If you’re looking for some help with primary music time tomorrow (could this be any more last minute???) and want to teach a great pioneer song, let me be your lifesaver.

To Be A Pioneer teaches a great lesson about what it means to be a pioneer – and it’s simple enough to teach in one try! It might take a little longer to sing the two parts together, but it’s so fun and the kids love it.

The first verse is full of “You don’t have to…” things that the old-time pioneers did. Since they’re “don’ts,” those are all shaped like stop signs.

The second verse is full of “You do have to…” things that we can do today to be pioneers. Since they’re “do’s,” those are all shaped like green lights. The picture cues for the second verse gave me a great chance to talk about Nephi’s courage, Daniels’ faith, and David’s fight with might for a cause that’s right.

Each verse ends with “To be a pioneer,” so there are 2 identical signs for that.

I thought I would only have time to teach the second part to senior, so I just wrote out the words for them. The last line is only sung the first time through, so it’s a little lighter to remind them it’s different.

I cut these out, laminated them (because I am completely addicted to my laminator), and stuck them to craft sticks. Simple to make, great to work with, and easy for the kids to help hold.

Find the files to download at this link. Happy singing!