July 2014

The song for this month is "Baptism".  There are lots of good ideas out there for this song.  On Sugar Doodle there were a couple that were effective without a lot of effort.  There were also a few that may take some time, but would have a good impact.  The second one emphasizing who, what, where, when is a good way to have the story unfold while learning the song.  The third idea on the page is a beautiful adaptation of the song  "Baptism" and "When I Am Baptized".  The sheet music is free, but remember that if you use it you need permission from your Bishopric through the Primary Presidency. You can find the music here. 

There is a lot of vocabulary in this song that will need to be addressed.  Some of the words or phrases you may just want to tell the children what it means, such as, immersion (a picture of a baptism may help here), fulfill the law, kingdom (what does it mean in the context of this song), flow (have them act out the flow of a river).  There are a few words that you may want to spend extra time on because it is an important concept relating to baptism.  One of those words is obedience.  We want them to know this word because it is important that they understand that when they are baptized they are committing to being obedient to our Father's will and trying to follow the Savior's example.  

An outline for teaching vocabulary:

1)  Say the word and have children repeat after you
2)  Provide a 'child friendly' definition (obedient - to listen to and do what you are supposed to do)
3)  Provide concrete examples using either pictures or verbal examples (I am obedient to my parents when I clean my room the first time they ask me to)
4)  Ask processing questions (Are you being obedient when you hit your little brother when he makes you mad?  Are you obedient when you do your homework without being asked?)
5)  Have children give you examples and nonexamples
6)  Post the word on the board, with a picture that relates, if possible (hold onto the word/picture and post again if this word is in found in another song you are teaching--you won't have to teach it again just review its meaning)

You will have to adapt your approach on vocabulary depending on the age of the children.  It can be simple for Junior Primary and more in depth for Senior Primary.  Examples can be adapted to meet the needs of the age you are working with.

Another important phrase for the song "Baptism" is witness faith in Jesus word because when we are baptized we become witnesses of Christ.  It would be worth the extra time spent on teaching this phrase to the children using the same outline above.