Different is Good

I am so sorry it took me this long to actually post a real idea. We had stake conference last week...and the entire month of October was all devoted to the Primary Program...but, I'm back. Here's what I'm doing this coming week. It goes along with the suggested songs for sharing time.

Songs to be taught:
“We Are Different” (CS, 263)
“I’m Thankful to Be Me” (CS, 11)

Prep:

As many different "play" musical instruments that you can bring. Such as a rattle, tambourine, bell, maracas...etc.


I am going to start by showing the children the different instruments and what they sound like. I am going to explain that each one is different, but brings a new and great sound to our primary. The song, "We are different" can really have a fun beat that goes well with a soft rattle sound or tambourine played softly. I'll teach the kids one line at a time with the piano, and then we'll slowly add a new instrument playing a fun beat to it. I don't expect the Junior Primary to really get the beats down...but they will like the idea of participating. The older kids I think will find it really neat that when combined, the instruments compliment each other and enhance the song.

After that, I'm going to tell them that like the instruments, we are all different from each other, but special. I will teach them the words to "I am thankful to be me" and allow some different children to try some different sounds for certain parts of the song. I will make sure to tell them that we are all different and unique, but that helps us to make life beautiful.

A bit cheesy, but it works.

*Originator: The Crazy Chorister

Our Primary Program

Well, yesterday was the big day! It went so well. The primary kids sang their little hearts out. I don't believe that anyone could have napped during Sacrament meeting even if they wanted too.

I'm excited to share some fun activities in the next few weeks for helping teach songs the kids don't really have a chance to learn during the year due to the focus on the primary program songs. I plan on making singing time the funnest thing about their week. So, stay tuned.

In other news, I've decided that at out December in service meeting I am going to hand out music packets and Cd's to the teachers of the music for this coming year. I'm going to have some ideas of how they can incorporate more of the PPM into their classroom lessons. Also, the teachers won't have to struggle with the words so much during singing time so I'll have more adult voices to support me when I go to teach the kids the new songs.

Anyhow..I'm starting my new ideas this coming week. I'll post ASAP so you can use some too if you want to.

Don't forget to comment if something works for you or if you have new ideas.

Thanks alot!