How Firm a Foundation

I don't know about anyone else, but I am really struggling with how to teach this song. I was trying to wait until I got other's ideas, but I'm leaving town in the morning, and had to get the lesson plan to my sub this morning. Anyway, this is my plan:

Show a picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and talk about the importance of having a firm foundation. (There is some cool info about the background and building of the tower that talk about how it was built on a weak foundation.)

Then, tell them they will be learning a song about having a different kind of firm foundation. Sing through the first verse with the pianist. I think the melody is a little tricky, so I have faces on sticks that show different ways of singing. For example, to sing "Ahh" they will hold up Ah-dree, to sing Lululu, they will hold up a stick that says "Loo-Loo", and the last one is hum-phrey. The kids can come pick the different faces so you can sing it at least 3 or more time, without having to learn the words.

Next, I'll have this poster on the blackboard with magnets.

Tell the kids that they will be building a foundation as they sing the song. There will be "pieces" scattered on the blackboard (held up by tape or magnets) that they will have to put in the right places. Kind of like a puzzle. One wierd thing, is that they will be starting at the bottom and work there way to the top. Sing through the verse while you point at the different spots on the poster, so they can start to get the idea of where the pieces will go. Then, start with the first line, or the "brick" foundation. After all the bricks are up, review the line a few times. Next, go to the next layer of the foundation, and repeat the process until the verse has been taught. Don't forget to explain tough words such as "refuge", the meaning of "his excellent word", etc.




I would still love to hear any ideas that you may have for teaching this song, especially the second verse! Anyone else having troubles?!