In the last couple of posts I’ve written about using discovery questions to teach a song. These kind of questions also work well to review the songs we’ve been learning. The “Pop Quiz” is a cute way of asking questions that help review the song.
Write several discovery questions on slips of paper. Roll up the slips and drop them in an empty pop bottle. Shake up the bottle and tip out a slip into a child’s hand. Have them read the question. Sing the song and answer the question. Since the littlest kids can’t yet read, have them help you shake the bottle and pour out the questions.
The color of the paper could match the type of pop bottle. Use orange or purple paper for Crush or brown for A&W root beer. It might even be fun to use printed scrapbooking paper, if you have any lying around. The strips should be about 1 inch in width so they will pour well from the bottle. You can use questions for just one song, or review several songs with different colored strips-- “Hawaiian Punch” style.
Love this idea!! Quick question: Do you have any brilliant ideas on singing "Follow the Prophet" in the Sacrament meeting program? I feel like 8 verses and 8 choruses might be a bit much- but I don't want to leave any verses out...
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading all of your posts back to January and I just have to say THANK YOU for sharing. I have had this calling for over a year (and this is the 2nd time I've had it) and have started to feel "burnt out" lately. Reading all of your suggestions for activities has given me so many ideas! But more than that, you have reminded me what this calling is all about-teaching gospel principles and helping the children feel the spirit through music. I love how you use the Friend magazine and your use of discovery questions. I think it is so easy to lose focus and feel the pressure of making the kids memorize the songs "word perfect" for the program. Thank you thank you thank you for your insight. It is going to change the way I view my calling!
ReplyDeleteAndi and Kimi - This idea is not brilliant but if I were going to sing all the verses I might divide them up among the classes (or assign some solos, duets or trios) and NOT sing the chorus every time!(or maybe just the last line between verses.) If you or your pianist is good at transposing, you could create a little medley effect by changing the key between every couple of verses. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteAshley, thank you very much for your kind remarks. I'm thrilled to be of some encouragement. It's pretty easy to get burnt out and I'm glad to see you get a "second wind." :)
Love the pop bottles! I think it's such a great idea to review this way, even after the children know the words and melody well. We all tend to start singing on auto pilot, and these review questions will really help to put our thoughts and hearts back into the primary song messages. Thank you for sharing!
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