Hymns for beginning pianists

I got this list from
http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2013/03/graded-list-of-lds-hymns-for-piano.html?m=1

I am posting it here for my own reference.

She also has a list of the easiest hymns in the Hymns Made Easy book, for those who aren't ready for the actual hymnbook yet. You can find it here:
http://gospeldoctrineplus.blogspot.com/2013/08/learning-aids-for-lds-hymns-made-easy.html


25 Beginner Hymns
(Music Reading Level 4-5 US)
 These hymns are in easy keys, have few hand position changes, fairly simple rhythms, few accidentals, and slow to moderate tempos.
142 Sweet Hour of Prayer
302 I Know My Father Lives
116 Come, Follow Me
309 As Sisters in Zion
239 Choose the Right
152 God Be With you Till We Meet Again
38 Come, All Ye Saints of Zion
106 God Speed the Right
294 Love at Home
92 For the Beauty of the Earth
144 Secret Prayer
306 God’s Daily Care (As I Watch the Rising Sun)
3 Now Let Us Rejoice
304 Teach Me to Walk in the Light
19 We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet
301 I Am a Child of God
241 Count Your Blessings
131 More Holiness Give Me
100 Nearer, My God, To Thee
98 I Need Thee Every Hour
125 How Gentle God’s Commands
339 My Country, ‘Tis of Thee
67 Glory to God on High
94 Come, Ye Thankful People
204 Silent Night

25 Intermediate Hymns
(Music Reading Levels 5-6 US)
These hymns have more hand position changes, trickier rhythms, more accidentals, bigger jumps, and/or faster tempos.

136 I Know That My Redeemer Lives
249 Called to Serve
338 America the Beautiful
105 Master, the Tempest is Raging
199 He Is Risen
243 Let Us All Press On
308 Love One Another
97 Lead, Kindly Light
14 Sweet is the Peace the Gospel Brings
108 The Lord is My Shepherd
30 Come, Come, Ye Saints
237 Do What is Right
89 The Lord Is My Light
7 Israel, Israel, God is Calling
206 Away in a Manger
23 We Ever Pray For Thee
113 Our Savior’s Love
21 Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice
96 Dearest Children, God is Near You
259 Hope of Israel
26 Joseph Smith’s First Prayer
219 Because I Have Been Given Much
193 I Stand All Amazed
85 How Firm a Foundation
319 Ye Elders of Israel

25 Advanced Hymns
(Music Reading Level 7-8 US)
These hymns are fast, have lots of big jumps, require the right hand to play three parts, have challenging rhythms and keys, accidentals, and/or parts that move at different rates.

5 High on the Mountain Top
227 There is Sunshine in My Soul Today
292 O My Father
298 Home Can Be a heaven on Earth
246 Onward, Christian Soldiers
134 I Believe in Christ
29 A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief
264 Hark, All Ye Nations!
2 The Spirit of God
335 Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy
60 Battle Hymn of the Republic
27 Praise to the Man
255 Carry On
86 How Great Thou Art
52 The Day Dawn is Breaking
64 On This Day of Joy and Gladness
200 Christ the Lord is Risen Today
78 God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand
220 Lord, I Would Follow Thee
35 For the Strength of the Hills
263 Go Forth With Faith
203 Angels We Have Heard on High
340 The Star-Spangled Banner
256 As Zion’s Youth in Latter Days
254 True to the Faith

Children's Songbook for Beginning Pianists

The Children's Songbook contains songs at varying difficulty levels. If you have a beginning pianist, here are some ideas:

Easiest:
p. 21 For Health and Strength
p. 23 Father Up Above
p. 23 Heavenly Father While I Pray
p. 59 Jesus Loved the Little Children
p. 118 Book of Mormon Stories
p. 241 Birds in the Tree
p. 241 Rain is Falling
p. 248 Falling Snow
p. 253 Sing a song
p. 285 You've Had a Birthday

Easy:
p. 42 Away in a Manger
p. 71 To Think about Jesus
p. 73 Help Us O God to Understand
p. 99 Help Me Dear Father
p. 103 When I am Baptized
p. 151 I am Glad for Many Things
p. 152 Hum Your Favorite Hymn
p. 159 Stand for the Right
p. 189 Family Prayer
p. 198 Happy Family
p. 206 Mother Dear
p. 249 Once there was a Snowman
p. 254 Hello Friends
p. 263 We are Different
p. 266 If You're Happy
p. 275 To Get Quiet

Medium easy:
p. 2 I am a Child of God
p. 18 I Need My Heavenly Father
p. 20 Thanks to our Father
p. 25 I Love to Pray
p. 26 Reverently Quietly
p. 28 I Will Try to be Reverent
p. 30 This is God's House
p. 31 Reverence is Love
p. 39 Little Jesus
p. 55 Jesus Once was a Little Child
p. 61 Jesus Said Love Everyone
p. 70 Jesus Has Risen
p. 110 Follow the Prophet
p. 114 Books in the Old Testament
p. 116 Books in the New Testament
p. 156 Chapel Doors
p. 160 Choose the Right Way
p. 168 I Want to Be a Missionary Now
p. 196 Saturday
p. 216 Little Pioneer Children
p. 281 Wise Man and Foolish Man

Medium:
p. 7  I Thank Thee Dear Father
p. 14 I Pray in Faith
p. 29 Father I Will Reverent Be
p. 66 Hosanna
p. 77 The Church of Jesus Christ
p. 82 When He Comes Again
p. 92 The Hearts of the Children
p. 94 Family History
p. 105 The Holy Ghost
p. 146 Keep the Commandments
p. 172 We'll Bring the World His Truth

The Oxcart (CS p. 219)

A fun thing to do on this song is to use rhythm instruments that sound like creaking wooden wheels. A guiro tone block or bumpy rhythm sticks rubbed back and forth work great.
*Tap-scrape-tap-scrape*

Pioneer Children Sang as They Walked (CS p. 214)

Jr primary:
Walk in place during lines 1, 2, and 4 (or walk in a circle if your Primary is small).
Stop and do actions for line 3:
They washed at streams (rub your hands together as if you're washing them)
and worked (hammer one fist on top of the other)
and played (pretend to throw a ball)
Sundays they camped (hands make a tent roof)
and read (hands make a book)
and prayed (fold arms)
[Explain that "camped" means stayed put instead of walking. Discuss keeping the Sabbath day holy. Notice this is the only time during the song you are not walking.]

Sr. primary:
Every time you sing the word "walked" scoot over one chair.
Use the same actions as Jr. for the third line, including the Sabbath Day discussion.

Master the Tempest is Raging (Hymn #105) -- chorus only

Actions to teach the chorus:

The winds and the waves (make a big sideways figure eight with your hands)
shall obey thy will (ASL for obey)
Peace be still (ASL for peace)

Whether the wrath (make a claw with your hand like it's covering your face to look angry)
of the storm-tossed sea (ASL for ocean -- big waves moving away from you)
Or demons (left hand out to the side)
or men (right hand out to the other side)
or whatever it be (with hands already out, shrug your shoulders)

    [**Explain that whether it's a storm or a monster or a bad guy or anything else that may be frightening you, Jesus can help you feel peace.]

No waters can swallow (wag your finger "No" while shaking your head)
The ship where lies (make a boat with your hands cupped)
The Master of ocean (waves moving away from you)
and earth (palms down, hands flat out to show the ground)
and skies (arms up to the sky)

They all (arms outspread) shall sweetly
obey thy will (ASL for obey)
Peace be still (ASL for peace)
Peace be still (ASL for peace)
They all (arms outspread) shall sweetly
obey thy will (ASL for obey)
Peace, peace be still (ASL for peace)

Article of Faith #12

We believe (hands on heart)
in being subject to kings (place an imaginary crown on your head)
presidents (one arm across your body, palm up, sweeping out like you're making a speech to the people)
rulers (end the previous action with your hand up high in a lofty pose; a ruler is higher than anyone else in the land)
and magistrates (explain that a magistrate is a judge; hold an imaginary gavel in your hand and bang it on your imaginary desk)
In obeying (ASL for obey -- one hand on head, other hand on heart, then offer them)
Honoring (with your hands still outsretched, bow your head and bend your knee to show respect)
and Sustaining (sustain means to uphold, so with your hands still outstretched, pretend there is something heavy and important in your hands and you are lifting it back up to standing)
the law (fingers make an L shape)

Article of Faith #9

We believe (hands on heart)
all that God has revealed (left arm goes out to the side -- this is the past)
all that He does now reveal (two hands go straight down on either side of you forming walls -- this is now)
and we believe (hands on heart -- point out this is the only article of faith where we say "we believe" twice!)
He will yet reveal (right arm goes out to the side -- this is the future)
Many great and(ASL for wonderful -- both hands high, then a bit lower)
important things (ASL for important -- both hands in OK position, circle away and up then finger circles meet)
pertaining to the kingdom of God (one arm reaches up to heaven)

Article of Faith #7

We believe (hands over heart)
in the gift of tongues (point to mouth)
prophecy (ASL - one hand over brow as if you're shading your eyes to see better, other hand two fingers pointing to your eyes then away into the future)
revelation (pointer fingers on temples like you're thinking b/c revelation comes to your mind)
visions (move those pointer fingers down to your eyes)
healing (hands as if giving a blessing)
interpretation of tongues (hand cupped to ear)
and so forth (arms outstretched to include all other gifts)

Article of Faith #6

Simple actions for the Sixth Article of Faith:

We believe (hands over heart)

In the same organization (hands on one side of your body making two sides of an imaginary box)

(This is the way our church is organized.  Now have your hands travel back in time over your head to the other side of your body, again making two sides of an imaginary box.  This is the church when Jesus lived on the earth.  It's called the Primitive Church. Do you see how they look the same?)

that existed in the Primitive Church (imaginary box on the other side)

namely: (with your hand on the "Primitive Church side of your body, count on your fingers; there are five altogether) apostles, prophets, pastors (explain this is the same as bishops), teachers, evangelists (same as patriarchs)

and so forth (have a thumbs up sign with your opposite hand start at your open counting hand and travel to the modern day church side; thumbs up means we have those same things in our church today)

As an added bonus, look at your hands.  Five fingers plus one thumb equals six.  This will help you remember it is the sixth article of faith.

We'll Bring the World His Truth

1st verse:
 We have been born as Nephi of old to goodly parents who love the Lord. 

We sang this line, then I called on someone to name their goodly parents "Joe and Sue Black" etc, then we sang it again, called on someone else to name their parents, and so on. We repeated it lots with no boredom because they all wanted a turn to say their parents names. 

Then we sang the next phrase: We have been taught and we understand that we must do as the Lord commands. 

This time I interspersed singing the line with calling on kids to say one thing their parents have taught them or one thing the Lord commands. Again, lots of repetition without boredom. This strategy works best with just a few words of talking then jumping back into singing again.


Four simple actions for the chorus:
We are as the army of Helaman (stand bravely with hands on hips), 
we have been taught in our youth (pointer finger to head, indicating learning), 
and we will be the Lord's missionaries (use your fingers to make a "missionary tag" on your chest) 
to bring the world His truth (have your hands go around the whole world).

Keep the Commandments

Simple actions for this song:

(The first two beats of each linee, pat your lap twice. The last two beats of each line get an
action. You can easily google the 2 ASL signs if they are unfamiliar.)

Keep (pat) the (pat) commandments (make a C with one hand)
Keep (pat) the (pat) commandments (make a C with one hand)
In this (pat) there (pat) is safety (two thumbs up)
In this (pat) there (pat) is peace (ASL for peace)
He (pat) will (pat) send blessings (arms out to encompass all the blessings)
He (pat) will (pat) send blessings (arms out bigger the second time, because the music gets bigger)
Words (pat) of (pat) a prophet (ASL for prophet-- I just do the seeing part, not the person part at the end; it fits the timing better)
Keep (pat) the (pat) commandments (make a C with one hand)
In this (pat) there (pat) is safety (two thumbs up) and peace (ASL for peace)

Article of Faith #5

Simple actions:

We believe (hands on heart) that a man must be

called of God (one arm reaches to heaven--just like "God" in AofF #1)

by prophecy (ASL for prophet: one who "sees")

and by the laying on of hands (put both hands on your head)

by those who are in authority (imagine those who lay their hands on your head when you are confirmed; they have priesthood authority; point to four different imaginary people in the circle, one per beat)

to preach the gospel and administer (use your fingers to make a pretend missionary nametag on your chest)

in the ordinances thereof (make an O with one hand - just like AofF#3 - and bounce it 4x to the beat)

Hosanna

I made a poster with the words of the song.

I underlined the rhyming words: ring, king, sing, bring.

We talked about how voices usually sing, but in this song, they RING.  What usually rings?  A bell. Think of the bell at school.  Is it loud?  Does everyone in the whole school hear that bell?  So we want our voices to be as loud and clear as a bell so that everyone can hear us say Hosanna and praise Jesus.  That's what the word Hosanna means: praise and love to the person you are saying it to.

I outlined the word "life" and asked the kids why they thought I did it.  We talked about how Jesus is "triumphant" because He triumphs over death and brings LIFE to us all.

Then we sang through the verse several times.

For the chorus, I passed out fake fern leaves to each child, and told them the story of the triumphal entry and waving the palm leaves. Each time we sang Hosanna, we waved our leaves over our heads (as if you are fanning someone)  When we sang "All hail triumphant king" we waved our leaf downward and got on one knee, because that is what you do when the king is walking past you. So we practiced singing the last line as we bowed to our King.

Then we talked about echoes.  How echoes are much softer than the originals.  How if you try to yell something long, the echo will start before you are done yelling.  Then we learned the descant (just the echo part on the chorus), with one side singing the first part loudly and the other side singing the echo softly.

(This was a very fun activity the kids begged to do again.)

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

Thumbs up or thumbs down: Do you like to hear stories? Do you ever ask your mom or dad to tell you a story?  I love stories too!

Today we're going to learn a song about telling stories, but these aren't pretend stories.  These are real stories about Jesus.

Sing the first line: "Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear"

Can you think of some of your favorite stories of Jesus? (If you want, you can post pics of different stories on the board to help them remember: nativity, baptism, raising Jairus's daughter, with the children, etc.)

This time sing it with me, then I will point to someone (or call on someone raising their hand) to tell a story of Jesus. (The telling is short: just one sentence.) Then we will sing the line again, and someone else can tell a different story. (Repeat as often as you like, perhaps 4 times per line.)

Sing the next line and explain what it means.  "If Jesus were here right now, what question would you like to ask Him?  What story would you ask Him to tell?" Sing the line, have someone share their question, sing the line again, have someone else share, etc.

The next line tells about two places where Jesus spent lots of time: the wayside and the sea.  What is the wayside? (Show a picture of the sermon on the mount to give them a clue.)  In this picture, is Jesus in a city?  The wayside is someplace out of the way of the city; the countryside.  Sing the line, then show a picture of a "tale of the sea" and have a child tell what is happening in the picture.  Sing the line again, and show a different "sea" picture, etc.  (Examples of tales of the sea could include calming the storm, walking on water, fishing on the other side of the boat, etc.)

Sing the last line and have children share more stories of Jesus. Repeat as desired.

Sing the whole song together.

**The secret to making this work is to keep it fast paced, so the repetition of each line is only interrupted by a small amount of talking.  The purpose is not to tell any of the stories in detail; just to remind them of the story with a few words.

Article of Faith #3

Actions while you sing the song:

We believe (hands on heart)

That through the atonement of Christ (ASL for Jesus: point to nail prints in hands)

All mankind may be saved (sweep your hands out wide, suggesting "all")

By obedience (ASL for obey: one hand on head, the other hand on heart, give them away)

To the laws (make the letter L with you fingers)

And ordinances (make the letter O with your other hand)

Of the gospel (gospel means good news, so place your hands on either side of your mouth as if you are shouting out the good news of the gospel)

Article of Faith #1

These are the actions we do while singing the song:

We believe (hands over heart, since we believe things in our hearts)

In God, the eternal Father (slowly raise your arm at a diagonal up to heaven, where God lives)

And in His Son, Jesus Christ (slowly raise your other arm up to heaven; your arms make a " y")

And in the Holy Ghost (arms move out and around, landing back to your heart; this is because the Holy Ghost can be everywhere, but you feel Him in your heart)

Sing a Story -- The Life of Christ

This can be used in Primary or FHE.  Gather the following pictures and mix them out of order.  Ask the children which picture comes first?  Then sing the song that goes with the picture.  Continue putting the pictures in order and singing the corresponding songs.

Picture of premortal council -- Sing "I Lived in Heaven"
Picture of the nativity -- Sing "He Sent His Son" OR any Christmas song
Picture of Jesus as a child -- Sing "Jesus Once was a Little Child"
Picture of Jesus being baptized -- Sing "Baptism" OR 1st verse of "This is My Beloved Son"
Picture of calling the fishermen -- Sing "Come Follow Me"
Picture of Sermon on the Mount -- Sing "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus" 1st verse
Picture of Jesus with the children -- Sing "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus" 2nd verse OR
                                                                  "I think when I read that Sweet Story"
Picture of Triumphal Entry -- Sing "Hosanna" (esp. chorus)
Picture of Last Supper -- Sing "The Sacrament"
Picture of Gethsemane -- Sing "I Stand All Amazed"
Picture of crucifixion -- Sing "To Think About Jesus"
Picture of resurrected Jesus with Mary -- Sing "Did Jesus Really Live Again" verse 1
Picture of resurrected Jesus with disciples -- Sing "Did Jesus Really Live Again" verse 2
Picture of Christ visiting the Americas -- Sing "Easter Hosanna" OR 2nd verse of "This is My
                                                                Beloved Son" OR "I Know that My Savior Loves Me"
Picture of the Second Coming of Christ -- Sing "I Wonder When He Comes Again"

Choose the Right Way (CS p. 160)

First introduce the chorus:

This is a superhero song.  Pretend you are "Captain CTR"! What does CTR stand for?  That's right, and Captain CTR's super power is that he always chooses the right.  So stand up and put your hands on your hips like a superhero.  Now listen while I sing Captain CTR's motto: "I must always choose the right!" (pump your right fist into the air when you sing "the right") Now you try it with me. Wow, that was great!  Now before superheroes say their motto and fly off, they usually give advice to the good citizens watching.  What advice do you think Captain CTR would give?  Listen while I sing it: "Choose the right way and be happy!" (Hands on hips, pump right fist into the air on "right", right hand points to cheesy superhero smile on "happy") Sing it with me this time. Now we'll sing it again, but this time after we give our advice to the noble citizens of the world, we'll sing our motto. (in other words, sing through the whole chorus with the actions)

Time to sit down to learn the verse.

First learn this rhythm pattern: pat -- pat, clap -- clap, pat -- pat, clap -- clap...
It should be in a slow-quick pattern with the "--" as a pause.

Once the kids have the pattern down, sing through the verse with the clapping pattern.  Start the first pat on the word "right".  End by holding the word "way" through a pat--pat, clap! (Just one clap to end the verse.) Point out that it's impossible to choose the right if you don't know what is right.  How can you know what is the right way?  Listen while we sing it again.  Did you hear it?  What will help me and show me the way?  Learning the teachings of Jesus!  Sing it with me this time. (Repeat two more times.) This time when we get to our last CLAP! I want you to stand up and sing the superhero part. (Sing the whole song through in its entirety, clapping rhythmically on the verse, then standing and doing the superhero actions on the chorus.)

Once they know the song, it can be used as a wiggle song or a change of pace after learning a more slow or reverent song.

The Living Christ: A Christmas Advent

30 days (December 1-30 OR November 26-Dec 24)

The text comes from "The Living Christ", the testimony of the prophets and apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

You will be starting backwards, memorizing the last phrase on day 1.    ***Each day after, learn the new phrase, then continue reciting the phrases you have already learned!  This will reinforce the memorization.

Each day: Say the phrase. Define any words and discuss the phrase's meaning.  Sing the song. Try to memorize the phrase.

Day 1: God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
     SONG: He Sent His Son (CS p. 34)

Day 2: His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.
     SONG: Away in a Manger #206 ("Fit us for heaven to live with thee there")

Day 3: He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.
     SONG: Do you hear what I hear? ("He will bring us goodness and light!")

Day 4: He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father.
     SONG: O Come O Come Emmanuel

Day 5: We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God.
     SONG: Silent Night #204 ("Son of God")

Day 6: Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
     SONG: Good King Wenceslas ("Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing")

Day 7: He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him.
     SONG: Hallelujah Chorus

Day 8: We testify that He will someday return to earth.  And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
     SONG: Jesus Once of Humble Birth  #196 ("Now in glory comes to earth")

Day 9: We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—built upon the foundation of  apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
      SONG: With Wondering Awe #210 ("The heavenly star...on every land is throwing, and shall not cease til holy peace in all the earth is growing")

Day 10: That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
      SONG:  Sleep Little Jesus  (CS p. 47) ("Earth long has waited her Savior and King")

Day 11:  For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

     SONG: Mary's Lullaby  (CS p. 44)("Thy gentle head shall wear a crown, for thy Father is the
King; Thy tender hands, so tiny now, have blessings great to bring")

Day 12: Of Him the Prophet also declared: And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
     SONG: The First Noel #213 ("Born is the King of Israel")

Day 13: I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.
     SONG:  God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ("To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray")

Day 14: Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
     SONG: Angels We Have Heard on High  #203("Come...and see, come adore on bended knee; Glory in the highest to God")

Day 15: In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised dispensation of the fulness of times.
     SONG: Joy to the World #201 ("The Lord is come; Let earth receive her King")

Day 16: As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His other sheep in ancient America.

     SONG: Samuel Tells of Baby Jesus (CS p. 36)

Day 17: He rose from the grave to become the firstfruits of them that slept.
     SONG: Hark the Herald Angels Sing #209 ("Risen with healing in His wings...Born that man no more may die")

Day 18: He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

     SONG: Oh Come All Ye Faithful #202 ("Son of the Father, now in flesh appearing")

Day 19: We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. 

    SONG: O Little Town of Bethlehem #208 ("Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.")

Day 20: He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
     SONG: Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains #212 ("Sweet are these strains of redeeming love, message of mercy from heaven above")

Day 21: He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross.
     SONG: We Three Kings OR The Holly and the Ivy

Day 22: He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. 

     SONG: Picture a Christmas (CS p. 50) ("Remember Him as you picture Christmas this year")

Day 23: He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
     SONG: Little Jesus (CS p. 39) ("Came to earth to show the way")

Day 24: He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead.
     SONG: Once in Royal David's City #205 ("With the poor and mean and lowly, lived on earth our Savior holy.")

Day 25: His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example.
     SONG: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day #214 ("Peace on earth, goodwill to men")

Day 26: Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He went about doing good, yet was despised for it.
     SONG: Once Within a Lowly Stable  (CS p. 41) ("He came down to show all people how to help
and how to love")

Day 27: Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
     SONG: Unto us a Child is Born ("King of all creation")

Day 28: He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New.
     SONG: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear #207 ("by prophets seen of old")

Day 29: None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

     SONG: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks  #211 ("Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men  begin and never cease")

Day 30: As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.
    SONG: O Holy Night ("It is the night of our dear Savior's birth", "truly He taught us to love one
another", "chains shall He break", "His power and glory evermore proclaim")

The Living Christ: A month of family gospel study (Easter or anytime)

This can be used as a countdown to Easter (start 30 days before Easter) or anytime throughout the year.  I have also written a Christmas version you can find here.

The text comes from "The Living Christ", the testimony of the prophets and apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

You will be starting backwards, memorizing the last phrase on day 1.   *** Each day after, include the already learned portions as you recite it!  This will reinforce the memorization.

Each day: Say the phrase. Define any words and discuss the phrase's meaning.  Sing the song. Try to memorize the phrase.

Day 1: God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.
     SONG: He Sent His Son (CS p. 34)

Day 2: His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.
     SONG: I Will Follow God's Plan for Me (CS p. 164)

Day 3: He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.
     SONG: The Lord is My Light (Hymn #89)

Day 4: He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father.
     SONG: Jesus of Nazareth (Hymn #181)

Day 5: We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God.
     SONG: My Redeemer Lives (Hymn #135)

Day 6: Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
     SONG: I Stand All Amazed (Hymn #193)

Day 7: He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him.
     SONG:  Rejoice the Lord is King (Hymn #66)

Day 8: We testify that He will someday return to earth. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
     SONG: I Wonder When He Comes Again (CS p. 82)

Day 9: We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—built upon the foundation of  apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
      SONG: The Priesthood is Restored (CS p. 89)

Day 10: That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
      SONG: I am a Child of God (Hymn #301)

Day 11: For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
     SONG: This is My Beloved Son (CS p. 76)

Day 12: Of Him the Prophet also declared: And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
     SONG: I Know that My Redeemer Lives (Hymn #136)
    

Day 13: I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.

     SONG: Reverently and Meekly Now (Hymn #185)

Day 14: Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

     SONG: Beautiful Savior (CS p. 62)

Day 15: In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised dispensation of the fulness of times.
     SONG: Joseph Smith's First Prayer (Hymn #26)

Day 16: As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His other sheep in ancient America.

     SONG: Easter Hosanna (CS p. 68)

Day 17: He rose from the grave to become the firstfruits of them that slept.

     SONG: Did Jesus Really Live Again (CS p. 64) OR He is Risen (Hymn #199)

Day 18: He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

     SONG: God Loved Us So He Sent His Son (Hymn #187)

Day 19: We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. 

     SONG: How Great the Wisdom and the Love (Hymn #195)

Day 20: He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
     SONG: O Savior Thou Who Wearest a Crown (Hymn #197)

Day 21: He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross.
     SONG: Upon the Cross of Calvary (Hymn #184)

Day 22: He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. 

     SONG: The Sacrament (CS p. 72) OR O God the Eternal Father (Hymn #175)

Day 23: He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
     SONG: I Lived in Heaven (CS p. 4)

Day 24: He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead.
     SONG: I Believe in Christ (Hymn #134)

Day 25: His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example.
     SONG: Love One Another (Hymn #308) OR I'm Trying to be Like Jesus (CS p. 78)

Day 26: Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He went about doing good, yet was despised for it.
     SONG: Baptism (CS p. 100)

Day 27: Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
     SONG: How Great Thou Art (Hymn #86)

Day 28: He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. 

     SONG: Guide Us O Thou Great Jehovah (Hymn #83)

Day 29: None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

     SONG: There is a Green Hill Far Away (Hymn #194)

Day 30: As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.
     SONG:  Jesus Once of Humble Birth (Hymn #196)

I'll Walk With You (CS p. 140)

Simple actions:

If you don't walk as most people do (walk your fingers up your arm)
Some people walk away from you (have your fingers turn and walk in the other direction)
But I won't! I won't! (point to yourself and shake your head no)

If you don't talk as most people do (pointer finger at lips then moving away)
Some people talk and laugh at you (point at people in a mean way)
But I won't! I won't! (point to yourself and shake your head no)

I'll walk with you (fingers walk up arm), I'll talk with you (pointer finger at lips then moving away),
That's how I'll show my love (arms crossed over chest) for you (point)

Jesus walked away from none (shake your head no)
He gave His love (arms crossed over chest) to everyone (spread arms wide)
So I will!  I will! (point to self and nod yes)

Jesus blessed (pretend to put your hands on someone's head) all he could see
Then turned (look to one side) and said "Come Follow Me" (gesture for someone to come)
So I will! I will! I will!  I will! (point to self and nod yes)

I'll walk with you (fingers walk up arm), I'll talk with you (pointer finger at lips then moving away),
That's how I'll show my love (arms crossed over chest) for you (point)



Optional Videos:

A Playground for Carly

My Brother Hyrum

Dayton's Legs

One in a Million: Brynn

One in a Million: Katie

PMG Lesson 1 Review

After you have finished all 8 sections of Lesson 1: The Restoration, it's time for a review week.  Review each section's heading, scripture, and song.  Then teach a short (10 min) lesson tying the sections together. You just taught a "first discussion"!

For daily scripture study, each day of the week, have a different family member teach these eight principles in a cohesive lesson.