I LOVE To See The Temple

My kiddos know this song really well so I thought it would be a good one to do sign language with. However, I'm a little bit challenged when it comes to remembering the words to the song let alone sign language. I watched the video on LDS.org but it was too hard for me. But I found another one on YouTube that I think I might be able to do. YEAH! She goes through and explains how to do each sign. Which is what I'll do when I teach my kids.

I also had my daughter-in-law make me a temple mirror.

I'm not the greatest photographer so the picture isn't very good. Sorry. All she did was cut out frosted vinyl and put it on an 8x10" mirror. Then I bought an inexpensive 8x10 frame and put the mirror in it. I chose the MT. Timpanogos Temple because it's closest to my home and the one the kids are all familiar with. 

I'm still deciding how to use it in Primary. But I think I'll show it to my kiddos and then tell them to do their signs in the mirror at home and to think about seeing themselves in the temple someday as they practice.

If you're interested in a mirror or anything else vinyl you can check out my daughter-in-laws vinyl company at www.chelsvinyl.com.

Happy signing!

What's the Word

I need a sub for Sunday and it's the holiday (4th of July). I decided to do an oldie but goodie and very easy for me and the sub.

I call it 'What's the Word'. This is the patriotic version.

 I made some fancy letters that spell out the word AMERICA for the JR. and LIBERTY for SR. I put the songs I want them to practice on the back. I got a decorative gift bag and put the letters in it. The kids will take turns picking a letter and singing the song. Then when all the letters have been chosen, they will try to guess what word the letters make. 

SIMPLE and VERY LOW PREP!

Click HERE to download the Patriotic version.

There are 4 different words to choose from: America, Liberty, Freedom, Patriot

I've not only used this for singing time but also to introduce a lesson or sharing time theme with other words by putting scriptures or quotes on the back of the letters. It's even engaging for adults.

Click HERE to download the regular version.

There are 5 words in this version: temple, prayer, prophet, faith, baptism.

Happy Singing!

My Flag Flip Chart

This was a new song to me. I taught it last year and my kids did a great job. I put up just the words: wave, brave, free, and liberty. We had a good discussion on the meaning of these words. Then I did the echo method with each phrase. They learned it pretty quickly. Too bad we don't sing more often.

So to review it this year, I made a flip chart.

Click HERE to download the flip chart.

Happy 4th of July!

Echo Microphones

How do you know when it's been a 'successful' singing time?

Sometimes that's hard to judge but I feel it's been successful when 3 things happen.

1. Most or all of the kids are singing.

2. The kids are engaged, learning, and eager to participate.

3. We feel the spirit.

This calling is such a hard balancing act. You have to have fun, sometimes silly activities to keep their attention but still be able to invite the spirit and teach the gospel.

This last Sunday, I had a 'SUCCESSFUL' singing time!

Over on the LDS Choristers Facebook page, Becca Rogers posted about using Echo Microphones.

So I went to Amazon.com and bought a package of 12 for $12.99. (sometimes they are even cheaper)

Becca had suggested some ideas how to use them which got me thinking of other ways they could be used. I'm sure you could come up with other ways too.

Click HERE to download the above handout.

Of course, JR loved them but I have some rowdy boys in my SR Primary and I was a little worried how it would go over. So before we started I 'set up the rules'. And they LOVED it. I have never had my kiddos sing so well. We sang several songs over and over so everyone got more than one turn.

Everyone was singing. They were ALL engaged learning the songs and eager to participate. And the spirit was very strong. We all had goose bumps!

I've got to say, it's the best $12.99 I've spent in a long time!

Thanks Becca for a GREAT idea!

When I Hear of Pioneer Children

I just saw a NEW Pioneer song in the July 'Friend'. It's called 'When I Hear of Pioneer Children'. Thank you Janice Kapp Perry!! You've done it again. What a beautiful song. 

It has such an inspiring message for our children (and us too) and how we can relate their lives to the hardships of the pioneers. I'm teaching this one for sure.

So I made a flip chart to help with the words.

Click HERE to download the flip chart.

Happy Singing!

Why We Do What We Do

This morning I was listening to Pres. Eyring's Conference talk from April 2016 Saturday morning session. I love what he said about the choir.

I think this applies to me and my Primary children. I would hope to impress upon their little minds that their music and songs will build not only their faith but the faith of those who listen to them.
 I hope they also realize they are singing not only for family and friends but most importantly for the Lord. Imagine how wonderful it would be to stand and sing before the Lord. That is what they are actually doing. 

Not only as we prepare for our Sacrament meeting program but whenever we sing, I hope to remind my little ones about the power of music and the important part it plays in building our testimonies.

Isn't that why we do what we do?

Father's Day Singing Activities

Next Sunday is Father's Day!!! 

I put together some fun ways to sing for Mother's Day so here are some for Father's Day along the same order- very simple and low prep. Take your pick and use what works best for you and your Primary.

1. Father's Day Tool Box- Fun Ways to Sing

Click HERE to download the toolbox file.

2. Pass the Hat- Pass a ball cap or men's hat up and down the rows as the children sing a Primary song. Have the pianist stop at different times. Whomever is holding the hat gets to say something they love about their dad.

3. If You Really Love Your Dad...

This is the Father's Day version of 'If You're Happy and You Know It'. I did one for Mother's Day. Four of the picture cards are the same so if you've printed them before you might not need to print all of them again.

Click HERE to download the picture cards.

4. Father's Day Picture Match

Assign a song to each matching picture and sing when they are matched.

Click HERE to download the matching cards.

5. Cut the Tie- This is an all time favorite. Find an old tie that can be cut up. Select a male person to wear the tie (father, child, Bishop, missionaries, grandpa, etc). Sing Primary songs. Each time they sing well, snip a little bit off of the tie. Continue until the tie is almost all cut off. 

**Make sure kids know they DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME.

Happy Father's Day!