Ideas at a glance

Hi everyone,

I finally organized all the ideas posted on this blog and got the right tags on them. So, on the side bar under "Ideas at a glance" are all the ideas that I have posted over the past two+ years. Hope that makes it easier for you than sifting through a lot of back posts.

Have a great day!

-Melanie

Review Activity---Come Follow Me--- Just Follow The Pattern

This activity went SO WELL, and the spirit was there again for this beautiful song. At one point, my pianist stepped out and we sang the song Acapella. It was so beautiful, and I thought it would be a real highlight to the P. Program. You might want to try it.

Here's this review activity


Prep:



1 piece of paper for each child (Sr.) one piece of paper for each teacher (Jr.)

Dress Pattern

Dress (or anything that has instructions that you created something from)

Picture of Jesus Christ

Learn how to fold a white Sunday shirt out of paper from this website ...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hTf9MoLezk




Presentation:



Pass paper out to teachers or children. Hold up the dress pattern (or instructions of whatever you brought). I explained that I enjoy making dresses, but in order to do that I have to use a pattern. I explained in simple terms how I go about making a dress from the pattern. I held up a pattern piece and instructions and and explained that as long as I stuck to the pattern, it came out the way it should in the end. I explained that sometimes I make a mistake when I sew, but if I return to the pattern and go through the long process to undo the mistake and try again...It works. I then showed them the product that I made. I Explained that Jesus Christ set the pattern for happy living and gave us the way to return to our Father in Heaven, and if we follow the pattern we will be happy.



Sing "Come Follow Me". Talk about how this song teaches us to follow the pattern He has set.

Pass out paper to teachers or children. Tell them that we are going to sing a few songs about following Jesus. After each song, show them how to fold another part of the shirt. Do not tell them what the product will be at the end. The songs I used were...

Do As I'm Doing
Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes (I did this one backwards to see if they could still follow me)
Come Follow Me (I kept throwing this one in every few songs just for review)
Follow the Prophet
I'm Trying to be Like Jesus
Come Follow Me

I spread out the paper folding instruction to six songs. The teachers in Jr Pri did great, and the Sr. Kids did a great job too. I did warn the Sr. Pri in the beginning that this activity required reverence, and if I saw at any point that they couldn't handle things...the paper part would be done. But, I then expressed my confidence in them that all would be well and they could handle things. It went so great.

I then held up the white shirt and asked them if they got it by following the instructions. I told them that I loved to see clean white shirts on Sunday because it told me something about the person wearing it....it told me they wanted to be like Jesus. I then bore my Testimony that Jesus Christ set the Pattern we should follow so we can find peace, happiness, and safety.

**thecrazychorister

Childless Mormons

Dear Fellow Choristers,

On my sidebar of listed resources is a resource that is not intended to help us in our calling, but I would like you to look at it anyhow and pass it on to anyone who you think could benefit from reading this. http://www.childlessmormons.yolasite.com/

It is simply the best, most comforting resource on this subject one can find on the net. It perhaps can spread some hope and comfort to those sisters and brothers out there who are experiencing the frustration and painful circumstances of not being able to have a child.

Thank you,

Melanie

New Song Sunday--Come Follow Me

Thank goodness for tender mercies. I would feel completely ungrateful to Heavenly Father if I did not post this idea (even though it is late for most of you). I know he ran my singing time today.

I had planned to follow the suggestion in the 2010 handbook for this song, but then this week went kind of nuts. Last night at 10pm I was exhausted and realized that not only did my printer not have ink to print out flip charts but I didn't have the energy to draw and cut the footprints. I went to bed with a prayer an idea would come.

I woak up this morning knowing what to do (in part). I needed to connect Freedom (the 4th of July) with Christ. The rest of the presentation came during Jr. Primary as I was talking about the words, and I felt a deeper connection with this song than I have ever had. And the really tender Mercy...one of the presidency members had made and put footprints around the primary room for her part of sharing time....and it was just perfect. I realized things in my heart and felt the spirit testify to me how Freedom is found in Christ, Physically and Spiritually if we will only Come, and Follow Him.

Prep:

Chalk
Picture of Christ


Presentation:

Before the children come in the room, write the words of the first verse of "Come Follow me" on the chalk board. Underline or circle words or phrases that you identify as needing clarification of meaning.

Ask the children if they know what day it is....(4th of July). Talk about some of the fun things we do on the fourth.....etc

Then draw the American flag on the board. Ask the children what it is. Ask them what what the flag stands for: FREEDOM. Talk about two types of freedom word: Physical Freedom (because we live in a free country established by God) and spiritual freedom (if we choose to follow Jesus Christ we will be Free from sin and can return to Heavenly Father).

Explain that the song we are learning is about obtaining spiritual freedom by following our Savior. Have the children close their eyes. Have the pianist play the song. Ask if anyone recognizes the music. Ask a child that does when we usually sing this song....(sacrament hymn). Explain that the soft, reverent nature of this hymn makes it perfect for the sacrament.

Start with the first line...Say the line and have them say it too you. Sing the line. Keep doing this with every line of the song. Make sure and talk about words such as "Tred" and "Begotten". Take time to talk about the line "For thus Alone can we be one". This is where Heavenly Father opened my eyes today. When we came to this part, I not only understood, but it deeply touched my heart when I noticed that the music's minor key for "for thus alone" resolved to a higher key when talking about us being able "to be one". I pointed this out to the children by explaining that because we are living in a telestial state without Heavenly Father presence we are essentially "alone"...but by following our Savior, he will elevate us back to our Father's presence because we will be one with Him. We sang the song a few times more and I helped them see that true freedom comes through Christ. I hope that makes sense. I think I said it better there, but then and again...it was not my words coming out of my mouth.

I then just had the children walk around the primary room using the footsteps as their guide to make it back to a picture of Christ at the front of the room.


Happy 4th!

**thecrazychorister

June in a nutshell--Intro to Holy Ghost, Father's Day, and Program Review

Hello again. I finally feel up to a bit of blogging. I am not sure it will be perfectly consistent, but I think I've found a better balance at the moment and I've missed serving you. Thank you for your patience and prayers, they have been felt. Thank you also for the loving and sincere comments. I count you among my blessings.

I know the following ideas are rather after-the-fact, but perhaps someone out there could benefit down the road, and I wanted to keep a record of what I have done. Sorry about the length of this post. There are three separate ideas listed.

Introduction Sunday: THE HOLY GHOST

Prep:

Chalk
Ear muffs, or ear plugs, or ear protection of some kind
Gift bag
Picture prompts

Before primary, put the ear protection in a gift bag.

Presentation: 20 min

Begin by drawing a few pictures free hand on the board. (I am a terrible free hand artist...so don't think you have to do anything fancy here. If you are worried about this ..practice a bit before you get up there. The kids actually liked the fact that I created it on the board in front of them.) After drawing each picture, ask the children to guess what it is. Draw a Fire, a map, a person giving a hug, and a quilt. Then go back and talk about the symbolized meaning of the pictures. For instance, ask them.."What does fire give us?" answer.."warmth and light". "How do you feel when someone hugs you?" answer..."loved, accepted." Write each concept next to the picture. (This should only take three min tops...move through it very quickly) Explain that these concepts can also be used to describe how we feel when were are feeling the spirit's direction and influence in our lives.

Bring out your picture prompts. Tell the them name of the song. Have the pianist play the song very loudly and staccato. Ask the children how that felt. Then have the pianist play the music as written. Point out the difference in the feeling, how the songs gentle rhythm produces a sweet and pleasant sound. Again, relate that to the spirit's still small voice. He is not loud, but soft...it requires the listener to pay attention, to block out other sounds, and to make a choice to focus.

Begin with the first line of the song. Sing the line to the children and have them whisper sing it back to you. Continue doing this through the entire verse. Then have the children sing the song with you a few times through.

Grab your bag. Take out the ear protectors. Have a child come to the front. Explain that sometimes we choose not to listen to the spirit. We close our ears to his promptings. Explain to the child that you are going to put the ear protection on their ears, stand behind them, and ask them to do something. Have them put the ear protection on and stand behind them. Whisper to them to raise their hand. They won't hear you and won't respond. Ask the rest of the children if they heard you...they will have. Remove the ear protection from the child and stand behind them again and give the same command in a whisper. They will hear you and raise their hand. Explain that we always need to be listening and not to muffle our ears with the distractions of the world.

Sing the song again. Bare Testimony of the Holy Ghost.

*******************************************

Father's Day---Who's Father is This?

Prep:

Jr. Primary
Chalk

Sr. Primary
Easy Button (from staples)

Questions: (use these or write your own)

1. What Father Appeared to Joseph Smith in the Scared Grove?
2. Who is Alma the Younger's Father?
3. Who is the Father of our Ward?
4. Who is Ammon's (the one who was a great missionary and cut off the arms) father?
5. Who is Nephi's Father?
6. Who is the Father of the Joseph sold into Egypt?
7. At least, How many Father's do we all have?
8. Who's words made Enos want to repent?
9. Who is the partiarch of the home?
10. Who loves you more than anything else in the world? (Mother is an acceptable answer here)

Presentation: 20 min

Jr. Primary:

Draw the outline of the head and shoulders of a man. Leave the face and head blank, but draw the outline of a white Sunday shirt. Begin asking the children your questions (you can make them easier or harder....whatever works for you). After the right answer is given, have a child come to the board and draw in eyes, or nose, or mouth, or tie....etc. Sing the child's favorite primary song. Continue until all questions have been asked and you have the primary dad on the board. Tell them how wonderful it was that they helped their dad get ready for church. Encourage them to go and give their dads a big hug and be helpful to him on this special day.

Sr. Primary

Bring a small table to the front. Put the easy button in the middle. Call two children up front. Ask them to put one hand on the table and one hand behind the back. Ask them the question. The first one to hit the easy button answers the question. If it is right, sing that child's favorite primary hymn. If it is wrong, give the other one the chance to answer. Continue to do this until all questions are asked or time runs out.

********************************************************

Program Review---"Fishers of Men"

Prep:

6 Fish cut outs ( 1 program song and page numbers written on the back of each and a number indicating how many baptisms)

1 boot cut out ( write chorister's pick)

1 soda can cut out (write Pianist pick)

1 Sandwich cut out (write teacher's pick)

(place paper clips on all of these)

1 box decorated in blue poster board to make a simple "lake"

1 "fishing poll" made from dowel, string, and a magnet on the end of the string.

Optional: I dressed up in my husband's fishing vest and hat.

Presentation: 20 min

Set up your lake. Tell the children one of the fun things to do in the Summer Time is fish. Sing the first verse of,"Oh What do you do in the Summertime". Then tell them that when Christ was on the Earth, he taught us that we should be Fishers of Men. Have a brief discussion of the meaning of those words.

Tell them today, we're going fishing. Explain that a child will place their line in the lake and try and catch a fish. The number on the back of the fish represents how many baptisms happen if they sing the song really well. Don't tell them about the other objects in the lake. Have a child come to the front and go fishing. If they catch a fish sing the song listed and hang the fish on the board with a magnet so everyone can see. (I drew a little "fishing line" that we hung the fish on so they could see what they caught). As they are fishing, explain that just like fishing, sharing the Gospel requires patience and diligence.

If they catch:

The Boot: Explain that sharing the Gospel isn't always easy. Sometimes we get "booted" out the door...but we should always keep trying. Sing the indicated song.

The Can: Explain that sometimes our desire to share "fizzles" out, but we CAN do our best. Sing the indicated song.

The Peanut Butter Sandwich: Explain that sometimes baring our testimony can be a "sticky" situation, but not to worry...The Holy Ghost can put the words into our hearts and minds to make it easier for us if we prepare and are willing to share with others.

Bare your testimony of sharing the Gospel and encourage the children to never be afraid to share what they know. Encourage them to become :Fishers of Men" by developing their testimony and sharing it openly.

*********************************************

Hope you have a great week.

**thecrazychorister

Vacation

Hi everyone,

Well, this marks almost two years since I've been called as the Primary Chorister. I really do love this calling...it has really lifted me up so many times, and I thank all of you for the kind comments you leave. They have really helped me.

Unfortunately, my family is going through some difficult stuff right now, and I feel that my time is really torn. I have decided to take a vacation from blogging for a while. I think I might even recycle some of my ideas....the thought kills me, but I must. If inspiration hits, I'll really try and post what I'm doing, but for now I think it would be best to take some weight off my shoulders in any way I can.

This happens to be post 101. If I were to guess, I think there are at least 95 different activities listed that could possibly help you. Some of my favorites were clear back at the beginning of this blog, so go and check it out.

I hope you'll forgive me. I hope miracles rain down and I'll be back before you know it. Just remember to have fun and love them...the rest comes from the spirit.

*thecrazychorister

New Song Sunday--Choose the Right Way (Choose Your Own Adventure)

I am weeks behind. My family has been sick for almost three weeks and we missed 2 Sundays. We've really been hit hard with a number of things, but thank goodness for callings that help you concentrate on others instead of focusing on your own problems.



Anyhow, Since May is one of the "Choose your own song" months in our primary guide, I decided to go with "Choose the Right Way". I will be teaching the entire song, but concentrating on the words of the second verse since they go well with the monthly theme.


I loved those "choose your own adventure" books growing up. You know, the books that you got two or three choices of how the story goes and you see in the end what that leads you too...that is what I based this idea from. If you are doing another song, this could be adapted to fit that song.



Prep:

1 Flip Chart of the Song (Both Verses)

8 Choice papers (explained below)

1 "Choose Your Own Adventure" story (I'm posting mine below or you can write your own)

4 Word Strips that break the second verse into lines

Through the gospel I learn to be prayerful

To have faith, to repent, to obey,

And I know if I live by his teachings, I will truly be happy each day

Chorus....

Presentation:

Before Primary, I will hang my choice papers in groups of 2 around the primary room (A with B...C with D...etc). Hang the word strip of the song line underneath the choice papers, but facing the wall so they can't read it until it is time. On the back of the papers have a picture or words that describe the consequence for that choice. You will be telling the story so you don't have to write it all out for them...only the consequences. Clear as mud?....no worries, you'll get it as you keep reading.

I will begin by having the pianist play the music. We will all hum the melody together. I will talk about how it is a pleasant, happy tune that is uplifting. I'll show them the flip chart for the first verse. We'll repeat sing the song through once. I'm fairly certain the first verse is very familiar to my primary and won't take long to review. If your primary is not familiar with the song at all, go through the first verse a few times emphasising the happiness one feels when making right choices.

After reviewing the first verse, explain that now they know the principal of making right choices and feeling happy, we are going to go on a "choose your own adventure" and see what happens.

Read the first part of your own story or read the following...

The beautiful sunshine was pouring into Tommy's window. His alarm had just gone off telling him to get out of bed. He was very tired and rubbed his eyes. Tommy wanted to remain in bed for just a few more minutes so he turned off his alarm and rolled over. He heard his Father calling his name to come downstairs for Family prayer...

Does Tommy...

A. Get out of Bed and go downstairs for family Prayer.

B. Stay in Bed just a little longer and pretend he's asleep.

Let the children Pick which one they want. It will be alright if they don't pick the obvious good choice...it will be good for them to see what happens. Before you let them see what happens. Sing the first line to the second verse. Have them turn that paper around. Look at the picture and read what happens below.

Choice "A"...

Tommy decides to get out of bed right away and go downstairs. He gets a great big hug from his Father. He is asked to say the family prayer, and as he is praying he feels the spirit and he happier and stronger inside to face his day.

Choice "B"

Tommy is just too tired to get out of bed. He continues to hear his father call him, but ignores it...and tries to fall back asleep. Soon his father comes into his room. "Tommy, you need to get out of bed. It really frustrates me when you don't come down for family prayer. We said it without you because your sister needed to leave early. It looks like you won't be able to stay up later anymore because you simply cannot get out of bed when you are asked too."

Sing the line of the song one more time to emphasize prayer.

Go on with the story....

Later that morning, Tommy is at school. He realizes that his math test is today. His mother has been helping him study, but there were still a few problems he doesn't understand. His teacher passes out the math test. Tommy looks down and the first problem is one of the hard ones he isn't sure about...

Does He...

Choice "C"

Realizes he's done his best to study and says a little prayer for the spirit to help him remember what he knows.

Choice "D"

Gets really nervous and decides to look at his neighbor's paper for the answers to the questions he is unsure about.

Have them choose, then before going on sing the next line to the song....talk briefly about faith, repentance, and obeying in context with the story.

If Choice "C"

Tommy does his very best on the Math test. He has answers come to his mind easily, and he is even able to figure out a few of the most difficult answers. He feels a peace inside knowing he prepared the best he could and left the rest in the trust of Heavenly Father.

If Choice "D"

Tommy gets really nervous and doesn't think he can do it. He looks at his neighbor's paper several times to write down the answers. His teacher notices what he is doing, fails him on his math test, and sends him to the principals office. He apologizes for his behavior to the principal and realizes he has done wrong.

Sing the line again, and emphasis repentance and obedience.

Continue on with the story...

After school, Tommy is walking home with his friends. Mark, the new kid, is walking by himself just behind them. His head is down and he looks lonely. Tommy notices him when one of his friends says that he thinks Mark is a funny looking kid. Everyone laughs. Tommy feels something in his heart.

Does Tommy...

Choice "E"

Tommy laughs along with his friends and ignores the feelings he's having.

Choice "F"

Tommy stops and looks at Mark and listens to the feelings in his heart

Sing the next line to the song. Talk about being like Jesus. Go on...

If Choice "E"

Tommy laughs with his friends and runs ahead tossing a football back and forth and thinking about the new video game his friend invited him to play. He turns around just in time to see Mark look up with tears in his eyes.

If Choice "F"

Tommy stops and turns around. He smiles at Mark and asks him if he would like to come over to his house and play some foot ball in his yard. Mark smiles and says that would be great. Tommy's friends run ahead of them, but Tommy feels great inside and is happy to get to know Mark.

Sing the line again. Sing all the lines up to this point.

Finally....read the final part of the story

Later than night, Tommy was asked about his day. He ...

Choice "G"

tells his mom about his day. He feels really good inside because he made a lot of good choices.

Choice "H"

says he doesn't want to talk about it. He goes up stairs and feels really bad inside. He knows the only way to feel better is to repent and try and make better choices in the future.

Sing the chorus to the song. Sing the entire song twice through. Sum this up by saying that all of us our faced with many choices through the day. Knowing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and living it will help us make the better choice..and making the better choice will lead to peace and happiness. We must always choose the right.

I hope that made sense. If you have questions...please ask them. Have a great week.

*thecrazychorister

Truly Amazing

Hello. For all those who still are looking at this blog, as unhelpful as it has been lately, thanks. April just ran away from me, and I haven't taken the time to sit down and post.

I felt strongly to share this with you today. I know the time is past for this song, but I hope it might help someone out there.

Last week I introduced the song to my primary. They are all familiar with it, so it was wonderful to really get into the words of the song and allow the spirit to bind it to their hearts. For the first time in a great while, I struggled knowing just how to present this to my primary. I walked into church that Sunday with only a brief attention getting activity (suggested in the Primary guide) and a prayer that Heavenly Father would direct me to help them learn what they needed to know.

I showed them a picture of Captain Moroni and briefly explained this title of liberty. I related this to our song by saying that just like the title of liberty stated who they were, what they believed in, and what they were going to do....so does our song. I took it line by line and had the children repeat sing the line back to me.

For Jr. Primary...I paused on the line "I know who I am". I asked them, "Who are you?". A little girl from the back of the room squared her shoulders and said boldly, "I am a Child of God." The spirit rushed in and I was over come. I was compelled to stop and bare testimony of this simple truth, and explain to the children the feelings they were having as well...for the entire primary was touched. I then had a red, yellow, and blue primary flag in my bag and had the children wave that as we sang it for a final time.

Later, in Sr. Primary as we were repeat singing the last line..."His Truth I will Proclaim" the thought came to my mind to remind them of Lehi's dream where he finally partakes of the fruit and is filled with the love of God. I asked them if they knew the first thing he desired to do. Again, a child said, "He wanted to share it." The spirit again flooded the room and filled our hearts to the brim. It was a powerful moment for all of us. So simple. So powerful. I then had them sing it again as they stood and moved down a chair for each "I" said in the song, which brought smiles to everyone's face and really was fun.

I have reflected this entire week on that experience. Heavenly Father wanted our Jr. Primary to know they were children of God, and he wanted to strengthen the Sr. primary in their resolve to share the Gospel in word and deed. I am so grateful that I had this experience because it has taught me truly to rely on the spirit in this calling. He has so much more to teach them than I ever could figure out on my own.

This week I am simply going to review the song with them using a game I've already posted before.. (not sure which one yet)....and work on a Mother's Day Song.

I hope you too can seek the Lord's help for inspiration for your primaries. He loves them and knows them and will help you teach them what they need to learn the most.

Your sister in the Gospel

-Melanie