September 2008 Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

(Image courtesy Don2G April 2005 found on flickr.com)

This is a continuation post. (Idea's for weeks 1 and 2 can be found here)

Week 3 Heavenly Father knows me. He will answer my prayers in ways that are best for me.

** Have a child come up to the front of the room. Ask them where they would like to go, anywhere in the room! Take them by the hand, take them where they want to go. Invite another child to do the same but this time take them to a picture of Christ up in the room.

Read quote by President Hinckley, " The Lord has said, ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10). What a tremendous promise is given in this statement. If we are without conceit and pride and arrogance, if we are humble and obedient, then the Lord will lead us by the hand and answer our prayers. What greater thing could we ask for? There is nothing to compare with this."

Invite yet one other child and this time lead him to the chalkboard. At the chalkboard have a picture of a child praying (GAK 605) and the lesson's theme written covered by a large piece of paper. Have the child remove the paper.

** Is there a doctor in your ward or branch? Invite them in for a quick 5 minutes. Have a child come up and tell the doctor how to do brain surgery. Hmmmm… that’s tricky. Have another child come up and tell the doctor what medicine he should give a person with the flu. Ask the doctor how long he went to school. How long has he been a doctor? Ask the children if he probably knows more about being a doctor than they do. So it is with Heavenly Father. We should never tell Heavenly Father what to do. We must always ask politely, with reverence and be open to however He sees fit to answer our prayers.

** Divide the children into groups of 3 or 4. Ask them to find out some interesting things about each other. Then have them come up to the front, introduce each other and say one thing they learned about each other. Ask them if they know each other better now? After everyone has shared, ask them if they think they know someone in the room really well... perhaps a brother knows his younger brother really well.

How do you get to know a person? You need to talk to them and spend time with them. Heavenly Father has done this and knows each one of us better than we know ourselves!! When we talk and spend time praying to Him, He will answer our prayers in ways that are best for us.

Read Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

** Feeling ambitious?? Need a change of pace?? Bring in some shoe boxes (or you could use sturdy paper plates), paper, scissors, glue sticks, crayons… the works. Have the children make dioramas (a 3-D display work of art) of a place they can pray to Heavenly Father. Challenge them to go to this place and give sincere, humble prayer and see what happens! Bear testimony that Heavenly Father knows them and will answer their prayers in ways that are best for them.
TIPS
-Give a 5 minute warning when you want to end the activity. Then again give a 1 minute warning. Now everyone has 10 seconds to put their box under their chair and show me what a reverent person looks like. I don’t need anyone to count, just look at my fingers and listen to my voice.
-Scrap patrol, if some children finish early have them go on scrap patrol with small garbage cans to help clean up.
-Have some pre-cut and drawn things for the sunbeams to glue to boxes, like windows, trees, bed, chairs, people-trace a small cookie cutter person, table… (And remember for it to be 3-D diorama style these things will need small tabs to be folded on and glued)
-Say this at the beginning, say it during the middle and end - Let the children know IF THEY DON’T FINISH IT’S OK!! I’m sure working on it at home would greatly please Heavenly Father as you will be keeping the Sabbath Day holy thinking about the wonderful blessing of prayer!!
-Have soft piano music in the background and remind the children to keep voices low enough to where we can hear the beautiful music.
-Have all the adults walking around and helping. Hold up boxes while others are working and compliment. Keep your compliments specific (E.G. Tim’s prayer box is very colorful! I can see all the colors of the rainbows, isn’t that beautiful! Vs. This is a nice box. Another example- Gayle has been working and concentrating so hard on her prayer box. You can definitely tell, look at all the details she put on the blanket. What dedication! Vs. Isn’t this a pretty blanket?) When you compliment in this way you are showing the children you really care and that you are willing to give proper attention to their diligence.
-Ask the bishop if you could display the boxes in his office for a week or two. As the children take the challenge seriously they can report back to him on Sunday and talk about what happened, he can then give them their prayer box back. But PLEASE make this just an option for the children, some will more than likely want to take their box home, never force anybody!!

Week 4 Answers to my prayers come from Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost, the scriptures, and others.

** Also, another answer to prayers is described in Gospel Principles, "Often God gives us the power to help answer our own prayers. As we pray for help, we should do all we can to bring about the things we desire. (p. 44)

** Have a panel of children. Give them each a name; Enos, Daniel (Daniel 6:1-23), Zenos (Alma 33:3-6), Nephi (1 Nephi 17:7-8), Brother of Jared (Ether 3), Moses (Moses 1), Joseph Smith (D&C 122). Let the children look up scriptures related to that person and let the other children come up with questions to find out who these people are. Try to work in questions like, what did you pray for? how were your prayers answered? what did you see during your prayer? did you hear a voice during or after your prayer? After each prophet is discovered talk about how their prayers were answered.

** Have a talented singer from your ward or branch come in and start off the lesson by singing Joseph Smith's First Prayer (Hymn Book page 26).

On a table up front have a variety (that means at least 20 different things) of pictures, scriptures written on paper, stories about Joseph from the friend magazine. Do your research, you will be blessed! (Start by searching the friend magazine using key words Joseph Smith Prayer, look in the topical guide, try the institute manual Church History in the Fullness of Times) Have the children divided into small groups of 4-5. On the blackboard put: How was Joseph Smith's prayers answered. Give the children 7-10 minutes and some chalk. As they find answers invite them up to the blackboard to write down what they think. For younger children have them have an adult help or they can draw a small picture. Put a teacher with each group and have a rule where only 4 people can be at the chalkboard at a time.

With the remaining time have the children then talk about what they learned or found out. Did Joseph have any experiences where his prayers were answered by the holy ghost, scriptures or other people?

** There are 2 parables in the New Testament where Jesus Himself teaches about prayer.

The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-8) and The Selfish Judge (Luke 18:1-8)

Have the children write down an experience they have had with prayer and how it was answered- was it by the holy ghost, scriptures or other people?? The younger ones can draw pictures. Put together a modern day parable book and then read it to the children. If they can't remember examples in their own life, have a couple back up experiences in your life or other's lives that you can talk about and have them write down or draw. Give the book to a new convert or to the missionaries who are teaching someone.

** Have an envelope. I just received my power bill. How will I pay it? Explain that I can mail back payment, pay on the computer, go to the power plant and pay it. Take a vote, how would the children pay the bill? It's nice to have choices.

Have a stuffed dog. I need to take my dog for a walk. I could walk down the street, take him to the marina or I could take him to the park. Take a vote, how where would the children take the dog. It's nice to have choices.

Have a picture of someone praying. This person is saying a prayer. How does Heavenly Father answer prayers? Heavenly Father has choices too when it comes to answering prayers. He can answer them with the Holy Ghost, scriptures or through other people.

Have different case studies/examples/short stories of people and prayer. Give the children a piece of paper folded in thirds with a drawing of scriptures, people and the word Holy Ghost on each third. As you tell each case study, have them decide how the prayer was answered and show you by folding the paper to the answer they think.

For a few stories see here, here, here, and here. A case study could include, Mary was very nervous about a math test coming up. She knew all her multiplication facts except for 9 times 9. She said many prayers, but to her it didn't seem like it did any good. She still always forgot the answer. That night at FHE they studied D&C 81. It talked about the mansions Heavenly Father has prepared for us. It really touched her heart. Then all of a sudden, she knew the answer. 9 times 9 was 81!!!

FHE Words of Isaiah (For 4ish and Younger)

( Image Courtesy Nick in Exsilio 1/3/07 Isaiah 6.1: "I have seen the Lord seated on a [high] throne." The Cross. Basilica di S. Clemente, Rome. 12th cent.)
Theme: 2 Nephi 15:20 "Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Opening Prayer

Optional Songs

Choose the Right Way (Children's Songbook page 160)
Dare to Do Right (Children's Songbook page 158)

Activity:

Have a picture of a dog (with a foot kicking it), garbage (litter), a tree (with paint on it/graffiti), a sad faced little girl, and an alcohol advertisement. Tape them to the wall.

Have a picture of the scriptures, the temple, Jesus, a child praying, and a cat (with a hand petting it). Tape to the opposite wall.

Have 5 frowny faces and 5 smiley faces. Have the children decide what things are good and what things are bad and to match with the frowny/smiley faces. When they have matched everything, say "No. You're wrong. It's good to kick dogs! It's good to be mean to mother earth! Are scriptures really that great?" Take down all the faces. Put the frowny on the good and the smiley on the bad. (If you feel uncomfortable doing this, use a puppet like "Mixed-Up Mikey or Confused Courtney" to be the antagonist)

Hopefully the children will protest! With hands on your cheeks, say oh no!! What have I done!! Maybe I need a scripture to help me.

Scripture:
2 Nephi 15:20

There are people in the world that call good things bad, and bad things good. We never listen to those silly and WRONG voices! We listen to the scriptures and our prophets! Fix all the pictures and frowny/smiley faces.

Activity:

Turn off the lights and say I'm sure glad the lights are on. Turn on the light and say, where is everyone? I can't see it's so dark in here!!

Activity:

Have unsweetened (bitter chocolate) and milk chocolate. Read the scripture again and emphasize sweet and bitter. Tell them they are going to eat something sweet and give them the bitter. What a terrible thing to do!!

Read 2 more short scriptures while everyone is munching.
Moro. 7: 14 (14, 18)
Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.
1 Jn. 1: 6
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.

Make point clear, bear testimony: There is good and bad in the world, we must never mix these things up!! We must know the difference between good and bad, Heavenly Father will always help us to do so!!

Closing Prayer

*************

Theme: 2 Nephi 15: 13 "Therefore, my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge."

Opening Prayer
Song
Fun to Do (Children's Songbook page 253b) With actions like reading a book, walking to school, learning at church (point to head then make chapel with hands)

Activity:

Gather up as many stuffed animals as possible. Put them in a box and make bars on it. Read 2 Nephi 15:13. Explain that our little friends don't know anything. They need to learn things so they can get out of captivity! As a family draw questions from a hat then good answers free the stuffed friends.
What color is the sun?

What does a fireman do?

Who created the earth?

Can you name 2 noises you would hear on a farm?

What is the first book in the Book of Mormon?

Who is our prophet today?

What does rain do?

What do plants need to grow?

Can you name 2 things you wear in the winter?

Who is your hero?

What are some nice things you can do to help mommy?

Does Jesus really live? Was He really resurrected?

What is a library?

What is your favorite song, can we sing it?

What do trains do?

After all the friends are free, have some jewels or a hand drawn treasure chest and read the following Proverbs 8:10-11 "Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."

Make point clear, bear testimony: We need to learn things! What we know helps us to be free! What we know is more precious than gold! Jesus Christ is our Savior, this is the most important thing I know.

Closing Prayer

*************

Primary Sacrament Meeting Program Practice Tips

It's that wonderful time of year again! Every ward and branch is different. For our Primary Sacrament Meeting Practices we take 2 hours to run through our program. Lessons and sharing times are not taught.

2 hours is a long time. The question is, will it be a wonderful 2 hours or a pull-your-hair out 2 hours? YOU have the choice! Isn't that wonderful! So here are some of my personal reflections, feel free to add any insight.

1. Pray. Sincerely. Pray for the spirit. Pray for patience. Pray for love and for Our Father's Help. And anything else you can think of that you need!!

2. Organize. If you are practicing in the chapel, have little signs where each class will sit. Give teachers a seating chart to seat kids. You can have signs to hold up to tell the children what songs are next. Have your program in large font for easy reading. Have copies for your teachers, music leader and pianist. If you are in the primary room, organize it like a mock chapel.

3. Make your expectations clear. Everyone should be

• Good listeners
• Happy singers
• NOT SOCCER STARS (No one needs to be kicking! It confuses people, they'd rather be looking at amazing faces and hearing your beautiful voices, not weird thumping noises.)

4. BE POSITIVE and keep the flow! If someone has done a really good job, tell them. Have the kids give each other thumbs up. Encourage good presentation (Smiles, Enthusiasm, Bold singing and Bold reading) Just keep on truckin'! Move it along!

5. Take breaks. Repeat. Take... A break... Have teachers stay with classes. Go outside. Go to the bathrooms, get water in shifts. Stretch. Wiggle. Breath.

**I have a confession. We are having apples during our break. Our Primary President gave us the go ahead, so here we crunch.**

And finally, what is the point of our Primary Program? (Ephesians 4:12, 16) Who can you invite that Sunday that would be benefited? Our Savior lives. We are children of God. Remember this when you possibly have one child snoring in the corner, another 2 girls sticking gum on their foreheads (please remember to have them throw out gum!!) and another little boy under a pew playing peek-a-boo. Honestly! It will be wonderful! You will do great, but most importantly, the children will share amazing testimony, beyond description!

Number Crunching

I'll be honest, math was never my best subject. Words like "calculus" (gasp!) or "statistics" send shivers down my spine. Give me art history, a set of bongos and put a flower in my hair anyday over anything geometry-ish. But....

I do want to show you some numbers. I added a counter to this blog in June 2008. I see daily reports of how many hits I receive and where the hits are coming from. (Thanks Statcounter.com!!) The highest number of hits are consistently on Fridays and Saturdays.

Week of July 28- August 3 Friday 800 Saturday 1,537
Week of August 4-10 Friday 611 Saturday 1,273
Week of August 11-17 Friday 633 Saturday 1,358
Week of August 18-24 Friday 644 Saturday 1,375
Week of August 25-31 Friday 586 Saturday 1,171

All other days (M-Th, Sun) each averaging 300-400 hits per day.

Image courtesy Pietroizzo "Better than World Cup"

President Monson wisely said, "It is necessary to prepare, to plan, so that we don’t fritter away our lives. Without a goal, there can be no real success. The best definition of success I have ever found goes something like this: Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal. Someone has said the trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never crossing the goal line...Make certain as you prepare that you do not procrastinate. Someone has said that procrastination is the thief of time. Actually, procrastination is much more. It is the thief of our self-respect. It nags at us and spoils our fun. It deprives us of the fullest realization of our ambitions and hopes." Thomas S. Monson, “Three Gates Only You Can Open,” New Era, Aug 2008, 2–6

I love the word fritter. And not just because I associate it with apple fritters. Mmmmmm....

Really, do we want to fritter away our childrens' time because of lack of preparation or lack of proper prayer? It's not the quantity of time afterall, it's just the quality of time spent.

I know Saturday is our free day, and I'm sure most of the hits are for the Sunday a week after. But just in case, I thought I'd share President Monson's wisdom. PLEASE!! This post is not meant to nag or chastise in anyway!! I just found the numbers interesting and thought I'd share.

A FHE (Family Home Evening) on Death and the Resurrection

Death and the Resurrection FHE

Image Courtesy Untitled Blue June 3, 2008 "Resurrection"

Opening Prayer: As a thought- don't forget to invite the Spirit and humbly request His presence

Latter Day Scripture: "When Christ rose from the grave, becoming the first fruits of the Resurrection, He made that gift available to all. And with that sublime act, He softened the devastating, consuming sorrow that gnaws at the souls of those who have lost precious loved ones." Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Sunday Will Come," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 29

Activity: Steer your family into a very dark room. (Yes, I'm thinking a closet, because who wouldn't love to have FHE in a closet?!?) If children are afraid of the dark, hold on to them tight. Have each family member hold a candle. Bring a some matches. Sit in the dark for a moment and ask your family how they feel right now.

Take turns reading by candle light (Or by flashlight... think safety and what's best for your individual circumstance) the following (If you have a larger family with older children, try reading the whole talk, Younger children will need short thoughts like the one's italicized):

Thomas S. Monson, “May We So Live,” Ensign, Aug 2008, 4–9
Death’s Darkness Dispelled
"Death eventually comes to all humankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its summons is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life’s journey, and often it hushes the laughter of little children. Death is one fact that no one can escape or deny.
Frequently death comes as an intruder. It is an enemy that suddenly appears in the midst of life’s feast, putting out its lights and gaiety. Death lays its heavy hand upon those dear to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness.

The darkness of death, however, can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth.“I am the resurrection, and the life,” spoke the Master. “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:“And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
This reassurance—yes, even holy confirmation—of life beyond the grave could well provide the peace promised by the Savior when He assured His disciples: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Out of the darkness and the horror of Calvary came the voice of the Lamb, saying, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” And the dark was no longer dark, for He was with His Father. He had come from God, and to Him He had returned. So also those who walk with God in this earthly pilgrimage know from blessed experience that He will not abandon His children who trust in Him. In the night of death, His presence will be “better than [a] light and safer than a known way.”

Saul, on the road to Damascus, had a vision of the risen, exalted Christ. Later, as Paul, defender of truth and fearless missionary in the service of the Master, he bore witness of the risen Lord as he declared to the Saints at Corinth:“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;“… he was buried, and … he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:“… he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:“After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once. …“After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.“And last of all he was seen of me.”

In our dispensation this same testimony was spoken boldly by the Prophet Joseph Smith, as he and Sidney Rigdon testified:“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.”

This is the knowledge that sustains. This is the truth that comforts. This is the assurance that guides those bowed down with grief out of the shadows and into the light. It is available to all."

Have your favorite image of the Savior and a picture of your family. Turn on the lights. Talk about what eternal families mean. Perhaps you could sing I know that my Redeemer lives #136 or another favorite couple church hymns. (Even if your younger children don't know the words, testimony is borne when you as parents sing)

With younger children make sure to emphasize the point that death can be dark, sad, lonely, even a little bit scary. But through Christ and His resurrection we can have light instead of darkness.
End with your personal testimonies.

** Every family is different. I know that not all homes are blessed with mothers and fathers. Please forgive me as I only share this idea in hopes it could be a stepping stone for you to adapt to your individual circumstances. I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad or discouraged, exactly the opposite hopefully. **

Please Move Chairs

2 little boys are talking. They are into the lesson, they are obviously getting the point but...I'll start from the beginning.

I ask a girl to come up and step in a pretend puddle of mud. She's very dirty, covered head to toe. How will she get clean? I ask another girl to come up and spray some pretend paint on the chair. She does and even gets some on the ceiling. What will we do to get rid of this graffiti? I have to lift her up so she can cover up the paint on the ceiling. I have one more example, but before I can get to it, 2 little boys are talking. They are pretending to spray each other with paint and then paint over the graffiti.

What should I do? Should I:

ignore the disruptive behavior

talk over them

scold them

tell them they aren't being reverent

or....

Boys! You are so smart, you get the point! Please put the spray cans under your chair and think about our next example. (They still fidget with their cans so I step closer and whisper do you need to move chairs? Quickly they stop.)

*Be polite to children and make sure they know you mean what you say. Follow through my friends, follow through.

I invite another child to come up. This time I tell the boy that it was the first day of school and he told a lie. How or what can he do to fix this problem? He can't wash anything or paint over anything. A child shouts out repentance!!

What should I do? The child knew the answer, but when one starts shouting out others will follow suit. Should I:

ignore the disruptive behavior, after all it was the answer I was looking for!
scold them
tell them they aren't being reverent, but it was the right answer
or....

I'm so happy you know about repentance! You are brilliant! Please remember (I look at the boy and then direct my comment to all the children) to raise your hand when you have such a wonderful answer! (look back at the boy and smile, he's still smiling too)

*Be positive. Maintain an environment conducive to learning and where the spirit can be felt.

It's the last 5 minutes of sharing time and my 2 little friends, sweet 8 year old boys, are talking again and this time hands are pinching each other.

What should I do? Should I:

ignore them, keep on going- after all everyone else is paying attention.

scold them

tell them they aren't being reverent, stop it you guys, I've already had to tell you this one time before

or....

"Please move chairs." (One boy moves. Away from the other boy. It's simple.)

(I love this happy chairs!! picture courtesy Arne Jacobsen 1996)

I continue on about the importance of the atonement. I take the pennies out of the ketchup, clean them while bearing testimony that God will forgive and will remember our sins/mistakes no more if we truly repent. I feel the spirit. All eyes are on the penny. It's no longer old and grimy, it's shiny and like new.

We, as teachers, are going to have moments that interrupt learning. The way we respond to our children's behavior can be positive or negative. We have the choice. Pray to our Heavenly Father for guidance.

One time, I and 25 children, were unfortunate enough to witness a "ranting" as I called it. The sharing time hadn't gone that smoothly.

I ALWAYS SAY 98% OF THE TIME IF A SHARING TIME DOES NOT GO SMOOTHLY IT IS OUR FAULT, NOT THE CHILDREN'S!!!!!

Why might I say this?

Because the adult hasn't prepared enough

the adult is talking too much

the adult didn't think about the children's needs

the adult isn't using proper language, suitable for children

the adult isn't energetic

the adult is stressed out or nervous

the adult is trying to do too much with not enough time

the adult is ignoring behaviors that detract from the spirit

the adult is chastising behaviors that combines also to detract from the spirit

it's not the kids who are talking, but the leaders in the background talking, detracting from the spirit... boo!! hiss!!

The ranting lasted for 12 minutes!!! Lecturing, belittling, publicly berating them in front of others... oh my, it was terrible! I was furious! I didn't stand up for the children. I know I should of, and I didn't. I am far from perfect. My point is this though "An inspired, loving rebuke can be an invitation to unity." (President Eyring Sept. 2008 Ensign) Please move your chairs, indeed. We don't need 12 minute lectures, we don't need constant "You're not being reverent, fold your arms now!" We need the Savior. We need our children to know who He is. Make your primaries places of unity. I often will stand by or direct their attention to the beautiful paintings of the Master to bring back focus if we've gone astray. I pray for the spirit to be with us.

September 2008 Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

( Image found on Yahoo Search: Keywords Child Prayer)

WEEK 1 I learn about prayer from the scriptures.

*Ask for 2 volunteers. Have one stand outside the door and knock so we can let them back in.
Have the next one go out but tell them not to knock. Stand there for a 30 seconds or so. How would we know they were even there if they aren't knocking?

Matt. 7: 7 : "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you"

You could have different GAK (Gospel Art Kit) pictures and scriptures having to do with prayer on different doors around the room. The children could pick them and you ask questions or direct conversation about what they've chosen.

* 2 Ne. 32: 4 "Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark."
Have little black squares on the blackboard. A child will choose one and on the back will be a scripture about prayer and a picture having to do with light (like a sun, flashlight, lamps, campfire, stars, lanterns, night light) Turn off the lights, read 2 Nephi 32:4 and ask what brings us back into the light? Have a child turn on the light when everyone together answers prayer!

*Have an assortment of puzzles (1,000 piece, 200 piece, 5 piece) Are some puzzles harder to do than others? Do some puzzles need more time to do? Are some puzzles pretty short and simple? Can we have lots of people work on a puzzle? How are puzzles like prayers? Prayers are like puzzles...when we have the right pieces we can make a work of art.
(Matthew 6:9-15) Talk about the different parts of a prayer. Have envelopes with pictures or different scriptures inside cut up into simple puzzles. Have the envelopes taped under the children's chairs and then when the children put them together, talk about what their puzzle made.

Wonderful Scriptures on Prayer

1 Sam. 1:26-27, Daniel 6:10, Acts 7:59-60, Mark 1:35, John 16:23-24, Moses 1:17-18, D&C 46:7, 2 Ne. 4:24, James 1:5, Alma 8:10, Alma 34:27, 3 Ne. 12:44, 3 Ne. 13:5, 3 Ne. 18:16, Matt. 26:39, D&C 6: 22-24, D&C 10:5, D&C 19:28

GAK pictures having to do with prayer (blessings)

122, 225,227,305,403, 602, 603, 605, 606

*Have a child come to the front and use a cell phone to call the bishop. (Tell him in advance what you are doing... please) Put him on speaker, tell him we thought we'd just call to tell him we love him and thanks for all he does. Talk to the kids about phones. They are pretty amazing things. What if you told them there is something out there- where you don't need to push buttons or remember phone numbers, you'll never get a busy signal or have the call disconnected, and you can reach as far as heaven with no long distance charges. It's prayer!!!

Here is a very feeble/decrepit sketch (please re-draw your own, don't scar the children for life with my bad drawing skills) of a cell phone handout with "calling upon" scriptures on it. 2 options: As a primary look up the scriptures together (have the teachers or bigger kids help the little ones). Make sure everyone has a copy of the cell phone handout and when you find and read the scripture everyone can put a star (give stars to teachers to hand out to children) on the square. Or you could have a large posterboard of it on the blackboard and whoever finds the scripture first can come up and read it and put a star on the posterboard under the scripture. (I have 2 bonus stars for anyone who can use the index to find other scriptures about prayer)

Scriptures on cell phone: Alma 9:17, Alma 22:16, 3 Nephi 4:30, 3 Nephi 21:27, Ether 2:14-15, D&C 65:4, D&C 88:62, D&C 93:1, D&C 136:29, Moses 1:17-18


This image is courtesy Sister A. Peterson. She's gone all out and is obviously very talented! Insert my little soapbox- Those of us artistically challenged should not copy and paste this image until we have tried to make our own. How will we grow my fellow Rembrants if we don't try? This image would make a wonderful FHE... all I ask is that we not take the easy route, until we have put forth our best effort.

Yes, this activity is possible with sunbeams!!

They are perfectly capable of turning pages and looking for matches. Give them individual key letters or numbers like M and 6. Show them to look at the top of the page for the name of the book. Have them come up to read (you say it, they repeat). Have them point to the scripture while it is read. Show them pictures of people who wrote the Book of Mormon and those who wrote the Doctrine and Covenants. Just remember to have someone, anyone HELP THEM. Be excited too! Give them plenty of praise when they've found it!! They are important too!! Don't leave them behind in the page shuffle.

And it's not just this activity. With this week's theme especially, they should have their hands on the scriptures, feeling them, looking at them, touching and sensing the importance of the word of God. Make sure every child has a triple combination to use.

If you really want to go all out, here is a link to Family Fun Magazine for a fun treat to make for the kids to take home with a scripture of your choice attached.

Week 2 Heavenly Father wants me to pray to Him often- anytime, anywhere.

* President Monson has said, "Pray with purpose. With God, all things are possible. Remember the prayer of the Prophet Joseph, offered in that grove called sacred. Look around you and see the result of that answered prayer. Prayer is the provider of spiritual strength. Prayer is the passport to peace." (Thomas S. Monson, “Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice: Follow the Signs,” Friend, May 2006, 2–3)

Have a large map with prayer cut outs (like a clip art of a little boy and girl kneeling in prayer). On the back of the cut outs can be scriptures, songs, quotes, situations or questions having to do with prayer. (E.g. Can you say more than one prayer at meal time? Can you say a prayer on an airplane if you are scared of flying? What is the difference between a sincere prayer and a repeat prayer?) Have the children come up and choose the cut outs. Also, make some paper clocks with different times and put prayer cut outs by those too... to reinforce the weekly theme.

Make passports for the children to stamp with their family at home as they read scriptures together about prayer. (See week one, above, for prayer scriptures)

* Dress up children as prophets from the scriptures and tell their stories. Ask the children what the prophets probably prayed for. Examples could include Joseph of Egypt put in prison after fleeing from Potiphars wife, Joseph Smith in liberty jail, Nephi building a boat, Noah building a boat. (They were the same types of places/situations, but different times.) We may never be put in jail but can we pray when we feel trapped or sad? What about when we need to do something big and need help?

Talk about 2 Ne. 27: 23, "For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith."

Just like the prophets of old, we can pray anywhere, anytime. God listened and answered them then, and He listens and answers us now.

* Share this story with the children. Put Alma 34:20-21, "Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks. Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening." on the chalkboard. Have a cup with strips of paper with the following words (or words of your choice); farm, FHE, jungle, school, midnight, 8 AM, hospital, lunch, church, park, 6 PM. Have the children come up with as many ideas possible of things they could pray for having to do with that place or time. Tally up answers and see which place or time got the most ideas. Let them be creative, be supportive of their ideas. Prayer can be about anything that's in your heart whether there is a bomb in front of their house, they're hiking in a jungle and get poison ivy or they just want to say thank you for the food at dinner.

* Have a bell. Bring one child to the front turned away from the primary, covering one ear with their hand. Choose a child to ring a bell from a corner of the room. Have them sit down and have the child in front point to where they were ringing the bell. Repeat a couple times. Tell them that no matter where we are, God always hears our prayers and knows where we are and what we need. Matt. 6: 8, "For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." He never makes a mistake, he always knows where the bell is ringing.

* Invite a few ward members in to teach a couple prayer words in different languages. No matter where or what is said in whatever language or even silent, God will always understand.

D&C 6:14,16 "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit... Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart."

*This idea is by Karen Ashton, “Sharing Time: Ponder, Pray, and Listen,” Friend, Apr 1996, 4 and could be suggested as a take home activity to do with families, just give them the bags with a few supplies inside.

"Younger children would enjoy making a small lunch-bag puppet. The eyes should be under the fold of the bag so that they will appear closed when the bag is folded. This will remind the children to close their eyes while praying. Glue eyelashes along the corresponding parts of the fold. Draw a nose and smile below the fold of the bag, and eyelids and eyebrows on the top of the fold. A small heart could be drawn under the smile to remind the children that praying will make them feel good; ears could be placed on the sides of the bag to remind the children to listen for answers to their prayers. After they have assembled their puppets, have them use the puppets to show how a child closes his eyes before saying a prayer, then listens afterward for an answer. Remind the children that answers come in many ways."

Week 3 and 4 are here!

When I take the sacrament, I renew my baptismal covenants. August Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

When I take the sacrament, I renew my baptismal covenants.
Sharing Time Helps and Ideas for the 3rd Week in August 2008

( The Susquehanna River, where Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry recieved the Aaronic Priesthood and were baptized)

** Bring in a license plate with your current car registration. Have a copy of The Friend magazine on the table or the Ensign or Liahona, etc. Have a gallon of expired Milk so the kids can smell. Tell the kids the importance of renewal. To renew means to make new (thank you merriam-webster dictionary). If you don't renew your car registration you can get fined or your car taken away. If you don't renew your magazine subscription you won't get them anymore. Things expire. And when they expire that stinks! (Bring a child volunteer milk sniffer to prove the point!) We never want the covenants and promises we made at Baptism to expire, so we renew them when we take the sacrament.**

** Bring in a runner's headband, wristbands, marathon T-shirt. Dress the child and tell them they are going to jog. Have them start to jog in place. Ask the primary members if they think the person could jog for 5 minutes without a drink of water or rest. What about all 3 hours of church? What about jogging for a whole day or week? It's impossible! Our bodies need to be refreshed by water, food, and sleep. Then it's jog on to Olympic glory we go! When we are baptized we make the promise to help others, keep the commandments, set a good example. Like the runner though, those promises need to be refreshed and sacrament is the time and ordinance to do so. Then it's on to Celestial glory we go!

I would bring in a little homemade torch and have one child come up at a time to jog next to you, pick a question about baptismal covenants and sacrament and then answer the question. Have them pass the torch on to another child (jogging). Again, there is a visual there of "renewal and starting anew, refreshing" like in a marathon. Questions could include:

!. Who will baptize us?

2. What are we baptized in?

3. What does it mean to take upon you the name of Jesus Christ?

4. How can you bear someone's burden, or help someone that's sad or in trouble?

5. What can I think about during the sacrament?

6. What can I do during the sacrament?

7. Have you ever felt the spirit during sacrament? What does it feel like? (I use this question OFTEN because it is sooooooooooo important for our children to be able to recognize WHAT and HOW the spirit feels like)

I would have about 20 questions and scriptures total prepared, it's always better to be over prepared than under prepared!!! Bring some GAK pictures (like 208, 309, 407, 601, 603, 604) too!! **

** Bring in about 25 Books of Mormon, Bibles, etc. And arrange them all over the room. If we read the Book of Mormon once, is that a good thing? You betcha! But are we done learning from the Book of Mormon because we've already read it. We know everything now and can just put in on a book shelf and be done. NO! We have to reread it!! Many times!! President Hinckley has said, "". . . I offer a challenge to members of the Church throughout the world and to our friends everywhere to read or reread the Book of Mormon. . . ." Explain that taking the sacrament is like rereading. We have to do it to learn and grow!

Have the children come up and pick a scripture book. On the backs of the books have pictures and stories that have to do with baptism and the sacrament. Personalize, perhaps you could even have pictures of some of the primary children who've been baptized and their feelings. **

**Invite some priesthood leaders to primary, to act out the very sacred experience of the restoration of the priesthood and baptism. Have a very simple vest or hat to wear and a white sheet for the angel... make it classy, but not over the top because it's the words here that speak with power. Read the following to the children while the brethren help the children visualize:

(From Church History in the Fulness of Times Student Manual Religion 341 through 343, 2nd edition p.55)

"Joseph and Oliver were thrilled as such doctrines as the resurrected Savior's visit to the inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere and his teachings about baptism were unfolded during the translation (see 3 Nephi 11:18-38). At this point their souls were driven to mighty prayer to learn how they could obtain the blessing of baptism. On 15 May 1829, Joseph and Oliver went into the nearby woods along the Susquehanna River to pray. Oliver described the scene that followed: "On a sudden, as from the midst of eternity, the voice of the Redeemer spake peace to us, while the veil was parted and the angel of God came down clothed with glory, and delivered the anxiously looked for message, and the keys of the gospel of repentance! What joy! what wonder! what amazement! While the world were racked and distracted... our eyes beheld- our ears heard."

The angel introduced himself as "John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and told them that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John' (Joseph Smith history 1:72). He laid his hands upon Joseph and Oliver and said, "Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins" (Joseph Smith history 1:69; see also D&C 13:1). John explained that the Melchizedek priesthood would be bestowed upon them at a later time. For the first time in centuries the priesthood was again on the earth.

John directed Joseph to baptize Oliver, and Oliver to then baptize Joseph. They were then to confer the Aaronic priesthood upon each other. As they came out of the water from their baptisms, they were filled with the spirit of prophecy. Oliver predicted "many things which should shortly come to pass," and Joseph prophesied "concerning the rise of this Church and many other things connected with the Church, and this generation of the children of men." They were "filled with the Holy Ghost, and rejoiced in the God of their salvation" (Joseph Smith History 1:73)"

This was a magnificent event and because of it, we are here at church! The truth has been restored, baptism is very special and sacred. This is something we can think of often, especially during the sacrament, because at sacrament we renew our baptismal promises/covenants.

You can then have the children draw pictures that have to do with baptism, baptism covenants and sacrament. Make a book of these pictures and mail to a ward missionary who can use it to teach children in another part of the world. The senior sharing time can write their own testimonies and thoughts down also.**

** I found this idea in the Friend May 1997,by Karen Ashton:

"Discuss what it means “to bear one another’s burdens, … mourn with those that mourn, … comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:8–9). Divide the children into small groups. Each group leader begins by saying, “I am a member of Heavenly Father’s kingdom.” Then adds a statement (see examples below), which the next child in the group repeats, adding a statement of his or her own. Each child repeats all previous statements before adding his/her own. Continue until every child has been included. Examples of statements: I will obey the commandments; I will be kind to younger children; I will help my neighbor."

And if I may humbly add, when you divide the groups give them each a small picture of a sacrament tray. Explain that the things we are saying are the things we should remember during sacrament, because sacrament is when we renew our baptismal covenants. And please don't force the sunbeams to try to remember what was said before, if they can great. If not, no worries, let them just come up with ideas on what does baptism mean and what should we do before and after we are baptized. **

FHE Idea/Handout to send home with the children (As pictured above):
** Friend July 2005 Illustrated by Thomas S. Child See Here. Print the page in color for them to take home and review scriptures as a family. (You'll have to scroll down to the image, click on it... )

The Holy Ghost will prompt me to repent and live righteously after I am baptized and confirmed. August Sharing Time Helps and Ideas for Week 2

The following are some reader’s theatres I wrote for Senior sharing time based HEAVILY off the following articles from the Ensign:

1.Born Again by Elder D. Todd Christofferson (May Ensign 2008)

2.Elder Quentin L. Cook A Willing Heart and Mind by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (April Ensign 2008)

3.President Thomas S. Monson In the Footsteps of the Master by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (A supplement to the Ensign June 2008)

All quotes are from the apostles and are directly from these articles or from scriptures.

*Reminder NO ONE READS ITALISIZED PARTS, they just do what it says.

*You will need a script for everyone one or two people.

*Simple costumes always a plus!

*With a reader’s theatre it’s more reading than acting out, so I always have the children sit in a circle and encourage energetic reading.

*Be aware of children who might not read as well. There are smaller parts incorporated for them.

*Our children really need to know who our current apostles are. They teach us this week's principle beautifully. Let's get to know them!

*The children could be divided in groups and then asked to read to the primary, or you could just read them through all together. Pray for guidance.

Reader’s Theatre #1

By Sofia Lykes

Parts Needed:

Narrator #1

Mystery Apostle #1

Elder Boyd K. Packer

President Joseph Fielding Smith

Alma

Nephi

Narrator 1: I have been baptized and was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I look to the Savior and His servants the prophet to teach me. Which apostle is this?

Mystery Apostle #1: “My patriarchal blessing, received at age 13 from a beloved grandfather, includes this statement: “(Your Heavenly Father) sent you forth in this last and glorious dispensation that you might be born under the new and everlasting covenant by goodly, righteous parents.”

Narrator 1: Wait a second, I’m confused. What is the new and everlasting covenant?

Elder Boyd K. Packer: Hello. I’m Elder Boyd K. Packer and I think I can answer your question. But first, let’s see if anyone here can answer what is the new and everlasting covenant?(Let the primary children have a shot at this question)In the book I wrote, The Holy Temple, I quote President Joseph Fielding Smith, “The new and everlasting covenant is the sun total of all covenants and obligations… baptism is A new and everlasting covenant.”

President Joseph Fielding Smith: Well said. Well said.

Narrator: Thanks! I know now that baptism and all the covenants we make were very important to our mystery apostle.

Mystery Apostle #1: “Alma pled, “O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death” Alma 36:18. Forgiveness came to him and he stood and publicly confessed: “I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit.”

Alma: Well said. Well said. My friend Nephi also has some wise words on the subject.

Nephi: Alma, you are too kind! All the words we speak are wise because they are given to us from Heavenly Father. I’d just like to add, “For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.”

Narrator 1: By fire?

All: By fire AND by the Holy Ghost!

Mystery Apostle #1: “Let us not be content to retain some disposition to do evil. Let us worthily partake of the sacrament each week and continue to draw upon the Holy Spirit to root out… impurity within us.”

Narrator #1: That is so deep. The Holy Ghost will prompt me to repent and live righteously after I am baptized and confirmed. Thanks… but one more question. Who is our mystery apostle?

Mystery Apostle #1: (Holds up Picture) I’m one of the newest apostles, Elder D. Todd Christofferson!

Ask the children to think of 2 things they learned from this script. Call on a few to share their thoughts. If there is dead silence:How does the Holy Spirit root out impurities?Why are you grateful for the Holy Ghost?What was your baptism like?How has your baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost influenced your life?

Reader’s Theatre #2

By Sofia Lykes

Parts Needed:

Narrator #2

Joe

Mystery Apostle #2

Concerned Girl

Narrator #2: The Holy Ghost will prompt me to repent and live righteously after I am baptized and confirmed.

Joe: I sure do love my little brother! He has a big heart and is always thinking of others. Once when we were in elementary school in Logan UT we had a fire drill. I was the fire drill captain and I was in 6th grade.

Mystery Apostle #2: “I was in first grade.”

Joe: Everyone was out and I thought we were going to set a record and “Go down in history. Then just as fame seemed within…” my grasp someone said….

Concerned Girl: Oh no! This is terrible! Someone is still in the building! Hey, is that Joe’s little brother?? Boy, Joe, you sure do look mad.

Joe: Mad? Mad? “What on earth were you doing!!!”

Mystery Apostle #2: I “held up a pair of large worn boots and said, Joe you know that (I mentioned a friends name) sometimes has to wear hand me down shoes that are too big for him. When the fire drill rang, he took off running and ran right out of these. He didn’t want to ruin the drill, so he left them and ran outside barefoot. I went back to get his boots for him because I didn’t want his feet to be cold in the snow.”

Narrator #2: Our mystery apostle learned at a very young age how to be kind. When we listen to the Holy Ghost he encourages us to do things that are kind and charitable. The Holy Ghost helps us to make good choices.

Concerned Girl: In D&C 18:18 it says, “Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men.”

Joe: Later on in life, I had a difficult choice to make on whether to serve a mission or go to medical school.

Mystery Apostle #2: “I was 15 years old.”

Joe: I talked with my brother well into the night. My obligation was clear and I left for a mission soon after.

Concerned Girl: That conversation profoundly affected our young Mystery Apostle. He had always had a testimony of the Savior… but he had yet to receive a spiritual witness that confirmed their certain reality. After he and Joe parted that night, our mystery apostle knelt in prayer, a witness he desired with all his heart. And it came in a way so powerful that any doubts he had were swept away forever.

Mystery Apostle #2: I am Elder Quentin L. Cook.

Narrator #2: From these times in Elder Quentin L. Cook’s life, we can see the Holy Ghost can have a lot of good influence in our lives if we allow him in!

Ask the children to think of 2 things they learned from this script. Call on a few to share their thoughts. If there is dead silence:Can the Holy Ghost be with us even though we are not apostles?What would you have done if your little brother or sister ruined something important to you to show kindness to another person?Have you ever had a witness that came in a way so powerful that you don’t have any doubts? Would you like to share what that felt like?

Reader’s Theatre #3

By Sofia Lykes

Parts Needed:

Narrator #3
Narrator #4

Melissa Georgell

Tommy

YM Advisor

Narrator #3: Prepare yourselves. This is an awesome reader’s theatre. You will be amazed by the talented readers! By the good looks of our charming actors! And I even give an amazing fact about hawks!

Narrator #4: But more importantly, you will learn about the Holy Ghost. How it can help us repent and live righteously after we are baptized and confirmed.

Narrator #3: Right! Now on to the action.

Melissa Georgell: (crying into hands)" Oh Tommy! I am so sad because the boys in particular do not behave during primary."

Tommy: “I had a lot of energy and found it difficult to sit patiently in a class.” Narrator #4: But still, the young Tommy asked…

Tommy: “May I help, Sister Georgell?”

Melissa Georgell: “Would you??”

Narrator #3: she said with a smile on her face. "Young Tommy agreed and the Primary’s disciplinary problems ceased that moment.”

Narrator #4: He repented, stopped that behavior and was guided by the Holy Ghost to do great things the rest of his life. He helped many inactive young men come back to church because of a leader who knew of his love of birds.

YM Advisor: “How would you like me to give you a pair of purebred Birmingham Roller pigeons?”

Narrator #3: "The female of the pair was special and had one eye, the other damaged by a cat. Tommy kept the pigeons for 10 days and then let them free to see who would come back. The male pigeon came back but not the female, she went back to the advisor’s home. When Tom went to get the pigeon back the advisor told him…."

YM Advisor: "There’s a boy in our teacher’s quorum who isn’t active."

Tommy: “I’ll have him at quorum meeting this week.”

Narrator #4: The next time Tommy released his pigeons, the same thing happened. The male pigeon came home, but the female flew to the advisor’s home. This happened many times and each time Tommy went to get his bird the advisor would talk to him about a boy that was inactive.

Tommy: “I was a grown man before I fully realized that indeed, Harold, my advisor had given me a special pigeon, the only bird in his loft he knew would return every time she was releaed. It was his inspired way of having an ideal personal priesthood interview with the teachers quorum president every two weeks. Because of those interviews and that old one-eyed pigeon, every boy in that teacher’s quorum became active.”

Narrator #3: Wow! I never knew that about President Thomas S. Monson! That is way too cool! I personally prefer Hawks and Eagles to pigeons. Don't get me started. Did you know that the Hawk is the fastest creature on earth and has been clocked at speeds of 200 MPH during a dive?
Narrator #4: Ok. Focus Narrator #3. More importantly we learn about how the Holy Ghost helped the Young Men’s advisor in an inspired way. The Holy Ghost also helped President Monson to make good choices and help his inactive friends. I am so grateful for baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost!

All: We are too! The Holy Ghost will prompt me to repent and live righteously after I am baptized and confirmed.

Ask the children to think of 2 things they learned from this script. Call on a few to share their thoughts. If there is dead silence:How do you know President Monson is a true prophet?Can we read 1 Nephi 13:37, 2 Nephi 33:1, Article of Faith 1, Moses 5:58, Amos 3:7

Junior Sharing Time
You will need write the stories into your own words and have the kids act it out. Have them be animals, trees, the apostles... Have plenty of props! You can even have them say certain things, just be sure to PROMPT them.

No One Likes to Be Talked At

May I first start this out by thanking Liz, who commented on the August Sharing Time Helps post. It brought to my mind an experience I had and a few thoughts.

Let's just picture a primary where there are neon signs, guitar music and the kids are cheering! This is great! They are having a blast! The primary pianist can even rock out using her toes on the keys! They want more, they want to come to primary, they want to come to church and can feel.... Hmmm. What are they feeling?

Let's picture another primary. The sharing time teacher has prepared a lesson and on the board lies a make shift drawing of the temple and a pathway to it. She obviously isn't a Picasso, but we get the point, there are certain things we need to do to get to the temple. She starts to teach, asks questions, involves the kids physically and mentally, and is energetic and enthusiastic. She is using the scriptures, you can see them on the table when they aren't in her hands. What are the children feeling?

And finally, let's picture another primary. The kids are sitting perfectly still. As they ought to be, or the sharing time teacher will say, "Why aren't you being more reverent." She is talking, she telling about gospel truths and the kids are sitting there quiet as a mouse. One sunbeam stretches and says they miss their new puppy who is at home. The puppy's name is Gerald. The teacher proceeds, ignores the comment and continues with the lesson that has to be finished. What is that little one feeling?

I'm not an expert. Please don't ever think I am. I am, though, very aware of children. I love children!!

May I ask 2 questions: What type of Primary do we have? What type of Primary should we be striving for?

Our Church Handbook Book 2 Section 5 Primary (under sharing time p. 234) says, "This is an opportunity for them (members of the Primary Presidency) to INTERACT with the children and TEACH them gospel principles." It also uses words like, "ACTIVELY INVOLVE. BEAR TESTIMONY. PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES that allow STANDING and MOVEMENT."

Our Church Handbook Book 2 Section 16 Gospel Teaching and Leadership also gives 2 very important suggestions when teaching the gospel (pgs. 300-304)

1.TEACH BY THE SPIRIT.
2. FOLLOW THE SAVIOR'S EXAMPLE AS A TEACHER.

Liz said, "I agree Sofia that it shouldn't be flashing lights and all, but it does need to capture their attention. No child just wants to sit there and be taught and not be drawn in...Primary can be fun and reverent at the same time. Keep it up." Well said, and if I may Liz, add no child (or adult for that matter) wants to sit and be talked at.

I'll share an experience I had in a Primary where my husband and I were called to teach the 6 year olds. We loved those children! There were 4 total, 2 boys and 2 girls all coming from very solid homes where they were taught properly the gospel. They were smart. They were amazing! As all children really are.

One week the sharing time lesson was just not going well. The teacher was trying to get the kids to memorize the 13th article of faith. There were no pictures. There was no energy in her and she was actually getting upset when the kids weren't pronouncing the words right. This was after a 5 minute "talk to" the children about reverence and sitting quietly. This was after a 10 minute (no questions, no involvement) "talk to" the little ones about why we need to know our articles of faith. I zoned out. I just couldn't do it. And then, all of the sudden she was done with 15 minutes left for sharing time and the music leader was missing.

I made my way up to the front and said thank you sister. Who's ready to shake like Solomon! We shook our hands. Who's ready to move like Moroni! We wiggled our legs and wielded a pretend sword. Who's ready to... I invited a child to come on up and pick an action and see if we could think of a person that started with that letter from the scriptures.

I don't know what we did after. But I remember how livid I was.

NO ONE LIKES TO BE TALKED AT.

"Bueller? Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? Anyone?" Thank you Ben Stine.

This is primary!! It is my humble desire that we as Primary Teachers (this including the presidency, as we teach sharing times) will be prepared, prayerful and the gospel message presented with power.

May we find balance and harmony in our Primary atmosphere. May it be a place where the spirit is felt. May it be a place of learning. May our children have positive experiences with primary. May our children come closer to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because of each Sunday in Primary.

I bear these thoughts humbly in the Name of my Master and Gracious Lord, Jesus Christ.

Here are a few scriptures as food for thought and the soul. How do these apply to what has been said above?

D&C 52: 15-17 " Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances. He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you. "

John 5: 1-2 " Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments."

Galations 4: 28-31 "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free."

FHE (Family Home Evening) Ideas for 4 and Younger

I have an almost 4 year old who is brilliant, see here if you don't believe me, and a 17 month old who is just as quick. We have good times at our FHE's and I think there are a couple factors at work for success, as follows:

1. We pray for the spirit to be with us at Family Home Evening.

2. We keep it short.

3. We keep the girls moving.

I'm going to 2 baby showers within the next couple weeks for ladies that are having their 3rd child. I wanted to do something different so I'm giving them FHE ideas that would last for a month. Perhaps these could help you! They are specifically designed for 4 and under. Prayer is not included in the format because I usually assume that is a given to do!

I Have A Body FHE

Song: I am a child of God (p.2 CS)

Opening Activity: Have the children point to their eyes. Nose. Ears. Shoulders. Have them choose a body part to point to. Ask them why bodies are important. We have bodies, just like our Heavenly Father and Jesus!

Scripture: Read Genesis 1:27. Show GAK 403, picture of the first Vision. We have bodies, just like our Heavenly Father and Jesus! To be created in His image means that you look like your Heavenly Father. It also means you can become like Him.

Poem: Have the children do what they hear in the poem.
Jacqueline Schiff, “My Busy Body,” Friend, Nov 2007, 7

My face can smile.

My hands can clap.

My feet can dance.

My toes can tap.

My eyes can blink.

My knees can bend.

My nose can sniff

The garden scents.

My arms can reach.

My head can nod.

My body’s busy.

I thank Thee, God.

Activity: What was your favorite thing to do with your body in that poem? Now as a family go to each room in your house. Bring a camera! Take a picture of each person’s favorite thing to do with their body in that room. (E.G. The kitchen. Mom poses cleaning the counter. Dad poses doing the dishes. Children pose eating. Take pictures of each pose. Go to the living room. Take a picture of Mom playing the piano. Dad reading the newspaper on the couch. Etc. Be creative!)

Read 1 Cor. 6: 19 (Bodies are temples of God) Bear Testimony of the importance of our bodies.

As you enjoy your treat, look at the pictures you took on your computer or TV. You could even make a posterboard attaching some photos of the FHE and the words “We love (draw a big heart) our bodies!” and hang it up in the kitchen to enjoy over the week.

The City of Enoch FHE

Song: Give Said the Little Stream (p. 236 CS)

Opening Activity: Display GAK 600, the world. Ask the children if the world is a perfect place? Is the city we live in a perfect place? Ask the children if everyone in the world is happy? Are there some people who are sad? Have the children tell you what a perfect place would be like.

Scripture: Moses 7:18-19 Show GAK 120, city of Enoch. Summarize the story. “When Enoch was a young man the Lord told him to tell the people to repent. Enoch told the people what the Lord had said. Many believed Enoch's words, repented, and were baptized. These people built a city, Zion, where they lived together in peace, sharing all they had. The people in Zion became so righteous that they were taken up to heaven to live forever in the presence of God.” (From GAK Summary)

Activity:
Joyce Grisham, “The City of Enoch,” Friend, Apr. 2002, 41 click here for the print out page then

1. Trim the page along the heavy solid lines. Cut out the city on the broken lines.
2. Using the pencil point, punch small holes through the circles at A, B, C, and D. Thread one end of the string into B, down the back of the city, and out C. Then thread one end of the string through A, the other end through D, and tie the two ends together behind the page.

Play the Zion game. See if we can get the city up to heaven little by little by answering the questions.

1.In Zion people share all they have with each other. Can we share in our home?
2.In Zion there was no poor. What can we do for poor people?
3.In Zion they listened to the prophet Enoch. Who is our latter day prophet?
4.In Zion there was repentance and baptism. What can I do when I make a mistake? Who will baptize me and through what power?
5.Zion was full of righteous people. Can I be that good too?
6.Zion was taken up to heaven. What can I do to get to Heaven?

Song: I’m trying to be like Jesus (p.78 CS) Jesus was perfect. Zion was a place that lived as Jesus would live and made choices like Jesus would make.

Bear testimony of Jesus as our perfect example and of Zion. For treat, suggest sharing some with a neighbor, after all isn’t that what the people of Zion would do!


The Prophet Job FHE

In opening prayer, have a blessing on the treat, as it’s incorporated into lesson.

Opening Activity: Hold up a box of band-aids. Ask the children if they have ever been sick? Have they ever felt sad? Tell them tonight we will talk about a prophet who got really sick and really sad! But band aids, doctors, even his own friends- could not help him! Only His faith and the power of Jesus Christ could.

Song: Follow the Prophet (p.110 CS) with this made up verse
By Silly Ol' Me

Job was a prophet, tested, tried and true!
Faced with boils and blisters, just to name a few!
Even though he suffered, he would not give in.
Our Redeemer liveth! O’er trials we shall win!

Activity: Dress up a member of the family as Job. Have lots of props corresponding to the story. Have fruit by the foot to attach to the body as boils and sores. Act out the story.

Jane McBride Choate, “Scriptural Giants: Job—He Would Not Deny God,” Friend, Jun 1987, 48(See Job 1–42.)

In the land of Uz lived a faithful and obedient man named Job. Job had been greatly blessed by the Lord. He had seven sons and three daughters, whom he loved very much. He owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yokes of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and a great deal of property.

Job was grateful to God for all the blessings that he had received, and he worshiped God.
Satan was displeased because Job was so obedient and humble. So Satan complained to God, saying that Job was only righteous because he was so rich. If his riches were taken away, Satan argued, Job would quickly deny God. Then Satan challenged, “But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that [Job] hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.”

Because of His faith in Job, the Lord allowed Satan to test Job. Everything Job had, including his children, the Lord would allow Satan to destroy, but he was not to physically harm Job. Satan agreed.
One day a messenger came to Job and reported that all his oxen and donkeys had been stolen and that his servants had been killed. A second messenger immediately followed the first, carrying the news that Job’s sheep and shepherds had been struck by lightning. While Job was still speaking to the second messenger, a third arrived and said that Job’s camels had all been stolen and their caretakers killed.
Finally, a fourth messenger arrived and told Job that all his children had been killed when a wind blew down the house of Job’s oldest son while all Job’s children were inside.

Heartbroken, Job tore his clothing and shaved his head, as was the custom then, to show his great sorrow. But despite his grief, Job did not blame God. Instead, he continued to worship Him, saying, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Job’s faithfulness angered Satan. He now claimed that if Job were to suffer physically, he would deny God. But the Lord still had faith in Job. He allowed Satan to afflict Job with pain and suffering, but not death.
Satan caused boils to break out all over Job’s body, and they pained him continually. His friends told Job that he must have sinned terribly, or such a punishment would never have been sent from heaven. Even Job’s wife told him to curse God and die. But Job knew that he had been obedient, and he would not deny God. He held fast to his faith and said, “I know that my redeemer liveth, …

“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”
The Lord was very pleased with Job’s faithfulness. He healed his sores and blessed him with another seven sons and three daughters and with twice as many animals as he had previously owned.

As you enjoy your treat, (the fruit by the foot boils that came off when God healed him) ask the children what they’ve learned about the prophet Job. Listen to the hymn, I know that My Redeemer Lives while looking at different pictures of the Savior.

Bear testimony that even though we are sad and have problems, God is watching over us and we should always have faith in Heavenly Father, just like Job.

I Can Have Peace FHE

Song: I feel my Savior’s Love (p.74 CS)

Opening Activity: Turn on the radio loudly and the TV and anything else that can make noise. Ask the children if they can hear you? Should we have FHE with all this noise? Turn off everything. Sit and listen to the silence. Isn’t that more peaceful?

Activity: Have a couple cardboard boxes and tell the children they are boats. Show them the picture of Jesus Stilling the Storm (GAK 211). Talk about that story. Tell them we are in a storm and we’re going to have to find stories about peace and calm. Take some masking tape with you also. You can make X’s on things that are noisy and that can distract us from peace. (Like the TV or radio or video games... talk about Why too!) Take them in their boats to different parts of the house where the following pictures and scriptures are hanging up;

GAK 307 (King Benjamin “The Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come” Mosiah 4:3)

GAK 311 (Anti-Nephi-Lehites “And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace” (Alma 24:19).

GAK 602 (Gift of the Holy Ghost) “Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).

A picture of Mommy and Daddy at the temple. Talk about what it feels like in the temple.**

A set of scriptures (on a table). Talk about how the scriptures can help us feel peace.

End with the following scripture D&C 19:23. Bear testimony that though storms can happen in life and it can get really noisy at times, we can find happiness and joy through the peace of Jesus Christ.

** I know not everyone has had the opportunity to be sealed in the temple. Please, I do not mean to offend or hurt anyone. One of my favorite scriptures of all times is Isaiah 55:8-9, God's ways are higher than our ways! It will all work out in the end, Heavenly Father knows what he's doing.