February 2010 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

Gospel Art Book Jesus Calms the Storm

Monthly Theme: Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.
Monthly Scripture: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Ideas are seperated by *'s. I'm not saying to use all *'d ideas in a lesson. Pick and Choose my friends. Pick and choose. AND DON'T FORGET TO BEAR TESTIMONY!!! Of all subjects these are most important for you to BEAR TESTIMONY at the end of your lesson!!!

Week 1 Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.

* Have __________is my Savior and Redeemer. written on the chalk board. As children come in write their names all over the chalk board. When it's time to start, talk about some of the beautiful names on the board. Add a few more names to the list that they can think of. But what is the name that fills in the blank of our sentence?

Read Mosiah 5:8 " ....There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives."

* Foam Finger Pointer. ($1 at the Dollar Store or you can make a large one out of a grocery paper bag) Invite a child to come to the front and wear the foam finger. Sing -you can do it by yourself, invite the other adults or have the children open up page # 103 in the Hymn book and sing too! In Hymn # 103 Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer, there are some words that are repeated. Have the child wearing the foam finger point to a picture anywhere in the room that these repeated words describe. Children sitting down can also use their pointer finger when the repeated word is sung.
What were the repeated words?

* Have a few children come up to the front. Have a blue towel, an airplane, a large rock... Sing Hymn # 104, Jesus, Savior, Pilot me. Have a child fly the airplane through the stormy waters (children waving towel) while holding the hand of another child who is holding a picture of Christ.
Talk about THIS story (Captain Sullenberger and US Airways Flight 1549) with the children. It even has pictures! Was he a pretty awesome Pilot? Just as that pilot saved the lives of so many people, Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer ready to lead us and pilot us to safety.

* Turn off the lights. Is anyone afraid of the dark? Has anyone had a scary experience in the dark? Joseph Smith sure did! Yet we know Jesus Christ saved Joseph Smith from the dark and that "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalms 27:1) Turn on the lights.

* Look at the church logo. What stands out? How important is Jesus Christ to us and the church?

"There cannot be any doubt in the heart of a Latter-day Saint regarding Jesus Christ's being the Son of the living God... Any individual who does not acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world, has no business to be associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, 23-24) Woah!Pretty important!!

* What does Savior and Redeemer mean? Those are big words!

* Show the children a picture of a boat round life saver. Ask them what is it? How is this picture like Jesus Christ? Have the GAK picture of Jesus stilling the storm. Prepare questions, put songs to sing and scriptures to read based on Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer on different paper life savers around the GAK picture for the children to come choose and answer. At the end of the lesson life saver candies might be appropriate to pass out! AT YOUR DISCRETION!!! Remember " What is the policy for food in Primary? Food should only be provided when it is included as part of a lesson or as a snack for the children in the nursery class. Be sure to consult with the parents of each child about any dietary restrictions that may be caused by conditions such as diabetes or allergies" (see Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 239).

* Click HERE and scroll down to week 2 ideas

Week 2 and 3 Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind may be saved.

* SING the 3rd Article of Faith song. Have the children use their arms to raise or lower as they sing the notes. Notice how the ending of the song they must raise their arms, just like the Atonement will raise and save us in the end after all we can do!

* "No doctrine in the gospel is more important than the Atonement of Jesus Christ. If the gospel were compared to a wheel, the Atonement would be the hub and all other doctrines would be the spokes emanating from the hub." (Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual , pg. 22) Draw a picture of this on the chalk board to illustrate.

* Pass out a sheet of blank paper and some crayons. Invite the children to draw or write whatever they feel as you sing them a song. Sing Hymn #193 I Stand All Amazed. (Or have a special guest come in and sing) Invite children to finish and share their work while the piano player quietly plays the song. In between children coming up to the front and sharing, read scriptures having to do with the Atonement like 2 Nephi 9:21, Mosiah 3:7, Matthew 26:39, etc.

* Have a few items on a table for a child to buy. Give them 5 tickets. All items for sale cost 100 tickets. Can they buy the items with 5? Lo siento cuate... sorry man, it's a no go! This is called falling short. And likewise we, by ourselves, will never do or have enough tickets to get into heaven.

"Each of us lives on a kind of spiritual credit. One day the account will be closed, a settlement demanded. However casually we may view it now, when that day comes and the foreclosure is imminent, we will look around in restless agony for someone, anyone, to help us. And by eternal law, mercy cannot be extended save there be one who is both willing and able to assume our debt and pay the price and arrange the terms for our redemption... But know this: Truth, glorious truth, proclaims there is such a Mediator. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and me, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Tim. 2:5)" (Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 1977, 55-56)

* Here is a lesson on the Atonement from the Primary 3: Choose the Right B manual.

* Here is a lesson on the Atonement from the Primary 7: New Testament manual.

* Flip through a magazine. Let children rip out a picture of a random person and stand in front holding the picture. Have them come up 2 at a time to do this. Can these strangers and random people be saved? HOW? Invite a child to recite the 3rd article of faith, emphasize ALL MANKIND.

* 3 Nephi 27:19 "And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end."

Have a demonstration on how to get something clean... like having a white shirt and removing stains with a bleach pen. (Do it at home first to make sure it will work!!) Let the children use the pen to remove the stains as they answer questions, sing songs and read scriptures having to do with the atonement.

* Have the pianist play Hymn #339 My Country, 'Tis of Thee. What price was paid for our freedom here in this country? How many wars have we had? How much blood has been shed for us to live the way we do? Encourage children to look for special hats of Veterans and thank them for their service to our country. Invite some Young Men in to talk about the importance of showing respect for the flag.

Even a greater blood was shed for our freedom. Display a picture of Christ in Gethsemane. Even greater reverence and respect should be shown for The Merciful One who has saved us.

Have an American flag. When we see our flag, we show reverence and think about what our great country means to us. Have popsicle sticks with white paper attached. Let the children create flags to help remember the Atonement of Christ. Have them share with their families and put in a spot where it will help them remember throughout the week of Jesus and His sacrifice to save us. As we sometimes stop and stand during the raising of the American flag... do so at home every time you walk by your flag and take the moment to thank Heavenly Father in silent prayer for our Redeemer. And for other countries, please tailor to your wonderful country's flag!

Week 4 Jesus Christ was resurrected, and I will be too.

* Bring in a tank of helium and 10-12 balloons. Check with priesthood on this! We don't want to blow up any church buildings, so make sure to get pre-approval. Have a list of 10-12 total questions, songs and scriptures having to do with the Resurrection. Can a balloon rise without helium? So we can't rise without Jesus Christ!! As the children answer questions, sing or read scriptures, invite them to the front, blow up the balloon and let the child let go of it so all can see it rise.

Alma 11:41 "...For behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged according to their works."

* Click HERE and scroll down to the week 3 ideas.

* Divide into groups and give each group 10 verses each in Luke chapter 24. Have a picture of the resurrected Christ and draw lines from it as the children share what this chapter teaches us about the resurrection. Ideas might include:
"Jesus Christ is a resurrected being who is able to vanish and reappear, walk, reason, stand, speak, ask questions, respond, read the mind of others, command and instruct from the scriptures.... Jesus also has a tangible body of flesh and bones that can be seen and felt by others and that can eat the food of mortals." (Jay Parry & Donald Parry, Understanding Death and the Resurrection, pg.243)

So out of all these ideas what do you look forward to most as a resurrected being?

* Have a picture of a sign "Dead End". What does this mean? Have a plastic toy bulldozer. How is Jesus Christ like a bulldozer? To some it may seem like when we die, there is no where else to go. But we know that there is more beyond the grave and Jesus has cleared the way because of His atonement and resurrection! Have the bulldozer run over the dead end sign!

* A WONDERFUL short video to show "Sunday will Come", click HERE!!

* A wonderful idea from Cheryl Esplin, Jesus Christ Is My Savior,” Friend, Apr 2009, 10–12 "Beforehand and with approval of the bishop or branch president, invite a member who has experienced the death of a loved one to bear testimony of what the Resurrection means to him or her.

Put the following GAK pictures in a pile in the following order with 227 on top: GAK 227 (Jesus Praying in Gethsemane), GAK 228 (The Betrayal of Jesus), GAK 230 (The Crucifixion), GAK 231 (Burial of Jesus), GAK 233 (Mary and the Resurrected Lord), GAK 234 (Jesus Shows His Wounds), and GAK 316 (Jesus Teaching in the Western Hemisphere).

While the pianist plays “Beautiful Savior” (pp. 62–63), have the children pass around a small stone. Tell them it is symbolic of the stone rolled in front of the opening of Christ’s tomb. When the music stops, have the child holding the stone take the picture from the top of the pile and tell about it or choose someone to help. Continue for each picture, pausing after GAK 234 to sing the second verse of “On a Golden Springtime” (p. 88) and to read Luke 24:39 in unison.

Have the children feel their hands to help them understand that after Jesus was resurrected, the Apostles could feel His hands just as the children can feel their own hands. Continue with the rest of the pictures. Teach that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, everyone who has ever lived on the earth will be resurrected. Have the invited guest bear testimony. Sing “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (p. 64). At the end of the third verse, have the children stand when singing the words “Oh yes! And so shall I!”

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.

LDS Primary 101 Quiz

Image courtesy creative commons license Flickr.com by Billaday April 2008

This is a quiz. You will not be graded. However, if you answer *'d questions incorrectly, imagine me taking a rubber band and flicking your arm with it... repeatedly.

*1. It's Sacrament Meeting and a primary child is sitting behind you. Do you...

A. Ignore the child
B. Say Hello and smile at the child
C. Pretend the child isn't there
D. Why would I notice a child behind me?

2. I don't know all the names of the Primary children yet. What do I do?

A. Learn the names quickly
B. Use phrases like "I'll call on my beautiful friend in the pink polka dot dress or I'll call on my handsome future missionary friend with the really awesome blue striped tie."
C. Don't sweat it. The children won't even remember in 5 years.
D. Both A and B

3. Do I need to know the songs the children are learning if I'm in the Primary Presidency?

A. Yes
B. No
C. Maybe So
D. WWJD?

4. Where should I sit during Primary if I'm in the Presidency?

A. In the back, far away from the children with other adults
B. By the Pianist, after all, you don't want her to get lonely
C. Right smack dab in the middle of the action with the kiddos
D. Did I need to be in the Primary room during Primary?

5. I'm the Primary Pianist, how often should I sit by the piano?

A. Always
B. When I need to play, otherwise I can sit by children too
C. When I need to play, otherwise I can sit in the back and talk to adults

6. The children are talking while I'm talking and don't seem to be paying attention. I should...

A. Give up and cry, and then go home and cry some more
B. Just keep on going with the lesson
C. Pretend I'm on a beach with luscious pineapple juice listening to the calming waves, zone out and let them (as in the Primary children) do their own thing
D. Wait... and wait... and wait... until they look up... what's 15 minutes of waiting?
E. Have them do a 10 second motion activity to redirect their attention like "Get out your pencils please! (Taking your finger) Let's write in the air, I'm getting all my wiggles out. And sign your name... S-O-F-I-A! Great job, pencils down but hands up if you can answer my next question..."

*7. I should prepare my lesson...

A. At least a week in advance
B. 2 nights before
C. When it comes to me it comes to me

8. Sharing Time lessons should be...

A. Cute
B. Fun
C. Very calm
D. Engaging

9. I'm teaching a lesson, but it's a little hard to hear because the adults are talking. I should...

A. Ask the adults to please show respect and reverence during your lesson and promise you'll do the same for them. After all, how can you expect that of the children if the adults aren't being good examples?
B. Flick them with a rubber band afterwards
C. Why worry about it! End the lesson early and go get the scoop on the latest news.
D. Bang fist on the wall and yell, "You guys are being real pills! Shut it! NOW!!!!" Good thing those anger management classes are working out.

*10. Primary should be a place where children AND adults...

A. Learn about Christ
B. Feel the Spirit
C. Enjoy themselves and Feel Safe
D. All of the above

Answers:
1. B!!!!!!!!!! 2. D 3. I'll take A or D 4. C 5. B 6. E 7. A 8. D 9. A possibly B - although violence is never the answer 10. D

President John Taylor said, “It is true intelligence for a man to take a subject that is mysterious and great in itself and to unfold and simplify it so that a child can understand it” (“Discourse,” Deseret News, Sept. 30, 1857, 238)

YOU ARE TRULY INTELLIGENT!!!! You may feel intimidated at times times and unsure of what you are doing. It may even feel impossible, but remember... " With God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE." (Matthew 19:26) He will guide you as you prayerfully prepare and adhere to the Sharing Time Outline topics for each week.

My First Giveaway!

I love getting free things! And I realize I've been stingy, I mean really... it's Christmas!

So I'm not really going all out.

Forgive me.
I drive a 95' Buick and 2 of the windows don't roll down. Or up for that matter.
If I had more I'd giveaway a $1,000 shopping spree to Barnes and Noble.
Please re-read that sentence, key word if.
But the giveaway is for one of my ALL TIME favorite books!

What does this book have to do with primary?
Absolutely nothing!

However, the main character in this book reminds me of all the many wonderful and kind souls who leave such beautiful messages and thoughtful words! You are all Stargirls to me! Except the men, obviously. I will try to figure out the whole random number generator thingy, but if not, I'll be honest and just choose a number from a hat. I'll choose a winner on January 1, 2010!

So just leave a comment on what you're looking forward to in primary for the upcoming year and a way for me to get a hold of you when you win!

And I just thought I'd mention, I'm actually no longer in Primary. I'm the Relief Society Meeting Coordinator... I know, mouthful right? But I still plan on doing monthly ideas, so yeah. That's it. Thanks!

Update Jan 1. 2009 10:10 PM:

** THE RESULTS ARE IN **

I went to random.org and used their number generator thingy...

the winner is (poms poms up!)

Katie !!

" What I am looking forward to this year in Primary is everything being new and exciting. I was just called to be the Primary President (I have never served in Primary and was the RS President right up until I was called to Primary) and I have great counselors. Our Branch just split and we are part of the new Branch that was just organized in our home town...we're so excited not to have to make the two hour round trip to church every Sunday. We've had one Sunday in our new callings and two weeks to think, read, plan, study and pray about things and I am so happily overwhelmed at where to start. I had no idea how much work goes into Primary- it is unfathomable. What a blessing Primary workers can be in the lives of children. I am so grateful and humbled to be a part of this work. This is going to be an amazing year."
December 26, 2009 9:11 PM

And can I just say I love your phrase "happily overwhelmed"! It's vocab fresh!

but because I just happen to have a extra, I again punched into the number generator thingy and....

Michelle !!

"I am truly looking forward to teaching sharing times focused around Christ and his love for us. I love the gospel and desire to share it with the children in our ward. We have such wonderful, precocious children in our primary that every week is a new adventure to find."

Thanks everyone for participating! We'll have to do this again soon! God be with you the upcoming year as you teach and inspire by the spirit!

"I Know That My Savior Loves Me" Primary Song Helps and Ideas

Jesus Loves Me image courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by Gtol Aug. 13, 2009

I Know That My Savior Loves Me

Words and Music by Tami Jeppson Creamer and Derena Bell

First off, do you not love ALL the tips given in the sharing time outline for how to use music in primary!! (Found on page 26-27)

Did you notice my personal favorite sentence of all times, "ALWAYS SING THE WORDS OF A NEW SONG TO THE CHILDREN - DON'T JUST READ OR RECITE THEM." (pg. 27) Thank you!! Amen!! Pet peeve addressed and made clear. Phew! But I admit, this sentence also fills my soul, "To teach a song effectively, you must know the song yourself." (pg. 27) Preach on!! It's been said, so either we'll follow or be mediocre. Boo mediocrity! We will do great!

To learn a song, visuals always help! Let your artistic side go wild! These are ideas more for once the song is learned.

* I Know that My Savior Loves Me - spinner! Have a large poster board with a circle divided into 8 sections. Attach an arrow that can spin. In each section write a word that shows how the Savior loves us and that can be doubled as a way to sing the song. For example "Rain. Sing Staccato/short and choppy." or "Mountains. Sing big and grand!" or "Small kittens. Sing soft and gentle." or "Missionaries with Books of Mormon. Sing valiantly while marching." Invite children who sing to come up and spin!

* Have a picture of the Savior. Tell the children that as you hear them singing you are going to put up some pictures of friends who know that the Savior loves them. They might know a few of these friends!! Close your eyes and reach into a can and draw out a few pictures of children from the primary! Wow! The primary sang so well you'll draw out another 5 pictures!! Have a child come up, close their eyes and draw out some pictures! Keep it positive! See if you can get all the primary children pictures up!

* Invite 2 children to come to front while everyone is singing this song. Give them white boards/ dry erase boards (you can get at target for $1 or the dollar store) to draw on. They will draw something that helps them know that the Savior loves them. They can call on a few children to guess what they have drawn. Then they show their pictures! Sing again and invite a couple more children up!

* While singing the song have a large letter L , R, and B. When you hold up the L, R, or B they will either have to stand on their left, right, or both feet.

* Invite 2 children up. One boy can wear a stone necklace and a girl can wear a flower headband for verse one. For verse 2 have them switch to him wearing a tie and ribbon in her hair. The song has different times, places, and children - but the same love from our Savior! Sing the song and have the children listen for the different times (a long time ago - now), places (beautiful place gathered round' Jesus - here in a beautiful place) and children (each saw the tears on His face - lighting my path)

January 2010 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

(One of the greatest "proofs" that Heavenly Father and Jesus love me is this good looking(understatement) guy pictured above. And yes. That is MC Hammer's original Can't Touch This outfit circa 1990. Long story, friend of a friend, yada yada. The day before we were to be married, I lost my purse at a casino buffet. This purse had my temple recommend and I was going to get my endowments out within the next 5 hours. I thought it was a sign from above that we were just not meant to be. I was heart broken, devastated and confined to utter agony as I sat crying in the car. We had searched all over, my bishop was gone... it had all just stacked up. But not to what I thought, to a miracle! Something sweet to remind me that God had a big hand in our being together. For you see, my sweetheart didn't panic or give up. He went back to the casino, checked the buffet who didn't have the purse, checked the lost and found who DID happen to have the purse - which is absolutely nothing but a miracle, because if you lose something in a casino, it's gone, hasta luego man - and voila, there was my temple recommend with 1 hour to spare. Does God love me? I know so. Does He live? Absolutely. Can you see His miracles in your life?)

Monthly Theme: We Believe in God the Eternal Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Monthly Scripture: "We Believe in God the Eternal Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ." (Articles of Faith 1:1)

* Before you teach anything this month, I HIGHLY recommend you read THIS!! It is modern day revelation having to do with this month's theme.

* Here is a simple experiment/demonstration. I think it can easily show that when we fill our jars with faith and knowledge that Heavenly Father, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are there, then do our very best to live how they have shown us.... we won't fall down!

Week 1 God is the Father of my spirit.

* Pass out a piece of white paper and have the children fold it into fourths. Give them each a pencil. Sing O My Father (Hymns pg. 292) and have them draw what they hear for each verse in each section of the paper. Older children can write down words that stick out to them as they listen. Have the children share what they heard or felt.

* Is it a good idea to listen to your father? What are some things your fathers ask you to do?
Did Laman and Lemuel obey their father Lehi? What about the Father of their spirits?

Hebrews 12:9 "Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?"

* Ask the children to turn to the topical guide in the Bible and look under "Man, A Spirit Child of Heavenly Father" Count as a primary how many different scriptures tell about this truth. Have a couple children volunteer to look up whatever scripture they like from this list in the topical guide and read to the primary.

* Brigham Young said, "I want to tell you, each and every one of you, that you are well acquainted with God our Heavenly Father, or the great Elohim. You are all well acquainted with him, for there is not a soul of you but what has lived in his house and dwelt with him year after year; and yet you are seeking to become acquainted with him, when the fact is, you have merely forgotten what you did know. There is not a person here today but what is a son or a daughter of that Being. In the spirit world their spirits were first begotten and brought forth, and they lived there with their parents for ages before they came here."(Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, 50)

Have a large poster board of an outline of a house. Have cut outs of things like stairs, chairs, furniture, family members for the children to tape on the house. Have questions, songs and scriptures that have to do with God as the father of our spirits attached to the back of the cut outs for the children to answer before they put them on.

Repeat the emphasized part of the Brigham Young quote and bear testimony that you shall return one day again to the home of our Father who so lovingly created our spirits!

* "All of you are children of the most High." Psalm 82:6

Pass out little paper crowns. Have the children write down a name of a primary friend and what makes that friend so special. (A faith in God requirement under service could be filled by doing this • "Make a list of the qualities you like in a person. Choose one quality to develop in yourself. Discuss how showing respect and kindness strengthens you, your family, and others") Teachers will have to help little ones. Let them bring it up and put in a jar. Throughout your lesson pull out crowns and read what was written. This would be a great way to help encourage reverence... for example you could say, "Everyone is singing so nicely, I'm going to pull out 2 crowns to read!" or " This little sunbeam has kept his legs so still, I'm so proud of him I'm going to read another crown!" Also, repeat the scripture frequently and see if they can learn it by heart! Leave out certain words and motion for them to fill in the blank.

* Very similar is this wonderful idea by Margaret Lifferth, “Sharing Time: I Am a Child of God,” Friend, Feb 2005, 16

Week 2 Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

* Here is a resource for this week from the Primary 1 manual.

* Pass out envelopes to the children. Have them think about one of the most precious things they have in life and write it on the envelope. Have a mailbox in front. Tell the children you are going to tap the shoulders of those singing nicely to come up and deliver their envelope while singing He Sent His Son (Children's Songbook pg.34). Would it be hard to send away one of the things you love most in life? Yet that is what Heavenly Father did, He sent His Son. And He did this because he loves us. We must love Him too.

* Ask the children this simple question: Who is Jesus Christ?

Show a picture of Peter and share his response to that same question, found in Matthew 16:13-16, "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Hand out paper (BLANK!!!) for the children to make a picture of their Savior . Help them write down their testimony of who Christ is.

* Hand out pass along cards to the children and encourage them to give these to friends. Have a computer set up and show them THIS video off of Mormon.org . Many friends do not know who Jesus Christ is. We can help by testifying and giving out pass along cards so they can go to that website and find out! Invite the missionaries in to bear their testimony's of who Christ is.

* Shrink a bunch of GAK pictures from the life of Christ to the size of an index card. Print out and tape on the children's back. Have them go around and ask questions to other Primary children to find out what picture they have. The life of Jesus is amazing and perfect - and that's because He is the Son of God!

Weeks 3 and 4 Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me.

* Have the children divide into small groups. Give them each a small bag with simple objects in them. Have them create a skit using those objects to teach how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me.

* “The eternal truth that our Heavenly Father loves all his children is an immensely powerful idea... Love is the most powerful force in the world.” (Dallin H. Oaks,"Powerful Ideas," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 25)

Bring in 2 really strong magnets. Show how hard it is to pull apart. What happens if you put them close together again? Just like the magnets, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and when we love them too, few things can separate us!!!

* John 15: 9 "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love."

Make a circle and pass around 2 bean bags (let's say they are green and blue). Ask, does a circle have an end? No! And neither should love! Have the pianist play songs that have to do with love. When she stops the music whoever is holding the blue bean bag answers How do I know Heavenly Father and Jesus love me? and the child holding the green bean bag must answer How can I show love for my Heavenly Father and Jesus? Continue playing on!

* Pass out some small paper hearts. Read 1 John 4:7-12, 16-21 and ask them to hold up their heart every time they hear the word love.

Ask the children to write or draw on their hearts how they know Heavenly Father and Jesus love us. Have them make as many as they like! Give the hearts to the activity day girls, or a couple volunteers, to go heart attack (tape hearts all over their house door) the Bishop or an Elderly Friend in the ward!

* Have a few adults come dressed up as Alma, Ammon and the sons of Mosiah. Have them talk about their life story and how through the Love of God and Jesus, they were able to turn their lives around and help convert thousands! Perhaps they can even quote Alma 26:15 emphasizing "the matchless bounty of His love".

* Here is a lesson from Primary 1: I Am a Child of God, Here is a lesson from Primary 2: Choose the Right A, Here is a lesson from Primary 3: Choose the Right B, (1994), all having to do with this week's theme.

* Have a stick figure drawn on the board... Sad Sammy. Explain that Sad Sammy is a great friend of yours, but he is utterly sad. He has asked you a question and you were hoping the Primary could help him by answering. Write this statement and question on the board, "Heavenly Father and Jesus love me. Why do bad things still happen though to make me so sad?" Let the primary children SHARE their thoughts.

Invite one child up to be Job. Here is a very readable narrative of the story of Job. Have simple props and a costume for Job. I love putting fruit-by-the-foot (the chewy fruit rolls) on Job "making boils" and then nibbling a little.

Did Heavenly Father and Jesus love Job? How do you know this? How do you know that they love you too? Make sure to tell the primary children thanks, they have really helped out Sad Sammy. Now that they've answered his question and he knows that Heavenly Father and Jesus love him - he's Satisfied Sammy!

December 2009 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

Gospel Art Book Joseph and Mary Travel to Bethlehem

Monthly Theme: My family is blessed when we remember Jesus
Christ.
Monthly Scripture: “I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he
shall stand at the latter day upon the earth” ( Job 19:25).

Week 1 Jesus was born into a family.

* Get some baby pictures of different primary children. Gather information on how those children were born. Show the primary children these pictures and tell the stories. Let them guess who the baby is. Tell them you have one more story of another precious baby. This baby’s mommy had an angel visit her and the man she was going to marry. An evil king wanted this baby killed. This baby had 3 wonderful and powerful men travel from a long distance by camel to give him gifts. This baby had a cousin his same age. This baby had younger brothers once he was grown. Etc. (Have Christmas story clues as well as actual family clues of Jesus) Have pictures to describe the clues. Our Savior’s birth was quite different from ours, but we can follow His example and try to live our lives like His life and be great like He is.

* In the topical guide (p.246 & 247) are the categories “Jesus Christ, Family of” and “Jesus Christ, Firstborn”. We know the story of the nativity, but what do we really know about Jesus’ earthly and heavenly family? Have a drawing of a baby in a manger (to represent Jesus) on the blackboard. Divide into groups and have them look up this in the topical guide. Give them a few minutes and then invite each group to write by the manger things about Christ and His family. To give younger children an opportunity too, have them share things they know about the birth of Jesus to add to the board. (Drawing a picture of a sheep or Mary would be wonderful!) If any children feel the need to criticize art of younger children, it is your duty and responsibility to kindly remind them that primary is a place for all friends to feel safe and loved. The beauty of art is in the eye of the one looking at it!

* Sing Christmas Bells (CS pg. 54). What else would the bells tell the world about Jesus’ birth? Handout paper bells to the children and give them each something different to draw about the birth of the Savior. For example one child draws the angel speaking to Mary, another child draws the cow or sheep that were in the stable, another draws the star or shepherds. Have them all come up with their bell drawings and figure out the order they should be in. Gather up the bells to make a special Christmas book for a primary friend that hasn’t been there in awhile.

* Have 8x10 sheets of white cardstock for the children. Show them how to write large block letters for the word FAMILY. For younger children, just have it already on the paper for them. Sing The Nativity Song (CS pg. 52). Have children draw pictures of the story of Jesus’ birth to his family inside each of the letters. Have them share when finished! Make a sample for them to get ideas from.

Week 2 I remember Jesus when I partake of the sacrament.

* The link of all links for this week can be found here. Thanks Sister Spectacular… I mean Sister Ashton!

* Have a large paper sacrament trays. Have little paper pieces of bread and cups. Have the children come up with ways to remember Jesus or things they think about during the sacrament. Each idea they come up with, invite them up to put a piece of bread or cup in the tray.

* If possible, arrange some rectangular tables to make one big table for the primary children. Carefully place teachers by children who might easily become distracted by the different setup. Have some pictures of the last supper on the table for the children to look at. Have the children share what they think it might have been like during the last supper.

"At the Last Supper, the early Apostles joined the Savior in singing: “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives” (Matt. 26:30). And as we sang each sacrament hymn, the words would be impressed upon our hearts because we had actually sung them. Heavenly thoughts come to your soul when you sing the heavenly music of the Church.” (David B. Haight, “Sing!,” Friend, Jul 1994, inside front cover)

Let the children share favorite stories of Jesus or request reverent songs to sing. Encourage the children to ask questions they might have about the life of the Savior and then encourage other children to answer.

* For Senior Primary, have them look at the sacrament songs in the hymn book. Have them look up scriptures from the bottom right hand corner of the song. Have them look at the words on the upper left hand that describe how we should sing these songs. Then let the children teach you. Have them share anything that they feel impressed to share after reading and pondering these things. Remember, it’s called sharing time for a reason….

Week 3 Remembering Jesus helps me choose the right.

* Sing Every Star is Different (CS pg. 142). In verse 2 it says, “I can help another to learn to choose the right.” Have popsicle sticks with stars glued to the top. On the back of the stars have numbers. Let the children come up and choose a star. Have 10 different scenarios for the children that correspond to the numbers on the stars. After you tell them the situation they have to decide what they would do. Also ask if anyone can think of a similar experience from the Savior’s life.

For example, A close friend from school is having a birthday party. Not just any birthday party, but a space themed party and everyone who goes will get moon rocks. The party is on Sunday. Can anyone think of a story about Jesus and keeping the Sabbath day holy?

* Bring in a bean bag for the children to pass around like reverent hot potato. Have the pianist play Choose the Right Way (CS pg. 160). When the music stops, whoever is holding the bean bag will have to have to tell about a story of Jesus from the Gospel Art Kit picture you hold up. Have about 10 different pictures. Then they will have to tell a choice they will make this week that is a good one.

* "Remembering" is key to this activity! Make a memory matching game! The trick is to have a picture to represent a story of Christ, a scripture or quote to go along with the story and then an additional match with a phrase like “I choose…”.

For example have a picture of Jesus calming the storm, the scripture Psalms 107:29 “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.”, I choose to fear not.

* Ask a child to come to the front and find a small hairpin that is in the room. After a minute or so have another child come up. It’s pretty impossible to do so without help! We need a map! Hand the child a map to find the hairpin. Remember Christ and His example is a map in our lives that helps us make good choices and find happiness!

Week 4 Jesus will come again.

* Have a child come up and hold a rock. Ask the primary what will happen if the child drops the rock? It falls. Have another child come up and demonstrate. There are things we know without any question that are going happen. Just like we are certain and know Jesus will come again.

* Learn the 10th Article of Faith song.Give the children popsicle sticks to learn the melody and move it up or down as they sing. Challenge a child to come up and be a dictionary. Have them hold a dictionary. Ask them the meaning of words in this article of faith that are big. Display GAK 238 The 2^nd Coming and have the children share what they think it will be like when Jesus comes again.

* Show the video segment of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin from Special Witnesses of Christ. Have a nativity with scriptures, songs and questions attached about when Jesus will come again. The first time He came was amazing and so the second time will be!!

* Interesting Fact: “The Lord deals with this people as a tender parent with a child, communicating light and intelligence and the knowledge of his ways as they can bear it. The inhabitants of the earth are asleep; they know no the day of their visitation. The Lord hath set the bow in the cloud for a sign that while it shall be seen, seed time and harvest, summer and winter shall not fail; but when it shall disappear, woe to that generation, for behold the end cometh quickly.” (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith Compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, p.305)

LDS Preach My Gospel Themed Family Home Evening Ideas

We've been encouraged to use this great manual on occasion in FHE.

Please feel free to tailor the following Family Home Evenings to your family's needs. I added a small section where I plan on just going around in a circle and each family member says "I can preach the gospel by..." and then sharing a way to do so based on the concept learned that night.

Also, I print these out and glue them to the front of file folders. I add anything I need to the inside of the folder and it makes it handy for a quick on the spot FHE or Sunday activity.

Fishers of Men

Purpose: Learning about the qualities of the Savior and finding them in my own life.

Display GAK 209 Calling of the Fisherman

Scripture: “At the beginning of His mortal ministry, Jesus Christ walked along the shore of the sea of Galilee and called out to two fisherman, Peter and Andrew. “Follow me,” He said, “and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17) “The Lord has also called you to His work, and He invites you to follow Him. The invitation to follow Christ is an invitation to follow His example and to become like Him.” (p. 115 PMG)

Song: Called to Serve (p.249 Hymns)

Have paper phones or a cell phone for the children to hold up on the word “Called”. Just like the phone, will we answer Heavenly Father’s call to us?

Scripture: 3 Nephi 27:27

Quote: “The Savior has shown the way. He has set the perfect example, and He commands us to become as He is. Learn of Him and seek to incorporate His attributes into your life. Through the power of His Atonement, you can achieve this goal and lead others to achieve it also.” (p. 115 PMG)

Activity: Make 9 paper fish. Using the activity on p. 126 PMG label the 9 fish according to the attributes listed i.e. Faith, Hope, Charity and Love, Virtue, Knowledge, Patience, Humility, Diligence, and Obedience. Put up a small sheet and using a fishing pole (stick with a string and clothespin attached) go fishing for Christ like qualities. When a fish is drawn, ask a question under that attribute found from p. 126. For example, Johnny got the faith fish. Ask, “Do you believe in Christ and accept Him as your Savior?”

Quote: The scriptures describe Christlike attributes that are essential for you to eventually develop as a missionary and throughout your life… Christlike attributes are gifts from God. They come as you use your agency righteously.” (p. 115 PMG)

Song: I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus (p.78 CS)

I can preach the gospel by… (review thoughts of FHE)

Bear Testimony

Hope is the Anchor of Our Souls

Purpose: Exploring the concept of Hope.

Song: Had I been a Child (p. 80 CS) Display GAK 322 Jesus Blesses the Nephite Children. Sing all 3 verses.

Demonstration: Have a child walk across the room. Now ask them to come back and hold on to their leg and don’t let go. Can they walk across the room? This is what an anchor does. It holds something down firmly and won’t let it move.

Quote: “President James E. Faust taught: “Hope is the anchor of our souls… Hope is trust in God’s promises, faith that if we act now, the desired blessings will be fulfilled in the future… The unfailing source of our hope is that we are sons and daughters of God and that His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, saved us from death.” (“Hope, an Anchor of the Soul,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 59-60)

Demonstration: Go outside and try to pull a large tree out of place. Why can’t you move it? What is the anchor of the tree? The roots!!

Activity: Have a drawing of a large tree with 6-10 removable roots. Have children come up to the tree’s anchors/roots and answer questions about Hope. Possible questions could include:

• What is the opposite of Hope?
• When you feel sad or discouraged, what can you have hope in?
• Who do we hope to live eternally with in the celestial kingdom ?
• How does Jesus Christ give us hope?
• Name 3 things you hope for another person in our family.

Possible super way awesome scriptures to look up and add to the roots:

• Moroni 7:40-48
• Ether 12:4
• D&C 138:14
• Alma 32: 37-38, 41-42

Concluding Scripture and Quote: Proverbs 12: 3 “A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.” When we are firm in hope, we can share that with others. “Being blessed with hope, let us, as disciples, reach out to all who, for whatever reason, have ‘moved away from the hope of the gospel’ (Col. 1:23). Let us reach to lift hands which hand hopelessly down.” Elder Neal A. Maxwell (p. 117 PMG)

I can preach the gospel by… (review thoughts of FHE)

Bear Testimony

Possible Ending Song: Popcorn Popping (p. 242 CS)

Reading the Book of Mormon

Purpose: How to understand what we read in the Book of Mormon.

Song: Book of Mormon Stories (p. 118 CS)

Quote: “Please do not take the Book of Mormon for granted. Pray for a vision of how the Book of Mormon can be used more effectively in your mission. I promise that as you do so, your mind will be enlightened with the direction that you should take.” Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (p. 110 PMG)

Our mission is life! “Those who do not read or understand the Book of Mormon will have difficulty receiving a witness that it is true.” (p.110 PMG)

Activity: Spray paint some small round cardboard circles. These will be our golden plates. On the golden plates have one of the following attached to each plate:

• Pick a page! Any page! Point to a scripture and read together! “As you read together, pray that the Holy Ghost will testify to the investigators (or our family J) that the Book of Mormon is true.” (p. 110 PMG)
• Find the title page. What is this?
• Find the last 2 paragraphs of the introduction. What do these words say?
• How does Moroni 10:3-5 help me understand how to gain a testimony?
• Find a chapter heading.
• Find a foot note.
• How do we look up a scripture?
• Can you think of a principle or doctrine using words or phrases from a Book of Mormon prophet?
• If we don’t know the meaning of a certain word, what can we do?
• What does it mean to “liken the scriptures”? (“To ‘liken’ is to create a mental bridge between understanding the doctrine and living the doctrine.” p.110 PMG)

Have the golden plates hidden throughout the room, let the children find them and answer questions.

Song: The Golden Plates (p. 86b CS)

Ending Quote: “The Book of Mormon is a powerful resource in conversion. Use it as your main source for teaching restored truth.” (p. 111 PMG)

I can preach the gospel by… (review thoughts of FHE)

Bear Testimony

As a side note: PMG stands for Preach My Gospel

CS stands for Children's Songbook

I will make sure that Preach My Gospel is used to read quotes from. I want my children to see that this book is important in our home.

A great read: The Power of Preach My Gospel by Elder Richard G. Scott

Another great read: Erich W. Kopischke, “Preach My Gospel—the Unifying Tool between Members and Missionaries,”

Scatter Sunshine Hymns pg. 230 Song Helps

Hello Sunshine courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by Brandon Christopher Warren July 25, 2009

* Make paper sun finger puppets and wiggle on the words “scatter sunshine” or any other word that has to do with happiness!

* Have a bunch of children come up to the front in a line. Have another child with pass along cards. At the chorus, have that child skip to each person to hand out a pass along card. Or for a FHE line up a bunch of stuffed animals for your child to pass out the pass along cards to! How is missionary work like sunshine? Is sharing the gospel service?

* Have some gray clouds throughout the room. Sing the 3^rd verse and have a child take down the clouds and put a sun in it’s place. On the clouds you can have the words to the verse -When the days are gloomy, Meet the world’s repining, Thru the ills of life, O’er it’s toils and strife. And then on the suns the positive words- sing some happy song, with a courage strong, go with faith undaunted, scatter smiles and sunshine.

* Make sunshine wands for the children to use to conduct the song. (This would be especially fun teaching the meter of 6/8… see page 384 in the Hymn Book)

* Have a large paper sun with removable rays! On the rays have different ways to sing the song… girls only, teachers only,sing with eyes closed, sing boldly, etc….

* Have an erasable white board. Invite a child to come to the front and write down words they hear that stick out to them in the song. (Or for younger they can draw a picture of a word they hear) Ask them after you are done singing to share what that word means to them or anyone else who has special thoughts about that word or phrase.

November 2009 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

The young man in the white shirt made my baby a blanket- blue with yellow ducks on it. He spent a lot of time making it. It was crafted with hard work and love. I, as a mother, was beyond grateful to be able to bury my child's body wrapped in the warmth of the Christ-like service of that young man. It wasn't just a blanket... it was safety, it was everything good in this world wrapped around my sweetheart Joe. This young man exemplified walking after the Messiah in true service. You never know how much the things you do will mean to another. And then, as if that wasn't enough, he came with the entire young men's and young women's to clean our backyard even though we weren't in that ward anymore. I would be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity to again thank all my brothers and sisters who have taken the time to serve my family by offering good deeds, words of sincerity, prayers and fasting. I pray every night that God will bless you for the loving kindness you've offered me in my hour of need.

Monthly Theme: My family and I can serve others.

Monthly Scripture: "By love serve one another" Galatians 5:13

Week 1 I am thankful for my family. I will serve them.

* The ward is our family too! Go to the Young Women or Young Men (or whatever auxillary you choose) and as a primary serenade them with beautiful songs. Singing and uplifting the soul is service. Designate one child to ask the young women if there is anything the primary can do to help serve them. If not, then tell them you love them and be on your way to spread more good cheer! Is that someone sitting on the couch in the hallway? Sing on Primary friends! When you get back, ask the children to describe how they felt singing and serving others.

*Teach the children "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel" (Hymns 252). Verse 2 says, "The Church has need of helping hands, And hearts that know and feel. The work to do is here for you;
Put your shoulder to the wheel." Have a string stretching tight across the primary room. Have 10 clothes pins attached to it with pictures of different wheels. Have questions, scriptures and songs pertaining to service on the backs. Let the children come up and pick the wheels.

If possible demonstrate the difference of something on wheels verses something without. For example a toy car with wheels will roll farther than a toy car that is missing wheels. Service is like a wheel because it makes the world go round! Service makes living easier and happier for people and just like the car with no wheels, without service you won't get anywhere in life!

* "We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves--giving of the riches of the heart and mind--and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store." (President James E. Faust, "A Christmas with No Presents," Ensign, Dec.2001, 4) Bring in the wrapping paper, after Christmas clearance bows, tape and scissors. Have children write down some things they can do for their family to serve them. Put the ideas down in an envelope and LET THE CHILDREN wrap the envelope... be sure to have plenty of tape.

* Project WAVE. If you have a smaller primary take a walk outside and every person you see smile and WAVE to! (Set your expectations clearly before you leave- walking slowly, soft voices... etc) Mahtma Gandi said, "You must BE the change you wish to see in the world." (A personal all time favorite quote) Really the whole world is our family, we are all brothers and sisters. What are the small and simple things we can do to make a difference and serve them? Challenge the children when they are in the car running errands with mom or whoever... to try to smile and wave to other people driving! Thich Nhat Hanh once said, "Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile and sometimes your smile is the source of your joy."

Week 2 My family will serve others.

* Bring in a small lunch size milk carton, frosting, graham crackers, small candies to decorate... etc. Have little strips of paper with questions, scriptures and songs on service. As the children choose and do the things on the paper invite them to help build a home! Service makes life a little sweeter and my family will serve others!! Joshua 24:15 "Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

* You be the Judge! Have a black sheet and little gavel for a primary child to dress up as a judge. Give different scenarios for the child to judge if that family (scripture or church history) did a good job serving. For example Nephi had to build a boat... what did his brothers do? Was that a good example of service? Why or Why not? Another example could include the people in the city of Enoch were so righteous they were taken to heaven. How were they a family and what do you think they did to serve each other? You'll need to prepare plenty of questions for the judge and the judge of course can get as much help as he needs from the jury (his primary friends!).

3 Nephi 27:13-15 "I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given you- that I came into the world to do the will of my Gather, because my Father sent me. And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be JUDGED OF THEIR WORKS, whether they be food or whether they be evil- And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be JUDGED ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS." Judged of what? Our works! So my family WILL serve others!!

* You are loved! Help the children color and cut out a bunch of hearts and write the words, "You are loved" on them. Have them put into envelopes to give out to random people WITH their family throughout the next week.

* Elder Russel M. Nelson said, "Joy is a journey, not a destination...Today while we are able, we may turn our hearts to parents and predecessors and bless them with our love- AND LABOR."
(The Gateway We Call Death,1995, pg. 106)

Temple work is extremely important and while we as primary children aren't old enough to go inside we can help our parents or older siblings to prepare to attend. We serve our family and our family will serve others! Make little booklets for the children to draw spiritual pictures on. Type out some scriptures for them to cut and paste (or for the senior primary, encourage them to look up and copy scriptures that are meaningful to them) These booklets are for their family members to take to the temple and look at before they enter to help them feel the spirit

Week 3 I can be a good example for my family.

* "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (from Matthew 5:14-16) I was somewhere (of course I can't remember where) but I saw little tea light candles that were flameless. You could turn these little candles on and then hide them throughout the room with questions, songs or scriptures attatched about being good examples. Turn off the lights and let a child go find a candle.

* "Be thou an example of the believers" (1 Tim. 4:12) Have a piece of paper for the children to make poems (this fills a Faith in God requirement) Have them write the letters BELIEVER and incorporate the letters into phrases of HOW or WHY we should be good examples to our family. For example

Baking cookies for my father
Reading scripturEs every night
A good example Loves others
In Every day of their life
Obedience and Virtue
I will always try to show
To my family I love dearly
EteRnally we will grow.
(Sofia Lykes October 2009 Feel free to use this example ONLY after you've tried writing your own poem! :) Who knows, maybe you're the next Frost!! )

* Who are some great super heroes and what makes them great? I've always thought Superman was pretty fly for a guy wearing blue spandex and red underwear over it. I mean really, I wish my thighs looked that good. Super Heroes do good, setting an example for all to follow. Some Super Heroes are fake, but there are some that are very very real! Bring in a "Good Example" cape and gloves for children to wear during a role play situation. Make up different family situations where you can help "save the day" by being a good example. For example, you are at the store with your mother and little brother. You are bored and really want some gum but mother is saying no. What do you do good example you! (Have them pretend like they are pushing a shopping cart and invite another child to play the silent mother who will listen to what the good example has to say)

The greatest Hero of all times and the greatest example of all times is Jesus Christ. Invite a special guest to come to primary and sing "Never a Better Hero" (by Kenneth Cope)

* Make 3 dioramas out of shoe boxes. (Teaching No Greater Call pg. 165) Choose 3 stories from the life of Christ where He showed us His divine example. For example, you could depict the story of when Satan tempted Him after fasting for 40 days. However, leave little things out of the diorama for the children to find and put in and complete the story.

Unless you have a primary with 5 children, you can't bring in shoe boxes for every child to make dioramas of how they can be good examples to their family. However, the primary can make 3-d pop up scenes. Here is a link on how to make the pop-up paper, then just let them create an artwork of how they could be a good example to their family! Just as Jesus is an example to us, we can be examples to our family!

Week 4 I will prepare now to become a mother or father.

* Invite 3 mothers and fathers in from the ward. Divide up into groups and have the children be news reporters! They will interview those people on how and what it takes to be a good mother or father. Have paper microphones (toilet paper roll with a scrunched up paper balled taped on top) for each group to conduct the interview. Have them report their findings with the primary on what they learned. Then switch the tables, have the guest mothers and fathers ask the children on how they will prepare to become great mothers and fathers!

* Make a fake time capsule box. On the box have the quote by President Monson, "Parents, live your lives in such a way that your children will find you an example worthy of emulation."
( Constant Truths for Changing Times, Liahona, May 2005, 21) Talk about the quote and what it means. I'd be sure to bring up the point not everyone has the greatest parents "worthy of emulation", but YOU CAN BE!!! That's what really matters! What are things the children would put in the time capsule to help them be great parents in the future? Have a large pile of stuff for them to choose from.

With time capsules, you seal it up and bury it, then open in the future. But we're not going to do that today, we'll use the things we put in the capsule NOW to help us prepare to be great mothers and fathers!

* Prepare means to "plan in advance" according to Merriam-Websters Dictionary. Make a giant road map on the blackboard together as a primary. Start with a primary child stick figure at the beginning and have a "great" mother/father stick figure at the end. Have the children come up and draw simple things along the path they need to do to become that in the end.

Alma 7:19 "For I perceive that ye are in the paths of righteousness; I perceive that ye are in the path which leads to the kingdom of God; yea, I perceive that ye are making his paths straight."

* Have a bowl with all of the children's names folded on pieces of small paper. Tell them in the bowl are some of the names of the greatest mothers and fathers that will ever be!! Sing The Dearest Names (Children's Songbook pg. 208) Invite the children to come to the bowl and draw a name. Then have those 2 children play Name that mother! Name that Father! For example: What were the names of Nephi's parents? What can you learn from Lehi/Sariah to help you prepare to be a mother/father? And of course, have plenty of GAK pictures. I also think it would be appropriate to have the children name other primary friends who'd be good parents and why. Let's build each other up!!

Just as a side note, don't be afraid to ask children hard questions. For example, some parents can't have children... how can they be good mothers/fathers? Some people don't end up married, is that OK? Let them answer and think about these things.