Choose and Review - Numbered Sacks

Numbered Sacks is a fun activity for choose and review. The original idea came from the sharing time ideas in the July 2003 issue of the Friend magazine. A variation of the game was published in the July 2004 issue.

Prepare paper sacks, numbered from 1 to 8 or 10 and make a small numbered card for each sack. The number of sacks would depend on how much time you have available. Put the small cards in a can or basket. I also write several instructions on how to pass the sacks and put these strips in another small can or basket. Examples would be: “Pass the sack three persons to the right and one person forward.” “Pass the sack to the person sitting in front of you.” “Pass the sack two persons to the left.”“Pass the sack to the person sitting behind you.” “Pass the # ___ sack to a Sunbeam.” “Pass the sack one person to the left and one person back.” “Pass the sack two persons to the left.” “Pass the sack two persons to the right.” “Pass the #___sack to your teacher.”

The activity is very adaptable as to the content of the sack. I can simply use the titles of songs along with a way to sing it, or I can use small pictures or objects connected to the theme or to the songs I wish to review. I have several music aids that go with specific songs, like the puppets for “In the Leafy Treetops” or “Rain is Falling” or colored banners for “Our Primary Colors.” This activity provides a fun way to choose these songs. I just put the visual aids for the songs in the sacks. I could also write brief case studies that match the theme, use objects for service or missionary work, find pictures of ways to be obedient, etc.

Whatever I use is placed in a numbered paper bag, along with the title of a review song. Then I distribute the bags among the children. We begin singing a song and pass the sacks along as we sing. At the end of the song, I draw both a number and an instruction to pass that particular sack. The child who ends up with the sack opens it and reveals the next song. If there is an object or a picture relating to the theme, we discuss it before we sing. The children holding the remaining sacks continue to hold them until we sing again.

You could use this activity with Christmas bags and pictures or objects representing gifts we receive from Heavenly Father. You could use colorful birthday bags and objects used for service to celebrate President Monson’s birthday in August. I’m going to use this idea with colorful gift bags in February after I teach “I Will Follow God’s Plan” to extend the concept that my life is a gift. I’ll use objects and pictures representing the gifts our Heavenly Father gives us, such as a beautiful world, a loving family, gospel ordinances, etc. We’ll sing an appropriate review song for each gift.