December Ideas

Our Christmas Story Tree:
http://afprimarysingingtime.blogspot.com/2012/11/our-christmas-story-tree.html

Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus:
http://www.camillesprimaryideas.com/2012/12/samuel-tells-of-baby-jesus-verses.html

http://www.camillesprimaryideas.com/2012/11/samuel-tells-of-baby-jesus-chorus-part-1.html

Christmas Bells:
http://mormonmamaonamission.blogspot.com/2011/12/month-ago-i-was-in-michaels-and-i-saw.html


Nativity Pictures:
http://www.grandmamusic.blogspot.com/2010/09/nativity-pictures.html

Christmas Flip Charts:
http://preciousprimary.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-songs-flip-charts.html

Fun "Mad Gab" idea:
http://primarysingingtimeideas.blogspot.com/2009/01/christmas-singing-time.html

Melody Map Game:
http://primarysingingtimeideas.blogspot.com/2009/11/music-melody-map.html

Winter Snowflakes:
http://iheartprimarymusic.blogspot.com/2012/01/snowflake-toss.html

November ideas

Thanksgiving Primary singing time:  Every November I bring my turkey I drew (and had laminated) and then I write each child's name on a construction paper feather and stick them all around his body in the Primary room.  Then I blindfold a child and they come draw a name off the chart.  All of the kids go crazy as they see the blindfolded child get close to their name.  The child's name who got drawn could either be your helper in the next song or you could sing their favorite song or anything else you could think of!

Here's another Turkey idea:
http://primarilysinging.blogspot.com/2012/11/those-little-turkeys.html

Here's lots of other November ideas:
http://camillesprimaryideas.blogspot.com/search/label/Thanksgiving

Program Review Games

Get the bugs out http://basicprimarymusic.blogspot.com/2011/09/get-bugs-out.html 
I did this activity last week and it was a hit.  However, I changed it and taped one bug onto a balloon for each song.  After we sang the song and perfected the problems I chose a child to come swat the balloon with a fly swatter with a pin taped to it.



Secret Words http://afprimarysingingtime.blogspot.com/2012/08/secret-words.html

Song Review Game (first letter of each word of the song)  http://afprimarysingingtime.blogspot.com/2012/07/2012-song-review-memory-game.html

Who, What, How Jars  http://pansiesandpopcorn.blogspot.com/2012/09/who-what-how-review.html
http://humyourfavoritehymn.blogspot.com/2012/10/who-what-how.html

Exploding cups: http://singingmagic.blogspot.com/2012/05/erupting-cups-singing-time-review-game.html

The pom pom game is my primary kids' favorite game EVER.
Take three identical plastic cups (not see-through) and one pom pom. Put the cups
upside down on the table - the pom pom under one of the cups. Move the cups
around like a magician, trying to make it so the kids don't know where the
pom pom is. When you stop moving the cups, call on one of the kids to guess
which cup is hiding the pom pom. If they guess correctly, the child gets to
choose the next song to sing. If they don't get it, the chorister gets to
choose the song to sing. I use it when we have only a couple of minutes left
or when I need an emergency sub lesson because I've had to call someone last
minute (you can use paper cups from the kitchen and a wad of paper if you're
desperate)

Back to School Singing Time

Back to school signing time:
I brought all of these things in a backpack and they got to draw one out.  We've used it for the last few weeks because we didn't make it through all of the items on the Sunday before school started.
http://camillesprimaryideas.blogspot.com/2012/08/back-to-school-review-singing-time.html

I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus

 I've been searching and searching for an attention getter to teach I'm trying to be like Jesus.. I found it in the book 'Experiments upon the Word' by Susan Luke.  I wanted to focus on really trying to be like Jesus and the scripture Alma 5:14 ...have ye received His image in your countenances? And Genesis 1:26 we learn that we are made in the image of God. The object lesson is to place a piece of paper over a leaf and rub over the leaf with the side of a crayon. (the image of the leaf will transfer to the paper). Show how the leaf and the rubbing are alike. Demonstrate what it means to be in the image of something by doing several rubbings of various items such as flat lace or embossed images. When they are compared, we can see the image of the original in each rubbing. By striving to follow the things Jesus taught: Loving one another, showing kindness in all that we do, being gentle and loving in deed and in thought, we will begin to have His image in our countenances


Attention Getter: GAK 240 (Jesus Christ) and a mirror. She had a child come up and look at the picture and the mirror and tell the things that were similar (two eyes, hair, smile, red shirt, etc…). Our goal is to be like Jesus and Heavenly Father. She asked if we would actually start to look like Jesus as we followed his example.  Scriptures: 3 Nephi 11:6-8, John 13: 34-35, Alma 5:14.  At this point she began teaching the song. She would direct our listening and then sing a line. She would say, "Who am I trying to be like?" and then sing, "I'm trying to be like Jesus." Then she would say, "If you are trying to be like Jesus, too, sing this line with me." "Now listen to what I am doing to be more like Jesus." "I'm following in his ways." "If you are trying to follow in Jesus' ways, too, sing that line with me." Etc… She did this until she got to the line, "But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers," (Her listening prompt for this was, "What is another name for the Holy Ghost?"). She said, "Sing to this point and then listen very carefully and I will whisper what the still small voice says."  Then she had them repeat it in a whisper. She then challenged them to listen to the still small voice during the week and bore her testimony (it only took 30 seconds to bear testimony here) of the Holy Ghost. She said this is as far as she would go on this song in one week. She stressed that we often try to teach too much in one week. Variety: A comparison to a song with a similar message, "Love One Another" (CS 136) Involvement: She had a poster with Christ's picture and a mirror in the middle and pockets around them labeled with letters spelling GENTLE and LOVING. In each pocket there were red and blue cards. Red cards were thought cards and blue cards were deed cards. She had a child come up and draw either a thought or a deed card and read it aloud. She said to be sure to use situations that are familiar to the children or you will loose their attention. For example, you wouldn't use a situation about being cut off by a bad driver with Primary children, you would use a situation about a bully or problems at school, etc… After the child read the situation, before they answered the situation, she had the children sing "Love one another as Jesus loves you…" to the end of the song. Then the child would answer what to do in that situation. After they answered she showed the child the picture of Jesus and had them look into the mirror and praised them that they were becoming more like Jesus because they were making the right choices."  (Idea by Shauna)


http://camillesprimaryideas.blogspot.com/2012/08/im-trying-to-be-like-jesus-1st-verse.html


http://camillesprimaryideas.blogspot.com/2012/08/im-trying-to-be-like-jesus-2nd-verse.html


http://intheleafytreetopsthebirdssing.blogspot.com/2012/08/im-tryng-to-be-like-jesus-teaching-ideas.html

http://teachldschildren.com/?p=3683

Pioneer Day Singing Time

Lots and Lots of Pioneer Singing Time ideas
http://iheartprimarymusic.blogspot.com/2012/07/pioneer-day.html

Pioneer Day "Fun To Do"
http://thechildrensing.blogspot.com/2010/07/rest-activity-pioneer-fun-to-do.html

Pioneer Campfire
http://intheleafytreetopsthebirdssing.blogspot.com/2012/07/pioneer-campfire.html

4th of July Singing Time

Poppers
http://thechildrensing.blogspot.com/2010/07/4th-of-july-singing-time.html

Lots of ideas!
http://iheartprimarymusic.blogspot.com/2012/06/oh-say-can-you-sing.html

Patriotic Lei
http://isingusing.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-country-my-flag.html

Sparklers
http://singingideas.blogspot.com/2010/06/4th-of-july-sparklers.html

Father's Day

Super "Pop":
http://iheartprimarymusic.blogspot.com/2012/06/super-pop.html

Mustache game:
http://iheartprimarymusic.blogspot.com/2012/06/stached-under-stache.html

My Dad is My Friend:
http://iheartprimarymusic.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-dad-is-my-friend.html

Cut the Tie:
http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1646&Itemid=5

Many other Fun Father's Day ideas:
http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1822&Itemid=5

Fun Ideas

Ping Pong Fun:
http://preciousprimary.blogspot.com/2012/02/ping-pong-fun.html

Heads or Tails:
http://afprimarysingingtime.blogspot.com/2010/09/heads-or-tails.html

Uno Game:
http://primarymusicnotes.blogspot.com/2012/02/uno.html

Piggy Bank:
http://iheartprimarymusic.blogspot.com/2012/06/piggy-bank.html

Nephi's Courage

Read 1 Nephi 3:7 

Idea from www.jennyphillips.com
Hot/Cold Hidden ItemsThis game goes much like the hot/ cold game that is used in finding hidden items. A child goes out into the hall while an item is hidden. When they come back in, everyone begins to sing. The closer the child gets to the item, the louder the singing gets and vice versa.
There are 3 verses to the song. Each verse has a specific theme. The first is about going to get the plates; the second is about building the boat and the third is about choosing the path of obedience. Therefore, these are the items they will search for: 1) The Plates 2) A boat 3) Footsteps (representing obedience as the way to go).
The pictures on the next page may be used or actual objects. The plates could be made by spray painting pieces of cardboard and metal rings and binding them together. A toy boat could be used for verse two and perhaps a shoe to represent verse three. This is a great way to give them lots of repetition without them realizing it. It’s also a fun, upbeat way to depict, “I will go, I will do!”

Movement to the song:
http://www.eprimary.dk/2003/2003_02_a/1eng%20music%20Nephi%27s%20courage%20%28CS%20120%29.htm

Actions to the song:
The Lord commanded (ASL- "please") Nephi to go and get the plates (hands like a book)
From the wicked Laban (act like Laban laying on ground, (just lean over) inside the city gates.  (hold hands out in front like gates opening)
Laman and Lemuel (hold up one index finger in front and then hold up the other index finger) were both afraid to try. (have both index fingers tremble)
Nephi was courageous. (hands on hips, feet slightly apart, superhero style)
This was his reply:
Chorus

“I will go; (take a step forward from Nephi stance, punching hand forward in air)
I will do (take a step forward from Nephi stance, punching hand forward in air)
the thing the Lord commands.  (ASL "please")
I know (point to forehead) the Lord provides a way;
he wants me to obey.  (at same time, do a soldier salute and jump, as if jumping to obey)
“I will go; (take a step forward from Nephi stance, punching hand forward in air)
I will do (take a step forward from Nephi stance, punching hand forward in air)
the thing the Lord commands.  (ASL "please")
I know (point to forehead) the Lord provides a way;
he wants me to obey.  (at same time, do a soldier salute and jump, as if jumping to obey)
The Lord commanded (ASL "please") Nephi to go and build a boat.  (make hand motion like water waves)
Nephi’s older brothers (two index fingers out in front) believed it would not float. (plug your nose and lower yourself like sinking, like the dance move)
Laughing and mocking, (put hands over mouth, act like laughing and point) they said he should not try. (wiggle finger like "no-no")
Nephi was courageous. (hands on hips, feet slightly apart, superhero style)
This was his reply:
CHORUS
The Lord gives us commandments (ASL "please") and asks us to obey.   (salute like a soldier and jump)
Sometimes I am tempted to choose another way.   (point in all kinds of directions)
When I’m discouraged, (pretend to rub eyes as if crying) and think I cannot try, 
I will be courageous, (hands on hips, feet slightly apart, superhero style)
and I will reply:
CHORUS

Characters and masks to print:
http://camillesprimaryideas.blogspot.com/2012/05/nephis-courage.html
http://camillesprimaryideas.blogspot.com/2012/06/nephis-courage-3rd-verse.html

Wooden Spoon Puppets/Stick puppets:
http://thechildrensing.blogspot.com/2012/06/wooden-spoon-puppets.html
http://intheleafytreetopsthebirdssing.blogspot.com/2012/06/nephis-courage-stick-puppets.html

Mother's Day

Mom's shoes:
http://primarymusicnotes.blogspot.com/2012/05/moms-shoes-palloosa.html

Go Gather Moms:
http://primarymusicnotes.blogspot.com/2012/02/mothers-day.html

Other Ideas:
http://camillesprimaryideas.blogspot.com/search/label/Mother%27s%20Day

Super Mom:
http://primarysingingintherain.blogspot.com/2012/05/mothers-day-singing-time.html

When I am Baptized

http://www.eprimary.dk/2005/2005_maj_a/When%20I%20am%20baptized%2002.htm

Here's what I will be doing: http://sofiasprimaryideas.blogspot.com/2012/04/when-i-am-baptized-lds-song-helps-and.html

http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1589&Itemid=200024

Easter Ideas

Easter Egg Shakers
http://iheartprimarymusic.blogspot.com/2012/04/beat-those-eggs.html

Easter's Getting a haircut
http://iheartprimarymusic.blogspot.com/2012/03/easters-gettin-hair-cut.html

Resurrection Eggs
http://primarysingingintherain.blogspot.com/2012/04/easter-sunday-singing-time.html

Easter Questions and Answers
http://singingasongisfun2do.blogspot.com/2012/04/easter.html

Did Jesus Really Live Again
http://teachldschildren.com/?p=2944

He is Risen
http://teachldschildren.com/?cat=68

Easter Song Review
http://teachldschildren.com/?p=2960

General Conference Singing Time ideas

Here's a fun way to teach the kids all of the names of the Apostles before General Conference:
http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=329&Itemid=5

Here's the sheet music for the Apostles song:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/85291342/Living-Prophets-Song-First-Presidency-12-Apostles 

Post-General Conference Singing time - this could also be done as a matching game:
http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4131&Itemid=405  

 I'll add more as I find them.

Follow the Prophet and Latter-Day Prophets

It's been fun to do these ideas this month as preparation for General Conference coming:

Follow the Prophet Ideas:
Here's a great handout with all of the verses of Follow the Prophet:
http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7401

A "Follow the Prophet" Slime jar idea: (I haven't done this one yet, but it looks fun)
http://teachldschildren.com/?p=513

Latter-day prophet song Actions:  I changed some actions and told some fun stories about each prophet that I have if you want it to go along with the actions.  Very fun and memorable for the kids!  The kids at least know one thing about each of the prophets now.
http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1513&Itemid=5

Choose the Right Hymn #239 More ideas

Four Corners Game
http://primarymusicnotes.blogspot.com/2012/02/five-corners.html

UNO game
http://primarymusicnotes.blogspot.com/2012/02/uno.html

Hide the CTR ring game - turn to the right
http://sofiasprimaryideas.blogspot.com/2012/02/choose-right-song-helps-and-ideas.html

Choose the Right Hymn #239

http://camillesprimaryideas.blogspot.com/2012/01/teaching-music-by-rote-by-sister-pat_1529.html

http://camillesprimaryideas.blogspot.com/2010/07/come-follow-me.html

http://downloads.sugardoodle.net/Choose%20the%20Right.pdf

http://teachldschildren.com/?cat=222

As A Child of God

Here are some ideas to teach the new song As A Child of God by Janice Kapp Perry:

http://teachldschildren.com/?p=2356

http://preciousprimary.blogspot.com/2011/12/as-child-of-god.html

http://thecrazychorister.blogspot.com/2011/12/introduction-week-as-child-of-god.html

 http://sofiasprimaryideas.blogspot.com/2011/12/as-child-of-god-lds-primary-song-helps.html