Teaching: Pick It

This is another "classic" teaching technique that I love to use because it helps keep the children interested and involved throughout the teaching process.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Select objects and/or pictures to match with the phrases and key words in the song. An example from "Search, Ponder, and Pray" could be a heart and scriptures for "I love to read the holy scriptures". You could also use a GAK picture for that phrase.


2. Place the objects/pictures around the room before the children enter.


3. Introduce the song with an attention-getter


4. Sing through the entire song so they are at least a little familiar with it. Guide their listening by challenging them to look around the room as you sing to determine what object/picture matches different words in the song.


5. Sing through each line seperately and invite the children to pick the object/picture that matches


6. Once the correct item is chosen, the children can sing through that particular line. This is also a great time to talk about what each line means and highlight any difficult words or melody lines.


7. Place all the items in order at the front of the room as they are chosen so the children can build the song as the time progresses. You could also have different children hold the items, though I find this is sometimes a distraction.


8. Challenge the children to sing through the entire song using the items. This is another great opportunity to use a motivation tool to measure their success.


9. Bear testimony of the gospel principle the children have just sung about.

Modifications/Tips/Tricks:

• Instead of placing the objects/pictures around the room give one to each class. Ask the children to stand when they think their class' item belongs with the words you sing. You can even have that particular class sing the phrase with you once before the entire primary sing it.


• When it is time for the item to be found, invite all the children to create "magnifying goggles" around their eyes with their hands. This works best in Junior Primary and gives these little ones something to do with their hands. It will also keep them focused.


• In Junior Primary ask the children to use their "helper hands" to point to the correct item once they have found it with their "magnifying goggles". This ensures they are all working on the task and they can all get satisfaction when they are correct. Once they are pointing to the item, you can go pick it up and talk about the words.


• Number the items around the room for the Senior Primary so they can be chosen by the whole group instead of one child. Simply ask them to use their fingers to indicate which numbered item matches the particular phrase.


• If you do decide to choose one child to find an item, invite the rest of the primary to help him/her out by pointing to the correct item.