If you are looking for a unique way to introduce or review the song, Teacher, Do You Love Me (archives) in primary, you will love this Teacher Do You Love Me Song Story idea!
Share this darling story from The Friend about a primary teacher who shows her love for her primary children by teaching them to forgive one another to help your primary kids connect spiritually with this song!
Teacher, Do You Love Me Song Story?
If you have never used a song story in primary, the basic idea is to share a short story during singing time. As you tell the story, weave the song throughout, one line at a time. It’s a super effective way to capture everyone’s attention and invite the spirit into singing time.
For this activity, I found a sweet story from the 2003 edition of The Friend. Since this story was told many years ago, it will likely be brand new to your primary children!
This story tells about a teacher who teaches her primary children a valuable lesson about love and ministering by reaching out to a child who feels sad.
Before singing time, print out a copy of the song story with phrases of this song woven throughout the story.
At the beginning of singing time, tell the children that you have a special story to share with them. For a neat way to capture their attention, have the children sit in a circle as you begin telling the story.
As you read a line or two from the story, pause and sing one line of the song. Then, simply continue telling the story. Your primary children will be locked in! Continue sharing the story as you sing each line of the song.
After you finish telling the story, ask a volunteer to summarize it for the class. How did this primary teacher show love for her primary children?
Then, sing through the song together. I recommend grabbing a copy of our handy Teacher Do You Love Me flip chart as you teach the words.
Teacher, Do You Love Me Song Story Outline:
Mandy was a friend in my ward when I was growing up. We went to Primary together. She had no brothers or sisters and lived with her mother, who seldom went to church.
*SING: “Teacher, do you love me? Teacher, will you care for me?”
One time while we were waiting for Primary to start, some of the girls in our class said some things that hurt Mandy’s feelings. She began to cry and went home.
*SING: “Even if I turn away, or disobey, or go astray, then will you love me still?”
Later in class when our teacher was taking roll, she paused when she came to Mandy’s name and asked if anyone knew where she was. The room became silent, and it didn’t take long for our teacher to learn what had happened.
* SING: Teacher, will you teach me? Teacher, help me choose the right.”
Our Primary teacher set aside the lesson she had prepared and taught a lesson I have never forgotten. She stood up and told us that we were all going to Mandy’s house to apologize and to mend our friendships.
* SING: “When I do not understand the Lord’s command, please take my hand and lead me safely with his light.”
At first, it was awkward when she came to the door with red and swollen eyes. But apologies were given and accepted. Our friendships were renewed, and soon we were all in tears.
*SING: “I need your love, I need your light to show me how to be like Jesus.”
I am thankful for a Primary teacher who cared enough to teach us about love and repentance by taking us to find a lost lamb.
*“SING: “The Savior’s love will light the path to lead me safely home.”
Extension Activities:
- Label each paragraph of the story with numbers 1-7. Cut out the story into strips with one paragraph and one line on each strip. Then, divide the strips randomly between classes. Starting with #1, have a volunteer read the paragraph aloud. Then, have that class sing the accompanying line.
- Invite your teachers to tell the story! Have each teacher come up one at a time to read a short section of the story. Have them help you sing the lyrics OR have their class sing with them!
- After the story, ask some follow up questions to help deepen their understanding. How did this teacher show love for her primary children? What is something your teacher does to show you their love?
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this To Be a Pioneer Song Story singing time activity!
Teacher, Do You Love Me Song Story Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a single-page song story that incorporates the first and second verses of the song, as well as the chorus.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including a lesson plan and 6 large parts pages. You’ll find these bonus files included in the Teacher Do You Love Me packet in my shop.
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.
This Teacher, Do You Love Me Dance Scarves idea is another great way to review this song while getting some wiggles out!
What other fun ways will you use this song story singing time activity in your Primary room?
