Fathers Song Pick an Item Activity

What do you think of when you think of the word “Father?” Do you think of work gloves, sports games, and fun memories? Perhaps you think about the relationship you have with your own father and your Father in Heaven.

This Fathers Song Pick an Item nature activity is a fun way to review this song as you prepare for Father’s Day this year and learn about the nature of our Heavenly Father.

Nature activities can be a really great way to review a primary song because they give children an opportunity to touch, smell, and tangibly feel the song. As they make connections between a primary song and the real world, they are able to connect with the message of the song.

Fathers Song Pick an Item Review Activity

This activity is such a fun way to review Fathers as you prepare for Father’s Day! What I’m thinking for this activity is to bring in some items into primary that represent fatherhood.

I want to be sensitive as I prepare for this activity because fatherhood looks very different for each family. Some families do not have a father living in the home, so it is important to be aware of the circumstances within your primary as you’re planning this activity.

I started by thinking of some “stereotypical” symbols of fatherhood. I also thought about some attributes of my own father that I am grateful for. Many of these attributes can also be attributes of our Father in Heaven.

Here’s what I came up with:

Items for the Basket:

• Work Gloves                                                             
• Watch
• Tie
• Heart
• Picture of family
• Scriptures
• Sports Ball (Baseball, basketball)
• Picture of smiley face

Attributes of Fathers:

• Kind
• Hard Working
• Honest
• Value spending time with family
• Righteous
• Family-oriented
• Funny

Again, this list is not inclusive, nor is it meant to paint a picture of ideal fatherhood. Not all fathers like playing sports, and many fathers don’t wear work gloves. This list just provides an example of some ideas you might add to your basket.

Once you have these items, place them in a laundry basket or keep them hidden in a gift bag. At the beginning, start by reviewing a verse or two of Fathers. Then, bring out the items and have children choose one item at a time.

When you choose a new item, see if you can think of an attribute of fathers that each item might represent. Sing through one verse each time you choose a new item.

Activity Instructions:

1. Choose 5-10 items that represent fathers and fatherhood. You might choose items that represent earthly fathers, ward fathers, and Heavenly Father.
2. Place the items in a large laundry basket or gift bag.
3. At the beginning of primary, review a verse or two of Fathers with this flip chart, if necessary.
4. Then, bring out the basket with the items and explain that each of these items can represent fatherhood.
5. Invite children to choose one item at a time and discuss what this item might represent.
6. After choosing each item, sing through the song.
7. Continue choosing items and talking about the importance and value of righteous fathers.

Extension Ideas:

• Choose one item as you start singing. While you sing, have the children pass the item around the room. Have the pianist stop playing the music and stop passing the item. Have the child holding the item answer a trivia question about the song or share something about a father in their life.
• After choosing each item, identify an attribute of fatherhood represented by the item. Write these words on the board. As you sing, reflect on the importance of righteous fatherhood.
• Talk about which attributes of earthly fathers and Heavenly Father. Compare these attributes as you sing.

For a lesson similar to this Pick an Item activity, check out this He Sent His Son What’s in the Bag activity!

Fathers Song Pick an Item Review Activity Printable Lesson Plan

To help you prepare this activity, I’ve created this short Fathers Pick an Item Review Activity Printable Lesson Plan. The first page of this lesson plan includes activity instructions and extension ideas.

The second page of this printable includes a quick list of options for items to put in your basket. This list is not all-inclusive, but just includes some ideas. Be aware of the needs and circumstances as you choose your items.

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For another fun way to review Fathers this month, try out this Fathers Testimony Sharing idea!

Which items will you choose for this Pick an Item activity?