Whether you are teaching just one verse of On a Golden Springtime (archives) or all three verses, you will love this On a Golden Springtime What’s in the Bag activity!
I love how this song ties together a simple seed, the Savior’s resurrection, and the Restoration. For a neat way to connect spiritually (more ideas) and bring this song to life, bring in items that represent different parts of the song as you review together!
*See all On a Golden Springtime Singing Time Ideas*
On a Golden Springtime What’s in the Bag?
I’m so excited to share this What’s in the Bag activity with you! The basic idea behind this activity is to help the message feel more real with items that represent different lines or verses of the song.
To prepare for this activity, you’ll need some gift bags or brown paper bags and physical objects that symbolize some aspect of the song. I chose to include one item for each of the these verses of this sweet song. If you are only teaching one verse, that’s okay! Just choose 3 items that represent different lines within that verse.
If you want to keep things simple, I’ve included several pictures to pair with each verse as well. I definitely recommend bringing in some real-life objects, but feel free to use pictures too!
At the beginning of singing time, begin with a brief review of the song. Grab our On a Golden Springtime flip chart with lyrics to help your primary children keep track of each verse!
Then, place each closed bag on the table in front of the room. Can anyone guess what might be in these bags? After taking a few guesses, choose a volunteer to pick one bag to open. As they reveal the item, invite the children to think about how this item relates to our song.
For example, bring in a little packet of seeds or a pot with some soil. What does this seed need to grow? How can we relate this seed to our testimonies?
Sing through the verse or song again, and then choose another bag to open. As you open each bag, have a brief discussion about the importance of each item. Hmm, what does this item have to do with our song?
Can you figure out which verse this item belongs to? Although each verse is so unique, each one talks about drawing “upward to the light.” Where can you turn to find light?
After opening all 3 bags, conclude by singing through the song one last time and sharing a brief testimony.
What’s in the Bag Item Ideas:
I’ve included a list below of some items I thought might be fun to include for this activity. Each of the items below pertains to one of the three verses of this song. If you need a quick reminder, verse 1 depicts a scene of a little seed. Verse 2 talks about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and verse 3 focuses on the First Vision and restoration of the gospel.
I’ve also included a printable with pictures of some of these items later in this post, but it’s always fun to have some real-life items too! What other items can you think of?
- Seeds – Verse 1
- Soil/Dirt -Verse 1
- Planter pot – Verse 1
- Nail – Verse 2
- Stone – Verse 2
- Picture of Christ – Verse 2 (Or relate to ALL)
- Leaves – Verse 3
- Book of Mormon – Verse 3
- Lightbulb – ALL Verses
- Lamp – ALL Verses
Extension Activities:
- Instead of concealing the contents of each bag, place a bunch of different items that relate to this song on a large tray. Each time you sing through the song. Choose an item on the tray. How does this item relate to the song?
- Include different ways to sing in each bag. Each time you open a bag, sing through the song in a fun, new way! Ex. Boys Only, Girls Only, Loud/Soft, Junior/Senior kids
- Pass around a bag as you sing. When the music stops, have the child holding the bag say the next phrase of the song. Then, have them open the bag and reveal its contents! Bring out the next bag and pass it around as you repeat the song.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I Want to Be a Missionary Now Mission Objects singing time activity!
On a Golden Springtime What’s in the Bag Printable Song Helps
For a simple print and go option, this free in-post printable includes pictures of items that represent different lines in each verse of this song.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables to help you teach On a Golden Springtime included in the teaching packet in my shop and in the INSTANT D&C Access membership as a bonus song.
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!
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Head over to this On a Golden Springtime Word Blanks activity next for a fun way to focus on the lyrics!
How will you use this What’s in the Bag activity in your primary room?
