The world can never have enough kindness! The Primary song, Kindness Begins with Me teaches that being kind begins with ourselves! So make sure to teach your Primary Kindness Begins with Me using these Primary singing time ideas!
When the Church publishes ideas in the Friend magazine, I LOVE implementing them into singing time. The Kindness Flowers activity below incorporates a twist on classic kids’ games that your Primary is sure to enjoy and that I highly recommend!
But also make sure to check out these various Kindness Begins with Me using singing time methods (click on the link to jump to that section):
History of Kindness Begins with Me
This information comes from Stories from The Children’s Songbook by Sister Pat Graham.
Clara McMaster [the composer] was the eleventh child in her family, and learned to love music at an early age. She sang and accompanied others on the piano as she grew up in Brigham City, Utah.
For twenty-two years, she was a member of the Tabernacle Choir. Sister McMaster feels that “Music is a rich gift of God, and it is in the world to make the lives of His children happier and better!”
Sister McMaster served on the Primary general board for fourteen years, and was music chairman much of that time. She and her husband, J. Stuart McMaster, received the 1978 Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Award from Brigham Young University for their musical contributions to the Church and community
Kindness Begins with Me Lyrics
Find the sheet music to Kindness Begins with Me on the Church’s website. The simple message in this Primary song is still SO profound!
I want to be kind to ev’ryone, For that is right, you see. So I say to myself, “Remember this: Kindness begins with me.”
Kindness Begins with Me Flip Chart
Find Kindness Begins with Me lyrics in a printable flip chart format so you can easily post the words in your Primary!
Kindness Begins with Me Singing Time Ideas
1. Kindness Flowers
Nothing shouts kindness louder than flowers! This kindness flowers lesson plan incorporates flowers into classic children’s games including hangman and hot potato!
2. A Children's Songbook Companion
A Children’s Songbook Companion contains a singing time lesson plan for every single song in the Children’s Songbook including Kindness Begins with Me.
Access this in my Resource Library. Instructions for accessing my Resource Library are found at the bottom of this post.
3. Kindness Begins with Me printable: Handbells
This handbell chart for teaching Kindness Begins with Me will play the melody. Find more details for using handbells in singing time.
Access these printables at my Resource Library. Instructions for accessing the Resource Library are found at the bottom of this post.
Merry Bells
Or use Merry Bells Play-Along charts for Kindness Begins with Me. There are several options to choose from:
- Play Along DVD Primary Songs #2
- Digital Download Multi-Note Harmony
- Digital Download Single-Note Melody
- Printable Handbell Charts
Make sure to use coupon code CPI for 10% off your order!
4. ASL Kindness Begins with Me Video
Simplified ASL is always a great route when teaching a new Primary song. Holly’s videos for Kindness Begins with Me include an explanation of the signs:
Then once you learn it, sign along with her here:
5. Melody Map
On the PML FB group, Cheree shared her melody map for teaching Kindness Begins with Me. Also make sure to watch her explanation video for the melody map.
6. Kindness Begins with Me Medley
Angie Killian composed a medley entitled Kindness Begins with Love. It ties the Primary songs Kindness Begins with Me together with Love One Another.
The accompaniments for the songs are the same. She only added an introduction, interlude and ending to link the two songs together.
There’s also another medley entitled Kindness Medley by Rachel that ties the hymn, Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words to Each Other to the Primary songs Kindness Begins with Me, and A Special Gift is Kindness. Listen to that here:
7. No Prep Kindness Begins with Me lessons
If you need a quick, no prep activity, try one of these:
Heather shared on the PML FB group:
- children create a patch-clap-snap-clap rhythm
- add a flourishing bow at the end because “who does kindness begin with? ME!”
- Invite them to do a different bow each time (curtsy, tip hat, deep dip etc)
- go faster each time
Then Elizabeth also shared:
SING: I want to be kind to everyone For that is right you see.
So I say to myself.
SPEAK: “HEY SELF” [look to the side, like you’re talking to someone next to you]
SING: Remember this
SPEAK: “REMEMBER WHAT”* [questioning hand motion]
SING: Kindness begins with me!
Leave your Kindness Begins with Me Singing Time Ideas
How will you teach Kindness Begins with Me in singing time? Leave a comment with your suggestions and ideas!
Check out this quick tutorial video for accessing the Resource Library:
These printables are filed on my Resource Library page under Song Title > Kindness Begins with Me.
