Mormon Mom and Me Music Lesson: #1 Nephi Obeys (Beat)

In this first lesson plan I will use more detailed explanations to describe each part of the lesson (see bold italics).  In the future lesson plans, I will not give as much detail so please refer back to this first lesson as needed.

New Concept: BEAT

Songs to Use:

• "1 Nephi 3:7" (words "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ," music by Janelle Joy Craig and Morning Glory)
• "Nephi's Courage" (words and music by Bill and Lisa Hansen, Children's Songbook p 120)
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 11 in A (see also classicsforkids)

Supplies: Small Drums or other rhythm instruments as desired (optional), download and be prepared to play  Piano Sonata No. 11 in A.  If you are not comfortable singing, also download "Nephi's Courage"  and have it prepared to listen to.

Greeting:
The Parent/Teacher begins each Mom and Me Music time with a greeting which is especially created to emphasize the new concept which will be taught in that day's lesson. For example, the greeting below is written to emphasize the steady beat. It does not have any breaks (rests) and is a chant with each word "sung" on the same pitch (whatever pitch the parent/teacher chooses--just be certain it is in the range of the children you are teaching) Generally older children can respond back in their own words with a greeting that matches the pitch rhythm and tempo of the Teacher's greeting. For example a student reply for today's greeting could be: "We are glad we're here to-day." With toddlers, parent's can help them reply by taking their hands and "singing" the reply with them while patting their hands together with each beat.

1)Open with a Prayer

2) Say and clap the following greeting as you begin your class (note: l=TA, which is the value of a quarter note, each TA= 1 beat):

 l     l        l        l        l           l    l
 I  am glad you're here to-day

3) Allow the child(ren) to respond with a similar greeting such as " I am glad I'm here today" while clapping or patching (tapping on knees, shoulders, etc.) the beat.

Songs and Activities:
1) "1 Nephi 3:7"
       A) You say the words to the song while tapping the beat on a rhythm instrument, table, your         knees, etc. Then repeat and encourage the child(ren) to participate with you.
       B) Now add the melody and sing as you continue to tap the beat.  You can also walk around the room, march in place, etc. to the beat as you sing.

2) "Nephi's Courage"
       A) Introduce verse one by telling a simple version of the story of Nephi going to get the Brass Plates.  If you have time, read the story from the Book of Mormon Scripture Stories chapter 4, or watch the video online, or act out the story together.
       B) Sing the verse together  (If it is new, go slowly maybe only one phrase at a time) and improvise actions which emphasize what is happening in the story. (note: if you are not comfortable singing, this activity may also be done while listening to the song together.  However, I strongly encourage you to let go of your concerns and enjoy singing with your child at whatever capacity you have.  The rewards are well worth it)
       C) Sing verse 1 together with the actions.  When you get to the chorus, switch to marching around the room and swinging arms back and forth energetically to the beat.

3) Listen to  Piano Sonata No. 11 in A.  Allow the child(ren) to move to the music as desired.  Pay attention to notice if they seem to feel the beat of the music naturally or if that concept will need some extra attention in future lessons.

Closing:
1)Share your feelings about the importance of obeying our parent's and obeying God's commandments as Nephi did. 
2) Say and clap the following farewell:
       l        l        l       l       l       l       l      l    l
Thank you for sing-ing with me to-day
3)  Allow the Children to respond
4) Close with a prayer.

Reinforcement Ideas:

• Notice when your child obeys and prais the accomplishment by saying something like: "you obeyed just like Nephi and just like Jesus obeys"
• Play and sing the songs during your normal routine such as in the background while working, singing before bedtime, etc.

Be Musically Inspired,

Janelle Joy

Note: I would appreciate your help.  If you have more ideas or fund activities for the lesson plan, or any questions please leave a comment or contact me at simplesupermom@gmail.com with the subject heading Mormon Mom and Me.  I am particularly interested in feedback from those who do not have musical training.  I want to know how to better help each mom bring more music into her home.