This simple lesson plan for teaching Keep the Commandments will keep the kids engaged, moving and singing! At the end of my post, I’ve also got this entire lesson plan demonstration on video so make sure to scroll down and watch it!
Attention Getter
To introduce the song, use the ATTENTION-GETTER suggested in A Children’s Songbook Companion (find out more about this book HERE). I created a printable quote that you can download using my access button at the bottom of this post to place on the board and read:
Then ask the primary what keeping the commandments means to them and take answers.
Then, you need the flip chart I created here that you can also download using the button at the bottom of the post.
Before primary, draw 6 large commandment tablets on the board (3 on top and 3 on the bottom) big enough to each hold a sheet of paper (see the example below). Then tape the 6 flip chart pages around the room and out of order.
After the attention getter, optionally pass out a wand to each child?
Find more details on where I got my wands HERE.
You (and any teachers) sing the song as the kids locate and point to the first page using their wand. Once found, tape it onto the first chalk tablet on the chalkboard (see the picture above).
Sing the first phrase pitch leading (raising and lowering the wands as the notes go up and down) with the wands if you like. Repeat until all 6 pages have been located and are taped on the board in order and the song has been sung several times.
I also have an optional handbell note chart for this song you can download below. Use if you have extra time or your primary needs a good challenge!
At the end of your lesson, make sure to bear a quick testimony that you know there is safety and peace in keeping the commandments.
If you like, I’ve got this entire lesson plan demonstrated on video here:
These printables are filed on my Resource Library page under Song Title > Keep the Commandments.
19 thoughts on “Keep the Commandments”
I also chose this song for May. This seems like such a simple but great idea. I'm excited to see the handbell chart for the obbligato! I wanted to include the obbligato in the program, but I don't love the idea of having a soloist and we don't have any flutists (except myself) in our primary. Plus, I love that it gives even those kids who don't play instruments a chance to play in the program.
I've been following your blog for a year and a half and have never posted a comment. You are AMAZING and such a lifesaver. This calling has been difficult for me. I am a musical person but not a creative person so your blog has made things so much easier for me! Thanks for all the hard work you put into each post. I know it's time consuming! Just know how much I (and so many others) appreciate what you do!!
I LOVE your video!!! I don't know what I'd do without your constant sharing of instruction and ideas. You really are so Amazing!! Thanks for everything. ❤️
🙂 sharon
Used this lesson plan today and loved it!! Kids had a great time too. Thank you for your great ideas.
I love your ideas Camille and I sure do appreciate your willingness to share them with all of us.
I am having such a hard time downloading the documents. Every time I try, I receive a new request to install a different “Extension” or “Converter”
Is anyone else having this problem?
Hi Carilee!
I don’t see that you’ve subscribed to my website. This means you don’t have access to my Resource Library where you download my printables. What have you been trying to download? I am going to go ahead and add you to my email subscription list so you can have access to my Resource Library and then I’ll also email you the links. Hopefully this will help, or at least be a start in the right direction.
~Camille
Hi Camille! I love your ideas and have requested to join the email list twice and haven’t received anything. I’ve checked my spam and everything. Could you add me to the list? My email is lca642011@gmail.com. I am needing to print out this lesson for tomorrow. Thanks!
Hi Lauren!
I’ve emailed you the link.
~Camille
So Good!
Thanks Kelly!
Hi Camille
I’m so excited to find this site very useful to use. Can’t wait for this Sunday so I can teach this Keep the commandment Activity.
Somehow I had difficulty signing in to access your resources library or have any emails from you.
Can you please add me sakautai@gmail.com
Cheers Losa
Hi Losa!
I emailed you the link.
~Camille
Hi! YES, this is so helpful. I just got called as the primary chorister and loved having a video to watch of exactly what to do to teach this song. Thank you for your ideas and time in posting this.
If I purchase a basic 8 handbell kit, will I be able to use it for Keep the Commandments?
Hi Colleen,
The basic 8 handbell notes do not have any sharps and the bell chart I have for Keep the Commandments uses sharps. You’ll need to purchase the additional 5-note set in order to use my bell charts (unless you want to omit the A# notes but I don’t recommend that as there are quite a few). I hope that helps.
~Camille
How do I get the bell chart for Keep the Commandments?
Hi Connie!
I’ve emailed you the link for the bell chart.
~Camille
Thanks Camille for all your wonderful creative ideas. Your video for Keep the Commandments was very helpful:) Ruthanne Randall
That’s so kind of you to say, thanks Ruthanne!
~Camille