Teaching “Follow the Prophet” in singing time can be both fun and spiritually enriching! This post is packed with creative ideas to help children understand the song’s message, connect with the stories of prophets, and actively participate in a meaningful way. Keep reading to learn more!
Singing time in Primary is such a joyful and meaningful way to help children feel the Spirit and learn gospel principles.
The 2025 Come, Follow Me curriculum offers a wonderful list of suggested songs that align with the weekly teachings, making it easier than ever to plan engaging and spiritual experiences.
From beloved hymns that teach eternal truths to simple, upbeat melodies that invite participation, these songs help children internalize the gospel in a way that touches their hearts.
In this post, we’ll share creative, fun, and easy-to-implement ideas to bring these songs to life during your Primary singing time. Whether you’re a seasoned chorister or new to this role, you’ll find inspiration to make each week memorable and uplifting!
Music for Singing Time
January Songs:
“Follow the Prophet,” Children’s Songbook, 110–11
“Follow the Prophet” is more than just a fun and energetic Primary song—it’s a powerful reminder of the blessings that come from heeding the words of God’s chosen leaders. As children sing this song, it’s important to help them understand the message behind it: prophets guide us in truth and righteousness, pointing us toward Jesus Christ. Taking a moment to discuss the meaning of the lyrics can deepen their understanding and testimony of how following the prophet can keep us safe and close to the Lord.
Suzy from Facebook shared the files for a flipbook for Follow the Prophet while another woman shared how she uses the flipbook in her Primary
Here’s how you can use it:
- Prepare the Flipchart: Create or print a page for each verse featuring a photo or illustration of the prophet mentioned (e.g., Adam, Noah, Moses). Include simple visuals, like an ark for Noah or tablets for Moses, to represent their stories.
- Introduce Each Verse: Show the corresponding photo before each verse and give a brief, age-appropriate explanation of who the prophet is and how they followed God.Example: “This is Noah! God told him to build an ark to keep his family safe from the flood. Let’s sing about how he trusted God!”
- Sing With the Photos: As you sing each verse, hold up or display the photo so children can connect the words with the image.
- Interactive Elements: Ask the children questions about the prophets to encourage participation:
- “What do you see in this picture?”
- “How did Noah follow the prophet?”
- “How can we follow the prophet today?”
- Tie It Together: For the chorus, you could hold up a photo of the current prophet or a picture of Jesus to remind the children that all prophets point us toward the Savior.
This approach helps children better understand the song’s message while making the experience fun and memorable.
Follow the Prophet Flipbook Files
Melissa from Facebook shared “All pictures were also downloaded from the church website. I have a TV in my primary room. I put this file on my phone and airplay it. I usually have a teacher scroll for me from screen to screen.”
You could also print the pictures out and hang them on a white board if a TV is not available to you.
Another idea comes from the Grandma Music Blog where she shares cut out masks for some of the pophets. Be sure to go through all her post to find all three pages of masks. A woman on Facebook said “We use these for fun; I’m not worried about memorizing the words. I printed the lyrics to each verse and I hold that up while one of the kids “wears” the face cutout. So fun!
Another idea for the masks comes from LDS Primary Printables blog
- Arrange the masks in order of the song (if singing more than one verse).
- Move the mask up and down to the beat as singing.
- Wear the mask and encourage each child to stand when their prophet is sung about.
- Pass the prophet (like eraser pass but using the masks to pass) – with so many prophets being passed, this is a lot more active than the kids just getting to pass something once only then done. Call out “FREEZE” at random times during the song and ask the child with the prophet’s verse you are singing to say/sing out the next couple of words.
Follow the Prophet song scrolls is another fun idea you could try and you can also put your own spin on it.
Here is a fun video visual you can show the children that can be found on Youtube. One idea is to have the children sing along with it and then mute it during certain parts and have them see if they know the words.
Another sing-along video from Youtube has darling graphics that can help the Primary children learn the words and melody to the song.
Camille’s Primary Ideas shares several ways to help teach this song. One in particular is using handbells. Purchasing handbells might be something your ward should consider doing if it is within your budget. They can be used for so many songs and for other activities like ward parties, the Primary Program, Activity Days, etc.
This blogpost shares a free download for handbells that match the song “Follow the Prophet”.
Learning ASL for the song is another fun and creative way to get the Primary children engaged in the song. This youtube video shares step by step instructions for teaching the chorus to the song in ASL that you can easily learn and teach your Primary.
If you have maori sticks (or something similar) this idea from Sharla Dance looks fun! This might be an idea better suited for Senior Primary but if you feel your little ones can do it then by all means- give it a try!
Drawing out “Follow the Prophet” following this tutorial is an easy way to keep the children engaged and learning the song.
This idea from March 2010 from the FRIEND magazine outlines everything you need to know to present a fun “key word” singing time lesson.
If your group responds well to movement try these “swish and tap” hand movements from Teaching Primary Music and Sharla Dance.
Sharla Dance also shares this fun directional marching rendtion of the song- it’s easy to use and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on your Primary children- it also looks like a lot of fun!
This easy idea comes from the Church website.
This game will help your children learn the words to the song “Follow the Prophet” Print the picture below and mount it on heavier paper if you desire. Then cut out the picture clues along the broken lines. Place them in a box or bag. Take turns drawing them out one at a time and then singing the verse of the song that they remind you of.”
It also shares some examples of verses that can be added.
Incorporating engaging and meaningful activities into singing time for “Follow the Prophet” can help children connect with the song’s powerful message.
By teaching them about the lives of the prophets, encouraging thoughtful participation, and fostering a spirit of reverence and joy, we can help deepen their understanding of what it means to follow the Lord’s chosen leaders.
As you prepare your lessons, remember that even the simplest efforts to teach gospel principles through music can leave a lasting impression on young hearts. Keep it fun, keep it spiritual, and watch as the children grow in their love for the gospel and their faith in the prophets.
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