Especially for Teachers
I invite everyone of you, wherever you may be as members of this church,
to stand on your feet and with a song in your heart move forward,
living the gospel, loving the Lord, and building the kingdom.
President Hinckley
Music can be a powerful tool in the Primary classroom and can serve many roles. Having musical talent is NOT a prerequisite for using music in your calling. Here are some suggested ways to use music in the classroom:
Music invites the spirit
Try playing reverent music as the children enter the classroom
Music sets a welcoming environment
Singing an opening song with the children sets a good tone. With younger children, try a welcome song such as "Here We Are Together." (CS pg. 261)
Music provides opportunity for appropriate movement
Three hours is a long time for small bodies to sit still. Take a break with one of the activity songs in The Children's Songbook, such as "I Wiggle" (CS pg. 271)
Music signals transition between one activity and another
Instead of telling the children it is time to say the prayer, try singing one of the prayer songs, such as "Thanks to Our Father" (CS pg. 20). If you have been on your feet doing an activity, instead of telling the children to sit back down, sing an activity song, such as "Roll Your Hands" (CS pg. 274) in which the end of the song directed the children to sit and be quiet.
Music teaches gospel principles in a memorable way
Try adding a song into your lesson that follows the topic of the lesson. There are song choices in The Children's Songbook for every gospel topic.
Music adds interest to the lesson
Trying adding music as an attention getter. Try listening to "The Holy Ghost" (CS pg. 105) and looking up 2 Nephi 32:5 to discover the lesson topic. Or, listen to "Had I Been a Child" (CS pg. 80) after telling them the story in 3 Nephi 17. While listening, have them draw a picture of what they think it might have been like to be there.
Music builds testimonies and faith
Try ending your lesson with your testimony and then have the children sing an applicable favorite song. It's a great way for the children to feel the spirit.
Let music be the heart of your classroom