Teaching the Children to Lead Music

This week I have been given all of sharing time to do the music, I am not sure what to do with 45 min. We certainly can't sing "As a Child of God", for 45 min straight. So I thought I would teach the kids how to Lead the music and let them have a go at doing it.  I had not finished getting through all my new teachers/leaders favorite songs ( I detail that in an earlier post), so I thought I would continue with that but before we sing each song, I would teach them how to lead it.  I would first start with  by giving them each a Pretzel rod, as their baton. I was thinking I may go on about how their are good choice and bad choice in regards to the pretzel; for instance if you hit someone with this, that is a bad choice and the consequence is that your teacher can take it away for that song... also you can choose to eat your pretzel, but the consequence is that you wont have on anymore and you only get one... I don't know I am just going to wing it tomorrow.  Anyway,  I made the Leading directions ( I don't know what they are called sorry) and drew them each on a paper easily read.

 I thought I would show them the way to do it and then let them all try a few times before we sang the song. Then when we sang the song the kids could all do it while we sing. I may have the kids that choose the songs stand in front and be the leader.. I don't know.

Because we still need to get through As a Child of God, I thought I would bring out my trusty Ellie the Elephant and only when we sang that song, I would let the kids have a shot at leading through her trunk.  I may just keep Ellie only for Program songs and bring her out when we need to re-sing and re-sing a song.  I will let you know how it goes, and if it needs revamping. :)

Introducing New Teachers and Leaders

Because of the new year I have had a lot of new teachers and leaders join primary. So I thought this month I would do an activity to introduce the Kids to let them get to know their new teachers.  As you can see below I made little paper doll people to resemble the new teachers/leaders using construction paper. It took me a long time to do each of these, you could make it easier by just coloring them or make it more detailed by doing yarn hair, cloth clothes... I am sure it would be a ton cuter then mine. I tend to lack a little in the execution department, Everything looks better in my head.

 

I called each of them and had them give me one or two facts about themselves and their favorite song. For example, one person said that their favorite color is pink, and they have never colored their hair, another was that they had a pet black widow spider. (Yikes I know). That singing time  I called up a kid and had them pick a person, I told the kids about them, asked the teacher and then had them elaborate a little on their story and then Sang their favorite song.  I left a little clue on the back to remind me of their story just in case I forgot.  The Kids really seemed to like this and it was a good way to sing some different songs, as sometimes all we sing are program songs.

I found these little people paper cut outs at hobby lobby, I chose to use the bigger ones as you can see, but you could easily use the smaller ones and connect them that would be cute. I think I will use the smaller ones another time maybe in August when we talk about being kind to everyone, and accepting all our differences. Maybe dress them in different cultural outfits?? Who knows.

Welcome!

Welcome!  If you are reading this blog, you probably feel the same as Kristi and I.   (Kristi-daughter; and Carol-Mother), that the Primary chorister calling is one of the most wonderful callings in the church!  We are lucky enough to both be the Primary Choristers in our respective wards and what a treat it is to be able to bounce off ideas for Music time with each other.   We hope that this blog will help you get some ideas old or new, of ways to teach the Gospel  to these sweet children of our Heavenly Father.  They are FULL of beautiful promises, blessings and Gospel truths. Where else can you serve and be surrounded by perfect little beings and glorious music?  Nowhere... at least that I have found.   We hope you will comment and give us your experiences and ideas.  Let us all keep in mind the purpose of music in Primary, as stated by our General leaders:
"...to teach the children the gospel,  and help them learn to live it. " (sharing time outline 2012.)

Now LET"S GET SINGING!!

~Carol~