“‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream,” LDS Singing Time Ideas
Looking for fresh and meaningful ways to teach “Give,” Said the Little Stream in Singing Time? These creative, Christ-centered ideas will keep your Primary kids engaged, moving, and feeling the spirit—all while learning to give like the Savior.
There’s something sweetly powerful about teaching children the joy of giving—and “Give,” Said the Little Stream does just that in the most gentle, memorable way.
This Primary song has long been a favorite for its simple message and cheerful melody, reminding little ones that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Whether you’re planning Singing Time for a Sunday lesson or looking to tie in a theme about service and Christlike love, this song is a perfect fit. Let’s explore some engaging, hands-on ideas to bring this song to life for your Primary!
“‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream,” Children’s Songbook, 236
Singing Time Ideas
Stream Actions Game
Teach the children hand actions to go with the lyrics (e.g., wiggle fingers for “gurgling” stream, pretend to water flowers, give air hugs). Then play a follow-the-leader game where one child leads the motions for the rest.
ASL Hand Movements
The LDS Website includes a full catalog of ASL hand movements for Primary songs.
Here is another helpful video:
Kindness Drop Jar
Bring a jar and some blue paper “water drops.” As the class sings each verse, invite kids to write or draw acts of kindness they can do (like the stream) and drop them in the jar. Watch it “fill up” throughout Singing Time.
Hand Actions
Actions for “Give,” Said the Little Stream
Great for teaching kids simple movements to help them engage with the lyrics.
Watch here
Visual Song Puzzle
Print pictures that match phrases of the song (a stream, a flower, a thirsty plant, etc.). Mix them up and let the children arrange them in order as they sing each line. Great for visual learners!
Echo and Actions
Divide the class into two groups. One group sings the main line, and the other echoes it with hand actions. For example, “Give,” said the little stream — [other group echoes with a big hand gesture for “give”].
Service Stream Challenge
Create a simple bulletin board or poster with a paper stream and flowers. Every time your class sings with focus or kindness, add a flower to the stream. You can even challenge them to “bloom” the stream by the end of the month!
Flip Charts
Flip charts are a wonderful, tried-and-true tool in LDS Primary Singing Time because they visually reinforce the lyrics, helping children learn songs more quickly and confidently.
Many children are visual learners, so seeing the words alongside pictures or bold keywords makes it easier to remember and sing along.
They also give structure to the song, especially for new or long songs, and are great for keeping little ones focused. Plus, flip charts help substitute teachers or leaders unfamiliar with the song stay on track—making them a helpful support for everyone in the room!
More Resources You Might Find Helpful:
- 20+ Low-Prep Primary Singing Time Ideas
- Thoughtful LDS Primary Gift Ideas for Every Occasion
- 40+ LDS Activity Days Ideas for Boys and Girls
