THIS GIVEAWAY HAS OFFICIALLY ENDED! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR ENTERING! RESULTS WILL BE POSTED SOON!! WINNERS WERE ANNOUNCED HERE.
I’m SO excited to be introducing Merry Bells to the singing time community! I’ve recently teamed up with Brad, the owner of a new Utah-based handbell company, to help bring his product to you!
While we’re on the subject of resources for singing time, make sure you’ve checked out my Music Bag that I’m selling! Next to the bells, it will be your favorite go-to item in your primary closet!! Details are HERE.
If you know me, you know how much my primary and I LOVE the bells! I think they provide great movement and repetition when learning and reviewing songs. Not to mention that the kids absolutely love to play them! I have TONS of posts HERE if you want to see how I use them in primary.
Merry Bells has taken handbell playing to an entirely new level! Brad’s created 4 DVD’s that contain TONS of songs including Patriotic, Children’s, Christmas and NOW Primary! All you have to do is hit “play” as the DVD does all the work! The kids follow along with the DVD to play the songs. Easy!!
The best part is there is only 1 set of bells to buy! Merry Bells were created so all the songs on the DVD’s can be played with ONE basic set, so no sharps needed! Don’t worry if you already own a Kidsplay brand of bells – Merry Bells match up almost perfectly with them. (The difference is a white handbell on the Merry Bells set which is not on the Kidsplay brand. The white handbell is simply the other red C octave handbell. So if you don’t have a white handbell, the white note on the DVD’s can be played by the red bell- an easy solution!). Going forward, my handbell charts will now have the white note as the octave C because I prefer the 2 notes be different colors.
If you do eventually want to get the additional sets of handbells (including the sharps and octaves), Merry Bells are perfect as your basic set, then you can add on with the Kidsplay brand. Which is what I would recommend!
My family has been enjoying Merry Bells handbells and DVD’s on our TV and I’ve been enjoying not having to be the one leading them!! I actually get to play along now too! Merry Bells are not only great for primary, but you can use them for large gatherings, reunions, play groups, school, the sky’s the limit! Also, with the primary program quickly approaching, these would make for the PERFECT after-the-program singing time activity!
You can check out Merry Bells website and shop HERE. But before you shop, you might be interested in my giveaway! Merry Bells is giving Camille’s Primary Ideas readers a chance to win the following items:
The grand prize winner will receive a set of handbells, including all 4 DVD’s (a Christmas DVD comes with each set of handbells!).
Another winner will receive a set of handbells which includes the Christmas DVD.
Another winner will receive the 4 DVD’s including Children’s, Christmas, Primary & Patriotic songs!
Then a winner will receive a Christmas Songs DVD:
Another winner will receive the Children’s Songs DVD:
Another winner will receive the Patriotic Songs DVD:
And lastly, another winner will receive the Primary Songs DVD:
LOTS of chances to win!!
To enter, all you have to do is head over to my YouTube channel HERE, subscribe, then come back here, leave a comment with your name, email address and tell me your favorite lesson plan you’ve taught. Simple enough?
Giveaway starts now and ends Monday morning as soon as I get around to ending it ;)! Winners will be chosen at random. After the giveaway, even if you don’t win, I’ll have a discount coupon code available for all Camille’s Primary Ideas readers!
A HUGE thanks to Merry Bells!!
**If you win and live outside the Continental United States, you will be asked to pay for shipping via PayPal before your item ships. If you decide you don’t want to pay shipping, another entry will be given the opportunity to win!!
DISCLAIMER: I receive a small commission for sales I refer to Merry Bells. All opinions expressed are my own but I cannot recommend them enough!
70 thoughts on “Introducing…MERRY BELLS & Giveaway!”
Mindy Saenz. mindysaenz@hotmail.com. I don’t know how to even pick a favorite lesson plan. I’ve gotten lots of ideas over the last year.
John Acedo
TieGuyAZ3@gmail.com
Hit or ‘Miss’ionary
Erin Wilson
erinwilson_rs@yahoo.com
“Dear Primary”
Lexi Almeida
almeida.lexi@gmail.com
And I’m a brand new chorister so I don’t have a favorite one *yet*!!
I haven’t been able to narrow down my favorite lesson plan yet, but I really enjoyed pictures come alive and the Faith lesson.
Rose Whitman
Scottnrose@gmail.com
Donna Suchoski
dlski71@att.net
It’s very hard to pick my favorite lesson plan! But I’ll pick:
Secret Agent
Donna Jaco
djaco73@gmail.com
Favorite lesson was singing "Children All Over the world" and having authentic costumes for kids to wear (most I actually have, others I got from RMs). The dressed-up kids held their thank you sign in that language. It was really fun.
I would be so thrilled to win a set of bells. My husband and I recently were asked to attend the Spanish ward in our Stake and I am helping with the music. This would be such a treat for those sweet kids.
Wifeofhallmark83@gmail.com
Lisa Little momlittle3@hotmail.com
I love any plan where the children are actively participating whether it’s clapping, stand up / sit down, using straws for rhythm sticks, four corners. They love to be active and they remember the songs.
Jaclyn Down
jaclyndown@gmail.com
Fave lesson plan is the Cone follow Me fishing review board
Sadie Payne
sadiemeyers004@gmail.com
When teaching my kids the second verse of The Miracle, I brought in a rail road spike and compared it to the nails that would have nailed Christ to the cross. I let the kids pass the nail around and press it to their palms and to think of the love that the Savior had for them. This simple lesson brought the most powerful Spirit and testified that the Savior loved each and every one of those kids! Love this calling!
Sharole Prahl
Sharoleprahl@gmail.com
The Miracle
I'm learning the ASL for The
Holy Ghost now.
Katie Beattie
Beattika@yahoo.com
I love using sign language for songs. The kids always pick up the song so much faster!
Rachel McDonald
rachelm@scrapnesia.com
I tried commenting using my phone, and then it died so don't think it went through since I don't see it, so commenting again. I love your lesson plans. I have your blog bookmarked on my computer. I can't really say which is my favorite lesson plan because I have used (or adapted your idea for my primary) so many. I just used part of your I Know That My Redeemer Lives lesson this last week. I didn't have time to make the melody chart, but have it saved to do for another day. But giving the children the Hymn books to read the words and sing was better then me having just the words at the front of the room. I have a combined primary and had Hymn books for everyone to share. We read the words, talked about the words, sang the words. I wouldn't have given them the hymn books if I hadn't seen you mention it. And after our neighboring town having a mass shooter who we thought would make it to our town before he was stopped, this Hymn was perfect for us. Thank you for your inspiration and hard work.
Libbi Ayers
libbi.ayers@gmail.com
The flip charts for The Nativity song was a huge hit. I also love ribbon wands for Baptism and the interactive poster for Did Jesus Really Live Again.
Aubrey Sigmund
Aubreysunnyday3@gmail.com
Rolos for Solos is my favorite go to.
Holly Meiners
hollymeiners5@gmail.com
We had a No Piano Primary. We sang with a clarinet,a harmonica,a violin, and a video. Everyone is talking about what instruments we should use next time. It was the quietest my junior primary has ever been!
Yeah for a great giveaway! Coralee Bernard, mpacora@gmail.com. I loved the Baptism lesson you did with the rainbow and using the wands. It was a lot of fun!
Brenda Jordan brendadjordan81@gmail.com
My favorite lesson that I taught was a few years ago. I was subbing on the first Sunday of the month, so I had to introduce the new song. I was told that morning during sacrament that I needed to do this (facebook message). So last minute had to come up with a plan (because I was also teaching Sunbeams). The song was My Heavenly Father Loves Me.
I decided to play the kids an audio clip of sounds from the rainforest. We listened, then we discussed what we heard: water, rain, wind, frogs, birds, etc. Then I told then to listen again and I started the rainforest clip again and on a different device, I started playing the song. Then we talked about the sensory images in the song.
Westjann@Gmail.Com I love teaching "We'll Bring the World His Truth." There is such power in the song and the spirit was so strong.
Alisha Hyde
leashalou@yahoo.com
My primary LOVED the spoons for I'll Walk with You!
I loved singing "I'll Walk With You" using plastic spoons! Kids love it too!
Sally Stockton sgstockton2@gmail.com
Jenica Ballard
jjdavies20@excite.com
I love ALL your lesson plans! You are so talented.
casadordraper@gmail.com
I'm still pretty new as far as lesson plans go, but my kids absolutely love your wiggle worms. They help us get ready to learn 🙂 Thanks for being willing to share your talents!
Michelle Larsen
tigmichelle@hotmail.com
Sooo many great singing times… it's hard to pick a favorite! But a top one was with all the kids in a circle and we passed a picture of Jesus around while playing "hot potato" and then the child caught holding it shared their favorite story of Jesus- it was so sweet and some of their responses surprised me. I also love when I space some of my planning (like how something ties in to the next thing) and the kids totally save the day with their awesome insight. The Holy Ghost really helps me "wing it" sometimes when my planning falls short.
I'd love to win some bells but I also love your blog and use it often as a prime resource for planning Singing Time! 😘🎼🎵🎶
Jenny Gillins, jennygillins@gmail.com, my favorite lesson plan was using mr potato head to do review songs!
Chinesewang@yahoo.com
Love allllllll your stuff. Don't have a favorite but I use these a lot.
Debbie Wohlford
Debbie.wohlford@dgs.ca.gov
I printed your enlarged version of the path illustrating Jesus' last week on earth and followed your lesson plan for the songs along the trail. I think it put everything in perspective for the children and filled the time frame perfectly. The primary presidency was blown away and teachers/moms wanted to know where to get it – so I passed along your website.
I shy away from ASL or lots of action movements but bring on the bells–the children would love them!
Cyndi Ford
Cyndi.ford@gmail.com
I am a Sharla Dance follower, so I LOVE that you are too! I have come to your site many times to see how you implement her philosophy into your teaching. Seriously, thank you so much for sharing your ideas and talents! Some of my favorites this year have been incorporating nature into the second verse of The Miracle, Melody maps, shadow box puppets, and scarves!
Lyndsey Haas
lymsey@gmail.com0
My favorite lessons are any that get the kids involved (including bells). They don't always sing while doing rhythms or movements, but they end up learning the songs and can sing them without any visuals.
Megan Dale
meganhdale@gmail.com
My co-chorister and I use several of your plans, but we love the review games, especially UNO. And the little love stop and go signs!
What a great giveaway!! The I'll Walk With You lesson is my absolute favorite! My Primary learned it so well!!
Sarah Elliott
sarahelliott04 at gmail dot com
Merrilee MacQueen
merrileemacqueen@hotmail.com
I’m still pretty new as the chorister but one of the lessons both the kids & I loved was when we played Plinko. I was trying to see how well they knew the songs & this was a fun & interactive way to sing multiple songs in a short time. Thanks for offering the giveaway!
Marjie Russo
russokids@hotmail.com
I'm new to your page and haven't used any of your lesson plans yet. I'm excited to explore here. I tend to use a lot of chalk board illustrations and physical movement in my song time
Annie Finlay
annie.finlay@gmail.com
It's hard to choose one lesson plan. Your website has been a lifesaver for me! Thank you for all your work! I am planning on reviewing the primary program songs with the 12 Apostles Review.
Leedja Neilsen
Brucenleedja@gmail.com
My kiddos love Children All Over the World. And
Your ideas are wonderful.
Kristen Scow
kscow@me.com
I am new here and haven’t used the lesson plans but am excited to get new ideas and try some out.
Leslie Bennett
Lesliecerya@hotmail.com
My favorite so far has been my Pioneer Day one. I told short pioneer stories around a fake fire and had the kids sit on the ground. Sr primary started to sing the songs a cappella with out being asked… the spirt was so strong.
Victoria Taylor, vmomster@gmail.com. One of my favorites was also Pioneer Day. I made enough bonnets and aprons for the girls, got hats and scarves for the boys at the Dollar Store and we went on a trek throughout the Church, stopping and singing, watching music videos, playing a pioneer game. Could never do it now with only 20 minutes!!
Karalouhill@gmail.com
Kara Kimball
I haven't used bells before so this would be awesome!
My favorite was last week's- When we're helping! It was a huge hit in my primary, thank you! I am not creative so you save me every time. Thanks for all your work!
solouno0508@gmail.com I am working on When He Comes Again with the coloring pages. I really wondered how my kids would do, and it was successful!! Finishing it to this Sunday. Thank you for all you do and sharing your talents with us!
Cassie Miller, millercl22@gmail.com. My favorite activity was using plastic soon movements to teach I'll Walk With You. It was so clear, effective, and fun for reaching the words.
Nancy K. nancykiki1@gmail.com Jeopardy
Lisa Pearce
Lisa.bulloch@gmail.com
I have used so many of your ideas but the most helpful recently was your Tell me the stories of Jesus lesson plan. Thanks for all of your hard work, you are a life saver!
I'm 77 years old and have been the Primary chorister for 4 years. Your ideas, all of them, are such an inspiration to me. I use them all. I especially love the scarves for the song, When I Am Baptized. I would love to win a set of handbells as we have never used them yet.
Danette Schwarz schwarz.danette@gmail.com Your resources have helped me so much. Your "when I am baptized" was a favorite. I now find almost every week that I use the Come Follow me as my base for the lesson that I have many favorites. THANKS for all the time and you devote to helping so many music leaders!
Lisa Crowther
Lncrowther@gmail.com
“When Joseph Went to Bethlehem” with scarves is an absolute favorite.
Cristal Taylor
14twinkletoes14@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing your talents! I appreciate and love all of your lesson ideas. The one I am choosing is because it was the first music time I have ever done and with your lesson it was awesome and gave me the confidence that I can do this calling. Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.
Anna
anna.herbst@gmail.com
I love all your ideas but my favorite go to idea is the Uno review game. The kids always have a blast. I even bought the oversized Uno cards, which just adds to the fun! Thank you for all your efforts and ideas.
Ashley McLaughlin
fencinggirl_1123@hotmail.com
The "He Sent His Son" lesson plan was great. I still use the words for prompting (and so I don't have to think about timing on my arms).
Christy Horn
cnkhorn@gmail.com
I love teaching with primary yoga. Also, I have started using a lot more sign language and I love how that gets the little ones engaged and it even catches the older reluctant singers. It is simple and brings the spirit every time.
Lorinda Fluckiger
rindyleigh@gmail.com
Your site is my go to site every week it seems! You have wonderful ideas that I have used over and over in my past 3 years as chorister! If I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be your ideas for pioneer day; making butter while marching and singing to the beat. My primary kids think this one is great!
Thanks for all your work!
I love the bells! My favorite lesson has been letting each younger Primary class create a ribbon wand pattern for “I Know That My Savior Loves Me” then we all did the patterns together while the older children played the handbells. It was so beautiful.
Thank you for all the great ideas you share.
krystalsv@gmail.com
Krystal Vomocil
Natalie Sorensen
nanrsorensen@yahoo.com
Last week I used Mr. Potato head to teach the kids how to act during the primary program.. I looked for those with eyes on me, knows the words to the songs, singing loudly/beautifully, being reverent, looking cheerful, etc. They got to come build Mr. Potato head as I saw them doing those things. They loved it!
Ariana925@hotmail.com
To review we sang as the pp blew up a balloon. More for better singing, letting air out if we were to soft or missed words. Then we attached it to a straw on a strong and let it fly across the room.
Abby Anderson
abby.jo.anderson@gmail.com
I like any lesson plan involving the scarves! So grateful for the ideas that you share 🙂
Abbey Button
abbeybutton@gmail.com
My most recent favorite was doing I love to see the temple using a giant cardboard temple!
Katy Bevan
katrinamt@gmail.com
I'd have to say the spoons for I'll Walk With You. The whole primary was absolutely silent as I demonstrated that one. Never happened before. Or since. �� Thank you for sharing your great ideas!!!
Jamie Schoonmaker
I'm already subscribe. Jamie.schoonmaker@gmail.com
I have learn so much form for you blog over the years. My favoirt lesson was: My heavely father love me. Thank you for share your ideas. .
Angie Whiting. angiewhiting@gmail.com
I have loved all of your ideas but my favorite so far is “did Jesus really live again” interactive poster.
Marie Gibby
mariegibby@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas! They've been so helpful for me the last couple years!! I have a lot of favorite lesson plans from you, but a few are: "Mother, tell me the Story," "The Nativity Song," "My Heavenly Father Loves Me," and "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus." Thank you so much!!
I've been getting ideas from your site for a couple of years now. Thank you!
So many good ideas from your site but I'm especially grateful for all your handbell resources. I finally got brave enough to introduce bells to my senior primary kids this year after reading all your lessons on bells and watching your videos. We are going to play "He Sent His Son" with bells in our primary program this fall and I was able to write my own music to go with it using your bells charts as a jumping off point for which I am soooooooo grateful.
Junior Primary's favorite thing is the wiggle worms idea I got from you.
My kids' favorite lesson is probably the Would You Rather cards.
Also, I can't thank you enough for introducing me to the work of Susan Fitch, who I first found on your website. I use her art so often in singing time.
Jenny Wright wrightja2000[at]gmail[dot]com
Natalie at Jandnmiller1@gmail.com
Favorite lesson plan so far was using ribbon wands!
Arielle "asa_consumer@yahoo.com"
I literally was just thinking about buying a set of bells and if our primary budget will allow! Fingers crossed. 🙂 I love, LOVE all your ideas. When I was called to be primary chorister a couple of years ago, yours was the first "face I met" and learned and how and what to teach the kids. I love your lessons with manipulatives Ribbon Wands, Egg shakers with ELECTRICAL tape seals (Genius!!!), Finger lights (kids favorites by far), etc. I really appreciate all the time and effort you have put forth (including the lesson plan templates). So excited to see videos as well and be a subscriber. Thank you, thank you!
Nathalie at nathharris82@gmail.com
I use your lessons almost every week, so I have a LOT of favorites, but one of the kids' favorites is to use the shakers with any lesson!
Sarah Hill
Hill.jands@gmail.com
“Rolos for Solos” has been a huge hit in our Primary this year! Thanks!
Jan Rasmussen
cnjrasmussen@live.com
the pictures from Etsy of the 12 disciples of Christ, learning about them and singing in ways to do with them — Like Jiving John — so we danced for that song, etc.
Sharon Trumble
sharonkaye3@gmail.com
Choosing just one favorite lesson plan is so difficult as I LOVE everything that you do…but I would choose my nursery singing bags (that I spend a whole year putting together…I WISH I had waited until you offered the presale ones!:)…)
Thanks for a chance for the giveaway! Your'e the best!!
:)sharon
Kim Andrus
andrus.kimberly@gmail.com
My favorite lesson plan is posting key words and letting the kids use wands or pointers to find the right word. I also enjoy using sign language. Movement is a must for my kids!
Jasmine Nielson
Jnielson4910@gmail.com
I’ve never taught a lesson yet I just called to primary chorister! My mother in law says your amazing so I’m excited to follow you