Primary Music Memo - April 2010 Week Two

Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God.

This week children will have the chance to visit with their families about what they know about Joseph Smith translating the Book of Mormon.  They can even practice the song of the month "The Church of Jesus Christ" on Monday night with their families at Family Home Evening.

For those of you that would like this file...please email me at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or comment here.  Please be sure to leave your email address so I can get the file to you quickly.

Primary Music Idea - Music Tips for Music Leaders

"The purpose of music in Primary is to teach children the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Primary songs make learning the gospel more enjoyable, invite the Spirit, and create a reverent and learning atmosphere."

Quote from the 2010 Primary Outline for Sharing Time

The past few weeks I have received several emails from Friends of Beehive Messages asking for tips on how to be a FANTASTIC Music Leader.  Many of these emails have come from those of you that have been recently called into Primary.  I don't claim to be an expert, but I have had this calling for so many years I can't begin to count how long.  There have been a few lessons that I have learned along the way and if I can help any of you to be more comfortable in your calling I guess it is all worth it.  I love being the Primary Chorister with all my heart and love the gospel messages that can be taught through the music we teach each week to our little ones.  I hope that these simple little tips will help at least a few of you to feel the same way about your calling.  Remember...these are JENNIFER'S Tips not tips that have come from any other source.  What works for me may not work for you so be sure to adapt to your Primary.

As always if you would like a copy of the Music Tips...please comment here with your email address or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com.  Be sure you include your email address so I can send them your way.

Lots of Love,
Jennifer

Primary Music Idea - The Church of Jesus Christ

Okay...I know what some of you are thinking. We don't have to teach this song until April. Well...I just couldn't wait to share with you how I'm going to teach the song The Church of Jesus Christ found on page 77 of the Children's Songbook. In this year's Primary Sharing Time Outline, under April Music Ideas, it mentions asking the children if they belong to a family. Then it asks us to see if they belong to other things such as a TEAM, a club, or a church. I thought it would be really fun to create our very own TEAM. The TEAM that belongs to THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS!!! I plan on having some of the children help in singing up front by holding the WE'RE #1 Fingers, Pom Poms, Picture of Christ, and the Colored Pennants. Each Primary child will receive their very own COLORED PENNANT to hold in their chair. The children will get to take these home with them as a reminder of April's Song of the Month. If all goes well...I will use the different colors to have sections of the room sing the song, etc... I can see lots of fun ways that all of us can enjoy teaching the Primary children that we belong to the GREATEST TEAM OF ALL...THE LORD'S TEAM!!! We are #1!!!

I am adding to this post the PENNANTS. If any of you have trouble opening them on your computer and want the files sent to you directly, please email me at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com. Print the back of the PENNANT on either colored or white paper and do the opposite for the front piece. I added some colored ribbon for looks. The white sticks are made by the Wilson company. I found a set of 20 at Michael's Craft Store.

Primary Music Idea - The Church of Jesus Christ

Hi Music Leaders...

This is just a note to let you know that I posted on 1-30-10 how I will be teaching The Church of Jesus Christ song for this month.  I've had several of you asking me about how I might be teaching this song so today I decided to move it from the January date where I originally had posted it to today's date.  I'm hoping this will help! 
Feel free to email me or post a comment here with your email address and I'll send you the files for the pennants.  My email address is jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com.

Enjoy!

Primary Music Memo - April 2010 Week One

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith.

This week I can't wait to introduce the song The Church of Jesus Christ found on page 77 in the Children's Songbook.  I love the theme for April in the Primary Sharing Time Outline.  I will be encouraging families to talk to their children about the restoration of the gospel.

If you would like this file sent to you...please email me at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com or leave a comment here with your email address.

Primary Music Idea - April Showers

April Showers Bring May Flowers!

I thought it might be fun to highlight a few of the songs that are found under the topic of SPRING in the Children's Songbook.  I have made rain drops for each one of those plus the Primary Songs highlighted as the Song of the Month for this year's Primary Program.  I laminated each and tied them to an umbrella with ribbon.  You can choose to use this activity as an end of the month singing time review or use it for teaching a song or two about SPRING.  My son Braden was so excited to see the umbrella and couldn't wait to hold it.  I found this particular umbrella at Hobby Lobby.  I would suggest using this with your Nursery and Jr. Primary Children as an attention getter.

If you are interested in receiving the April Shower PDF files...please leave a comment here with your email address or email me directly at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com.  Be sure to leave your email address so I can get the files to you quickly.

Primary Music Idea - Easter Sharing Time & Music Time

He has Risen!

In planning for Easter Sunday, I wanted to make sure that the Primary Children learned about the stories behind this special holiday.  A long time ago...a friend of mine shared this idea and I have added a little to it for this holiday season. 

You will need to collect the following items in order for this to work:
1.  Sacrament Cup
2.  Three Dimes
3.  Knotted Twine
4.  Chunk of Hand Soap
5.  Square of Red Velvet
6.  2 Toothpicks or 2 Nails
7.  Feather or Rooster Sticker
8.  Tiny amount of Crushed Rock
9.  Strip of White Cloth
10.  A Stone
11.  Bay Leaf or Other Herb
12.  Empty Plastic Easter Egg
13.  12 Large Plastic Easter Eggs
14.  Basket
15.  Gospel Art Book

Once you have collected all of these items you will want to print the messages that go along with them.  Place each item with the matching message into a large plastic Easter egg.  Be sure to number each one so you can go in order.  Place the completed eggs in a basket to make it more fun for the Primary Children.  Then...you will be ready to share your message. 

Here's what I plan to do:
1.  Start by singing He Sent His Song found on page 34 in the Children's Songbook.
2.  Show the pictures in the Gospel Art Book found on pages 55 & 56
3.  Allow Primary Children to pull Egg Number 1, 2, 3.  Read and discuss the messages shared.  These will include the Sacrament Cup, Three Dimes, and Knotted Twine.
4.  Sing He Died That We Might Live Again found on page 65 in the Children's Songbook.
5.  Show the picture in the Gospel Art Book found on page 57.
6.  Allow Primary Children to pull Egg Number 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.  Read and discuss the messages shared.  These will include the Chunk of Hand Soap, Red Velvet, Toothpicks, Feather, and Crushed Rock.
7.  Sing When He Comes Again found on page 82 in the Children's Songbook.
8.  Show the picture in the Gospel Art Book found on page 58.
9.  Allow Primary Children to pull Egg Number 9, 10, 11, 12.  Read and discuss the messages shared.  These will include the Strip of White Cloth, A Stone, Bay Leaf, and Empty mini plastic Egg.
10.  Sing Jesus Has Risen found on page 70 in the Children's Songbook.
11. Finish by sharing your Testimony.

Here are a few other songs you may choose to share:
Easter Hosanna - page 68 CS
Hosanna - page 66 CS

May you all have a Happy Easter!
Jennifer

If you would like a copy of the files that go with this post...please comment here or email me at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com.  Please include your email address so I can get them to you quickly.

Primary Music Idea - Easter Eggs

I love the holidays and love EASTER!  The past several years I have looked forward to the week of Easter so that the Primary Children can open an egg to see what songs we will be singing during Music Time.  This year...I will be using the eggs for the Nursery and Jr. Primary.  There are probably a few of you that have also done this in the past.  I figure it simple, easy, and most of all fun!

Be sure to take some time to show some of the Gospel Art Photos that relate to this special holiday in between choosing an egg.

Above you will see the music that I've pulled from the Children's Songbook to sing along with this activity.  You may decide to adjust and add some of your Primary Favorites.

If you would like a copy of the file attached...please comment here or email me at jennifer.hawkins@hotmail.com.  Be sure to include your email address!!!

Primary Music Memo - March 2010 Week Four

Families can review all of the music that was taught this month and discuss how God speaks through prophets.  I'm going to encourage our Primary Children to prepare to watch General Conference together as a family.