Questions????? A MUST READ!!!

I feel like this should be a standard copy in every binder and training for teachers. It's the best thing you'll EVER read as far as learning how to ask a good question!! Learning how to ask good questions will invite the spirit, plenty of participation, and help everyone be edified!

Prepare yourself. PURE GOLD AS FOLLOWS!!! I did add a few !!! marks because I tend to be a hyper person in regards to punctuation. !!! !!! !!! From Teaching, No Greater Call... word for word (pages 68-70)

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Jesus Christ, the Master Teacher, often asked questions to encourage people to ponder and apply the principles He taught. (see, for example, Matthew 16:13–15; Luke 7:41–42; 3 Nephi 27:27). His questions prompted thought, soul-searching, and commitment.

General Guidelines for Preparing Questions

Church-produced lesson manuals suggest many questions that you can use in lessons. Read them carefully to decide which will be most helpful for those you teach. You may also prepare your own questions. As you consider questions to use in a lesson, ask yourself,

 

“Will they help those I teach understand the main ideas of the lesson?

 

Will these questions help those I teach apply the gospel principles being taught?”

The following ideas may help you prepare your own questions.

Questions That Can Be Answered Yes or No

Questions that can be answered yes or no have limited use in gospel instruction. You should use them primarily to obtain commitments or to determine if someone agrees or disagrees.

Factual Questions

Factual questions are used to establish the basic facts of a scripture passage, event, or gospel principle. They have specific answers. They can help learners begin to study scripture passages, understand major points, review ideas, and overcome misconceptions.

For example:
- When Nephi’s brothers asked to be forgiven for binding him with cords, what was his immediate response?
- When and where was the Church organized?

Make sure that you do not ask only factual questions. They do not require much thought, and they may discourage those who do not know the answers. When you do use them, you should generally make sure that the information necessary to answer them is available to those you teach.

With factual questions, you can help everyone begin a discussion at the same point. You can then move to questions that prompt deeper thinking and help learners see how gospel principles apply in their lives.

Questions That Prompt Deeper Thinking

Some questions encourage learners to think deeply about the meaning of scripture passages and gospel principles. These questions often begin with the words what, how, or why. They cannot be answered with yes or no, and they usually have more than one right answer. For example:

- Why do you think this revelation came at this time in the history of the Church?
- What can this story teach about how the Lord helps those in need?
- How would you define faith?
- What does it mean to be meek?
- How is this object like the gospel principle we are discussing? (This is a good question to ask with an object lesson.)
- How was the reaction of Laman and Lemuel different from Nephi’s reaction?

When asking such questions, be open to all answers !!(see “Listening,” pages 66–67).

 Encourage learners to ponder the scriptures and gospel principles being discussed and to express their ideas. Do not try to get them to give specific answers to questions; they will quickly become aware of what you are doing and either stop participating or start guessing instead of thinking. When you need a specific answer, it is best to ask a factual question or present the information in some other way.

 Questions That Help Learners Apply Gospel Principles

It is important to ask questions that help learners apply gospel principles in their lives. For example:

 How has this promise from the Lord been fulfilled in your life?
 How do we sometimes make the same error as the people in this story?
 How can God’s chastening be a blessing to us?
 What are some circumstances today that are similar to the events in this scripture account?
  If you were this person, what would you do?
Ask learners to share examples of how they or others have applied the gospel principles being discussed. As
prompted by the Spirit, encourage them to bear testimony of the principles they discuss.

General Guidelines for Asking Questions

 Ask Questions That Learners Can Answer!!!!!

Do not use questions to show your own knowledge!!!!

Ask questions that will prompt thoughtful answers from those you teach!!!

Respond to Incorrect Answers with Respect and Courtesy

Occasionally someone will give an incorrect answer or an answer that shows little understanding. Others in the

group might laugh at such an answer. This might embarrass the individual and make him or her hesitant to participate in the future. It can interfere with his or her learning.Respond to incorrect answers with respect and courtesy!!!!!
Ensure that the individual still feels comfortable participating.

You may choose to take responsibility yourself by saying something like, “I’m sorry. I don’t think I asked that
question very clearly. Let me try again.” Or you could rescue the individual by saying, “Perhaps you were thinking of something else” or “Thank you for bringing that up, but I’m not sure my question was clear.” Such responses will help those you teach feel more and more comfortable participating, even when they think they might be risking a wrong answer.

Wait for Responses

Do not be concerned if learners are silent for a few seconds after you have asked a question. Do not answer your own question; allow time for learners to think of responses. However, prolonged silence may indicate that they do not understand the question and that you need to rephrase it!!!!

 Use Follow-Up Questions

Follow-up questions can help learners think more deeply about a principle they are discussing. For example,

if learners suggest one way that a scripture account can be likened to themselves, you might ask, “What else can we learn from this story?”

Give Everyone an Opportunity to Speak

To encourage more learners to participate, you may want to direct some follow-up questions to those who have not yet made comments during the lesson.

If several people have comments about a subject, you may want to say something like, “We’ll hear your comments first and then yours.” Then those you teach will remain orderly because they know that they will have an opportunity to speak. 

Help Learners Prepare to Answer Questions

To help learners prepare to answer questions, you may want to tell them before something is read or presented

that you will be asking for their responses (see the “look for” and “listen for” approaches in “Teaching from the
Scriptures,” page 55). For example, you could say, “Listen as I read this passage so that you can share what most interests you about it” or “As this scripture is read, see if you can understand what the Lord is telling us
about faith.”

Avoid Questions That Create Controversy or Encourage Argument

The Savior said, “He that hath the spirit of contention is not of me” (3 Nephi 11:29; see also verses 28 and 30).

Be careful not to ask questions that promote argument or highlight sensational issues. Do not ask questions that create doubt or that lead to discussions that fail to edify. Make sure that your questions move learners toward a unity of faith and love (see Mosiah 18:21). When there is disagreement, strive to emphasize points of agreement and correct doctrine.

Occasionally Ask Questions That Prompt Silent Reflection

You may occasionally choose to ask questions that learners should ponder silently rather than answer in

an open discussion. For example:
    What have you done today that is moving you toward eternal life?
    Have you failed to do something today that would have moved you toward eternal life?

Creative Uses of Questions

You may want to use questions in some of the following ways:

Write questions on wordstrips, and tape the wordstrips to the bottoms of chairs. At appropriate times during the discussion, ask each person to remove the question from his or her chair. Then have him or her read the question and respond to it.

Ask each learner to write one question based on a gospel principle or verse of scripture. Gather the questions and discuss them.

Ask individuals to role-play characters of their choice in the lesson, and let the others ask them questions
(see “Role Playing,” page 178). This works particularly well with children.

During the week before the lesson, give questions to a few learners. Ask them to prepare to respond to those

questions as part of the coming lesson.

Use the following questions to discuss a gospel principle:

“What do we already know about this principle?” “What do we want to know?” “What have we learned

today?” You can form the basis of the lesson by having learners answer these questions and then writing their
answers in three columns on the chalkboard.

Write a question on the chalkboard before class begins so that learners can begin pondering it as soon as they

arrive.

 Have learners answer questions by finding and reading appropriate scriptures or hymns. Ask learners to respond to questions by sharing examples from their own lives.

Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a few questions to consider. Then have each group report

their answers to the class.

Additional Information

For additional help, see “Plan and Conduct Meaningful Discussions,” pages 303–4 in the “Gospel Teaching and
Leadership” section of the Church Handbook of Instructions.

Profound Silence....

Image from Swamisportswear.com. I am in no way endorsing their site.

I just did a google search and was disturbed by the color and price of these sweats. $13 each.

I've had a couple times in life when I've had sharing time and wondered... what's up with the noise? I have eyeballs, so I put them to good use. When I've looked around, it's not the kids talking but ADULTS.

Why?

I've often wondered why it's acceptable to wear sweats in public. Perhaps it's a Reno, NV thing and perhaps I secretly wish I could wear sweats and be accepted by society, but then I stop.

I realize it's wrong. There are just some things we shouldn't do.

Sweats is numero uno. Talking while the leader up front is.... numero dos. Especially when that leader is bearing testimony.

A scripture, Alma 55:17 says, "Yea, even to their women, and all those of their children, as many as were able to use a weapon of war, when Moroni had armed all those prisoners; and all those things were done in a profound silence." Granted, we may not be trying to save our village while the Lamanites are passed out drunk... I'm not even saying Primary needs to be a place of profound silence. All I'm saying is how do we expect children to show reverence when we don't?

I'll get off the soapbox now. But think about the sweats thing.... really.

Success and Failure

Have I ever mentioned that Honest Abe is my favorite.

I mean really, he did it - He said, slavery is wrong, let's do this.

Let's end it and be a nation.

And yet, his courage and bravery and brilliance came in the face of much failure.

Our most successful president, faced defeat often. (Thank you google search)

•1831 - Lost his job

•1832 - Defeated in run for Illinois State Legislature

•1833 - Failed in business

•1834 - Elected to Illinois State Legislature (success)

•1835 - Sweetheart died

•1836 - Had nervous breakdown

•1838 - Defeated in run for Illinois House Speaker

•1843 - Defeated in run for nomination for U.S. Congress

•1846 - Elected to Congress (success)

•1848 - Lost re-nomination

•1849 - Rejected for land officer position

•1854 - Defeated in run for U.S. Senate

•1856 - Defeated in run for nomination for Vice President

•1858 - Again defeated in run for U.S. Senate

•1860 - Elected President (success)

And why would I bring this up. Especially right before Christmas, thank you happy happy joy joy. It's because on Sunday, I bit it hard. I had one of the worst sharing times ever.

Pause and rewind 8 years. BYU, I'm student teaching at a title one school with the urban education cohort.

Wait. I promise I'm not quite at dementia yet, rewind 20ish years ago when I'm in 6th grade. I have a reading buddy, Mary who is in 1st grade. She can't read. And yet with our time spent together she learns. Granted, was I the one who taught her, no. But I felt like I had. It was my first inkling that my purpose in life was to teach. I loved her joy as she learned a new word or could sound out a difficult word. It was so crystal clear to me, even then that teaching children would be for me.

OK. Back to the cougars. I'm student teaching and I have a boy who is bipolar, ADD, and prone to violence. And he disliked me. A couple lessons were rough and I always ended up in tears when I got home. It got to me and I vowed I would never have bad lessons again. I worked through it and ended up confident that one day I'd be a good teacher.

Fast forward to last Sunday. Chaos. 10 nursery kids coming in to see what primary is like, 1 eating the microphone on the pulpit. At least 3 children scattered throughout the room crying. 30 others were completely done with sitting. I have exactly 7 minutes to teach about the 2nd coming. We're doing pictures so children are in and out through the door.

Did I not pray? Did I not spend time preparing? What did I do wrong?

I tried to do too much with too little time. I tried to get too many children up and out of their seats. I was talking over the children/adults talking (who were only talking because they were trying to calm children) and trying to move on without everyone's attention. I was forgetting names.

BUT I'M OK WITH IT.

I feel so peaceful about it, is that weird and strange?

I know I can do better, I know I can learn from my mistakes, I know I am far from perfect and most importantly... I know God loves me.

I've learned it's OK to laugh at yourself everyone once and awhile.

President Monson of course says it much better, "Our responsibility is to rise from mediocrity to competence, from failure to achievement. Our task is to become our best selves. One of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final." (Thomas S. Monson, "Never Give Up", New Era, Sept. 1994)

Now is it OK to cry. Of course! Failure can be so annoying and frustrating!!!! Our prophet continues on and says, "We are success-oriented, striving to become “wonder women” and “super men.” Any hint of failure can cause panic, even despair."

But you know what, at least we're trying. At least we're there and doing our calling to the best of our ability.

"U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena” (The American Treasury: 1455–1955, ed. Clifton Fadiman, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1955, p. 689). Unfortunately, too often we're our own worst critic.

The beautiful talk is ended with " Each of us is a runner in the race of life. Comforting is the fact that there are many runners. Reassuring is the knowledge that our eternal Scorekeeper is understanding. Challenging is the truth that each must run. But you and I do not run alone. That vast audience of family, friends, and leaders will cheer our courage, will applaud our determination as we rise from our stumblings and pursue our goal. Let us shed any thought of failure. Let us discard any habit that may hinder. Let us seek; let us obtain the prize prepared for all, even exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God."

So this post is for me and all my fellow sisters who have failed miserably. I'm cheering for us. We can do it, because God will help us! Next week will be awesome! Next week will be fabulouso!!!

We may not end up Presidents of a great nation, or freeing a noble people... but we are important. We are the instruments in the Lord's hands. We are His children who will help gather and usher in His glorious reign on earth. Life is good. Keep on truckin.

Teaching Differently Abled Children

We all have certain people in life that we admire and love. People that emulate the Savior to a T. This little lady is one of them! While small to the eye, she is a spiritual giant and I hope one day to even be a smidgeon as wonderful and kind as she is. A while back she gave a beautiful presentation and was thoughtful enough to let me share with you. The following is written by Sister B...

"Kathie Snow said,
But what do apples have to do with disability?

One of the five apples is green.One American in five is a person with a disability.
(Which makes people with disabilities the largest minority group in the nation—and
it's the only group that anyone can join at any time!)

A green apple is more like red apples than different.

A person with a disability is more like people without disabilities than different.
Apples are natural . . . and having a disability is a "natural part of the human experience"
(as expressed in the U.S. Developmental Disabilities Act).
The sun shines equally on all the apples in the bowl,
and it's time for the light of inclusion, opportunity, freedom, and dignity
to shine equally on all people—including people with disabilities.

I was asked to share insights this evening in regards to inclusive education for children in our primary with disabilities. I have thought long and hard about this. In our home we are truly grateful for those who have taught, nurtured and included our family. I moved into our ward when I was 9 years old. My dad had died 2 years before, my mom was remarried to an awesome guy and we had moved here from Utah. There was a lot of transition in my life at that time. I was fortunate to have a wonderful primary teacher not long after we moved here by the name of Peter. Peter was a young man preparing to go on a mission. He did not make any special accommodations to help me be a part of the class but he did walk with me down the halls of the Prater Way Chapel to our classroom and he required the same of the other members of the class. He spoke to me with respect and most importantly, he helped me to feel loved and accepted. I needed that from him and from my peers. After receiving his mission call, Peter wrote letters to me ( He was a 19 yr old boy and he took time to write letters to me-a little 9 year old girl with cp.) It meant so much to me. I still have those letters as well as his wedding announcement to sweet, Laura. I still know that I can count on Peter over 30 years later. Every child in the church deserves to have a person like Peter in their lives.

My family is unique in that we all have diagnosed disabilities and health conditions. I even have concerns for our pug, Zeus because he has behavior issues that we cannot seem to extinguish no matter what we try.
I was born over 3 months prematurely and weighed 1lb13 oz at birth. As a result, I have cerebral palsy. My husband has bipolar disorder. Our oldest son, Denver has Asperger’s Syndrome (high functioning autism) Our second son, Jordan has celiac disease and our daughters whom we adopted from foster care both have the diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and other challenges related to their traumatic beginnings.

In thinking about what has worked for my children in attending church.
1. Greet the children by name

2. Establish rules for class
a. Routine (kids with autism need to know what to expect-difficult to be flexible
b. Role play
c. Responsibility
d. Revere-love
e. Room to move-just because a child is wiggling doesn’t mean they are not learning (rocking chair for Heather helped her to move without distracting others)
f. Reinforce positive behavior

3. When calling on children with disabilities, ask a typical peer the same question first-if the child with a disability repeats what is already said it is ok…always validate answers

4. Model respect

5. Sit child with disability near the teacher

6. Give positive prompts

7. Spotlight children in class-it helps them to feel important and helps the children to get to know one another, focus on commonalities

8. Get to Know you games

9. Expand a child’s social circle

10. Praise for sitting reverently even for 3 seconds

11. Focus on strengths

12. Praise improvements even if they are slight

13. Learn from children

(if a child uses sign language or a communication device, learn a song in sign language)

14. Find out what the children want

15. All kids can learn with the correct supports-have high expectations-they will rise to it

16. Teach behaviors using puppets, etc…

17. Pre-teach expectations, find out about children from their parents

My son Jordan has celiac disease. We are so grateful for our primary presidency and their efforts to ensure that he can eat what is served at activities. I appreciate the phone calls asking me to bring food items for him that are similar to what the other children are consuming.

Denver as a deacon passed the sacrament to the same rows every week. It was an accommodation made for him that no one even knew about. We did not have to draw attention to it but it was a way for him to participate without feeling uneasy. When Denver was in primary he was mortified to stand up and sing with the other kids for the primary program. It was not ideal but he would hold a picture in front of his face and sing. At least he was up there, right?

We cannot simplify children as just a boy in a wheelchair; he is a complete person with a disability. People with disabilities don’t just want to glue Popsicle sticks together, we want to learn to do math and to learn about history. We want to change history. We want to enjoy friendships, gain testimonies, serve missions, get married, have families, pets and jobs and have a sense of belonging.

Inclusion is best for every child. Inclusion is an easy thing to do poorly. When all children are included appropriately, everyone benefits. Teachers become better teachers by inclusion. We should constantly think of how each child can be included in all activities.

The Monument

God,
Before He Sent His children to earth
Gave each of them
A very carefully selected package of problems.

These,
He promised, smiling,
Are yours alone. No one
Else may have the blessings
These problems will bring you.

And only you
Have the special talents and abilities
That will be needed
To make these problems
Your servants.

Now go down to your birth and to your forgetfulness.
Know that I love you beyond measure.
These problems that I give you
Are a symbol of the love.

The monument you make of your life
With the help of your problems
Will be a symbol of your Love for me,
Your Father. "

Thank you so much Sister B for sharing. (I love you and your sweet mother and family forever and always!) The Church has THIS PAGE to help and guide you, entitled Teaching All Children, Including Those with Disabilities. Food for thought people. Click around, they have especially helpful suggestions for teaching children with ADD and Autism. Hope this message from this amazing sister can be of help!

Controversy?

Did you see and thoroughly read this?

It's important and you should definitely take the time to read it.

I have never questioned myself in doing this blog and I'll tell you why.

Moroni 7:16 "For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God."

I FIRMLY BELIEVE IN TEACHING WHAT OUR SHARING TIME OUTLINE SAYS!!!

I in NO way am saying, "Hey man... go do your own thang, come up with your own ideas and party on." I'm not a Latter Day hippie intent on free lessons and bare foot (shiver....) fun with the kiddos. Please. Shoes on. Say no to athlete's foot.

True Story: Week after week I was at the Primary Piano. FAVORITE CALLING EVER. (Although I say that about every calling...) Being there gave me a unique perspective to see what worked and what didn't. Week after week I would see teachers struggle to keep the attention of Primary students. I would see teachers frustrated and crying. I would see nervous teachers who didn't plan enough or planned too much and then got really discouraged. Isn't Sunday and church supposed to be happy? What was going on?

It's a hard thing to go in front of 40 or however many children. This is part of their spiritual education. You want them to love church. You want them to come to primary and enjoy it. You want them to be able to feel the spirit so you can all be closer to Christ. Different ages have different learning needs. How do you meet these needs?

True Story: Sometimes... Ok... at least 2 times a month (for about 6 months) I would be asked to do a sharing time the morning of or the night before. How is that fair to the children? I had to be prepared!

I want to help people. I want to help children. I am my brother's keeper.
You'll notice these aren't full out lesson plans. They are little ideas BASED on the weekly theme.

I will say I've prayed and felt many blessings from doing this blog. In fact, in my very hour of need, this blog became a miracle ... an absolute miracle from God that raised my soul from the depths of despair and gave me hope when I thought the pain was insurmountable. I know it's inspired. I hope you too can feel of my heart's intentions.

Consider the Lilies

El Vendedor de Alcatraces By Diego Rivera
(Image courtesy creative commons license www.diego-rivera-foundation.org)

D&C 84: 81-84 "Therefore, take ye no thought for the morrow, for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed. For, consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin; and the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, are not arrayed like one of these. For your Father, who is in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these things. Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself."

I once was given a very special blessing that truly firmed my testimony in Divinity. I was studying this scripture and pondering it. The person giving me the blessing had no clue what I was reading in my personal scripture time, and yet Heavenly Father knew. The scripture was quoted and it's purpose expanded to me within the blessing.

I would like to pose 3 questions.
1. What can you do to increase your faith in Jesus Christ and our loving Father?
2. What can you do to make your attitude more Christ like?
3. Do you believe that we are indeed children of a loving Father?

This is a favorite piece of art that hangs in our home. Originally, Diego Rivera meant it as a more political piece symbolic of the burdens of the Mexican people. However, art is art. I appreciate it in a different sense. I see a woman with a tremendous load, yet it is a beautiful load. And she is not alone, she is never alone. Deity is behind her, helping her bear the load and lifting it. She has fallen to her knees and it is a good thing. I look at this picture everyday and am inspired. I hope you can be inspired by it also.

Often our callings can seem overwhelming. I didn't become a doctor for a reason, I don't do well with blood and guts. The same can be said about teaching yet here we are in an organization that asks us to do what we don't necessarily have confidence in. The burden however is beautiful and we need to recognize that. And we have support. If you feel overwhelmed about teaching Primary, take a step back. Did you have a lesson that just didn't go well? It's OK. Next week will be better! A person doesn't get to Carnegie Hall over night, it takes practice!

The time has come for preparing/writing Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentations. We are all entitled to revelation and help from above. Often I receive such nice and kind comments on how "my ideas" are wonderful. If only I could claim them as my own! The ideas are inspiration from above. Plain and simple. I find that if I pray sincerely, make sure my heart is in the right place and listen carefully... answers will come. The same can be true for you too! Don't get stressed out, you don't need to! Heavenly Father will help. Using the chocolate chip cookie analogy - A chocolate chip cookie is not a chocolate chip cookie with one chocolate chip. You need lots and lots and then another cup full. Pray often. The more the better.

If I had to boil down the message of this post into one thought, it'd be this: Have Hope!! Basically, if you were in the corner of the ring, I'm patting you on the back and chanting for you, you can do it! You can do it! You can do whatever you need to do in life because God is truly with us and mindful of our needs. Psalm 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Praise the Lord! Praise the Children! Language and Vocabulary in Primary Part II

Applause Bus Image Courtesy Creative-Commens license flickr.com by Laughing Squid March 8, 2009

On page 242 of the Hymn book is one of my favorite songs. It's short, simple and to the point.

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost."

The song reminds me of the D6 bus in Washington DC. More than once someone would get on the bus and say, "Praise the Lord." and we'd all shout back, "Praise the Lord." and clap, shaking our heads with an "Amen Sister." It made me not want to leave the bus, a little community of believers of different races, backgrounds and religions with one moment shared in gratitude to our Supreme Creator.

We need to praise our Lord in Primary. This is done by:

1. Making sure all lessons focus on Him.

2. Bearing testimony of Him.

3. Making singing time happy, because Psalms 135:3 says,
"Praise the Lord; for the Lord is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant."

Another great hymn is on page 232 "Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words."

Verse 1 says "Let us oft speak kind words to each other At home or where’er we may be; Like the warblings of birds on the heather, The tones will be welcome and free. They’ll gladden the heart that’s repining, Give courage and hope from above, And where the dark clouds hide the shining, Let in the bright sunlight of love."

[Chorus] "Oh, the kind words we give shall in memory live And sunshine forever impart.Let us oft speak kind words to each other;Kind words are sweet tones of the heart."

Verse 2 says, "Like the sunbeams of morn on the mountains, The soul they awake to good cheer; Like the murmur of cool, pleasant fountains, They fall in sweet cadences near. Let’s oft, then, in kindly toned voices, Our mutual friendship renew, Till heart meets with heart and rejoices In friendship that ever is true."

One of the accompanying scriptures for this song is Proverbs 16: 24, "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

When we talk about praising God, it's more to the effect of glorifying. When we talk about praising children, it's to the effect of being positive and giving them merit and value.
"Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." Mark Twain.

In my previous post there were some "do not's". Now I give you the "do's". Here is my challenge to you : Use 20 of these positive and kind phrases to children, teachers and whomever happens to be in your primary NEXT WEEK. Have someone tally for you and then ask yourself the questions Did primary go smoother? Was the spirit felt stronger? Do I feel closer to Christ because of this challenge?

The following are quoted/adapted from http://www.sd40.bc.ca/kelvin/compliments.htm

" You are:
Great! Phenomenal! Superb! Cool! Out Of Sight! Excellent! Terrific! Wonderful! Special!

Unbelievable Answer! Two Thumbs Up! You've Got It! Way To Go! Outstanding Singing!
You've Outdone Yourself! Marvelous! Your Help Counts, thank you! Amazing Effort!

Bravo! Exceptional! Breathtaking! Keep Up The Good Work! First Rate Work! Fantastic Work!

You Should Be Proud! I Knew You Had It In You! Very Good! Stupendous! Sensational!
What a wonderful Imagination! Awesome! You're A Great Example For Others! You Made It Happen! You're A Real Trooper! It Couldn't Be Better! Good For You!

You're A Good Sport! You Made The Difference! Take A Bow! Super Job! How Thoughtful Of You! Nice Going! You're A Class Act! Well Done! You're Inspiring! How Artistic!

You Go The Extra Mile! Hooray For You! Great Answer! You Deserve A Hug!
High Five! Wow! You're Getting Better! You're Tops! You're Amazing! What A Great Idea!
You Figured It Out! You've Got What It Takes! You're Neat! You're A Joy! You're A Shining star! Spectacular!

You tried hard singing, thank you! The Time You Put In Really Shows! Remarkable! Far Out!
How Extraordinary! You're A Winner! You Came Through! That's Incredible! 5 Star Job!
You're Super! You Can Do It! You're The Greatest! Sweet! Great Effort! How Original!
What A Genius! You're A Natural! Very Brave! You're A Pleasure To Know! Way To Go!

You're Sharp! Congratulations, you got it! I'm Proud Of You! Thank You For Caring!
I'm Impressed! You're Very Talented! Great Discovery! You're A Champ! Right On!
You're So Kind! Thanks For Helping! You're A-OK! Magnificent! You've Earned My Respect!

You've Made Progress! Outstanding Effort! Neat job! I Love It! Beautiful! Clever! Brilliant!

That's Perfect! Right On! Your Best Singing ever! Expressive! You've Improved so much!
Keep It Up! Nice One! Incomparable! Incredible! I Appreciate Your Help! Good Leadership!
Great Job! Stunning! You Rule! That's Very Kind! You Make Me Smile! You Rock! You're An
Angel! That's The Way! Good For You!

A Job Well Done! You're A Good Friend! Way To Use Your Head! Radical! Alright! You're Very Patient! Wonderful! Way To Be Responsible! Getting Better All The Time! Worthy Of An Oscar!

Better Than Ever! Super Duper! Great Dedication! Top Notch! Hats Off To You! Spectacular!

Good Try! Very Courageous! I Like It! Great Enthusiasm! Lovely! Very Resourceful! You are a masterpiece!"

Proper. Proper. Proper. Language and Vocabulary in Primary Part I.

I'm going to make a point. It will be a good point, hopefully. For this point to really come alive though and make sense I will need to refer to Cranford, a PBS Masterpiece Theatre program that aired in April 2008 and can be checked out at your local library.

Cranford is a small town in England and the time 1840. Women are proper. Women have manners. Women are dignified.

My husband who wears dreadlocks and thinks Vin Diesel is awesome... cough cough... watched this Cranford series with me and loved it. I loved it. It made me want to be more of a "lady".

I have had experiences in Primary and even Sacrament Meetings where language was used that didn't invite the spirit. I would like to throw out a couple of questions for you to ponder:

1. At the last General Conference did you hear an apostle or any other speaker use the word "crap"?

2. Have you ever read an Ensign article where someone said "shut up"?

3. When Alma refers to his persecuting the church or mistakes he has made does he ever use the phrase, "Man, I really screwed up"?

These words in quotation may seem like small words and perhaps they are, pray and judge for yourself. May I suggest that there is a problem though, when those words are used more often than words like "Jesus" or "Savior" or "I bear testimony" in a 2 hour time period.

John S. Gholdston, “Words of Darkness, Words of Light,” Ensign, Jan 1992, 57 says:

" What is it that we should be teaching our children to avoid?

Blasphemy is only one element of the profanity problem that President David O. McKay described as “all too prevalent” in society, and “though we say it with embarrassment, all too frequently used in the Church.” (Improvement Era, Nov. 1948, p. 686.)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained that profanity “embraces any language that shows contempt for holy things, that breathes a spirit of irreverence or blasphemy, or that is vulgar in nature, thus leaving a mental impression of unclean and unwholesome things. Profanity,” he emphasized, “is an evidence of a diseased soul.” (“Profanity,” Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed., Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, Inc., 1966, p. 602.)

We know that the brain controls what words are spoken, but when we or our children allow a profanity to find a place in our vocabularies, the profanity, and not the brain, often seems to be in control. Profanity is a cyclic problem. The Spirit of the Lord withdraws from the presence of profanity, leaving the user with no spiritual guidance. Consequently the profanity may increase. (See Ensign, May 1986, p. 51.)

We must work closely and carefully with our children to help them choose to avoid that cycle or break the cycle if they have already begun. We cannot keep them from ever being exposed to bad language, but we can keep much of it at arm’s length. Our care in making the effort, if we do it in the right spirit, can have a positive effect as our children realize how important we consider the matter to be." End quote.

Now I'm not calling the people who use mildly crude language lepers. Elder McConkie is. So if you're offended, take it up with him in heaven. My point is WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE. It's simple.

We should be more like the ladies of Cranford. I leave you with their reaction to the word "suck" which I also believe should not be used at church.

[Mary has brought oranges as a present for Matty and Deborah]

Miss Deborah Jenkyns: I would prefer it if I did not enjoy oranges. Consuming them is a most incommodious business.

Miss Matty Jenkyns: There is not such a lot of juice, Deborah dear - only when they are sliced with a knife.

Mary Smith: At home we make a little hole in our oranges and we suck them. [Deborah looks horrified]

Miss Matty Jenkyns: That is the way I like to take them best, but Deborah says it is vulgar and altogether too redolent of a ritual undertaken by little babies. My sister does not care for the expression [whispers]

Miss Matty Jenkyns: "suck".

Miss Deborah Jenkyns: [primly] We will repair to our rooms... and consume our fruit in solitude. [embarrassed, Deborah gets up and leaves the table]

Sticks and Stones

Image courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by Chad Fust March 2007

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Another dear sister (Laura) of mine has raised an important question:
"Do you have any suggestions on what to do when children are completely disrespectful or mean to other children? As a presidency we want to maintain a positive environment as we address this issue but feel that it needs to be addressed as there has been problems both in and outside primary. We have about 120 children between junior and senior primary."

I am going to outline pages 84-87 of Teaching No Greater Call in response. Every single word was written from the source quoted.

"As President Hinckley observed, little problems will inevitably occur. Whether you are teaching in the home or at church, your lessons may at times be disrupted by the behavior of those you teach. In your efforts to help those who become disruptive, remember that you should not simply try to correct inappropriate behavior or make sure everyone is quiet; you should help learners become better disciples of the Savior. The following information will help you handle disruptions in a Christlike way.

1. Remember the worth of souls.
2. Seek to understand those you teach.
*consider all possible reasons for their behavior
3. Evaluate your own efforts.
* When those you teach behave disruptively, it is easy to focus on their conduct and fail to review your own.
* In your efforts to solve problems with disruptions, first consider whether the real source of the problem is something you are doing.
4. Evaluate your motives.
* Only those who are motivated by love will have a positive, powerful influence on those they teach. Pray to be filled with Christlike love toward every person you teach, especially those who sometimes behave inappropriately.
5. Help all class members contribute to a learning atmosphere.
* In a learning atmosphere, we (1) edify each other through our participation, (2) love and help each other, and (3) desire to search for truth together. Quote page 77.
*Elder Henry B. Eyering relates to the love we should feel when we meet to learn the gospel: " Our Heavenly Father wants our hearts to be knit together. That union in love is not simply an ideal, It is a necessity." Quote page 77.
* To teach family members or class members to contribute to a learning atmosphere, consider conducting a discussion using the following suggestions:

- Express your feelings about the gospel, and explain that you want to help others learn gospel truths.

-Discuss the responsibility we have to help one another learn the gospel.

- Talk about the importance of participating in lessons.

- Ask those present to suggest things they can do to help create a learning atmosphere. Quote page 78.

6. Respond in simple ways to occasional disturbances.

7. Make special efforts to help those who persistently cause disruptions.

*If someone is seriously disrupting the learning of others, you should neither ignore the problem nor act in an unkind way.

* D&C 121:41-44 In applying this counsel, it is helpful to understand the words betimes and sharpness. Betimes means promptly or in good time. In this passage, sharpness refers to the need to give clear, well-defined instructions.

*You should be gentle and meek when giving correction. note that reproving should be done only "when moved upon by the Holy Ghost" and should be followed by an increase of love.

* The following suggestions may help you if someone you teach becomes persistently disruptive.

- Speak privately with the person. You should do so tactfully and with love.

Describe the conduct that is disruptive while at the

same time making clear that you love and respect the person.

Ask for the person's support, and try to find solutions together.

Then do all you can to show increased love.

- Seek help from others. Your leaders want to help you with your teaching challenges. You can benefit from their ideas and assistance.

For example, they might ask someone to help with certain activities or sit

next to a child who is misbehaving.

If a child or youth has a pattern of disruptive behavior, seek the help of his or her parents.

If the person causing the disruptions has special needs, learn

what you can do to help him or her learn more effectively and behave more

appropriately.

-Be patient. Remember change takes time. Be consistently positive in your approach to the person. Do not be discouraged in he or she has a negative attitude in class."

Being mean and using unkind words is disruptive. Very much so and should not EVER be tolerated in your safe and loving primary environment. I feel strongly prompted not to share anything else except for what I have outlined from Teaching No Greater Call. Each primary is different and Heavenly Father will help you to know what to do for His little ones in your care.

On that same, but completely different note, I wish to just state why I do not do full outlines of sharing times. I did when I first started this blog, but now I don't. I feel strongly prompted that I shouldn't have detailed lesson plans on this site. When Elder Packer gave the challenge to use blogs in a Christlike manner to share the gospel, I prayed and prayed. I decided I'd do my very best to help little ones come closer to Christ. It's my only desire. I have a harder time having a pure love for adults and freely admit my grievous fault. But with children, there has never been a single one that I haven't adored. Primary fills my heart and soul.

Loving The Scriptures

GAK 326

Janarah is a sister of mine. I don't know her but she left me a comment (in bold) and if we were having a conversation, the italicized words would be my response. She had a good question that I'd thought I'd share.

Hi, I just found your blog. Hooray! You are just amazing. You're amazing Janarah! I love your exotic name. You have been blessed with a great talent. Thank you for sharing it with everyone. You are kind. All these thoughts are from our Father above. There have been countless times that I consider miracles where I've been lead to certain scriptures or an analogy pops up that just makes really good sense. I believe there are walls of water around us, not necessarily like those of the ancient children of Israel, but the miraculous power of God is very close. I do have a question for you. Sorry Janarah, am I rambling? I tend to do that. I am in the primary presidency. We have the hardest time getting our Sr. Primary to open their scriptures and look something up. Most of the time they complain that they have to get them out and then a lot of them have a really hard time finding the scripture. We have tried to make it into a chase, but the younger ones don't have any chance at all to get it. Do you have any great motivating ideas?

I don't know about great... but here are some thoughts. And it's not directed specifically at you my sister Janarah, but in general to all of us serving in Primary.

1. Are you reading your scriptures daily? We as teachers need to be in top spiritual condition because we are teaching His precious ones. When we have the spirit with us, Primary will go smoother and the fastest way to invite the spirit in your life is to consistently read the scriptures. Plus how can we encourage them to be excited about the scriptures if we aren't.

2. Bring up the Savior. Ask the question, with a little sigh, I wonder how Jesus feels right now when we complain about our scriptures? (If there is a picture of Christ, stand close to it and look at it. Then look at the children.) We don't need to spend 10 minutes lecturing the children and turning primary into a you're-not-being-reverent fest. If you say that question out loud it should take you a whole 10 seconds. Little reminders go a long way and can make a big difference! Another one could include, Our primary is a place where we come to feel the spirit. When we don't show love for our scriptures or murmur about them do you think the spirit wants to be with us? Again, if you say it out loud it should take maybe 12 seconds. You don't need to give them the evil eye or single them out and embarrass them. Little reminders go a long way.

3. How are you asking them to take out their scriptures? If there is a problem may I suggest rewording your questions. Instead of, "Please turn to Hebrews 12:12. What does this scripture mean?" try "Christina, please take Jacob's hand and raise it in the air. Ok! Hold it there! Have I got a scripture for you, let's go to Hebrews... where's that at? Right! The New Testament in the Bible, which is bigger than the Book of Mormon. Chapter 12, Verse 12. Who feels comfortable reading that? Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down.... hmmmm. Does this mean we need to always have our hands lifted in the air? Thanks Christina and Jacob for your help and Hannah for reading." It's a little bit more enthusiastic. You've got a visual and movement to go along with it. And it's different from the norm. So... try rewording. Also are you asking for a 10 verse scriputre? Think about length. Just think about it.

4. Repetition. Repetition. Repetition. You can never get too much of a good thing. Ask where the book of Matthew is found? Hold up the Bible and the Book of Mormon to show the difference of size. We look at the top of the page to find the books and chapters. There is an index at the beginning! Then have the children repeat ways back to you on how to find scriptures? Do this often! Repetition! Some children aren't going to learn this at home, don't assume anything. Learn together the songs in the primary children's songbook p.114, p.116, and p.119.

5. Write the scripture on the board and spell it out loud as you do so. E-C-C-L-E-S-E-A-S-T-E-S, wow! That's a mouthful and a lot of letters! Most 8-11 year olds have a hard time pronouncing let alone knowing how to spell something which would in turn make it harder to look up.

6. Encourage the children to HELP EACH OTHER. Once you've found it, how many others can you help? Teachers aren't glued to their chairs either. Getting up improves circulation. Even the pianist can help! Let's find the scripture! And then of course, let them know how proud you are to see them helping each other. Ask, Do you think our Savior is smiling right now because of your kindness? I fear our children don't hear enough how truly wonderful they are.

7. Is your environment safe? Is primary a time where children can be honest and themselves? Is it OK for the children to make reading mistakes in your primary... or is there snickering from other children? Are teachers constantly correcting them as they read? Because that is a total killjoy. You need to make sure Primary is a place where children feel safe. A place where they can read and be happy. Some children really don't feel comfortable reading.

Don't force them.

Let them read without interrupting them.

If they look to you for help, help them.

If they make a mistake, is it really that big of a deal?

If it's a short scripture they could all read it together! This is called choral reading.

Give them 1 minute to read it to themselves... it doesn't always have to be read out loud!

And of course thank them and tell them great job when they are finished! Don't forget!!

Create that place where the spirit can thrive. Where children are comfortable reading.

8. Have visuals... yes, even for senior sharing time. We're going to take a deeper look at the journey of Lehi's family in the wilderness. Hold up a Gospel Art Kit 301. Picture yourself riding a camel! It might sound like fun, but let's go to the first book of Nephi... right in the front of what? the bible? Right! Almost! First book in the Book of Mormon. Chapter 17. Verse 4. Frank, thanks for reading it for us! 8 years!!!! On a camel!! Let's take a vote, raise your hand if you think you could travel for 8 years on a camel!! Visuals can help the scriptures be more real.(Hold up the picture again... close where they can actually see)

9. Don't ask for volunteers. Call on people politely. Choose your readers carefully... which means you have to know your children, so get to know them! I'm not saying always choose the good readers, but help build the confidence of those who aren't as strong with smaller scriptures. And thank them with words and plenty of smiles.

10. When starting your lesson express how happy you are everyone brought their scriptures. And be genuine about it. The best lesson I've ever facilitated was when I felt prompted to completely drop the lesson and ask them to take out their scriptures and inform them they would be teaching each other and myself. I asked them one thing. Prove to me and to each other that God is real. You can use your scriptures or hymn books. I gave them a good 5 minutes to look whatever they wanted up. Some didn't know where to start. We looked at the topical guides. I called on children I knew would be ready, some still needed more time. They quickly caught on to the idea that hymns have scriptures that go along with them. It really was beyond words. After the lesson, I was bearing testimony and every single child still had their heads buried in the scriptures searching for more. That was one of the happiest moments in my life. I felt so very close to the Savior.

Let us never underestimate the power of the scriptures. Please know these are just personal opinions. I'm not an expert. If you pray to Heavenly Father He will answer... much much much times infinity better than I ever could. Still it is my hope that these words can be food for thought.

Much love to you Sister Janarah and all you wonderful Primary workers out there striving to make the world a better place, one child at a time!

There are 56 children staring at me. What do I do?

Image courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by Milton CJ, Norway 9/2007

There are 56 children staring at me. What do I do?

I hope this isn't blasphemous to relate the franchise McDonald's to the church. Please, bare with me.

We know that the key to a franchise is everything the same. Ray Kroc, one of the founders of McDonald's has said, "We have found out... that we cannot trust some people who are nonconformists. We will make conformists out of them in a hurry... The organization cannot trust the individual; the individual must trust the organization." From Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser p.5

Point Sofia? Really? Are you getting there? Yes! I love our church! We trust explicitly in our church, because it is Christ's church. But He in return trusts us. A church of laymen. How very exceptional. Which brings me to my question...

There are 56 children staring at me. What do I do?

~ I guess I should mention that it's sharing time. They've already been sitting for an hour. And 1 kid is picking his nose and wiping it under his chair. ~

1. Don't panic. Really. Don't panic. They feed off fear. Besides, you've prayed at least 3 times about the lesson you prepared on Tuesday... God is with you!! Thank you Alma 26:12. (Did you notice how I ever so subtlety weaved in the importance of you praying over the lesson multiple times and preparing it in a timely manner - not the night before. Cough. Cough.)

2. Be enthusiastic. I'm not saying bounce off the wall and shake a tambourine... they feed off hyperactivity. But the gospel is exciting! Find a balance between enthusiasm and peacefulness where the spirit can be felt.

3. Let the children know YOU EXPECT THEM TO PLEASE RAISE THEIR HANDS. If you are in a primary with 5 or more children, then they need to raise their hand. They feed off chaos. State: I only call on those raising their hand. Or. God's house is a house of order, we raise our hands to be respectful of others, Heavenly Father and His house. Or. Thank you so much for remembering to raise your hand! Or. I will call on Lila because she is raising her hand so reverently. Yes, kids get excited and you don't want to kill their happiness... but you need to create an environment where the spirit can be felt. (Again, I might be too suave... but did you notice how I weaved in lots of pleases and thank you's... if you want manners, you've got to give manners!)

4. ~ Teach. Don't talk at them. Teach. Let the children SHARE their ideas. Teach. Have you lost them... are there now 4 nose pickers wiping on the chairs? Regroup. Change. Sing a song. Stretch. Back down to 1 picker? Continue and Teach. ~ They feed off boredom. Long thought I couldn't figure out how to condense. My apologies. I have found some people get up there and kind of just stand, look at their paper, shuffle their feet, clear their throat, say "I lost my place. Hold on" 3 minutes later.... more standing. Be bold. Be brave. Teach the lesson. Confidence. God has called you and He loves you.

5. Evaluate the lesson afterwards. What worked? What didn't work? And most importantly, did you feel the spirit and were the children given the opportunity to come closer to Christ? In the primary outline they provide a sharing time planning sheet... at the end is... drum roll please.... a spot for "Evaluation: Did we accomplish what we wanted to have happen? How could we improve?" We are our own worst critics, so make sure you give yourself at least 4 positive thoughts on what went right.. before calling the Young Men's President for a service project: scraping off green crusties for those primary room chairs.Really. You are fantastic. The lesson probably went spectacular!!

I hope that answers the question. It can all be so overwhelming. But Jesus Christ lives. We aren't all wearing polos, ghastly visors (Sorry. I really have a problem with visors. They are discriminatory towards bald people.) and flipping burgers... Cookie cutter models of an organization that is cautiously eyeing us from the corner. We are individuals whom the Lord has suffered so greatly for. Individuals whom He trusts. I'll end with truth. Glorious and hopeful truth. D&C 6: 32-37

" 32 Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you.
33 Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward.
34 Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
35 Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.
36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
37 Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen. "