More Ideas for Principle Related Singing Time

The Friend magazine is full of great ideas for a principle-related singing time. Just consider the April 2010 issue. In the article “Helping Feed the Savior’s Lambs” on page 2, President Eyring states a principle when he explains our obligation to nourish each other spiritually. He offers examples of how children can do this. There are several primary songs that teach this principle also. “Lead me, guide me, walk beside me.” (I Am a Child of God CS-2) “To have a friend, you must be a friend, too.” (Friends are Fun CS-262) “He whose heart has joy and song gives joy to others too.” (Be Happy CS-265) “When your heart is filled with love, others will love you.” (Jesus Said Love Everyone CS-61) “I’ll be a sunbeam for him.” (Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam CS-60)

I could easily write the song titles on 1-inch wide strips of green paper and roll them up tightly to resemble alfalfa hay pellets. In case you’ve never seen alfalfa pellets, just trust me on this. Find a metal pie plate to use as a feed pan and put the “pellets” in the pan. After introducing the principle as taught by President Eyring, I would have a child choose a song. Challenge all the children to listen as they sing to discover which words teach us to nourish each other.

“Come to the Rescue” on page 10 is a maze activity that is easily overlooked as a singing time, but is actually a really great idea. The maze itself doesn't work well, but the content is great. The principle is still our obligation to strengthen others, but President Monson states it in terms of “manning the lifeboats” and rescuing those who have drifted away.

If I ponder the words of songs listed in the topical index in the Children’s Songbook under “service”, “missionary work” or “example”, I can find songs that will reinforce this principle. I can write questions or case studies for each of the songs as I explained in the last couple of posts. Or I could just list the song title and ask the children to discover the phrase that matches the principle. I’m thinking that posting these on paper life preservers or putting them in a seashell on a tray of sand (think deserted island) would be a cute way to deliver the songs.

“Find the Sheep” on page 34 is also full of possibilites and I’m going to challenge you to think of them. The principle is the same -I think there is a pattern in this issue! What could you do with this page?

Don't miss this fabulous idea from The Crazy Chorister. Melanie used the activity to teach the song "Choose the Right Way", but one could easily insert other primary songs that need to be reviewed. This activity perfectly illustrates how to help the children connect to the principles taught in the songs.