You’ll have so much fun teaching I Want to Be a Missionary Now (archives) with this great activity that shows the melody movement in a very visual way. You’ll want o use this I Want to Be a Missionary Now Melody Map singing time activity to work on dynamics or add in movements that connect to the flow of the lyrics.
You could teach this song as part of the Book of Mormon year or it’s also included on the Doctrine & Covenants Primary Songs for Come Follow Me. I like to included it during the D&C year as we learn so much about the early pioneers do so much to spread the gospel around the world.
I Want to Be a Missionary Now Melody Map
Sing through I Want to Be a Missionary Now (flip chart here) once, before introducing the melody map.
Post the melody map up on the board and invite the children to hold out a finger and draw the melody in the air as they sing. Draw along with the up and down peaks of melody and notes as they follow the lyrics.
Ask the children what the noticed. You might mention how some notes are quick and others are held out. That the notes go up and down quickly most of the time, but sometimes go down a few notes in a row and then back up.
Ask the children what the notes look like to them. It could be a roller coaster, a mountain, waves of the ocean, or something else. Each of the children can pick their own inspiration. Tell them to picture that scene and let’s draw through the song again!
Sing through the song again and this time stand on the highest notes of each line, and quickly sit again.
Now one more time through, this time stand and try to project your voice to rise and fall with the melody movement.
Extension Activities:
- Add an action for every UP note such as a clap, or on every DOWN note such as a stomp. Try combining both for an even bigger challenge!
- Try to unscramble the melody map to put the pages in the correct order. You can even cut the melody map into strips and let them unscramble the melody map.
- Divide the room into 2 or 4 groups. Invite each group to sing only their piece (or 2) of the song that matches the melody map. Which team can best follow along with their melody?
- Place the keyword cards where they belong on the melody map chart.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Easter Hosanna Melody Map singing time activity!
I Want to Be a Missionary Now Melody Map Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes the melody map for the 1st verse of the song.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including the additional two verses and keyword graphics. You’ll find these bonus files included when I Want to Be a Missionary Now is the featured song of the month.
Get more out of singing time with the INSTANT Primary Singing membership that includes printable lesson plans, tons of extended printables and an ad-free experience for each featured song of the month, or get immediate access to the entire song list for the year!
Learn more about INSTANT Primary Singing membership options here!
Have questions or need more help, see this FAQ page here.
Head over next to see this I Want to Be a Missionary Now Guest Performance idea to deepen the kids experience with this song by using a different arrangement and inviting a guest to come and sing the song to the kiddos!
What other fun ways will you use this melody map singing time activity in your Primary room?
