Do you want to share with the children an example of how they might be a pioneer in their own life? Use this sweet To Be a Pioneer Song Story to help the children better relate to the children the message of this Primary song that you don’t have to be a traditional Pioneer that crossed the plains to share the love of the Gospel and of Jesus Christ with those around you.
To Be a Pioneer is one of the recommended songs to sing as part of the 2025 Doctrine & Covenants Primary Year to teach in November. I think this is a great one to teach in July and then include in the program, if you decide to, or just remember pioneer heritage during Pioneer Days!
**See all To Be a Pioneer Singing Time Ideas!**
To Be a Pioneer Song Story Singing Time
How to Play:
Sing through To Be a Pioneer once as a Primary, before introducing this song story.
Ask the children, do you have any pioneer ancestors? Have them raise their hands! Then, tell the children, everyone’s hands should be up! Someone in your family was the first person to join the church and other family members before them taught them to have great faith!
Ask the question again – do you have any pioneer ancestors? That’s right! Let me share a story with you about Jenny’s great-great-great-grandmother!
Share the song story using your most engaging voice to tell the story. You can read the story, if necessary, or just read through the story a few times ahead of time and share the essence of the story in your own voice. It’s okay if the story is told a little differently. The more direct eye contact you can have with the children, the more focused attention you’ll have in return!
When you get to the blue sing lines within the story, just transition to singing each line of the song acapella. If you need assistance, you can coordinate with your pianist ahead of time and give them a copy of the script and ask them to play just the melody notes to help you out.
End by sharing a brief testimony that we can each be a pioneer as we share our faith with others and be a light and example of Christ.
Extension Activities:
- After the story, consider asking the children for ways they have seen someone be a pioneer (ancestor or otherwise!).
- Ask the children to consider something they can do this week to be like Grandma Betty and share their faith and love with those around them.
- You can sing through the song a couple of times together after the song story, or transition to a different song and activity – whatever best fits your teaching plans.
- You could also consider pausing between each part of the story and having everyone sing through the song together. Sing just the first verse the first two pauses and then the second verse the next 3 pauses in the song.
- Cut up the song story cards and have everyone help you find and then unscramble the song story into the correct order as you sing the song.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this We’ll Bring the World His Truth singing time activity!
To Be a Pioneer Song Story Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a 1-page song story to share!
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including a lesson plan, larger format, and pass-out song story cards to let the children help tell the story! You’ll find these bonus files included when To Be a Pioneer 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.
A really fun transition activity would be to use this song story, then add in some fun music making with this To Be a Pioneer Rhythm Sticks pattern!
What other fun ways will you use this song story singing time activity in your Primary room?
