Baptism Song Helps May 2009

Blue and White- the colors of Baptism Image courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by Alaukika April 2006

"Baptism" page 100 Children's Songbook

* Fill an envelope with pictures having to do with Baptism. Have a paper little boy or girl who are going to be baptized earn items from the envelope as you sing this song and learn the words. Items in the envelope could include white clothes, water, font, towel, mirror for above the font, etc.

* Have pictures of different places having to do with the song like Judea, River Jordan, Father's Kingdom, Places where we are witnesses in faith (home and school), Modern Baptismal Font. Have a child walk from picture to picture corresponding to the verses. Jesus set the example for us and we will follow and be baptized.

* Fill The Font - A visual from the Friend magazine you can use as you learn the song, color up a water level.

* Have you ever seen those things at the dollar store you can put into water and they will grow into something? They look like little pills and then they turn into wash rags or large sponges when immersed in water?? You can demonstrate this for the children and make the point that baptism is a covenant that will help our souls grow bigger and we will be better because of it! Is this too off the wall? Maybe. You decide.

* This is a fun song to tap your leg or top of hand to. Divide the room in half, one side tapping to a triplet beat (3 taps for each beat) and the other side tapping the melody of the song. Then switch!

"I want to Be Baptized" Words by Gary Croxall

Music by Kathleen Holyoak

July Friend 2005

* "I want" is a phrase we hear a lot in life. Have different pictures of things "we want" mixed with pictures having to do with baptism. You could have chocolate cake, a nintendo, a doll, etc. Then you could have pictures like white clothes, 8, font (to represent gate), soap with fire on it... (These pictures can be the visuals you use for the song for the children to hold) It's Ok to want different items in life, but the most important want we have should be to return to Heavenly Father and Jesus. This want is done in part by baptism.

* After you are baptized, you are wet! Bring in a basket full of towels. As you learn the song, see how many towels the primary can earn! Make a large stack as they sing boldly and energetically!

* My little 2 year old beauty often says "I need" in the place of "I want". For example "I need candy please." or "I need a dog from Pet's Mart." From what I gather this is a common practice for sweet 2 year olds. (Yes! Sweet! You will NEVER EVER EVER hear me say terrible twos!! They are TERRIFIC twos!!! Sorry. Tangent.) You can explain this to the primary children and ask them to think about the word "need" when they sing "want". It is true we "need" to be baptized but we will always have the choice, so we sing the word "want" because we want exactly that! To be baptized!

* Ask the Ward Mission leader if you can sing this song for Gospel Essentials class one week once you've learned it for the people investigating the church!

May 2009 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

River Jordan image courtesy creative commons license flickr.com by Cajie march 2006

May Theme: Baptism and confirmation are ordinances that bless my family.
May Scripture: “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” ( John 3:5).

Week 1 Baptism is the first ordinance of the gospel.

* Call up a couple families before hand and write down some interesting "birth" stories of some of the children in primary. (You can also get pictures from the parents of the primary children's first picture when they were a newborn) Have children hold the baby pictures while you tell the stories. Can we come into this world any other way than being born? Can we fly a spaceship from the pre-existence down to earth? "Just as we cannot have mortal life without physical birth, so we cannot enter the kingdom of God except by being born of the water and of the Spirit. John 3:5" (Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual p.42 Introduction) Being born is the first thing we do in life as Baptism is the first ordinance of the Gospel.

* Gather a bunch (or make out of paper) 1st place ribbons. (Scratch out the word place so it will just be a large 1st on the ribbons) Hide the ribbons throughout the room and attach questions, scriptures and songs to them. When the child finds one they can come to the front and answer/read on a special podium (Sturdy box). The first ordinance is Baptism and all who follow God's commandments are winners!
- Another adaption to this idea is having them do something physical to earn a ribbon, like 10 push ups or 5 jumping jacks. Then answer the question on the ribbon. How many ribbons can you earn as a primary? Baptism is the first ordinance of the Gospel and starts us out "strong" on our path back to Heavenly Father and Jesus.

* Hold up a piece of paper. Will this paper stay the same always? Have a child come up and crumple it. It's not the same anymore, it's wrinkled and you can't draw on it. Hold up a flower. Will this flower stay the same always? How will it change? Hold up a piece of fruit. How will it change? Is there anything in life that doesn't change?

Read 2 Nephi 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."
Baptism is the first ordinance of the gospel and has been taught since the days of Adam. Divide into groups and have them draw pictures of the following people who taught/practiced baptism. Have them hold up their pictures and read the scriptures. Helpful scriptures for groups include Moses 6:64-66, Moses 7:11 (Enoch was also commanded), Noah preached Moses 8:23-24, Ancient Israelites 1 Nephi 20:1, Nephites/Lamanites Alma 19:35-36, Jesus Matthew 3:13-17, Philip Acts 8:37-39, Joseph Smith D&C 13.
Give their pictures to the missionaries to help new investigators learn about baptism.

* Definition of Ordinance: "In the Church, an ordinance is a sacred, formal act performed by the authority of the priesthood. Some ordinances are essential to our exaltation. These ordinances are called saving ordinances. They include baptism, confirmation, ordination to the Melchizedek Priesthood (for men), the temple endowment, and the marriage sealing. With each of these ordinances, we enter into solemn covenants with the Lord." (From Gospel Library- Gospel Topics)

Have a children see how well they can listen and follow directions. Give each child a piece of paper (Or just have one come up to the front to demonstrate) and pencil. You say slowly, giving them time for each step: Draw a vertical line from the top of the page down to the bottom. Draw another vertical line 4 finger spaces to the side of that from the top of the page down to the bottom. You will have 2 lines on your paper now. Add 6 small horizontal, side to side lines in between the two large lines. Have them hold up their papers in the air and look around. Does everyone have ladders? Have them do one more thing, circle the bottom line- the first step on the ladder.

" The first saving ordinance is baptism. Thus, with baptism, to use the Prophet Joseph Smith’s metaphor, we step onto the ladder. Once on the ladder, there are more steps to take. Climbing the ladder requires many things: the saving grace of our Savior, our own faith and repentance and good works, and the assistance of the priesthood... Of course, this journey up the ladder was not destined to be traveled alone: we have others to assist us. The righteous family unit is destined to last forever." David E. Sorensen Member of the 2nd Quorum of the 70, “Why Baptism Is Not Enough,” Ensign, Apr 1999, 16

Week 2 Jesus Christ was baptized.

* See HERE for a reader's theatre.

Week 3 I will be baptized and confirmed.

* Invite 2 or 3 new converts to BRIEFLY (As in 2-3 minutes each) share their conversion story when they were baptized and confirmed - to the primary children.

* Have a glass of water half full. Explain that this is like baptism. We also need to be confirmed!! Pour in more water until the glass is full. "Baptism by water is but half a baptism, and is good for nothing without the other half—that is, the baptism of the Holy Ghost” Joseph Smith (History of the Church, 5:499)

* Make Family Home Evening Kits to take home. Have them choose from a couple different 8 X 10 baptism pictures; GAK 108, 208, 309, 601. (You can make $0.35 color copies or print off your computer) Another possibility is these pictures (Scroll down to baptism and click) from the friend (They are black and white and the children could color them, then cut them into 12 pieces) On the bottom of each picture have "I will be baptized and confirmed."

Have the children cut the pictures into 12 pieces, then on the back write the numbers 1-12. The FHE is putting together the puzzle and answering the questions. This article from the friend has 12 questions/answers you will have to number and then make copies to put in the kits. While the children are putting things together, discuss the questions and possible songs they could sing for the FHE.

For the kits you could put the pieces in Ziploc bags and have a manila envelope or file folder for them to contain everything.

* Plain Words About Baptism An excellent felt board presentation from the friend!!

* Vicki F. Matsumori is brilliant and writes, "Sharing Time: Example of the Believers,” Friend, Aug 2003, 47 "Display GAK 208 (“John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus”) and have the children help retell the events of the Savior’s baptism. Sing “Baptism” (pp. 100–101).

On word strips, write categories about things related to baptism, such as THINGS FOUND AT A BAPTISM, PEOPLE FROM THE SCRIPTURES WHO WERE BAPTIZED, ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH, THINGS I PROMISE WHEN I AM BAPTIZED, REASONS TO BE BAPTIZED, WAYS I CAN HONOR MY BAPTISMAL COVENANT.

Divide the children into groups. Display one of the category papers and have a child in the first group give one example that fits the category. For example, for THINGS FOUND AT A BAPTISM, items might be an eight-year-old child, the parents, the missionaries, white clothing, water, a font, the bishop or branch president, witnesses, speakers, and music. Have each group suggest one thing for the category. If a group is unable to give an answer, it drops out of the game until the next category. Have the remaining groups continue until there is one group left. Repeat the process with the remaining categories.

Sing “When I Am Baptized” (p. 103). Bear testimony of the blessings received at baptism, and express gratitude for your membership in the Church."

Week 4 My family is blessed as we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

* Come up with different case scenarios. As the children answer the scenarios have them come up and build a home out of legos or lincoln logs. We build our homes and our families are blessed when we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. A couple examples of case scenarios could include Matt and his brother are going camping. They get a feeling they shouldn't go into the woods alone. What should they do? Where does that warning feeling come from? How is their family blessed? Or Linda is out shopping with her mother. There is a really cute skirt she'd like to buy but it comes above the knees and is a little tight. What would the Holy Ghost probably tell the girl or mother? How would they be stronger as a family by following the promptings of modesty?

* Draw a maze on the chalkboard. Have a family on one end and on the other a picture of the temple. Blindfold a child and give them a piece of chalk, ask another child to quietly help them get the family to the temple. The Holy Ghost leads and guides us and when we follow it's promptings our families are blessed.

* 2 Nephi 32: 2 "Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost? "

Ask the children to come up with as many kind words they can say to family members. Make a list on the chalk board. All these words come by the Holy Ghost and bless our families. Have the children make thank-you notes using words from the board for different family members

* Have a stick that a child can come up to break. Have a bunch of sticks, can a child break this? When we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost we add sticks to our family and make our family stronger.

"Nothing in this life is of greater worth than the supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. It is the source of joy, peace, knowledge, strength, love, and every other good thing. With the Atonement, it is the power by which we may be changed and made strong where we are weak. With the priesthood, it is the power by which marriages and families are sealed together eternally." Lawrence E. Corbridge, "The Way," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 35

* Ask the children how they are doing. Is today a special day or holiday? Do they have any reason to rejoice today?

"Through the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, every member of the Church can receive 'the words of Christ' directly (2 Nephi 32:3), at any time or place. This personal divine guidance helps us to remain valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ and endure to the end of our days. Isn't this wonderful! "Have we not reason to rejoice?" Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?" Ensign, Nov. 2007, 20

So today is a special day! Everyday that we follow the promptings of the spirit is a special day and our family will be blessed!

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Making sure all lessons focus on Him.

2. Bearing testimony of Him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miss Matty Jenkyns: "suck".

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

Keeping Christ in Easter - Family Traditions

Image courtesy Creative Commons License on flickr.com by kassandrapoised April 2007

I receive lots of friendly emails from people. What a ray of sunshine you all are!! You restore my faith in mankind and I hope that God will bless you forever for the kindness you've spoken to me. I really don't deserve it! After I pray God gives me ideas and I write it down. He does all the hard work!

Of recent, I received an uber polite email from Sister Frost. I'm not sure where she's from but if I had to guess I'd say the motherland, dear Great Britain. She was just so proper and well-spoken. She is looking for thoughts and ideas for new family traditions she can start to make Easter more meaningful.

Melanie, who runs sugardoodle.net has an exceptional page with different ideas for Easter. Click here to see. In fact, I saw one on having a candle lit dinner that I'm going to try this year! You really cannot get better than this assortment and gathering of ideas found on her site. Isn't she wonderful? She really reminds me of someone who emulates the Savior gathering resources so our homes can be happier places.

Additional Ideas

* In the April Ensign 2009 on page 40 starts an article called "He is Risen". Take a jar and cover it with gray clay, making it look like a rock tomb. Make the lid into a rock. Cut out the scriptures and pictures from this article and put them in a jar. There are 20 pictures/scriptures total. They are short scriptures, perfect for young children. Along with some of the pictures, add small service projects that can relate to that scripture or picture. A week or two before Easter have your child draw one or two out each morning. Display the pictures where they can be seen. Plan so that on Easter the jar will be empty (just like Jesus' tomb) but our hearts aren't because we served others and read our scriptures!

For example: The picture "He is not here" Scripture Matthew 28:6 - Make a loaf of bread to take to someone. The picture "Easter Morning" Scripture John 20:16 - gather some flowers or do a flower art project to give to someone (When I see the picture it just makes me think of beauty, beauty makes me think of flowers... could there have been a more beautiful moment in history?). The picture "The Disciples Peter and John Running to the Sepulchre" Scripture John 20:3-4 - Run up and down your neighborhood block dropping off pass along cards of the Savior in mailboxes. The picture "Feed my Sheep" Scripture John 21:16 - make a pizza and salad to take to a family. Ask your children what does the picture or scripture make them want to do for someone?

* I made a chart for my little ladies with all the commercial aspects of Easter and how they relate to Christ. The pictures are simple and the words too. I titled it "When I think of Easter I think of My Savior". I have a picture of the Easter Bunny with the phrase, The Easter Bunny shares and gives just like Jesus shared and gave His life for me. Another picture is of an Easter basket with the words Easter baskets are open just like the open and empty tomb of Jesus. I have about 5 pictures and phrases total. My daughter's favorite is a picture of baby chicks with the words Baby chicks, baby bunnies and duckies... who gave us all our animals? Jesus! We go over this every other night and I have it posted next to the GAK picture 233 of Mary and the Resurrected Lord (Although He wasn't quite fully resurrected yet... the whole "touch me not" bit)

* Easter Caroling. I mean... why not? There are some great Easter songs and a lot of elderly people out there that need some happiness in life!!

* Our family is Greek. Out of the 8 brothers and sisters that came from Cephalonia, my Yaya was the eldest. My mother and father are the only LDS members. What is my point? Oh how I babble so. We have the tradition of dying some eggs deep red. To remember the blood of Christ. We then crack it against other people's eggs, which really doesn't have to do with Christ, but it's fun.

* Paper Palm Leaf and Clothes count down. Have a picture of Christ on the donkey your children can move each day towards the empty tomb. On the palm leaves and clothes have scriptures or small acts of service you can do as a family each day.

* I know that in the Jewish religion, for the celebration of Passover Seder Feast an empty chair is left for the prophet Elijah. Why not leave a chair empty for the Savior at your Easter dinner? Jesus and the Holy Ghost are always welcome in our homes and are very much needed so! At dinner you could talk about things you would ask the Savior, share favorite stories of Him and discuss what it will be like when we are all resurrected. You could even have a box with questions to draw from and answer as you eat, all of course relating to Jesus.

* I also think that visiting the grave of a loved one could not be more appropriate than doing so on Easter.

Soooooooooo Sister Frost, I hope this could be of some help. Really, the site to check though is sugardoodle.net! Happy Happy Easter!! You have one blessed little daughter to have a mother so caring and concerned for her spiritual well being. If only all the mothers in the world could be so impressed and motivated to teach their children of our Savior!!

Update: Final 3 Requests

I Think When I Read That Sweet Story
Children's Songbook pg. 56

* Make mini-books (Books that can fit in the palm of their hand) for the primary children. Each page can have a picture to represent the words to help them learn the song and then reinforce.

* Make a large posterboard book and have the children come sit around you like it's story time when you sing. (The gathering round the knee would work best with a smaller primary)

* Bring in 10 books. Place them evenly on the floor. When the children know the words to the song, tell them about the "Sweet Story" meter. The "Sweet Story" meter is the books on the floor. One child will come up and walk by the books. One end is soft the other end is loud. Think of other opposite singing techniques you could do! Repeat the song! Have fun!

The Scriptures Can Lead Me to Jesus
By Clive Romney

* Make a little "journey". Have one child be the traveler holding a set of scriptures. Set up other children as road signs. Their road signs will have pictures having to do with the song to learn the words.

* Have a visual with a "scripture compass" in the middle (make it so there are spinners). Have other pictures to represent words of the song around the scripture compass. Children can spin and then sing the part they spun to.

* The scriptures are often referred to as the iron rod. The iron rod leads to the fruit of the tree of life which is the love of God. Look for special singers who know the words who can lead the primary with a special iron rod conducting wand. I'd paint a wooden dowel silver and put some glitter.

* This is a very fast song. If you have access to a metronome it might be fun to let the children choose some different tempos to sing to and have the metronome playing while they sing.

I Know My Savior Loves Me
By Tami Jeppson Creamer and Derena Bell

* Have the children take home a sturdy piece of card stock with the words "I Know My Savior Loves Me" to make a picture/word collage. Have them bring it back the next week. Invite children who are being reverent to take a testimony walk by these collages while you sing the song.

* Have two small groups of children (maybe 3 in each group). Dress up the first group as children in the time that Jesus walked the earth. Have them hold GAK picture 216. They represent the first verse. In the second group you can dress one child up as a teacher holding another picture of Christ. Come up with simple hand actions to help them remember the words and have each group demonstrate these actions.

* Have different pictures glued to popsicle sticks. These pictures should represent ways we know the Savior loves us. On the back will be a way to sing the song. For example you can have a cat - Jesus has given us animals to show His love. Sing softly. Mountain - Jesus has given us the mountains and beauty of the earth. Sing grandly and proud. Have quite a few for them to choose from!

* Give each child a heart sticker to put on one of their knees. The heart sticker can remind us that many people love us, but most of all our Savior! Have them tap the sticker with their hand to the rhythm or beat of the song as they sing.

Thank you for all your requests! A lot of the songs I wasn't familiar with and look forward to learning! These 3 songs will be the final requests I take. Much love to you all!

Update: Requests? Requests?

Easter Lily image courtesy creative-commons license flickr.com by photoholic1 April 2007

The Family is of God
2008 by Matthew Neeley

* Wrap up a family proclamation. Then put it in a bigger box. Wrap again. Do this a few times. As the children learn and sing the song invite one up to unwrap a layer. One of the greatest gifts that Heavenly Father has given us is family.

* Have a large photo album. As you notice doing a good job singing invite them up to take a picture of another primary friend they noticed was singing. Do this a few times. Tell the children that all the pictures they have taken are children of our Heavenly Father. We are all family members!

* Have a paper car. Have paper family members. See how many family members the children can get in the car by having them fill in the blanks. For example: Our father has a what? They say family. Or This is how He shares His love... what comes next? They say (or sing- you choose!) for the family is of God. Keep on going once all the family is in the car and move them along a dotted road on the chalkboard to a surprise destination! A temple!

* This activity is for when the children have learned the song. Have one child hold a picture of a family. Have another child hold a picture of Jesus. As they notice everyone singing, reverently but boldly, the child holding the family can walk to the child holding the Savior's picture. Will the primary family make it to Jesus? You bet!

He sent His Son
Children's Songbook pg. 34

* Dress up the children in simple outfits to depict different parts of the Savior's life that are in the song. I would do Mary holding a baby, a couple children dressed as the disciples Christ walked with, one angel and Mary Magdalene to help remember the resurrection, and then one child who can carry the scriptures and a picture of Christ. And remember we're not supposed to dress children up as Deity. (Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 279.)

* 6 questions are asked in this song. You could invite 6 children up to hold a picture with a question mark. They sing the questions, then the primary sings the answers. Teachers and leaders sing only with the 6 children (If you have shy children).

* As a review and to reinforce the lyrics, have a mystery word. 6 pieces of paper on the board with the letters SAVIOR separated on each piece. As they are able to recall the words (question and answer phrase of the song ) invite a child to come up and reveal a letter. Bear testimony that Heavenly Father did indeed send His perfect Son to be our Savior.

* 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 during the song. 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, so we must love Him too.

I Feel My Savior's Love
Children's Songbook pg. 74

* When I hear the word feel... I think tactile. What if you made a large tactile board or mystery boxes for the children to come up and feel. Different parts of the song would be represented in a way the children could actually touch. For a couple examples "In all the world around me" you could put leaves (And if you do a mystery box have them guess what they are feeling). "His spirit warms my soul" you could put hand warmers you get in the camping section of a store. "It's gentleness enfolds me" a soft cotton or silk cloth. Think of adding about 4 others things from the song they can feel. Have the children reach out into the air and feel with their hands. There is nothing there. Sometimes we feel with our hands and other times we feel with our heart. The Savior's Love is all around us and we can feel it with our hands and our hearts.

* Have children come up holding a visual to represent a phrase of the song. Mix up the children and have them quietly figure out what order they need to be in as the rest of the primary sings the song. Will they be able to get in the right order by the time the song is finished?

* Invite a few people from the branch/ward to play I feel My Savior's Love on different instruments. There are different ways to hear this song just like there are different ways to feel the Savior's love. Invite the children to pick an instrument and then sing with it.

* Have a 8x10 paper with an outline of a body on it for each child. (Or have a large poster board of a body outline at the front you could invite a child to point to as you sing) As you sing the song, they can point to the different parts of the body that the song talks about. A couple examples include "In everything I see" point to the eyes. "And when I kneel to pray" point to the knees. "He knows I will follow Him" point to the heart or feet. Ask the children what they could point to on certain phrases!

Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam
Children's Songbook pg. 60

* I feel like such a killjoy but my Papou (grandpa) was a sheriff and I think I have issues with having to follow the rules always. Something in my blood. Who knows. But for the record: Sacrament Meeting Presentation/Program.... No, costumes should not be worn in sacrament meeting (see Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 290). Does that apply to sun hats? Follow your heart and the spirit!

* In sharing time, of course for singing you can have sun popsicle sticks they hold up on the word sunbeam.

*Invite a child to come up to be the sun and use their arms as rays or "sunbeams". If they have their arms all the way out extended them we sing boldly! If they draw them into their body, we sing softer. Children could also mirror the person in front with their bodies if you need to get some wiggles out.

* Have a yellow circle in front with a picture of Jesus in the middle. Have long strips of yellow paper to add the children's names to who are singing and most importantly smiling! Of course this will be everyone because all the primary children are so wonderful and bright!

* Have 2 gray clouds that 2 children can hold. Invite a child to come hold a flashlight with a sun on it. Every time they hear the word sun, have them shine through the clouds!

Jesus is Our Loving Friend
Children's Songbook pg. 58b

* Have the children draw a picture of them and the Savior. Choose different children to hold their pictures in the front as you sing.

* Have 2 magnets with separated pieces of a paper friendship locket on it, on separate sides of the black board. One can say Best the other Friends. Invite a child to come up and move the magnets together as you sing this song. Jesus truly is our best friend!

* Have the children brainstorm all the qualities of a loving friend. (Quality is a hard word for little children so you can ask what would a loving friend do? how does a loving friend act like?) List as many as you can on the chalkboard. Invite a child to come up and check mark a quality or 2 from the list that Jesus also has while you sing the song. After you sing it a few times all the qualities should be checked off!

* Briefly tell the children the footprints story. This is the story of a true and loving friend. Have a footprint path for a child to carefully walk on as the primary sings the song. See if they can step in rhythm! The primary children can also lift their feet in rhythm lightly as they sing as if they were following the footprints too. Jesus our loving friend has lifted us through the atonement, he cares for us more deeply than we can know now.

Did Jesus Really Live Again?
Children's Songbook pg. 64

* Linda Magleby, “Sharing Time: I Can Repent and Be Happy,” Friend, Apr 2006, 14–16 says "Song Presentation:“Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (p. 64). Verse one asks a question, answers it, and tells what Jesus did. Ask the children to listen and raise one finger when they hear the question, two fingers when they hear the answer, and three fingers when they hear what Jesus did. Sing the first verse of the song for the children. What is the question? What is the answer? Sing that much together. Show GAK 233 (Mary and the Resurrected Lord). Say, “The song tells us three things Jesus did when the third day came. As I sing, count them on your fingers as you hear them.” (1—“wakened,” 2—“left the tomb,” 3—“called Mary’s name.”) Review the three things, and sing and count together. Use the same technique for verse two. The third verse tells how the people knew it was Jesus. Sing the first half, and ask how the people recognized Him. Sing that much together. Now the song asks a question and gives a wonderful promise. Have the children listen for the question, hold up one finger when they hear it, and fold their arms when they hear the promise. Sing the rest of the verse for them; then sing it together. Testify of the Resurrection.

* Have an Easter basket with grass filled with items for this song. Invite children to come up and choose items and name the line it represents for the song. For a few examples- a nail for "nail prints in His side". A glove for "Did Jesus really live again?" to put on their hands to represent the reuniting of body and spirit for the resurrection. An empty Easter egg "He wakened and he left the tomb" Think of a few more.

* Have a poster board of the empty tomb (black square) and the rock rolled away. Invite a child to the front to add flowers to the tomb as the primary children sing reverently and with feeling. (Say they put up 5... wow! Let's have another person come up and see if we can earn 6!) The resurrection is a beautiful thing, just like their singing! If only you had a million flowers to add!

* Divide the room into 2 sections. One side will sing the question, the other side the response. Or you could do boys and girls or teachers and children or pretend missionaries and investigators (the ones who sing the question)... etc. Do you have anyone really brave? Have one come up and sing the questions (you could give them a hat and pad and pencil to pretend they were a news reporter) and another sing the answer. It is a fact- Jesus Christ lives!

Jesus Has Risen
Children's Songbook pg. 70

* The introduction of the song says "like chimes". Why not bring in a triangle or two and have a couple children play them lightly while you sing?

* Have the children stand when they sing the word "risen" then sit back down. Sing again and have them choose a body part to raise on that word!

* Bring in some bread dough and have a child add the yeast. The yeast is like the resurrection of Christ. Sing the song and see what happens to the dough at the end of primary.

* Have a paper balloon (hot air or a regular balloon) with a picture of Christ on it. Attach it to a string so it can move up and down on a poster board. Invite a child to come up and move the balloon up as the primary children sing joyfully!

* Have a small picture of Christ hidden on the ceiling. After you sing the song invite a child to look quietly for the picture for 20 seconds. Sing again and invite another to do so. Finally, sing the song and invite all the children to quietly walk around as they sing until they find the picture. Jesus has risen above!!

He Died That We Might Live Again
Children's Songbook pg. 65

* Have a bouquet of flowers in a vase. Attach different parts of the songs to different flowers. Have the children come up and choose flowers and arrange themselves in order of the song. Spring is a time of rebirth- the trees bud and flowers bloom- and Christ died that we might live again!

* Have a poster board with pictures of the children from primary. In the center a picture of the Resurrected Christ. Cover it up with paper puzzle pieces. Have them answer questions about the song to remove a puzzle piece. For example sing "He died that we might live again" what comes next? How many times do we sing the word rejoice and sing at the end? (2 and 3) What comes before "he showed his love for all mankind"? After all the puzzle pieces are removed testify that Christ died for each one of us and because of this we will be resurrected.

* Have the words Before and After written on the chalkboard. Have about 6 different Gospel Art Kit pictures up there also from the life of Christ. This song has a trickier-than-most melody. Invite a child who thinks they can clap the rhythm while you and the primary sing a part of the song. Tell them great job and let them choose a picture to put in the right spot, either before or after Christ died. Invite a few others to come up and do the same. The life of Christ was amazing and still is because even though He died, He lives again and so can we!

* Have a rock to pass around the room. This rock is like the rock moved in front of the empty tomb. Have the children sing or say the words of the song and pass the rock when they can't remember or just want to. For example the first child could sing/say "He died that we might", then he passes and the next child would need to sing/say "live again". Little ones might need an older one to whisper help in their ear. Some older ones might want to sing the whole song themselves. If you have a smaller primary, why not! They're awesome and have it memorized, kudos to them. For a larger primary have them say 5 words or less.

To think about Jesus
Children's Songbook pg. 71

* Have a bunch of different pictures of things that might distract us from thinking about Jesus. Like a TV, a radio, video games, books, toys, etc. Invite a child to come up who has been singing and trying to be reverent to choose a picture and crumple it up and toss in the garbage can. The song talks about "It shouldn't be hard" and isn't! We will think about Jesus!

* Have all the children stand while singing the song. When they hear the word "sit" have them sit down, then stand back up again. Have arms folded while singing. When they sing this song they will be teaching the adults about reverence and will be wonderful examples!!

* Have the words of the song or pictures in thought bubbles. Have children in the front hold these visuals by their heads.

*Have bean bags labeled wiggles, ants in my pants, talking to friends while teacher is talking, tapping feet, squirmy arms... While singing, toss out a couple bean bags to children who are being awesome. Have them come to the front and trade it for a picture of death and resurrection of Christ to put on the chalkboard.

Beautiful Savior
Children's Songbook pg. 62

* Have a little crusader holding a flag. Draw a path for him on the chalkboard to a picture of Christ. As they sing with zeal and emotion move him along the path!

* Crunch into a small position as you sing "Fair is the sunshine" then get a little bigger for "Fairer the moonlight and all the stars in heav'n above" and finally stand as tall as you can when you sing "Jesus shines brighter"...etc. You can do the same with the second verse.

* The scriptural reference for this song is D&C 43:34 "Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds." At the end of singing time give them a nestle treasure. The knowledge we have that Jesus Christ is our Savior is truly a treasure and so is the children's beautiful singing!!! (Again, this is a food issue so use the idea with discretion)

* Moroni had the title of liberty! Our primary has the Banner of the Beautiful Savior! Have a large white piece of fabric for the children to come up and write why they think the Savior is beautiful. Little children will need help! Have them sign their names. As you sing the song invite 3 children to hold up your banner. Each child holds it for a verse. Or maybe you'll need all 3 depending on how big it is!

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I apologize for not posting visual aids, it's just not me. How easy it would be to click and print and be done. I have more faith in you. If you are like me, you might not be the next Van Gogh but how will we ever grow if we don't give our artistic side a chance. Plus, children are resilient - if they can survive the stomach flu and Disney's Bambi, they can survive our stick figures.

Also, I hope you don't mind but I took the first 10 requests and only did those.

And these ideas can EASILY be integrated into a FHE!! Good luck!!

Thank-you for your patience, your kindness, and all your requests! I hope these ideas can help a little! Much love to you always!!

Christos Anesti!

Happy Happy Easter!!

April 2009 Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

Photograph by Andy Caulfield/Getty Images O Cristo Redentor Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Monthly Theme: Jesus Christ made it possible for me to live with my Heavenly Father again.
Monthly Scripture: "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

Also the * indicates an idea. All the ideas aren't meant to be used in one sharing time necessarily. Pick and choose as you are inspired.

Week 1 In the premortal life, I chose to follow Jesus Christ.

* You can't get much better than this. The key is adapting for a 15 minute time period!

* Hold up a picture of a dark cave and a picture of a meadow of flowers. Where would you choose to go, in the darkness or light? Hold up a picture of some junk foods and then a picture of a nice pasta bowl and big salad. Which would you choose for dinner? Some choices are better than others no matter how tempting. Following Christ and not Lucifer is the best choice we made and can continue to make!

Have the children fold a piece of paper in half. Have them draw or write about the choice we made to follow Jesus on one side and what happened to those who didn't on the other side.
You can make an example picture yourself beforehand to give them a start. Then have them share!!

* Call up 5 children at a time to stand up in front of the primary. Have those sitting quietly look at the faces of the children standing for 10ish seconds. Have those standing return to their seats. Invite 5 more to come up. Repeat as much as you like. Did everyone see the faces of each other?

Read Abraham 3:22-23 "Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born. "

Bear testimony that the children whose beautiful faces we looked at, and all the faces in this room are those noble and great ones who stood for Christ in the premortal world.

*Read the following. “When the great War in Heaven was fought, Lucifer, the son of the morning, came forth with a plan that was rejected. The Father of us all, with love for us, His children, offered a better plan under which we would have freedom to choose the course of our lives. His Firstborn Son, our Elder Brother, was the key to that plan. Man would have his agency, and with that agency would go accountability. Man would walk the ways of the world and sin and stumble. But the Son of God would take upon Himself flesh and offer Himself a sacrifice to atone for the sins of all men. Through unspeakable suffering He would become the great Redeemer, the Savior of all mankind” (Gordon B. Hinckley, in Conference Report, Apr. 2002, 107; or Ensign, May 2002, 90).

Hide keys around the room. Attach questions or scriptures having to do with Christ or agency. We made a good choice in the premortal world and will continue to follow the key to Heavenly Father's plan...our Savior!

* These are ideas related to the premortal existence that might be of help. They are under Week 2 I lived with Heavenly Father before I came to earth in the post.

Week 2 I have a testimony that Jesus Christ is my Savior.

* In Teaching No Greater Call pg. 161 it says, "Buzz sessions are activities in which learners are divided into small discussion groups. The groups talk about assigned topics and then share their ideas with the others. You can use buzz sessions to give a large number of people the opportunity to participate in a lesson..." The manual also talks about how to conduct one, so dust it off and take a look.

Questions for a buzz session for this week's topic could include: What are the things I need to do daily to gain a testimony of Jesus Christ? Where are places I can go to strengthen my testimony of Jesus Christ? Who is a good example that helps me have a testimony of Jesus Christ and why? How can I help others strengthen their testimony of Jesus Christ? What is a testimony and how does it feel?

* Write down testimonies. Have them take it home to put in a journal or bind them together to make a book for your branch/ward missionaries to share with investigators. (This can also fill a faith in God requirement)

* Did anyone ever do the MTC training center where you volunteer to be investigators? Well why not bring it to primary! Have the branch/ward missionaries come in and briefly explain why a testimony of Christ is important on a mission and in life. Break up into small groups. Have some children be missionaries (no tags... that's in one of the handbooks) and the others investigators. Have a few questions for the investigators to ask and have the primary missionaries practice bearing testimony of our Savior. Then switch roles.

D&C 84:61-62 "For I will forgive you of your sins with this commandment—that you remain steadfast in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing testimony to all the world of those things which are communicated unto you. Therefore, go ye into all the world; and unto whatsoever place ye cannot go ye shall send, that the testimony may go from you into all the world unto every creature."

* "Personal testimony is confirmed to us initially and is reaffirmed and enlarged thereafter through a harmonious combining of both the intellect and the spirit." (Boyd K. Packer "Reverence Invites Revelation" Ensign November 1991, p.21) This quote makes me think of the visual of a sunrise. At dawn the sun peeks through the sky, we know it's there. Then the morning breaks and our eyes and bodies/senses can again confirm the sun is up, until finally at midday the sun fills the sky and there can be no question that the sun has lit up our lives completely.

Week 3 My family and I will be resurrected.

* Have a teacher or another adult come to the front to help. Tie their hands together. What does that feel like? Can they do as many things with their hands tied? Mosiah 15:20 "But behold, the bands of death shall be broken, and the Son reigneth, and hath power over the dead; therefore, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead." Cut the string. The teacher's hand is free now. How does that feel? The resurrection gives our families hope and happy feelings.

* Ezekiel 37:1-14 is a very visual scriptural story/reference on the resurrection. It would take a lot of preparation but this would make for a great felt board.

* Have pictures of a few different families displayed. One family tries their very hardest to do things that are right. One family only has children that go to church and read the scriptures. One family yells at each other and sometimes even push each other. Which family will be resurrected? 2 Nephi 9:22 "And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day." ALL the families will be resurrected.

* If you have a smaller primary, you could pass out wooden picture frames for the children to write scripture references about the resurrection. They could go home and put pictures of their family to remember that they will all be resurrected.

Alma 11:43-44 "The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt. Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.

* Have something simple broken. Fix it with superglue. The resurrection will put the body and the spirit back together. Except it's something much stronger and more powerful than superglue because of who made it possible, Jesus Christ.

Week 4 By following Jesus Christ, we will be able to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus again.

* Have the children trace the outlines of their feet. On one foot they can draw and write ways in which they can follow Jesus Christ. On the second foot, give them a picture of Jesus to glue on. Have them glue both feet on a large piece of paper to take home with By following Jesus Christ, we will live with Heavenly Father and Jesus again.

1 Peter 2: 21 "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps

* What would it be like walking in the dark without a flash light all by yourself? Sing Teach Me to Walk in the Light (Hymns page 304). Have a large poster board with a picture of the Liahona and Alma 37:45 "And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise."

Cover the poster board with pieces of black paper. As the children answer questions based on following Jesus and sing songs that are related, etc.... turn off the lights, give them a flash light and let them remove a piece of black paper to discover the message.

* Pass out hymn books and turn to Lord, I Would Follow Thee (page 220) Have them come up with at least 8 different ways to follow the Lord listed in the song. As they find a way they earn a letter. Choose a smaller child who can't read to choose a letter so you can involve everyone. The letters will spell out DISCIPLE. Sing Love One Another (page 308) and listen for the word disciple.

Point out the scripture reference at the bottom of the Hymn 1 John 4:11 but continue to verse 12 also. "Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us." We can get a little glimpse of what it would be like to live with Heavenly Father by following (being a disciple of) Christ and receiving His spirit.

* Bring in a basin, towel and soap. Have children come to the front to hold these items and a picture of Jesus washing His disciples feet. (GAK 226) Briefly tell this story and quote John 13: 13-17

"Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

We might not be called to actually clean one another's feet, but we can serve humbly with love. Bear testimony that Jesus Christ set a perfect example for us to follow and in doing so we will be happy and live with Him again.

* For the Senior Primary, in the Topical Guide (In the Bible) are many references with the word "Follow". Direct them to this section and give them 5 minutes to find something they'd like to share on the word follow. Then have them share.

Requests? Requests?

The Last Supper from the New Gospel Art Book See Here for more details

The month of April is, "Song of your choice about Jesus Christ from the Children's Songbook, Hymns, Friend or Liahona". (2009 Outline for Sharing Time and the Children's Sacrament Meeting Presentation)

I've got some free time. And since sitting in front of a computer with my scriptures is easier than the cheapo exercise machine we bought at Sears- don't get me wrong, I blame myself not the machine. Well maybe I blame stores that sell $2 individual cake slabs called devil dogs a little bit too...really if it comes down to it... So I've decided to see what you might need help with! What song did you choose for this month? Would you like a couple different ideas to help with that song? Leave a comment and I'll say a prayer or two or three to see if any ideas come.

Update: Hello! I've gone ahead and taken the first 10 song requests of those who've commented. Hope to be of some help! Please pardon as 10 will keep me busy for a time and I will not be able to keep up with any further requests - at this time. Thank you for your patience!!

My Eternal Family Song Helps and Ideas

My Little but Great Eternal Family... still working on Nono and Yaya Sofia. Yaya Sofia says she will forever be Greek Orthodox, so I'll leave that one up to her and the Big Man upstairs.

* Display GAK pictures:
102 of Noah building the ark
206 childhood of Jesus
304 Lehi and His People Arrive in the Promised Land

Ask the children what was built in each picture and who built it? Will we ever be asked to build an ark? How can we use our hands as Christ did? Nephi built a ship and we can build something that is just as important... our family!

* On a piece of poster board have a picture of a family and a picture of the temple. Attach the family to a string and as the children sing, you can pull the family closer to the temple.

* Have 13 building blocks. Attach the letters ETERNAL FAMILY, one per block. As the children learn the words, sing valiantly and try their best they can earn blocks to build a word tower. Put L on the bottom and then build up to E. Next tower Y on bottom to F.

* Issue a challenge!! See if there are any volunteers who can learn this song by memory WITH their family to sing in Primary next week!! Take one volunteer per week and follow up with their family before Sunday. Have copies of the music that you can send home with the volunteer.

* Bring in a heavy metal chain. Have 2 primary children try to pull it apart. This is pretty strong, could anything ever break this chain? Even stronger and sturdier than this chain is the sealing power of the priesthood. The more we do to make our family eternal and happy, the more impossible it is to ever break. The words in this song help remind us what we need to do to build our family and be closer to Christ.

* Come into primary wearing a tool belt and hard hat. Tell the children you are a builder, not a construction worker... but a builder. You don't work on houses, you work on homes. Eternal homes! Show them some of your tools: a whisk and a book of Mormon (You feed your family both physically and spiritually), lip gloss (that you wear on your lips that always use kind and loving words to build others up), knee pads (you are constantly on your knees praying and seeking the Lord in prayer), hard hat (keeps bad TV and music out of my head and home) etc. Another important tool is this song, "My Eternal Family" because the words bring me closer to Christ.

* Hold up a good size stone. Ask the children to raise their hand if they remember what happened to Christ before he died. Who condemned and wanted Jesus to die? The Pharisees and Sadducees built many things- buildings, laws, their own pockets full of money, hateful rumors... but Peter told them, " This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner." (Acts 4:11) Ask the children who they think Peter was calling the stone. Are we like those type of builders? With our eternal families we must always build upon the rock of Christ.

Because it's just the right thing to do...

I've noticed that ideas from my blog here are sprouting up all over the place/internet. I'm glad these ideas can help! But please quote properly your source if you are publishing these ideas somewhere else on the web or on paper.

http://www.sofiasprimaryideas.blogspot.com/

My source is inspiration from Heavenly Father after much prayer and searching. If you are going to publish these ideas as your own then my integrity comes into question.... I've clearly stated I always give proper credit, so please just do your part. :) Thanks!

My 4 year old is giving a talk....

Sister Memmott was wondering if I had any suggestions for a 4 year old giving a talk. (Hope your son's experience was a good one!!)

Personally, I think that most children are fully capable by age 4 of "writing" their own talks. You give them the topic and guide them with questions. Write down what they say, and voila... a masterpiece. It doesn't have to be long in length!!!

My daughter wrote this herself and she is 4 years old. I was a little skeptical about one part, but who am I to edit, and she's right... the service she gave me helps our family to be eternal. Also, her 2 year old sister Maria learned the talk and enjoyed practicing. I think in the video you can hear her repeating parts!

" Families can be together forever. You need to be nice and kind. You can help your sister up if she falls down and if mommy has a baby, what do you do? You give her the garbage can when she barfs. These things make your family happy. I love Jesus. I worship Him. Families can be forever if you give hugs and kisses and follow Jesus. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
- Christina Naomi

We spent the entire week practicing so she could have it memorized, 5 minutes each night. We made it fun and had a pretend pulpit with stuffed animals listening. I put pictures to her words so it was easier to learn. It looks like she is reading, but she isn't. She's just associated the words with the pictures. We also said many prayers that she would have the spirit with her as she gave her talk and that in doing so we'd all come closer to Christ. She did a wonderful job and I know it's not just because I'm partial. I really could feel the spirit as she spoke. I made sure to ask her what she felt after church. When we review early on with our children we make it easier for them to recognize what the spirit feels like.

March 2009 Primary Sharing Time Thoughts and Ideas

Gospel Art Kit (GAK) 616 Family Togetherness

March Theme : Family members have important responsibilities.

March Scripture: "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God" D&C 88:119

I love love love our Primary theme for the year My Eternal Family. Please be sensitive to your children. Know them, talk to them. In our day and age many families are broken and tattered. Please be aware of each child's home situation and pray heavily over these lessons you prepare.

Week 1 Fathers preside over, provide for, and protect the family with love.

* Name that Father! Write the words preside over, provide for and protect the family with love at the top of 3 columns. Underneath have point values like 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 for each category. Do not make it into a competition, just see how many points the primary can earn together. Unity!! And please.... no buzzers. Have children choose a category and point value. Have different scriptural or examples of fathers in your ward/branch for the point values. And you can easily integrate songs about fatherhood by assigning the songs to a point value.
For example: Preside over 300... Try to name this father. He was a righteous prophet who lived in a very wicked Jerusalem. He presided over and LED his family to safety in the wilderness. Some of his children thought he was a visionary man, his other children believed his words and were brought closer to Christ because of him. Lehi!!!
Another example: Provide for 100... Try to name this father. He works very hard saving the lives of people who are in immediate danger. Sometimes work can get very very hot, but he knows that he needs to make sure his family is taken care of. He not only provides food for his family, but makes sure FHE and family scripture study and prayer are regular in his home. That's right... it's Brooke's dad!! What an awesome fireman and dad he is!
Another example: Preside over 200... Aha! You've picked a wonderful song I know My Father Lives!!! Let's earn those 200 points by singing like the tabernacle choir!
(And please be sensitive... if there are children who don't have fathers in the home then I wouldn't do examples of primary children's fathers... I would just stick to the scriptures, modern apostles stories)

* Have a drawing of a body on the chalkboard. Invite a child to come up and erase the head. What would happen to the body without the head? President Hinckley has said, "I plead with fathers to resume their role as head of their homes. Fathers have the basic and inescapable responsibility to stand as head of the family." (Standing for Something pg. 175)

* Have GAK picture 201 (The Nativity) and GAK picture 403 (The First Vision) displayed.
Ask the question, who was the Father of Jesus Christ? How did Heavenly Father and Joseph (as in Mary's husband) preside over (lead/direct), provide for and protect Jesus their son with love?
* Mystery Person. Have this mystery person stand outside the closed door. Give hints and see if the children can guess who it is. The hints would include: This person holds the priesthood. If you have a nightmare, this person can say a prayer with you so you wont be scared. This person works very hard. This person loves his children and loves Jesus Christ. Our primary friends Matt, Newton and Larry can be like this mystery person when they've grown up, served a mission and married in the temple. Our mystery person is..... a father!!!!! Invite the father in to share his testimony of fatherhood.

Week 2 Mothers nurture the family.

* Have a guest come in and sing the 3rd verse of O My Father (Hymns p. 292) Have them listen for the different family members mentioned and to share what they heard.

* "Wives and mothers are the anchors of the family." President Hinckley Standing for Something pg. 176 Have a boat with a family on it on top of the chalkboard. Have a picture of an anchor tied to some string. As the children read scriptures, sing songs and answer questions on motherhood they can move the anchor farther down/deeper in the water.

* Bring in a plant. What does the plant need to live? What will happen if the plant is not taken care of? How do you nurture a plant and help it grow? Invite the children to put some soil in it, put it by a window and add water. We are like plants. Who nurtures and loves us dearly? Our mothers/grandmothers! Send the children home with seed packets to plant with their mothers.

* Dress up a few little girls. While you tell the stories, have the girls act out the stories of Ruth and Naomi, Mary Mother of Jesus and Hannah. Also, I would be sure to mention how when Jesus was on the cross one of the last things he spoke was that John was to take care of his mother. (John 19:26-27)

Week 3 I will obey my parents.

* Lesson 14 in the Nursery Manual Behold Your Little Ones is a great resource for this week's theme. See HERE.

* Blindfold a child. Have one chair and a small table in their pathway. Explain that the primary friend will have to listen very carefully and do exactly as you say so they can safely get across the pathway. We need to listen and do what our parents tell us. Especially be obedient to Heavenly Father's commandments and we will find safety!

* Divide into groups. Pass out different scenarios where a child could make a choice to obey or not obey their parent. What would be the consequences of their choices? Have them come up and act out their situations. You can use examples from the scriptures for them to act out also, for example Alma the Younger rebelled and was visited by an angel. If Alma had obeyed his father then he wouldn't have had the pains of hell. (Alma 36:12)

* Linda Christensen, “I Have a Family Here on Earth,” Friend, May 2008, 14–16 had a wonderful times infinity sharing time activity that could easily be adapted to this theme. On the streamers write ways you can be obedient to your parents. See HERE for this awesome idea of Linda's.

* Sing a Quickly I'll Obey (CS p.197) but change a couple words and ask them to tell you what you sang wrong. For example sing, "When my mother calls me, slowly I won't listen." Sing the right way together. Or "When my father calls me, I wont do that fast." How silly it is if we don't obey our parents!

Week 4 I have many family members who can help me.

* I personally would stick to what was written in the outline for week 4 because it fills a Faith in God requirement!!!

* Bring in a doll. Have children pick other dolls out of a box to see the different members of a family and ward family that can help her. Have questions, songs and scriptures attached to these other dolls. (This could be adapted with paper sack puppets)

* Have a picture of a large family. Ask the children if they have a family like this. What if a person doesn't have a large family? Who would help them? Take a trip with the primary (if you have 100 children in your primary... this probably wont work, sorry) to the gospel doctrine class. Ask the gospel doctrine class by raise of hands if they are family to our primary children and would be willing to help them with whatever they needed. Thank them and be on your way.

* Have some ingredients to make cookies. All these different ingredients help make delicious cookies. So it is with many family members, we can all come together and help each other to make life happy.