My Feelings about Primary Songs

I truly love the messages and truths that are taught in our wonderful primary songs. There's something about the marriage of music and text that sinks truths deep into all of our hearts, and when they are deep into our hearts the foundation of our testimony is strengthened.. It has extraordinary and immeasurable power and touches the spirit in a way a lesson cannot. Our Primary songs can influence lives and change behavior. It puts the gospel into a form the child can memorize and take home with them. For this reason, it’s important that we use our time wisely.
 

Elder Boyd K. Packer said, “We are able to feel and learn very quickly through music... some spiritual things that we would otherwise learn very slowly” 

What a wonderful opportunity we have to help the primary children learn the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music.  By being well prepared, and using the right tools, we can create a loving  environment where the spirit dwells, and our children’s testimonies can grow. 

Except for the wiggle songs, primary songs are sacred hymns. The songs are testimonies set to music, and we want the children to sing it accordingly. These primary hymns should always be done in a reverent way to help children learn respect for Heavenly Father. When they sing reverently, they can feel the spirit and increase their testimonies.

I’ve noticed that when music time is reverent, all of Primary is reverent. When music is rowdy, it may be hard to regain the attention of the children. Music can calm, soothe, and bring the spirit to a room in powerful ways.

We should be prayerful as we seek ways to engage the children and remember that singing time should not be thought of as the entertainment portion of the day. While we do want them to enjoy singing time and learn the songs in a variety of creative ways , you have been called to use your talents and gifts as stated in the handbook, to “invite reverence, teach the gospel, and help children feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and the joy that comes through singing.”

As the ward Primary Music Leader, you have been called to minister as the Savior would, and  To teach HIS Gospel in word and in music. The primary songs contain the pure and simple Gospel, and are a valuable teaching tool as you strive to point the children of the Church to continue on the straight and narrow path. 

Singing in Primary is a unifying activity that brings children and their leaders together in a oneness of purpose.  Music sets the mood for learning, fortifies principles taught and allows the children to experience the joy of singing.

I know as we foster these good principles in our Primary, these children's lives will be enriched and blessed through the songs of the gospel, and with this they will be given strength to resist temptations and have a commitment to live the commandments of the Lord.

D&C 6:8  8 Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be unto you; and if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation.