How to Teach the LDS Primary Songs

Teaching LDS Primary children new songs can help them worship and strengthen their testimonies.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, children between the ages of 18 months and 11 years are organized into what is known as Primary. The children have the opportunity to worship by singing songs about Jesus Christ and gospel principles such as family, baptism, faith and temples.

Things You'll Need

• Children's songbook
• Pictures

Instructions

1. Choose the songs you want to teach from the "Children's Songbook." These songs are written specifically for the children with catchy tunes and simple words.

2. Create a visual representation of each song to help you teach the words to the children. The younger children will especially enjoy the pictures that will help them remember the words. Make a poster of pictures that represent the words to each song. For example, for the song "I Love to See the Temple," you might include a picture of an eye followed by a heart, the letter "C" and a picture of the Temple.

3. Practice one line of the song at a time. Read the words out loud to the children. Ask the pianist to play the notes so that they can hear the melody. Then practice singing that line a few times. After the children master the first line, add another and another until they have learned the entire verse. Use the same technique to teach the second verse.

4. Turn the song into a game. Ask one half of the room to sing while you point to them and the other half to sing when you switch. Another option is to bring a picture of a boy and a picture of a girl glued to Popsicle sticks. Hold one of these up in the air and have that group of children sing as you switch. This will help keep the children attentive and eager to sing.

5. Ask for volunteers to help you hold your pictures or place them on the board. This allows children to participate actively as they learn the song. They will be able to remember the song more easily than if they were simply hearing it over and over. They will also be more attentive as they wait for their turn to help.

References

• Teaching LDS Children: Archive for the "Song Teaching Ideas" Category
• How the Church is Organized

Resources

• "Children's Songbook" Online