You can find the Outline HERE
However, you might notice that I did not say "new" songs because they aren't new. They are the same exact songs used in 2011, when we had the same theme. In fact, (as far as I can tell, because I think I only went through January to May), the entire Outline is the same. Word for Word. Picture for Picture. Song for Song. (The only different thing is the picture on the cover - which I think actually looks like the same model used for the 2011 cover, just older)
(so cute, huh?) (You can decide if you think they look like the same child)
If you can't tell, I really wasn't excited by this discovery. Actually I was quite disappointed. The new outline form started in 2010, so I can't be 100% sure that this pattern will continue, but if I were in charge, I would definitely see the advantage in just recycling the material.
Because it is GOOD material. And they are GOOD songs. And in my ho-humness discouraged state, I went to one of my favorite sites, that I know has been going on for more than 5 years - Sofia's Primary Ideas. Each month (for YEARS) she goes over the monthly theme and week by week, she expands on the theme presented in the manual. It is an EXCELLENT resource for the primary presidency. And occasionally, she also goes over a song (which I love!!!!).
And I tested her: I went to September of this year and September of 2010 (same exact monthly and weekly themes) AND HER ACTIVITIES FOR THE SAME EXACT THEMES WERE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How super amazing is that!!!!!!!! So if she can do that for 3-4 weekly themes EVERY MONTH for the last 5+ years (not completely sure if 2008 and 2009 are repeats of 2013 and2014, because the new format started in 2010 - haven't researched that completely), I can totally come up with new ways to teach the same songs.
(I haven't hit my 5 year turn around point yet, but I was getting kind of bummed by the impending redundancy)
But no more! I am going to embrace this knowledge with fervor! I am going to remember a hallowed teaching mantra: Repetition encourages Retention! I am going to realize that this is inspired! This is what the Lord wants us to do! This is the direction He wants us to go!
However, this does encourage me to remember to not use ANY program songs from previous years as my pick your own songs. Which shouldn't be difficult, because I went through the 5 year rotation and realized that there are 18 songs from the songbook that are used for all 5 years. There are 5 "in the back of the outline" songs. And there are 4 Hymnbook songs.
HERE is my 5 year plan outline. Now, keep in mind, I wrote this for myself and it includes the songs that I personally chose for 2013, 2014 & 2015 but if you would like a reference for the next few years and to know which 18 songs are used, you might like it.
HERE is Sugardoodle's list of primary songs from 1998 to 2014 (Sugardoodle has become difficult for me to scroll through lately, but it is worth it and this is a nice list and there are a number of different songs on there - in fact, I may have to exhume "I'll Follow Him in Faith" from its buried in obscurity status: It's really cute!)
And after ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL this reading, here is the list!
2016 (I
Know the Scriptures are True)
January –
If I Listen with My Heart – Outline
February –
I Will Follow God’s Plan – 164
March –
Stand For the Right – 159
April –
Song of Choice (Jesus Christ is My Savior and Redeemer) Beautiful Savior 64
May –
Praise to the Man vs. 1 and 3 Hymns 127
June – Song
of Choice (The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
make it Possible for me to live with God Again) Search Ponder and Pray 109
July – I
Love to See the Temple – 95
August –
The Lord Gave Me A Temple – 153
Italics indicate my personal choices towards which I am currently leaning. June is more of a "song that goes with the yearly theme" than one that follows the monthly theme (basically because I missed Search Ponder and Pray)
Don't forget to check out the post on 2016 songs from the OCD Chorister (yes! She's back!!!!) - she has several links to some of the songs for which she has done lesson plans/visuals.
After our primary progam, I may delve into yearly planning! Get excited for 2016! Woo Hoo!!!!
