How Do Primary Songs Help Children Gain A Testimony?

How do we help children gain a testimony? There are many ways. Reading scriptures, praying, talking about spiritual feelings, sharing testimonies--the list goes on. But it's not something we can give them-or make them "get". I believe that one of the reasons I have such a strong testimony in Jesus Christ is because I served as the Primary Chorister for so many years--I wish I'd added them up!  I started out at age 17 helping in Junior Primary. For some reason the leaders thought that I could teach young children how to sing--and that sealed my fate. In every ward I attended I would at some point become the Primary chorister. I loved leading the children in all of the songs and experienced great joy listening to them sing in their programs. It must have been meant to be as later I became a professional music teacher. Now I do about 7 Music Sharing times a day!  Whew! It's very busy, but I've learned a few tricks along the way.
When the children need to be reverent-Use the reverence songs to get them quiet. Teach them what reverence means through doing it. Have them fold their arms and listen to the music first. Have them listen to each other sing. Let them share their feelings about the music.

To keep them engaged--I used a lot of props, drama, actions, games and competitions. It doesn't have to be "pinterest" quality--it can be a wooden spoon, an apron, a wagon and a shovel to sing "Do As I'm Doing" actions.

To feel the spirit--Teach the meanings of the songs, bear your testimony often, respect the music and don't them them fool around or talk when they need to be singing and encourage them to sing from the heart.

I felt inspired to write this song "God's Plan is My Plan" as I was reflecting on what my plan is now that my children are grown...and it was simple..."God's Plan is My Plan". It always has been and it always will be. Though the journey may be hard--I fill my heart with music and it keeps me going. I sing hymns to push negative thoughts away and to draw closer to my Heavenly Father.

I hope you will share your experiences with this song. Thank you for reading today.
Sandra

"GOD'S PLAN IS MY PLAN"