If you’re looking for a unique way to introduce I Am a Child of God in primary this year, this I am a Child of God Piano Solo might be just what you’re looking for! Invite the spirit into primary by inviting someone to play a piano solo as you teach this beloved song.
*See all 27 I Am a Child of God Singing Time Ideas*
As a pianist, I may be impartial, but I just love listening to piano arrangements of hymns. Whenever I listen to a piano solo, it gives me an opportunity to reflect on the message of the song. My hope for this activity is that your primary kiddos can feel and recognize the spirit as they learn “I am a Child of God.”
I am a Child of God Piano Solo
The idea for this activity is pretty simple. On the day that you want to introduce I am a Child of God, invite someone to come into primary and play a piano arrangement of “I am a Child of God.”
There are a few ways to do this. If you plan to invite someone from the ward to play a piano solo, I recommend asking at least 2 weeks ahead to give them time to prepare. If you have primary children taking piano lessons, you could also ask if they would be willing to play a *simple* piano arrangement.
Where to Find I Am a Child of God Piano Arrangements:
Piano arrangements are pretty easy to find online if you know where to look for them. Some websites require payment for their sheet music, while others offer them for free. I’ve done some internet research to find some arrangements of “I am a Child of God” that you might consider using for this activity.
- SacredSheetMusic.org – this website has a beautiful piano arrangement of I am a Child of God – free of charge. This arrangement is an intermediate level. This website ALSO has this very simple arrangement that can be played by one hand. This would be an excellent choice if you have a young child who would like to play the solo.
- MusicNotes.com – Paul Cardall has put some of his sheet music on this website and it is beautiful! This piano version of I am a Child of God is $5.79 per copy and a little bit more challenging.
- ChurchofJesusChrist.org – The church’s website also has this simplified piano arrangement that is at beginner level.
If this part makes you nervous, just ask the person what they already have! It’s possible they already have an arrangement they like. Many musicians have sheet music that’s ready to go if they are asked to play in church.
Once you’ve invited someone to perform the piece you’ve selected, invite them to play their piece during primary. You might choose to begin by telling the children that someone will be sharing their talents to play a familiar song, I am a Child of God. While the pianist is playing, invite the children to listen quietly.
If you have lots of little ones who struggle to sit reverently in primary, you might also consider bringing in a coloring page for the young children to color quietly while listening to the music.
Activity Instructions:
- A few weeks in advance, ask a member of your ward who plays the piano if they would be willing to play a piano solo in primary. You might offer them the sheet music samples from above or ask what they have.
- At the beginning of primary, introduce your visitor and explain that they will be playing a song on the piano. You might encourage them to listen for “I am a Child of God.”
- While the pianist is playing, invite the children to listen quietly and think about Jesus.
- After the piano solo is finished, begin teaching the verses of I am a Child of God with a Flip Chart.
Extension Ideas:
- During the piano solo, pass out this coloring page from the church’s website and invite children to color their picture quietly while listening.
- After the soloist has finished playing, invite them to accompany the children in the first verse of I am a Child of God.
- In Senior primary, pass out the lyrics to the first 3 verses of the song. During the piano solo, invite the children to read the words silently and think about their message.
We have lots of fun activities to review I am a Child of God! If you are looking for another idea for singing time this month, check out this I Am a Child of God Color Code activity!
