This singing time idea reviews the hymn, The Iron Rod. Another week to sing and review The Iron Rod is always helpful as this activity will help solidify the words AND the meaning in an engaging and visual way!
Find my original lesson plan HERE. You will need several of those images for this lesson plan to review. You will also need the pencils/rhythm sticks mentioned. Toward the bottom of that post, I have a “continuing on” section. This week I want to continue on with those ideas but adding a little more!
Here are my ideas from that post:
With the picture of the Tree of life on the board, Write the question:
What can I do to hold to the rod?
Define what holding to the rod means [keeping the commandments]. Then have each of the children think of a way they can “hold to the rod” or in other words, keep the commandments. Give ideas as needed such as:
- daily scripture study
- personal prayer
- church attendance
- partaking the sacrament
Sing the song then choose 2-4 children to come forward and write what they can do to hold to the rod (or keep the commandments). Write their answers on the board around the tree of life.
Repeat with rhythm actions until all the children have had a turn to give answers as to how they can hold to the rod.
The Iron Rod Review Visual
In addition to this, I want to create a physical “rod” that leads from the back of the room near the great and spacious building to the Tree of Life. I saw the original idea HERE.
Create this rod by stringing a long rope through an empty wrapping paper tube. Or you can also use PVC pipe or other materials you may have around your house. Be creative! Whatever you choose as a rod, should run from the back of the primary room near the great and spacious building leading up to the tree of life. Tie the rope to the backs of 2 chairs at the front and back of the room.
Teachers choose 2-4 children (good singers and active participants) to go from the back of the room to the front while holding on to the “rod” (or tube). Once they arrive at the tree of life image on the board, they can write how they can hold to the rod (or keep the commandments). The rest of the primary will sing and do the rhythm actions as the chosen kids walk and write.
Repeat with new children until everyone has had a turn to walk and write, you’ve sung the song, and repeated the rhythm actions several times.
Bear testimony that we need to hold to the iron rod (keep the commandments). This will help us be able to taste of the delicious fruit (or grow our desire to live with the Savior and Heavenly Father again).
Variation:
Children who are holding on to the rod can only step when the word “rod” is sung. This can even be done with or without an actual rod to hold on to.
For children who are not old enough to write their answers, have a primary presidency member or teacher stand at the board help. When young children reach the board, they can tell the adult how they can hold to the rod and the adult can write it for them.
