Build an Ark is a wonderful song as we study the Old Testament with Come, Follow Me! Teach it in singing time using these easy-to-use Build an Ark Primary singing time ideas!
At Camille’s Primary Ideas, everything comes from real-life Primary singing time! You’ll find tried-and-true ideas, including great ways to teach Build an Ark, that make leading singing time easier and more meaningful right from the start!
My favorite from the list below are the stick puppets! This song is so visual and putting on a little puppet show is a wonderful way to bring the story to life! But you really can’t go wrong with any of these ideas:
The song Build an Ark written by Marianne P. Wilcock first appeared in The September 2010 Friend magazine (these lyrics have since been updated) Since it’s been published by the Church, it’s already approved to teach in singing time! Download the sheet music from the Church’s website.
The lyrics make the Old Testament, and specifically Noah’s story, so relevant to your Primary!
Noah was a prophet, a man who did not fear. When he taught repentance, the people would not hear. So the Lord told him to build a boat That could hold a ton and stay afloat.
Then Noah started building and said within his heart: “I will build an ark before it starts to rain. I will follow the Lord and do all things in His name. I’ll prepare ev’ry needful thing. I will walk in righteous ways. When the rain starts to fall on me, I’ll be ready for that day.”
I can be like Noah. whose faith in God was sure. Faith is like an ark; it can help me be secure. I can do the things I know are right. I can learn and pray with all my might. And then when troubles come, I’ll be safe within my ark. I will build my ark before it starts to rain.
I will follow the prophet, he speaks for God today. I’ll prepare ev’ry needful thing. I will walk in righteous ways. When the rain starts to fall on me, I’ll be ready for that day.
**Note the lyrics to the 2nd verse were updated with the release of the New Hymns for Home and Church Batch 6! The previous lyrics were:
I can be like Noah. Yes, I can be prepared. I can build my ark, and I’ll find safe shelter there. I can do the things I know are right. I can learn and pray with all my might. And then when storm clouds come, I’ll be safe within my ark.
I will build my ark before it starts to rain. I will follow the prophet, for he speaks in God’s name. I’ll prepare ev’ry needful thing. I will walk in righteous ways. When the rain starts to fall on me, I’ll be ready for that day.
You may also want to check out the sing along video for Build an Ark. It’s a great way for you to easily become more familiar with it or to show to your Primary during singing time.
Also available is a sing-along video on the Church’s website (and also on the Church’s Gospel for Kids App about the app).
Find Build an Ark lyrics in a printable flip chart format so you can easily post the words in your Primary!
Or this Build an Ark flip chart with pictures is also available to download:
These printables are also filed on the Resource Library page under Song Title > Build an Ark.
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Teach Build an Ark in singing time using stick puppets featuring Susan Fitch’s illustrations! Your Primary children will be lining up for a turn to act out the story as they sing this song on repeat!
In 2013, Build an Ark was taught at a Primary Auxiliary Leadership Training. It contains some great ideas for teaching this song! And you know you can’t go wrong when the lesson material is approved by the Primary General Board :). Watch the video here (lesson plan material begins at 07:28):
This next idea goes WAY above and beyond what my crafting capabilities are but I had to share anyway! Ryan’s wife shared her cardboard ark. He said:
My wife made this Ark. Each child will bring a plank of wood to build the ark with 3 ideas on how they can serve and be obedient to the Lord. When they bring their plank of paper wood back to be placed on the ark they will get a small rainbow to be put on the rainbow board. She is so clever.
Anyway, more details and pictures on the link! Too cute! Find a similar idea Kari shared.
Marianne Mabey shared a darling method for teaching Build an Ark! It utilizes egg shakers and simple actions to the beat. Even just a great way to review the song after it’s been learned!
Find more details on egg shakers I use and recommend.
Teach these simple scarf actions (use blue scarves to resemble rain if possible!):
Barbara Gill shared her idea using rhythm sticks at her workshop at Day Murray Music:
How are you teaching Build an Ark in singing time? Leave a comment with your suggestions and ideas!
These printables are also filed on the Resource Library page under Song Title > Build an Ark.
Singing time just got even easier! With my Singing Time To-Go, all you have to do is print! Be prepared for the entire month – every month!
Be prepared in singing time for the entire month – every month! And all you have to do is print!
These singing time ideas for teaching the Primary song, Love Is Spoken Here will help your Primary fall in love all over again with this song! My favorite is using a match-up activity that puts the double melody together! But whatever you choose, these Love Is Spoken Here singing time ideas are bound to accommodate your Primary’s learning style and needs!
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Hundreds of printables organized by song title and category that coincide with my singing time lesson plan posts!
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Singing time just got even easier! With my Singing Time To-Go, all you have to do is print! Be prepared for the entire month – every month!
8 thoughts on “Build an Ark Primary Singing Time Ideas”
I would like to print a readable copy of the music for the pianist to use. Please have a link to the sheet music
Hi Katherine!
The readable copy of the music to Build an Ark is available in my Resource Library. It’s filed under Song title > Build an Ark. I’ve also emailed you the direct link. I hope that helps.
~Camille
Is there a way to print the files without using your special Wave Browser?
Hi Camarie!
The Wave Browser you’re seeing must be an advertisement. My printables are all filed on the Resource Library here. Simply create an account in case you haven’t already:
https://members.camillesprimaryideas.com/resource-library/
I hope that helps.
~Camille
Have you redone any of these files for the new words in the new hymn book edition? I can’t find any one that has updated to the new wording… my Stake wants to make sure we learn the new words.
They are all updated :).
Please disregard that comment and delete it! You did update it! Thank you so much! I should have checked before commenting. Your stuff is the best!!! Thank you so much!
No worries, happy to help!