIETYWatch for upcoming ideas on this topic!Lisa Warneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16001274681917226377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494301486369502806.post-78065289471614123012009-02-10T07:18:00.000-08:002009-02-10T09:47:53.096-08:00REVERENCE HELP<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SZG8GH5psyI/AAAAAAAAAHY/c3TyGeQ9fp0/s1600-h/03+butterfly.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301225049777877794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 98px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SZG8GH5psyI/AAAAAAAAAHY/c3TyGeQ9fp0/s200/03+butterfly.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#ff6666;">REVERENCE BUTTERFLY</span></strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;"><em>(Primary Openhouse)</em></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#000000;">This visual aid is useful after telling the the story "To Catch a Butterfly" which is found in <em>The</em> <em>Friend </em>magazine, the May 2001 issue or by going to the following link: <a href="http://www.lds.org/churchmagazines/2001/May2001Friend.pdf">http://www.lds.org/churchmagazines/2001/May2001Friend.pdf</a> </span></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#3333ff;"><span style="color:#000000;">Using a butterfly wand, (you can make your own or you can find one in "The Big Book of Super Singing Time Helpers" found at </span><a href="http://www.creativeconnectionz.com/"><span style="color:#000000;">www.creativeconnectionz.com</span></a><span style="color:#000000;">) gently touch the children on the shoulder when they need an extra reminder to be reverent</span>.</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301225344835664034" style="WIDTH: 52px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 72px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SZG8XTE6OKI/AAAAAAAAAHg/WxvqETawtjI/s200/note.jpg" border="0" /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#ff9966;"><strong>SONG: REVERENCE IS A FEELING</strong></span><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;color:#3333ff;"><em>(<span style="color:#000000;">Primary Openhouse)</span></em></span></strong></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;color:#000000;">A copy of this beautiful song is found in the September 1996 issue of <em>The Friend, o</em>r at <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=51b58526addab010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1">http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=51b58526addab010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;">This is an excellent song to use in opening exercises. It's message is simple, yet powerful.</span></div><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#ffcc00;"><strong>FOLD YOUR ARMS</strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Quietly stand up in front with your arms folded. Wait for the children to get quiet and fold their arms before starting...Remember your smile!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"><strong></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"><strong><span style="color:#00cccc;">REVERENCE LEADER</span> </strong></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"><em>(Primary Openhouse) </em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Choose a child to be a reverence leader. Instruct the leader to walk slowly and quietly down the aisle, past the rows of children, keeping his/her arms folded along the way. With an encouraging look, he/she should show the others, by example, what they should be doing too. (As the children get used to this tool, have them think of other ways they might show their reverence in addition to folding their arms and being quiet....ie: thinking of our Savior, Heavenly Father.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;"><strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SZG5oxrZ8aI/AAAAAAAAAG4/epAX2afQ9sc/s1600-h/quiet+sign.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301222346573083042" style="WIDTH: 138px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SZG5oxrZ8aI/AAAAAAAAAG4/epAX2afQ9sc/s200/quiet+sign.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#ff99ff;">QUIET SIGN</span></strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Invite the children to see if they can be like the mouse, and be very quiet. Hold up the QUIET visual.</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">(This can be found at <a href="http://www.creativeconnectionz.com/">http://www.creativeconnectionz.com/</a>)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SZG6wbEfeqI/AAAAAAAAAHA/dA6C8Z0VRgU/s1600-h/001+Super+Singing+Signs+instructions+pg+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301223577454869154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SZG6wbEfeqI/AAAAAAAAAHA/dA6C8Z0VRgU/s200/001+Super+Singing+Signs+instructions+pg+1.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;"><strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">HUM A SONG</span> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Begin humming the reverence song as the pianist plays quietly. Hold up the "HUM" sign to signal the children to hum along with you. When you have everyone's attentions, then hold up the "SING" sign and lead the children in singing the reverence song.</span></p><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Lisa Warneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16001274681917226377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494301486369502806.post-40886335195180830912009-01-08T10:03:00.000-08:002009-01-08T14:24:17.894-08:00Fun with BIRTHDAY SONGS<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SWZBYfL7MCI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Fc4tsdbxMlw/s1600-h/birthday+cake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288986701337407522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SWZBYfL7MCI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Fc4tsdbxMlw/s320/birthday+cake.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>BIRTHDAY SONG IDEAS:</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">During Primary opening exercises each week, we sing a birthday song to at least one person. It sure makes the birthday person feel extra special when we jazz our singing up a bit.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here's a few ideas to help:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">(For birthday cake with removeable candles visuals go to <a href="http://www.creativeconnectionz.com/">http://www.creativeconnectionz.com/</a> for the Big Book of Super Singing Time Helpers.)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>SING IN A ROUND:</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Sing "You've had a Birthday" (CS 285) in a round:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Divide up the room into 2, 3 or 4 groups. Assign a singing leader to each group. Following the breaks listed in the Children's Songbook, cue each group, in turn, to start singing the song (from the beginning).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Another variation:</strong> Prepare 4 different word strips (large enough for all to be able to read.) Break the children into 3 groups. Assign a leader to each group to hold up that groups' card for the group to see and follow. You hold up the last card for all to see (#4). </span><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">On card #1 write: <span style="color:#3333ff;">You've had a birth-day shout Hoor-ay!</span> (sing 3 times)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">On card #2 write: <span style="color:#cc0000;">We want to sing to you today!</span> (sing 2 times)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">On card #3 write: <span style="color:#ffcc00;">One year older and wiser too...</span> (sing 1 time)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">On card #4 write: <span style="color:#33cc00;">Hap-py Birth-day to you!</span> (everyone sings)</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Start with group#1, they sing their line and repeat it 3 times. Group #2 comes in after Group #1 finishes singing their first line. They sing their line twice with Group #3 coming in after Group #2 sings their line through once. Then everyone joins in on singing the last line! </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;">(idea adapted from Primary Music Workshop- General Primary Board)</span><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>WHADDALYATCHIE</strong></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SWZGSqKkSYI/AAAAAAAAAGg/kdQoYf5AcnY/s1600-h/hands+clapping.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288992098763426178" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 232px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SWZGSqKkSYI/AAAAAAAAAGg/kdQoYf5AcnY/s320/hands+clapping.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">While singing the Birthday song (songs on pages 283, 284 of CS work well for this), do the actions to whaddalyatchie; slap your lap with both hands twice, clap hands twice, then cross hands over each other twice. Repeat these actions through the song. When you reach the end where you sing, "Happy Birthday to You", change the motion to: slap thighs, clap hands then point to the birthday person(s) and SMILE and sing Happy Birthday to you! <span style="font-size:78%;">(idea adapted from Primary Music Workshop)</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>MAKE A BIRTHDAY CAKE</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Select children to represent the number of years the birthday child is old. (For example, if the child is turning 8, select 8 children to stand up.) Instruct those children to put their palms together (like praying), raise them up above their heads and wiggle their fingers to make the actions of a flame. They are the candles on the primary cake and they are flickering (with their fingers). Invite the rest of the primary to stand. Instruct them to pay attention. When we get to the part of the song where we sing, "Happy Birthday", they are all to sit down, leaving the candle children standing, flickering. This will represent a birthday cake. At the end of the song, everyone repeats, "Happy Birthday!" and the Birthday child takes a deep breath in and "blows" his/her candles out. The children put their hands down to their side when they are "blown" out. <span style="font-size:78%;">(idea adapted from Primary Music Workshop)</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>WHISPER SING</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Start out the birthday song by singing it in a whisper, clapping to the rhythm of the song. As you sing, increase the volume and melodic sound until at last you belt out with enthusiasm, "Happy Birthday to You!" <span style="font-size:78%;">(idea adapted from Primary Music Workshop)</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"></span>Lisa Warneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16001274681917226377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494301486369502806.post-68711293292612012222008-12-14T12:46:00.000-08:002009-01-08T14:18:16.351-08:00Ideas for WELCOME SONGS<span style="font-family:arial;">It's primary singing time again! How can we make opening exercises more interesting?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Let's try singing our songs with some new flare. Here's some suggestions:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SUVzcfTMo9I/AAAAAAAAAF4/nV370DIAzIs/s1600-h/kids.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279753071437325266" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 87px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SUVzcfTMo9I/AAAAAAAAAF4/nV370DIAzIs/s400/kids.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>FUN TO DO</strong></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><em>(CS 253)</em></span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Try different variations of the song:</span> </div><ul><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;">"Singing to you is fun to do"</span></div></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">"Welcoming you is fun to do"</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;">"Having you here is great today, </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">great today, great we say! </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Having you here is great today. </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">It's great today, we say!</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>OUR DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN</strong></span> (CS 254)<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SUV1K1kc9sI/AAAAAAAAAGI/FXP3jfLteUk/s1600-h/asian+girl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279754967200888514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 88px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SUV1K1kc9sI/AAAAAAAAAGI/FXP3jfLteUk/s200/asian+girl.jpg" border="0" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Divide the children up into 2 or 3 sections. With the words to the song written on word cards or a poster, have the children sing the song through together then repeat sing it in a round.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SUV7HhGCAeI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/ReTn7asfXk0/s1600-h/caucasian+boy+red+hair.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279761507234742754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 85px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 106px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SUV7HhGCAeI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/ReTn7asfXk0/s200/caucasian+boy+red+hair.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>HELLO SONG</strong></span> (CS 260)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><em>(adapted from Primary Openhouse)</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Sing the song substituting the word "Hello" in other languages with the English word. </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">For example:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Hola! - Spanish</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Bonjour! - French</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Shalom - Jewish (Hebrew)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Howdy - Texan</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Aloha - Hawaiian</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">(sounds like "Vee- gates") - German</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">(sounds like "Nee how") - Japanese</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Don't forget to share the international sign of friendship- a SMILE!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>HERE WE ARE TOGETHER</strong></span> (CS 261)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><em>(shared by Kathy Anderson of Eden, Utah</em></span> )<br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Substitute the following words:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">for family- substitute "primary"</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">for the fill in the name areas substitute "new", "old", "your", "my"<br />for "bright sunny day" substitute "in our primary"</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span>Lisa Warneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16001274681917226377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494301486369502806.post-3580911366898003222008-11-15T16:29:00.000-08:002008-11-29T20:51:20.305-08:00Ideas for ATTENTION GETTERS<div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-family:arial;">It's</span> the beginning of opening exercises in primary....have you ever found it tricky to get <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">every one's</span> full attention without raising your voice? Have you ever wondered how to promote a spirit of reverence without being irreverent to do it? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Here are some ideas and suggestions to help:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#000000;">SONG SIGNS</span> </span></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;">(Idea adapted from Primary Music Openhouse held in Salt Lake City, Utah by General Primary Board.)</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:180%;"><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269046479971601954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SR9p21-6ziI/AAAAAAAAADA/VF_LS_UDICI/s400/song+signs.jpg" border="0" /></strong></span> <span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>You can make your own</em><strong> </strong><em>song signs or they can be found at </em><a href="http://www.creativeconnectionz.com/"><em>www.creativeconnectionz.com</em></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">When it's time to sing the opening song, stand up reverently in front of the children. Signal to the pianist to begin playing the (prayer or opening) song. As she begins to play, without speaking, reverently hold up the "<em>listen</em>" sign. Be sure you show it to everyone in the room. Let the pianist play the song all the way through (for a short to moderate length song). </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">When the song is done, in a soft voice, instruct the children to see if they can follow the directions on the following signs. I then motion for the pianist to play the song again. This time I hold up the "<em>hum</em>" sign. Hum a line or two of the song as the children follow along humming. Then change the sign to "<em>ooh</em>" . The children should follow along "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ooh-ing"</span> to the next line or so of the song. (There should be no pauses in the song as you do this.) Next, hold up the "<em>aah</em>" sign. The children should sing "aah" to the song for a line or two. The children continue to follow you as you sing to the end of the song. Then hold up the "<em>sing</em>" sign. The pianist starts playing back at the beginning of the song. The children now follow as you sing the song through.</span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;">At the beginning of primary, the children's attention is usually more focused on seeing their friends and chatting. (Who blames them!) This idea really helps to focus the children's attention and helps to warm them up to sing. By the time you get to singing the song, you should have wonderful participation and volume from everyone. The "ooh"-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ing</span> and "aah"-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ing</span> sound particularly beautiful!!! </span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><em>Note: If some of the children don't know the words to a song you are singing, you can instruct them to "ooh" or "aah" to the song while the rest of the primary sing the words.</em></span> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><strong>RAINBOW KIDS</strong></span> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(</span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">idea adapted from Primary Music Openhouse held in Salt Lake City, Utah)<br /></div><p></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269059655033935698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 50px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SR911u6j11I/AAAAAAAAADI/aUfAir4pB3U/s400/155+RAINBOW+CUTOUTS+instructions.jpg" border="0" /> <span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>You can make your own or go to </em></span><a href="http://www.creativeconnectionz.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>www.creativeconnectionz.com</em></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em> for one.</em></span></span><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Fold up the rainbow cutout like an accordian, so that only one color is visible. When you use the cutout, unfold it slowly. You may need a second person to help you hold it up as you unfold it.</span></em><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Prior to singing the song, instruct the children to look at what color of clothing they are wearing. If their clothing is multi-colored, have them pick out one of the colors and remember it. Invite them to watch you as you unfold your rainbow. Tell them to watch for their color to be revealed. When their color is unfolded they get to add their voice of color to the musical rainbow and sing the song-but not until they see their color! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">You may want to repeat sing the song again once you have everyone's full attention.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Variation: Have the children first <em>stand</em> and "<em>aah</em>" to the song when their color is shown -the first time through. Then repeat the song and have everyone <em>sing</em> it through.) </span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SR-BtHKzj5I/AAAAAAAAADo/2xqreuZc96E/s1600-h/ear.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269072701065236370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 37px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 64px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SR-BtHKzj5I/AAAAAAAAADo/2xqreuZc96E/s200/ear.jpg" border="0" /></a>IF YOUR LISTENING.........</strong></span></span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">(idea adapted from Primary Music Openhouse held in Salt Lake City, Utah by the General Primary Board)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Stand up in front of the children. Using a softer voice and good eye contact with the children, instruct them to:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:arial;">"Touch your ear if you can hear me." Allow the children to respond.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">"Touch your nose if you can hear me." Allow the children to respond.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">"Put your hands on your head if you can hear me." Allow the children to respond.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">"Smile if you can hear me." Allow the children to respond.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">"Nod your head if your happy you can come to primary." Allow the children to respond. </span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;">"Fold your arms if you can hear me." Allow the children to respond.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:arial;">By this time, you should have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">everyone's</span> attention. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">"You did a wonderful job of following directions! We're now ready to start. Please join me in singing......."</span></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/STIWKDii20I/AAAAAAAAAFg/rLeitDoxXAU/s1600-h/gift+box.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274302475608972098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 74px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 91px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/STIWKDii20I/AAAAAAAAAFg/rLeitDoxXAU/s320/gift+box.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><strong>SURPRISES</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;"><em>(idea adapted from Primary Music Openhouse in Salt Lake City, Utah)</em></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Take a gift box that has a removeable lid. Put a bow and ribbon on it to decorate it and make it more appealing to the eye. Attach a mirror to the bottom inside of box. Reattach the lid. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">When you're ready to get everyone's attention, hold it up for the children to see. Tell the children that as they sing the song, "Kindness begins with Me" (CS p. 145) you will walk around to each of the children and let them peak inside your gift box to discover "something very special and kind that can be very kind" (the children's own face).</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Another variation: Insert other items or pictures that introduce or relate well with another song you will be singing. Then let the children guess what song it will be that they will get to sing!</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/STHVXUZytCI/AAAAAAAAAEo/CvY_sFBzvLE/s1600-h/pic+of+savior.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274231235218158626" style="WIDTH: 75px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/STHVXUZytCI/AAAAAAAAAEo/CvY_sFBzvLE/s200/pic+of+savior.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;">PICTURES</span></strong> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">To attract and direct children's attention, hold up a large picture (so those sitting furthest away can also see) and ask a directed question about the picture and then give a short explanation then lead into singing your desired song. </span></p><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">For example: If your going to sing the song, "I Love to See the Temple" CS 95, you might hold up a picture of the temple that is located nearest to where the children in your primary live. You might also give a short explanation about that temple and something that makes it special to you. Then invite a child to come up and hold up the picture while you lead the children in singing the song. Invite them to put their hands over their hearts when they sing the words "I love to see the temple."</span></div><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">If you use a picture of the Salt Lake Temple, you could tell an interesting ancedote about it. The story of John Rowe Moyle is powerful. He was a stone mason who had immigrated to Utah from England with his family. He was called by Brigham Young to be a stone worker on the temple. He would walk 22 miles from his home in Alpine, Utah to Salt Lake City each Monday morning. He would leave his home in the early morning when it was still dark between 2 and 4am so he could get to the temple by 8am to begin working. He would stay in Salt Lake during the week then walk home on Friday night getting home at about midnight. Then he would take care of the work that needed to be done on his 150+ acre farm on Saturday. When his leg had to be amputated due to a bad break, he carved himself a new wooden leg and went back to walking to Salt Lake City again. He would climb the high scaffolding next to the temple each day. He did this for 20 years. It was he that carved the words "Holiness to the Lord...." on the Salt Lake Temple. <em></em><em>(taken from the history of John Rowe Moyle and the video about him) </em></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">Small stories like these help deepen other's testimonies about gospel principles etc.</span></p><p align="center"><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/STHaSKWq7AI/AAAAAAAAAEw/etVwrwX5ZMA/s1600-h/question+mark.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274236644179504130" style="WIDTH: 40px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 42px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/STHaSKWq7AI/AAAAAAAAAEw/etVwrwX5ZMA/s200/question+mark.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><strong>ASK A QUESTION</strong></span></p><strong></strong><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">"How many of you have found yourself singing a primary song this week?" (have children who raise their hands name one of the songs they have sung.</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">"Who can guess what song we are going to sing today...here's a clue....(give some clues then let children guess the song).</span></p><span style="font-family:arial;">"Who can guess what song we are going to sing today...Listen while Sister (pianist) plays the first two notes of our song. (Add a third, fourth or even fifth note until children correctly identify song, then invite them all to sing the song with you.)<br /><br /><br /></span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><strong>POEMS or RHYMES</strong></span></div><p><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">"Boys and girls, how do you do? Let me sing a song to you. Then I'll listen reverently while you sing it back to me." <span style="font-size:78%;"><em>(from "How to Teach a Song" video)</em><br /></span><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/STHhDyJxhlI/AAAAAAAAAFA/FYed6T33mKI/s1600-h/rose.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274244093746185810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 85px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/STHhDyJxhlI/AAAAAAAAAFA/FYed6T33mKI/s200/rose.jpg" border="0" /></a></strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">SENSE STIMULATING VISUALS</span></strong><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">(adapted from "the Joy of Children's Music" book)<br /></span></em><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">Bring a real velvet rose, or branch of lilac blossoms (or room fresheners that smell like these), fall leaves, a branch of spring leaves, bird's nest etc. Things that the children can touch, smell, see. This works especially well in a song like "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" CS p.228</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>(Be sure you check for any possible allergies with individuals in your primary before doing so.) </em></span><strong><br /></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274298670599442114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/STISskxlDsI/AAAAAAAAAFY/PKUES9O5wYU/s320/word+scramble.jpg" border="0" /><br /></p><p align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong></span> </p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">WORD SCRAMBLES</span></strong><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><em><span style="font-size:78%;">(idea adapted from Primary Music Workshop in Salt Lake City, Utah)<br /></span></em><br />Direct the children's listening by showing them a word strip with the words to the song you will be singing (or clue words that will lead up to a song that will be sung) or written in scrambled form. Allow the children a moment to see if they can quietly, mentally unscramble the words. Instruct them to raise their hands when they think they've figured out the song. When they figure it out, turn the word strip over to show everyone the correct words/ name of song to be sung. </span><br /><br /></p>Lisa Warneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16001274681917226377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2494301486369502806.post-61014361770659044932008-11-11T20:56:00.000-08:002008-11-12T21:15:52.823-08:00Latter-day Prophets (CS p. 16)<span style="font-family:arial;">Now that</span> the primary program is done, we have some time to learn some new songs. <strong>Hooray!</strong><br />One of the songs we've been waiting to learn is "Latter-day Prophets". The new version with President Thomas S. Monson added has been published in <em>the Friend</em> magazine in the June 2008 issue. (Go to <a href="http://www.lds.org/">http://www.lds.org/</a> , do a search in the "magazines" section to find a copy of the sheet music online.)<br /><br />I pulled the sheet music out of the magazine, inserted it into a page protector (making sure I obtained an extra copy for the pianist) and promptly added it to my 3-ring binder of music that I carry with me to primary each week along with other primary materials.<br /><br />I found the Latter-day Prophet pictures in the Gospel Art Picture Kit (GAPK). I laminated them for durability. The names of each were typed up and taped near the bottom of the front of each picture. The pictures were then taped together to make a picture accordian. (I saw this accordian at a General Primary Openhouse a few years ago.) The accordian can be unfolded as the song is first introduced or it can be tacked up to the wall for later song practice.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268004014528166402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SRu1vXlIegI/AAAAAAAAACk/f2X_vAPup5Y/s320/nov2008+049.jpg" border="0" /> To teach the song, I wanted to the children and adults alike to become more personally acquainted with each of these Latter-day prophets. To do this, I referred to "The Teachings of the Prophets" adult study manuals. I found excerpts of interesting facts and short inspiring stories (that would be interesting to a primary age child) and typed them up. I obtained individual cards (rainbow colored pieces of cardstock) one for each prophet and glued the "Clue" information in the cards.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SRuyPYFoFMI/AAAAAAAAACU/G1e8Q8Sg8M4/s1600-h/nov2008+046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268000166373758146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SRuyPYFoFMI/AAAAAAAAACU/G1e8Q8Sg8M4/s320/nov2008+046.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SRuyPh0RFeI/AAAAAAAAACc/88d4PVXBhbo/s1600-h/nov2008+047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268000168985302498" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SRuyPh0RFeI/AAAAAAAAACc/88d4PVXBhbo/s320/nov2008+047.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38Ju-dfgUXE/SRuyPYFoFMI/AAAAAAAAACU/G1e8Q8Sg8M4/s1600-h/nov2008+046.jpg"></a><br /><br /><br />To introduce and teach the song during singing time:<br /><ol><li>Show a picture of President Monson and explain and bear testimony that our prophet speaks for God.</li><li>Refer to the scriptures found in D&C 1:38 and 2 Nephi 32:3. </li><li>Have the children join in singing the first verse of "We Thank Thee, Oh God for a Prophet" the hymn we learned earlier this year. </li><li>Use the clue game. (I use "Pick-A-Sticks" to pick the child helpers. This allows everyone a fair opportunity to help. These are found in my book, "<strong>The Big Book of Super Singing Time Helpers</strong>" which can be found at <a href="http://www.creativeconnectionz.com/">http://www.creativeconnectionz.com/</a>) </li><li>The child then comes up and reads the clues in the card (or if they can't read, I read it and they get to be the first to try and guess which prophet we are talking about). </li><li>When the clues are all read, the story told and prophet guessed correctly, we sing the song "Latter-day Prophets" until we reach that prophet's name- there we stop singing. We repeat this process with the next clue. It's a fun way to practice a new song and learn about and gain testimony of our Latter-day Prophets all at once. This can actually stretch out to 2-3 weeks worth of this song if singing time is separate from sharing time. Or you might want to combine with the presidency member to do a combined sharing/singing time on a fifth Sunday of the month.</li><li>You may also want to change the tempo of the song as you are practicing- starting out very slow, clearly annunciating the names, then getting faster and faster. The older children especially love the challenge of singing the song ever faster. Challenge them as they get really familiar with the song to close their eyes while they're singing and see how fast they can memorize it!</li></ol><p>This has turned out to be a fun learning experience for the children and adults alike!</p>Lisa Warneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16001274681917226377noreply@blogger.com0