This is a song written by Shawna B Edwards and added to our new hymnbook as hymn #1039. The words highlighted in red in this post are suggestions of words to help teach this song.
Gospel Teaching
Jesus came to earth to provide an example for us. He also came to earth to accomplish very hard assignments to provide a way for each of us to return to our Heavenly Father. Why do you think He did this? 1 John 4:19 tells us the answer. “We love Him, because He first loved us.”
The title of the song we will be learning today is “Because”.
Music Method
Chorus
I really like to teach the chorus of a song first. That way when you work and push through the verses, there is a successful part that you all can relax and enjoy. You can also tell the children that you have some fun science experiments to teach them as soon as they can sing this chorus through. That will help with some motivation.
I will teach this by pointing out that Jesus did so many wonderful things for us. We can show our thanks by doing two things taught in our new song. We will praise forever (clasp both hands together in front of the body) and sing together (move hands slowly away from the mouth in front of the body).
I will be having my primary children snap their fingers on the rest before we sing “He had to give.” That will be a fun thing for them to listen and get ready for.
The last phrases, I breathe, I see, I hope, I love, I live, will be a great time to teach crescendo and get louder on each of them.
I use an expandable breathing ball to help teach about crescendos and diminuendos and breathing in music. Here is a link for one from Amazon
Tips for Teaching
Verses
Can you tell me what the word because means? That is a hard one to explain. Let me help you. Because is a word that is used to explain why something happened. It can be a reason or a cause. For example:
Because the sun was so hot, my ice cream cone melted. (What was the reason the ice cream cone melted?)
Because Danny’s fever was gone, he was allowed to attend school. (What was the reason Danny could go to school?)
Download a visual aid for these two examples here
Scientists use the word ‘because’ to explain experiments and conclusions. As we learn our new song, we are going to do some experiments to help us find some becauses.
You can use the flipchart pictures to show the words for this song. You could cover the second phrase with an extra sheet of paper as you ask the question, “What was the reason Jesus….” Then remove that paper and show the reason. For example:
What was the reason Jesus walked the path here on earth?
He wanted to show us the way, to set the example.
What was the reason Jesus calmed the storm?
He wanted to show us His power so that we wouldn’t be afraid of storms in our lives.
Downoad a copy of Because flipchart here
Here is a video to help you practice this song.
Science Experiments
At random times, you can stop and perform a quick science experiment. Here are some ideas.
- Place an index card on the top of a cup. Place a few coins on top of the index card. Ask the children what they think will happen when you pull the card away very fast. Will the coins move with the card or will they fall into the cup?
Because of the law of gravity, it will cause the coins to fall.
2. Put some warm water in a disposable cup. Place an ice cube into the water. Mark the level of the water on the cup with a Sharpie. Ask the children if the level of the water will rise or stay the same as the ice cube melts.
Because the ice cube has already taken up space in the cup, the water will not rise.
3. Pour some water into a pan. Have some random items to test to see if they float or sink. The children could guess the result of each item. Here are some suggestions.
Floating items: plastic boat, lego, toothpick, marshmellow, pencil, pingpong ball
Because the material that makes the object is less dense than water, it will float.
Sinking items: nail, raisin, chalk, plastic chip clip
Because the material that makes up the object is denser and heavier than water, it will sink when placed in water.
4. In that same pan of water, sprinkle some pepper. (You could even ask if the children think the pepper will float or sink) Ask what would happen if you put your finger in the middle of the water and pepper. (Nothing will happen) Ask what would happen if you dropped one drop of dishwashing liquid into the middle of the pepper. (The pepper will be pushed to the sides of the pan)
Because soap breaks the surface tension of the water molecules, it caused the pepper to move to the sides of the pan.
There are a lot more science ideas out there; these are just suggestions.
Happy Singing (and Sciencing)