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
Showing posts with label Children's Songbook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Children's Songbook. Show all posts
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Saturday, August 1, 2015
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*
*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.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
Monday, April 13, 2015
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 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.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
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).
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).
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
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)
(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)
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)
Monday, February 16, 2015
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.)
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
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"
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"
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
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.
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.
Monday, January 12, 2015
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
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
Friday, October 31, 2014
Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel (Hymn #252 - chorus only)
Discussion:
Have the kids picture a wagon wheel as tall as they are. Pretend it's stuck in the mud. How would you get it out? You could push it with your hands, but what if that didn't work? Could you turn around and push it with your shoulder and back? What if you were pushing your hardest but the person who was supposed to push the other wheel was goofing off or refusing to work?
Easy actions to teach the chorus:
Put your shoulder (right arm on left shoulder) to the wheel (brace your feet against the pretend wheel)
Push along (pretend to push with your shoulder)
Do your duty with a heart (both hands on heart)
full of song (smile-- to have a heart full of song means to be cheerful while you work)
We all have work (pretend to hammer a nail)
Let no one shirk (shake your head and wag your finger no -- be sure to explain what "shirk" means)
Put your shoulder (right arm on left shoulder) to the wheel (pretend to push with your shoulder)
Have the kids picture a wagon wheel as tall as they are. Pretend it's stuck in the mud. How would you get it out? You could push it with your hands, but what if that didn't work? Could you turn around and push it with your shoulder and back? What if you were pushing your hardest but the person who was supposed to push the other wheel was goofing off or refusing to work?
Easy actions to teach the chorus:
Put your shoulder (right arm on left shoulder) to the wheel (brace your feet against the pretend wheel)
Push along (pretend to push with your shoulder)
Do your duty with a heart (both hands on heart)
full of song (smile-- to have a heart full of song means to be cheerful while you work)
We all have work (pretend to hammer a nail)
Let no one shirk (shake your head and wag your finger no -- be sure to explain what "shirk" means)
Put your shoulder (right arm on left shoulder) to the wheel (pretend to push with your shoulder)
Faith (CS p. 96)
Simple actions to teach this song:
Verse 1:
Faith is knowing the sun will rise
(Start on the ground in a ball; rise slowly with your arms rounded above your head like the sun)
Lighting each new day (on the word lighting, have your sun arms slowly open)
Faith is knowing the Lord will hear (hand to your ear)
My prayers (fold arms as if in prayer) each time I pray
Faith is like a little seed (pinch your thumb and pointer finger together as if holding a small seed)
If planted (make a pot with your other hand and pretend to plant the seed)
it will grow (from underneath the pot hand, push the other hand's fingers up and through like a bud, then open the fingers as it grows taller)
Faith is a swelling (continue the growing motion into both arms being raised and opening wide)
within my heart (cover your heart with both hands)
When I do right (thumbs up)
I know (point to your head)
Verse 2:
I have the kids imagine a line stretching from one end of the room to the other. Then I put my right hand sideways, close to my body, as if it's making a notch on the line. This is birth. Look at all the space on the imaginary line that comes before birth. Where were you before your mortal birth? You lived with God. Then do the same thing with your left hand being death, or when your life ends on earth. What will happen then? You can return to God. So your whole mortal life is just the width of your body, while there's all this space on either side of you where you still existed and will exist.
Faith is knowing I lived with God (point that direction on the timeline)
before my mortal birth (place your "birth" hand back on the timeline, making an exaggerated notch on the word birth)
Faith is knowing I can return (point that direction on the timeline)
when my life ends on earth (place your "death" hand back on the timeline, making an exaggerated notch on the word earth)
Faith is trust in God above (ASL for father, then same hand goes up to heaven)
In Christ (ASL for Jesus)
who showed the way (make a straight path with your hands and push it forward)
Faith is strengthened (show arm muscle)
I feel it grow (other arm outlines a bigger muscle)
Whenever I obey (ASL for obey -- one hand on head, the other on the heart, then offering them both)
Verse 1:
Faith is knowing the sun will rise
(Start on the ground in a ball; rise slowly with your arms rounded above your head like the sun)
Lighting each new day (on the word lighting, have your sun arms slowly open)
Faith is knowing the Lord will hear (hand to your ear)
My prayers (fold arms as if in prayer) each time I pray
Faith is like a little seed (pinch your thumb and pointer finger together as if holding a small seed)
If planted (make a pot with your other hand and pretend to plant the seed)
it will grow (from underneath the pot hand, push the other hand's fingers up and through like a bud, then open the fingers as it grows taller)
Faith is a swelling (continue the growing motion into both arms being raised and opening wide)
within my heart (cover your heart with both hands)
When I do right (thumbs up)
I know (point to your head)
Verse 2:
I have the kids imagine a line stretching from one end of the room to the other. Then I put my right hand sideways, close to my body, as if it's making a notch on the line. This is birth. Look at all the space on the imaginary line that comes before birth. Where were you before your mortal birth? You lived with God. Then do the same thing with your left hand being death, or when your life ends on earth. What will happen then? You can return to God. So your whole mortal life is just the width of your body, while there's all this space on either side of you where you still existed and will exist.
Faith is knowing I lived with God (point that direction on the timeline)
before my mortal birth (place your "birth" hand back on the timeline, making an exaggerated notch on the word birth)
Faith is knowing I can return (point that direction on the timeline)
when my life ends on earth (place your "death" hand back on the timeline, making an exaggerated notch on the word earth)
Faith is trust in God above (ASL for father, then same hand goes up to heaven)
In Christ (ASL for Jesus)
who showed the way (make a straight path with your hands and push it forward)
Faith is strengthened (show arm muscle)
I feel it grow (other arm outlines a bigger muscle)
Whenever I obey (ASL for obey -- one hand on head, the other on the heart, then offering them both)
Dare to Do Right (CS p. 158)
This song can be taught very quickly by using the following actions:
Each time you say the word "right", pump your right fist into the air.
Each time you say "true", raise your right hand as if you're in court swearing to tell the truth.
"You (point to someone else) have a work that
no other (shake your head and wag your finger) can do"
"Do it so bravely (fist over heart)
so kindly (ASL love-- arms crossed over chest)
so well (thumbs up OR a-ok sign)
"Angels (fling your arms wide above your head, slowly coming back down as you look at all the angels) will hasten the story to tell"
(explain that this means that when you do your very best, the angels get so excited they want to tell everyone how well you have done)
When you do the "dare"s in the chorus, put your hands on your hips, all at once if there is just one "dare", one at a time when they are repeated.
Each time you say the word "right", pump your right fist into the air.
Each time you say "true", raise your right hand as if you're in court swearing to tell the truth.
"You (point to someone else) have a work that
no other (shake your head and wag your finger) can do"
"Do it so bravely (fist over heart)
so kindly (ASL love-- arms crossed over chest)
so well (thumbs up OR a-ok sign)
"Angels (fling your arms wide above your head, slowly coming back down as you look at all the angels) will hasten the story to tell"
(explain that this means that when you do your very best, the angels get so excited they want to tell everyone how well you have done)
When you do the "dare"s in the chorus, put your hands on your hips, all at once if there is just one "dare", one at a time when they are repeated.
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