Friday, June 26, 2015

Nursery Music Time--An Example Agenda


Rhythm instruments in Nursery
Chubby fingers. Wide eyes.  Energy that can't possibly be contained in one spot.  These are some of my favorite things about Nursery!  These 18-month to 3 year-olds absolutely soak up music time, and I love teaching them because it's an entirely different experience than with the older children.  I listed principles of effective Nursery music time in my previous post here, and if you want the most benefit from today's post, pause for a moment to review those principles.  Here, I'll give an example of how to put those principles into practice with a Nursery music time plan.  You can find the principles mentioned in italics.  Here's my agenda:


“Here We Are Together” (p.261)

Always start with the same gathering song, so the children know what to expect.  Help them find a carpet square while you sing.

“Rain is Falling All Around” (p.241)

Pass out felt raindrops attached to yarn. Dangle them over your head, toes, etc. as the lyrics suggest.  At times, call out, "Freeze!" and see if the children can match your placement. Repeat.

“Once There Was a Snowman” (p.249)

Do actions as the lyrics suggest.  Note that this song matches body movements to high and low notes. Repeat.

“I Love to See the Temple” (p.95)

Pass out one laminated temple picture to each child as you're singing.  Be sure to sing more quickly than you normally would sing this song.  Collect the pictures as you sing a second time.  Note that this spirit-filled song still incorporates something to hold.  

“Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” (p.275)

A chance to stand and wiggle after sitting still! Repeat fast and slow. 

“Follow the Prophet” (p.110)

Pass out rhythm instruments.  Encourage the children to follow your example and keep a steady beat.  Repeat the same verse.

“The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (p.281)

Invite the Spirit by telling the children that this is a story Jesus told.  Sing with actions. Repeat.

“I Am a Child of God” (p.2) 

Invite the Spirit by telling the children you will show them a child of God. Give a dollar store hand mirror to each child.  Be sure to sing quickly, and then repeat as you take back the mirrors.  

This is obviously just one idea for a Nursery music time.  I'd love to hear which songs and activities your little ones love, too. :)


Happy singing!

2 comments:

  1. One activity that my nursery children love is sing to "I am Like a Star." I hand out laminated stars on popsicle sticks to each child and turn out the lights. All of the children lay on the floor and hold up their stars high while singing the song. This is usually very reverent and feels like we are out camping looking at all the stars above us. I usually bear my testimony after singing about Heavenly Father's creations or about how each of them can shine because they have the light of Christ.

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    1. This is a great idea! I've seen the star cut-outs before, but I hadn't heard of using them this way. I'll definitely add this to my bag of tricks. :)

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