How many different ways can you say “Try?” Have some fun with this Jesus Once Was a Little Child Foreign Language primary activity! This words representations activity is a great way to get in lots of practice with this sweet song!
In this post, I share the word “Try” in 8 different languages to help the kids remember to “Try to Be Like Him.” As you introduce each new language, you get to practice a fun new way to sing Jesus Once Was a Little Child in primary!
** See all Jesus Once Was a Little Child Singing Time Ideas here **
“Try” in 8 Different Languages:
I looked up 8 different ways to sing the word “Try” to add in lots of repetition with this cute primary song! I definitely recommend looking up how to pronounce each of these words if you are unsure how to say them.
I chose this word because it comes up a few times in the chorus of the song. I also think it’s a great reminder that as we strive to become like Christ, it’s a journey of trying to be more like Him every day.
- SPANISH: Probar
- GERMAN: Versuchen
- FRENCH: Essayer
- SWEDISH: Prova
- HUNGARIAN: Probalja Meg
- JAPANESE: Tamesu
- ITALIAN: Provare
- DUTCH: Proberen
(You’ll notice that a lot of these words actually have the same word root! That may help as you try to learn the pronunciations!)
I’ve created 8 cute foreign language cards to print and use for this activity! The printable is included later in this post and is available when signed in! Print out these cards and post them on the board one at a time as you introduce each new language.
During primary, try learning one of these new languages and add it into the song! Each time you sing the word “try” in the chorus, insert one of the different languages. This makes for lots of repetition while keeping the kids engaged in primary!
Each time you sing through the song, choose a new language to try! For a fun review, put all the foreign language cards in a basket. Have the kids randomly choose a card from the basket and sing the song using that language!
Activity Instructions:
- Look up the word “Try” in multiple languages. Write these words down, and if needed, listen to the pronunciation of the word.
- At the beginning of primary, review all the lyrics of Jesus Once Was a Little Child.
- Then, ask the children if they can think of a word that comes up in the song often. (HINT: It’s in the chorus!) They may give various answers, but the answer you’re looking for is “try!”
- Ask the children if it is difficult to “try to be like Him.” Explain that children all over the world are trying to be like Jesus.
- Choose one of the languages to introduce to the children first and put it on the board. Read the word to the children and have them say it with you a few times. If you have any children in the ward who speak a different language, maybe ask them how to say “try” in that language. Be sure to remind the children about being respectful while trying out new languages.
- Then, sing through the song again. This time, replace the word “try” with its translation in a different language.
- Choose another language! Pick another one of the languages to try and sing through the song.
- Continue practicing the song and share a brief testimony at the end about how we are all trying to be more like Jesus every day.
Extension Ideas:
- If you have any members of your ward who speak multiple languages, invite them to come teach the class how to sing a line of the song in a different language. This is a very special opportunity!
- Mix up the language cards from the printable and have the children choose one at random. Sing through the song using that translation of “Try.”
- Play “Follow the Leader.” Choose one child to come up and pick a language. Have them lead the class in singing the song in that language. Then, have them choose the next leader!
Jesus Once Was a Little Child Foreign Languages Printable Lesson Plan
You’ll definitely want to print out this 3-page printable lesson plan for this fun foreign languages activity!
This printable also has 8 cute foreign language cards with different ways to say the word “Try.” Print and cut out these cards to help you teach the word in each language during primary!
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Try this fun Jesus Once Was a Little Child First Letters idea next!
Which language was the most challenging to learn? Which was your favorite?
