July: Come Follow Me

There are six verses to this song. This, of course, means that depending on how many verses you have chosen to teach the children, there could be quite a few weeks of simply learning the words. If this is the case, just remember that there is time for review and repitition of all verses learned in the next few months during singing time, sharing time, as an opening or closing song, or inviting the children to sing it with you as they enter the Primary room and prepare for class dismissal.

With these thoughts in mind, here are some ideas on introducing any of the verses and mastering the words:

• First and foremost is the idea presented in the 2010 Outline. The idea and footsteps suggested can be found at http://www.lds.org/.
• The following blogs also have some fabulous ideas for teaching the song, as well as flipcharts: http://camillesprimaryideas.blogspot.com/; http://primarysingingtimeideas.blogspot.com/; http://thecrazychorister.blogspot.com/
• Picture Puzzle: prepare a Gospel Art Kit picture of Christ either by cutting it up into different puzzle pieces or covering it with puzzle pieces. There are two ways to go about the learning process, depending on which puzzle method you choose. For a Christ puzzle, place the key words/pictures on the different pieces and place them in numbered bags. The children will then select the bags in order and as each phrase is learned it will go on the board to eventually complete the puzzle. The goal will then be for the children to master each phrase so they can flip each corresponding piece over and eventually reveal the picture of Jesus. For the puzzle pieces on top of the picture of Christ, you can cover the pieces with numbered pieces of paper. The children can remove the numbers in order to reveal the key words/pictures you have already written on each puzzle piece. Once the entire song has been learned, the children can again work to remove the pieces to reveal the picture underneath. It is important to discuss Christ and his importance and example throughout the learning process.
• Place a circle or square around the words that you feel need to be discussed in greater detail as you are teaching the song. As you come to these on Sunday it will help you to remember to pause and explain the meaning of those particular words to the children.
• Treasure Hunt: Before primary place different colored footsteps leading to corresponding colored bags. In each of these bags should be word strips and/or pictures for the phrases of the verse. I find it best to only have four bags corresponding with the four phrases. I also find it helpful to number the first step of each color so the children can find the phrases in order. When singing time is announced, enter the room dressed as a detective and explain to the children that you are searching for a treasure that has been left in the Primary Room. Invite one child to come up and find the #1 footstep. Explain to the Primary that they need to follow the corresponding colored footprints to the first clue. It helps to invite the children to point (no words) in the correct direction to help the clue-finder. When the clue has been found you can promote reverence by saying, "Thank you Primary Detective helpers! You many now fold your helping pointer fingers while we read the first clue." You will then pull out the first wordstrip/pictures and teach the first line to the Primary. Sing through it a few times, possibly tapping different body parts as the children follow along. Move through the four clues in a similar manner and place each "clue" on the board so the kids can sing through all the phrases they know each time a new clue is found. At the end of the singingtime ask the kids if they know what the treasure is. Explain that it is the Savior and He can be with us always if we choose the right and follow His example.
• Switcheroo: I have found this idea works best in Senior Primary. Write the entire song on the chalkboard, or use your footsteps. Sing through the entire song one time. Next, assign each row, or couple of rows, a phrase from the song. Sing through the song a number of times, switching the row assignments so that each child gets a chance to focus on each phrase. You can also add the teachers into the mix by giving them their own turn. It could also be fun to invite them to create their own row at the front of the room so all the kids can see and hear them while they sing. This can also be used as a repitition idea.