(Credit Unknown) Listen for ACTION words: (Write each word on a different
color of paper)
1.. LIVE
2.. KNOW
3.. FOLLOW
4.. LIVE
As they identify the action word, have them come and attach it to the bottom
edge of one side of an umbrella. Invite them to sing the phrase with that
action word in it. After they've identified all the action words, have
the children listen for answers to the questions related to each action
word. When they discover the answer, invite them to sing the phrase with
you.
1.. What do I want to LIVE? (the gospel)
2.. What do I want to KNOW? (that its teachings are true)
3.. What do I want to FOLLOW? (the plan of my Savior)
4.. How do I want to LIVE? (as He wants me to do)
Sing the chorus.
1.. Do you notice anything unusual? [the same phrase is repeated twice]
2.. Why do you think the composer did that? [to stress importance]
3.. Discuss briefly HOW we live the gospel and WHY it's important.
4.. Sing the chorus together pointing out the fermata over the first "day".
(You may want to take this opportunity to teach about fermatas - see tips
for "Listen, Listen".)
5.. Have the children identify the change in melody between the first and
second time they sing "more each day" [down, down, down - second time].
NOW FOR THE FUN!!! The best way to learn a song is REPEAT, REPEAT,
REPEAT!
1.. Bring colored hats that match each of the colors of your four action
words. Give a colored hat to a child or teacher in 4 different sections of
the room.
2.. Have a child turn the umbrella as you sing (it may be helpful to put
arrows on the back of the action words so the child knows which way to turn
the umbrella).
3.. Have each section sing the phrase containing the action word that
matches the color of their hat (i.e. "LIVE" written on red paper. The group
with the red hat sings that phrase - "I want to LIVE the gospel"). Then the
umbrella rotates and the section with hats matching the color of the next
action word sings that phrase (i.e. "KNOW" written on yellow paper. The
group with the yellow hat sings - "to KNOW that its teachings are true"). So
it continues around the room. After you've gone through the song once
or twice, switch hats so everyone sings a different phrase.
Ask the children, “What do you want?” Give many children an
opportunity to respond so that there is a broad assortment of ideas. List them
on the board. Tell the children that you are going to tell them what you want.
Sing the first verse of “I Want to Live the Gospel.” Ask them what you want
(to live the gospel). Post four wordstrips: “to live,” “to know,” “to follow,”
“live.” Using questions and repetition, teach the first verse of the song. Ask
the children how likely it will be that they get the things listed on the
board. Tell them that it is very likely that they will live the gospel if they
do what the chorus of the song says. Sing the chorus. Explain that it is a
statement of commitment. Point out the words do and say. Ask
the children to think of things that they can do and things that they
can say to live the gospel. For example, “I can read the scriptures,”
or, “I can say thank you to show that I’m grateful.” Ask the children to think
of one thing they can do or say this week “to live the gospel more each day.”
Tell them that living the gospel begins with trying to do what is right.
Testify of the truth of the gospel and the joy it brings. (Suggestion from
June 2007 Friend Sharing Time)