As A Child of God is a perfect song to teach using simplified ASL! I love this video HERE demonstrating the signs that are perfect for little hands!
Learn it first!
To teach the simplified ASL to As a Child of God in singing time, I must know the signs inside and out! So I go over the signs several times using this video so I know it VERY well. I also learn everything backwards (or I mirror what I see). That way when I teach it, the kids mirror me and they learn it correctly.
After I’ve learned the signs, I write myself notes. This way, if I get totally stuck in the middle of teaching, I have something to reference. My notes may not make sense to anyone but me because I am telling myself how to sign something. I like to write the word to be signed and a description (which necessarily isn’t the actual sign to that word). The word being sung and the description may not always match due to translation.
Start with the Chorus!
I like to teach the chorus first since it’s so repetitive and the little kids tend to pick up on it quickly. Then I work through each verse.
Use Scarves!
Once the actions are well learned, I’ll pull out my scarves and we’ll sign with the scarves. It always adds a fun dynamic to signing and reviewing!
13 thoughts on “As a Child of God”
So as you were learning, did you just mirror her in the video? Because then when the kids mirror you, it's correct, right? I have NEVER done the ASL, but this is such a simple song, I think I'll try it! Thanks!!!
Yep – I learn it "backwards" or with my left hand, mirroring the girl in the video. Then I have the kids mirror me so they learn it with their right hand, correctly. It really is easy, just go over the video a lot and write yourself a few notes so if you forget you have something to reference. Good luck!
We used sign language with a song for last year's program. We did it in sacrament meeting and it turned out awesome! Good luck. Thanks for all your ideas.
Thank you for the sign link. We are using it for the chorus only and this gives something they can do during this part since they learned it first and we sing it so often in the song. The verses we used different visuals and pictures. Thanks!
I have used sign language every year for the past five years for at least one song in the program. I love it! I served a signing mission and I have deaf in-laws. Guess what?…you do not need to mirror the signs because they can be signed either way with the right hand or left. My mother in law who is deaf is left handed and she signs mainly with her left hand. So don’t worry about which side your signs are on…just go for it! 🙂
Michelle, good to know! Thank you!
Can you explain a little more about how you use the scarves to augment the signs? I'm having trouble seeing how this works!
Hi Chey!
I made a video demonstrating how I used the scarves for teaching "The Holy Ghost" if that kind of helps:
http://camillesprimaryideas.com/2015/06/the-holy-ghost-2nd-verse.html
~Camille
When you bought the scarves was it $25 for 12? That seems like a lot. Just wondering if I should try and find something cheaper or if this is normal. Thanks for all of your fun ideas!
Hi Gina!
Yes, that's what I paid and I bought 2 sets so I had 24 for our primary. I know you could try finding the fabric, cutting them and sewing around the edges so they don't fray. That was too much work for me. I know others have just bought the cheap white wash cloths from Costco but they don't move the same.
Obviously, I feel the investment was worth it. I've used them a lot in primary. You could pose the question on FB group and see if others have suggestions. I hope that helps!
~Camille
I got some scarves for nursery singing time and just scavenged from the local thrift store and got super good prices!
Camille…where are the questions, lines to the song and quote you describe in your lesson plan for As a Child of God?
Hi Chey!
I'm not sure what you are referencing as I don't have any questions or quotes listed above. Can you clarify? Thanks!
~Camille