If the Savior Stood Beside Me, Would I Do the Things I Do?

I love this song: If the Savior Stood Beside Me.  The song poses some perfect questions for all of us.

“If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do?”

“Would I think of his commandments and try harder to be true?”

“Would my words be true and kind if He were never far away?”

I wish I could always answer these questions with a resounding yes!  Unfortunately, I often come to the end of my day and realize my behavior was less than stellar.  Songs like this help me remember why I want to choose the right.

Well, I’m looking forward to practicing this song throughout the year in Primary.  I love to do basic American Sign Language (ASL) signs {see a video here} to teach this song or use a flip chart of pictures and words*.  Whichever way you do it in your Primary, make sure and sing your heart out!.  Singing Time is such a perfect time for gospel teaching and testimony sharing.  Happy singing!

~Michelle

*This flip chart was downloaded from the blog Primary To Go which has since been terminated.

Back to School Singing Time – Packing my Backpack

Today’s guest author is Jenny S. in Arizona, who is a preschool teacher,  Primary chorister, and mother of 3 busy boys. She writes, “I love hiking, and try to fit in snatches of good literature. I am passionate about home organization – largely because it has been lacking in my home!” Jenny led a dynamite singing time — notice the kids in the photo standing up straight like pencils in a pencil box? Here’s her idea:

Preparation: Collect the items below. Make a list of songs you’d like the children to practice, putting a number on each of the items. Children choose an item, then sing that song as indicated:

“Today we are going to practice going back to school. Let’s get ready! Choose something from my school bag and we’ll sing that song in different ways to match the item.”

pencil  = sing it staccato for a sharp pencil.

backpack = sing it legato – big & full like a stuffed backpack.

markers = sing with a smile because markers are fun to use!

pencil box = because a pencil box keeps our pencils together, everyone stand straight and tall like a pencil, scoot close together like pencils in a box and sing together.

eraser = sing it while pretending to erase the words.

notebook = sing it while pretending to write the words in a notebook, turning pages as you go.

lunchbox = sing it while rubbing your tummy, as if you’re full of lunch.

Have fun with the children at this exciting time of new beginnings!

-Jenny S.

The Power of Music: NEW Samuel the Lamanite song (with sheet music)!

Months ago I was leading Singing Time in another ward as part of my duties priviledges in the Stake Primary Presidency.  I taught the children a song about Samuel the Lamanite from our family’s repertoire.

Two months later I was at a party at my friend’s house.  My son was playing with another little boy that I recognized vaguely from a different ward.  I heard the other little boy say to my son, “I remember you when you visited my Primary class.”  I thought it was sweet that my son was remembered in that way.

Next, the little boy turned and looked up at me and said, “I remember you. You’re the one that taught me the song about Samuel the Lamanite.”  I wish I had a video of my facial expression at that very moment.  No doubt it would have first expressed my shock, followed by utter delight!  I knew just what song he meant because there’s only one song I sing about Samuel the Lamanite and it’s special and memorable.  It’s special because my father-in-law composed the song and you can’t find it in any songbook.  It’s memorable because of the catchy lyrics and tune; and I have often been told that people find themselves singing it throughout the week after we’ve sung it in Primary.

I was so shocked by this little boy’s recollection because he had only heard that song twice, at least 2 months earlier, and he was only 6 years old.  Later that evening at the party I met this boy’s mom and learned that he came home from Primary that day and started singing it to his family. Then he taught his 2 younger siblings.

Verse 1:

Samuel, Samuel, Samuel the Lamanite

stood up on the wall.

They threw their arrows and their rocks, rocks, rocks,

but they could not make him fall.

Verse 2:

Samuel, Samuel, Samuel the Prophet

said the Savior’s on His way.

In five more years there’ll be a brand new star

and a night as bright as day.

Ending (Coda):

Samuel, Samuel, Samuel the Lamanite said REPENT!

The power of music!  I bet that little boy will always remember the scripture story about Samuel the Lamanite climbing the wall to preach repentance and prophesy of Christ’s upcoming birth thanks to a catchy little song!  Music is memorable, and a great gospel teaching tool, helping the children carry these gospel principles around with them each day.

Now that you’ve read all about this wonderful, catchy and memorable song you’re probably wishing you knew it too!  Well, your wish is my command!  I share this song with permission from my father-in-law who composed it and my husband who arranged it!  It’s copyrighted so please only use it for your personal use or in your Primary at church.  Enjoy!

~Michelle

Samuel the Lamanite Piano Accompaniment–Sheet Music