Faith in God

I was inspired for this weeks teaching moment by the Stanwood/Camano cub scout commissioner planning meeting I just attended. In this meeting they mentioned that they were going to start doing a "Faith in God" minute at each pack meeting. This looks like a boy that has accomplished something in the FIG book during the month getting up and explaining or showing what they were working on. I thought this was a brilliant and simple way to get boys excited to work on their Faith in God. In the back of the Faith in God book it in fact states under "Orientation and Recognition" that, "At least twice a year, a Primary activity day (or a Cub Pack meeting) should include opportunities for the children to share what they have learned and accomplished." I also love the letter to our children in the front of the book from the First Presidency. Try to find an opportunity in Senior Primary to read it to them.

Other ways I have seen primary leaders try to help parents with FIG...

1. Mention FIG book after a sharing time that relates to one of the activities in the book. Encourage them to go home and do the activity.

2. Refer to FIG My Gospel Standards frequently in primary.

3. When handing out scripture, talk, and prayer in Senior primary add an Article of Faith. Work on one Article of Faith a month.

4. Use FIG to compliment activities in Cub Scouts and Activity Day girls.

5. If a child comes to you in between sharing time and class time to pass off an Article of Faith give them a small tootsie roll. Have a counselor or the secretary available for this. Other primaries have different ways of rewarding boys and girls for learning the articles of faith. Fire trail gives a picture card with the article of faith on the back attached to a ring for each article of faith earned. They keep them hanging on their scripture bag. There is an example on our Primary blog with information on getting the supplies and print outs. Use what works best for your children.

If you treat Faith in God like it is important the children in your primary will think it is important too. They will be eager to accomplish the activities in the book and as they do this you will see their testimonies grow. You will see they have a love for Heavenly Father, Jesus, and others. They will feel the Holy Ghost and will learn to have faith and will be able to trust the things that are good and right. As children participate in the activities of Faith in God they will come to know God and Jesus Christ (see John 17:3). Thank you for serving in Primary. The work you do will be seen in families for generations to come. It is a reward that is not always seen but, I know Heavenly Father sees what you do and he loves and blesses you for it.

Autumn McClellan
Arlington Stake Primary President

August Music Moment - Opportunities for Encouragement

There are so many opportunities for encouragement and training. One that is right under our noses (literally), which we probably haven't reviewed lately, is the Children's Songbook. The first section teaches us how to teach, so you can use these ideas in conjunction with last month's suggestion to review words and melody at least three times. As always, your method may vary according to the needs of your children.

  

"Children learn to sing a song by hearing it sung many times. Begin teaching a song by singing it to the children. Involve the children by asking questions about the song that challenge their thinking. A leader should keep two steps in mind when teaching a song to children:

 

Know the song. Before you can teach a song effectively, you must know the song yourself. You can become familiar with the words and melody by playing the song on the piano, listening to a tape recording, or finding someone to sing or play it for you. Study the song and decide what message the words convey. Ask yourself how you might use any scripture references at the end of the song in your preparation or in teaching the song. Look for key words and words that rhyme, as well as for words that the children may not understand or may not know how to pronounce. Notice melody or rhythm patterns that will make the song easier to learn. Practice the song over and over until you know it well." (emphasis added)

  

Practicing the songs on your own are so important. It is harder to remember words when you are performing or even just being in front of other people. And remember that we need to sing the correct words to ALL songs, not just the new ones. This might seem like an obvious point, but how often do we sing correctly "It wasn't really so, but it seemed to be..." (Popcorn Popping, Children's Songbook, pg 242, emphasis added). The children will remember these words for the rest of their lives. Let's make certain that we are setting them up for success.

 

The other point brought out in this section is regarding the message of the song. Most, if not all, of the songs we are learning for the Primary Program have strong gospel messages. Use the songs to teach the gospel. Remember that in the hymn book and songbook, scripture references are included. When was the last time you read those references in preparation for teaching a song? And of course, as you teach these special gospel messages, take the time to share your testimony. Your love for Christ and for the children will be evident as you share what you know and help them learn.

 

Sara Hammond

Arlington Stake Primary Presidency

Music and Nursery Specialist

Reverence is an Expression of Love

This weeks thought comes from the recent primary auxiliary training. Sister Wixom of the General Primary Presidency said that reverence is an expression of love and respect for the Savior Jesus Christ and we need to teach the children the "why" of reverence. We need to share with the children that when they are reverent it invites the Spirit into primary and that it helps their testimony to grow.
In order to teach children how to be reverent as a primary you need to set expectations. Start with simple rules especially in junior primary. Two rules are perfect. One could be we try our best to sing all the songs in primary and another could be to raise your hand each time you want to speak. Have a signal that each child will understand. Maybe hold your hand over your heart and tell the children this is a reminder that you love Jesus and that Jesus loves you. When we love someone we try to be our best for them so, when I put my hand on my heart I want you to be your best for Heavenly Father and Jesus. When I give you this signal that means I need to tell you something really important and I need you to be so, so, so quiet. You could also try holding a picture of Jesus and say the same thing.
If you keep primary centered on the Savior reverence will come at the moments you need it most. In D&C 68:6 it says, "Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me even Jesus Christ that I am the son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come." I know if you try to teach as the Savior you will see a difference. It takes time, there is a learning curve, but the children will meet your expectations and they will learn to love and respect Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ because of your example.

Autumn McClellan
Arlington Stake Primary President