Do you shy away from teaching hymns in singing time? Sometimes it can be a daunting task to teach a hymn in primary. Hymns are usually a little bit longer and sometimes have challenging language. However, it’s so fun to see primary children recognize a song from primary in sacrament meeting!
Invite the spirit into primary with this The Iron Rod Silent Video spiritual connection lesson plan. For a simple way to introduce or review The Iron Rod in singing time this month, share an inspirational video to help your primary children understand the message of this song!
See all The Iron Rod Singing Time Ideas here!
The Iron Rod Silent Video
The Iron Rod is one of the January song picks for Come Follow Me Book of Mormon. I love the rich symbolism within Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life. It is so important that our primary children understand the power of holding fast to the scriptures, the true iron rod.
Before teaching this song, share a short video clip of Lehi’s Vision. I have included a few different versions below that are great for singing time! Be sure to set up all your technology ahead of time to avoid taking up time during primary. Borrow a TV if your building has one available or bring in a laptop.
At the beginning of primary, start by writing the words, “The Iron Rod” on the board. You could also draw a picture of a rod or bring in a piece of iron. Ask the children: Has anyone ever seen an iron rod? What does a rod do? What does it look like?
We’re going to learn a new song in primary. First, we’re going to watch a short video. While you watch, look for the iron rod and see how it helps the people in the video. Play the video silently while the pianist plays “The Iron Rod.”
After the video, invite the children to share any observations. Discuss what the people did to reach the Tree of Life. What helped them? What might the rod represent in our lives?
Then, begin teaching The Iron Rod using our flipchart here. I like to teach the song line by line, having the kids repeat after me. Once you’ve taught each line or phrase, sing the entire song a few times!
At the end of singing time, share your testimony of the importance of scripture study in our lives. You might consider sharing your testimony of the Book of Mormon and its truthfulness.
#1: Lehi Sees a Vision of the Tree of Life – Full Version
This 13-minute clip is the full version of the vision of the Tree of Life from the Book of Mormon videos. This video is great because you get to see the full context of Lehi’s dream. These Book of Mormon videos have beautiful colors and really bring the story to life!
Lehi Sees a Vision of the Tree of Life
#2: Lehi Sees an Iron Rod
This video clip is taken from the full version above, but it only contains the part of the vision about the iron rod. If you want a shorter clip to show your primary children that still shares the imagery of the iron rod, this video is a great choice!
Lehi Sees an Iron Rod and Those Who Fall Away
#3: Dream of the Tree of Life
This short, 2-minute video is another great option for this lesson plan. This is a still video with pictures depicting parts of Lehi’s dream.
Extension Activities:
- Invite a few teachers or children to share their testimony of the Book of Mormon. You could also invite the missionaries to come share their testimonies with the class!
- For a review idea, try using a sing-along video to practice the song! Share one of the short videos, then keep out the technology to review! Check out this sing-along video or use this karaoke version with no backing vocals!
- Pair this activity with another one of our The Iron Rod singing time ideas! You can choose whether to start or end with one of these spiritual videos. Spend the rest of the time reviewing with a fun review idea!
- For more video ideas, listen to this beautiful The Iron Rod performance by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square!
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Behold the Great Redeemer Die Silent Video singing time activity!
Head over to this fun The Iron Rod Pass the Iron Rod review idea next!
What other fun ways will you use this silent video singing time activity in your Primary room?
