Heavenly Father Made All of US Special

 Heavenly Father made all of us special.

Please click the link to watch this short 2 minute video "My Brother Hyrum"

https://www.lds.org/topics/disability/news/2012/12?lang=eng#featured-video-my-brother-hyrum

Boyd K.  Packer on page 38 (Page 38-39 is a great resource on disabilities) in Teaching No Greater Call, he stated, "During His mortal ministry, the Savior showed great compassion to people who had imperfections of body and mind.  He offered them hope, understanding, and love.  As you teach such people, you should follow His example.  Recognize that all people are different in one way or another.  With love and sensitivity, you can help class members with disabilities participate in lessons.  You may need to work with others you teach to help them understand and accept those with disabilities." 

As Primary leaders you have been entrusted with Gods precious children.  Counsel with parents about the children in primary that have difficulties.  Parents usually know their children best and can help give advice on how to approach their son or daughter.  Counsel with other primary leaders and teachers.  Pray on how best to help particular children learn the gospel.  Counsel with the ward council.  Priesthood leaders may have ideas and resources they can share with you and the child's family.  

Things that have helped children from our Stake sit quietly...Holding a special stuffed animal, a squish ball, an I spy rice bag, sensory balloon,a stretchy hair tie, or a koosh ball.  For older children putting beads on a string in a pattern, lacing cards, finger weaving, and silly putty may be helpful.  With these items come responsible behavior.  The child must know that in order for them to be allowed to play with these items they must be quiet.  No throwing or hitting.  It is also helpful to explain to other children in the class why these children need special items during lesson time.  Other things that might help certain kids would be taking them for a short walk around the building when they are very disruptive.  Leaders can check on classes of children with special needs often to see if the teacher needs help or have a card or sign to hang on the door.  Calm music in the classroom may help some children.  Instrumental hymns would be appropriate.  In some cases a child may need a special adult to sit with them one on one throughout primary. 

I know as you pray and counsel about specific children in your primary you will be blessed with just what you need. I am always inspired by your creative spirits.  The children in our primaries are so blessed to have such dedicated individuals fighting for their salvation.  As we live like the Savior our love will grow.  He is always watching over His children.  He loves you.  We in the Stake love you and appreciate all the time and thought you put into our precious sons and daughters of God.  

http://weeklyteachingmoments.blogspot.com

Autumn McClellan 

First Counselor

Arlington Stake Primary

Testimony

11.8.3 Handbook 2

"Parents, Primary leaders, and teachers bear simple and direct testimony when they teach, helping children learn what a testimony is and how to express a testimony.  Testimony meetings are discouraged in primary.  However, parents, Primary leaders, and teachers may provide other opportunities for testimony bearing.  For example, children may bear their testimonies when they give lessons in family home evening and when they give talks in sharing time.  Such opportunities help children prepare to share their testimonies in fast and testimony meeting when they are old enough to do so without assistance from a parent, sibling, or other person."  

Children need to be given the chance to speak in Primary. These talks help the children become comfortable speaking in front of others. It gives them a chance to spend one on one time with a parent to learn how to prepare a talk.  It gives an opportunity for parents to talk to their children about testimony and what it means to have a testimony.  It will prepare them for giving talks in Sacrament meeting and teaching lessons at church. One of the key points of having successful talks, prayers and scripture sharing in primary is good communication with the parents. Here are a few tips to make it work better.

1.  There are many ways to assign talks in Primary.  I have seen leaders in our stake use wrist bands that tell parents when the talk is and what the topic is on.  These are nice because they usually stay on the child's wrist.  You can use stickers with the information printed on them.  Some leaders have a mail box and they check the mail and give out letters to parents explaining the date of the talk and what the topic is.  There are other creative ways.  The main point is to give each child in your primary the opportunity of preparing and expressing their testimony through a talk. 

2.  It is wise to have your secretary make a reminder call on the day before the talk should be given.  Parents appreciate this and you can also make sure they were given the assignment. 

3.  Be prepared with a back up talk just in case the child does not show up.  A short story from the friend or other appropriate source is perfectly fine.  Either you can give this talk or you can ask for a volunteer to read the story, but remember that you should testify of the doctrine learned.  

I know that as the children learn to give talks in Primary their testimonies of the gospel will grow.  The Holy Ghost will be with them and they will feel Heavenly Fathers love for them. 

www.weeklyteachingmoments.blogspot.com

Autumn McClellan

First Counselor

Arlington Stake Primary

Importance of Music Leaders

This one is for the Music Leaders!!

For the past month as I have subbed in various classes in our area and have watched many interactions between the boys and girls, a familiar phrase from my childhood has kept popping into my head, "Kindness begins with me".  When children are being mean to one another throughout the day my first response to them is, "Kindness begins with you".  I then go on to tell them if you want others to be nice to you then you have to try extra hard to be nice to them.  I don't know if it helps, but I know it gets them thinking.  Where did I get this phrase?  Primary!  You bet, a song I learned as a child..."I want to be kind to everyone for that is right you see, so I say to myself remember this, kindness begins with me."

Your job as the music leader is so important.  In the Handbook 2 in section11.2.4 it says, "The melodies, words, and messages of Primary songs can teach children the doctrines of the gospel that stay in their hearts throughout their lives.  Music in Primary should invite reverence, teach the gospel, and help children feel the influence of the Holy Ghost and the joy that comes through singing."  It also mentions giving children opportunities to move and stretch appropriately.  

One of the ways I feel the Holy Ghost most often is through music.  I know the children do too.  I appreciate you music leaders that stop once in awhile to testify of the gospel doctrines in the music you are teaching.  I love the music leader that stops to point out when they are feeling the Holy Ghost as the children sing, so the children can recognize that special feeling also.  There is a power when children sing.  Teachers encourage your students to sing.  I have seen many teachers supporting the music leader by giving a thumbs up to kids that are singing.  Putting a hand to their ear meaning, I can't hear you singing.  These little gestures do tremendous gains for keeping a reverent learning environment in primary.  

Thanks for all the time and effort you put into your calling.  Maybe one of the kids in your primary will need to recall a phrase from a primary song someday.  Sometimes it is the little things that make all the difference in the world.  Keep on singing!!

www.weeklyteachingmoments.blogspot.com

(Please feel free to forward this message to all your leaders and teachers in primary each week)

Autumn McClellan

First Counselor

Arlington Stake Primary

Reverence in the Classroom

It is new year and many of you may have made some new goals concerning your primary.  Maybe some of you are still having problems with reverence.  Many of you know I am a substitute teacher and I go into all kinds of classrooms.  I never know what kind of group I will get.  This means I have to walk in with a plan.  I have to come in with confidence and lead a group of 25 kids.  If I do not they will eat me alive!!

I state my expectations for their behavior right from the start even if I have been in their class before.  Each day is a new day and can bring new challenges.  This could look something like this...

I am so excited to be here today.  In order for all of us to learn and have fun I will need you to help me out by raising your hand when you want to talk.  I expect you to be quiet so your friends can feel the spirit.  If I feel you are getting too loud for the spirit I might say, If you can hear me touch your head.  If you can hear me touch your nose... You try different things until they are quiet and listening. Practice this once and then state what you will be learning for the day and what they will be doing to learn about it. You can try other techniques such as clapping a pattern, holding up 3 fingers and counting down to 1, there are so many you can try,  google classroom management techniques and pick one that is comfortable for you. 

You may have to do this technique repeatedly at first until they get used to it.  It may feel uncomfortable for you at first.  You may feel like you are stopping to get their attention too often.  It is better to get through half of your lesson with them listening and feeling the spirit then just going on to get through it.  This is not easy, but the more you practice it the easier it will become and soon, they will be eating out of the palm of your hand!  The most important part of your lesson is when you bear your testimony or testify of the principal you are teaching about.  This is the most important point for them to be listening.  Please get their attention before testifying.

Nobody works harder then the leaders and teachers in primary.  Some of you have some tough kiddos that really need boundaries.  They will rise to meet your expectations if you take the time to ask for what you want.  Remember the Lord is on your side.  With His help you can tackle anything, including a room of little children.  "All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of the children"  3 Nephi 22:13  Let the Lord do the teaching by helping the primary children stay reverent.  Do not be discouraged I know He is ready and willing to bring the Holy Ghost at each and every opportunity.  You are greatly loved.  

www.weeklyteachingmoments.blogspot.com

Autumn McClellan

First Counselor

Arlington Stake Primary

Just Testify

I love the Church.  I love going to church every Sunday to sing, to worship, to pray, to learn and to be uplifted and inspired.  The more I learn of the way the church works and its organization, the more I see God's divine hand in it all.  It's simple and beautiful.  I do know the Primary, Faith in God and Cub Scout programs are inspired programs.  All together they give our wonderful children a strong gospel foundation. I also know that love, Christ-like love, is ESSENTIAL to our relationships, to our callings and for service. Your leadership and service in Primary is so important and you may never realize your influence or the effect you may have on Heavenly Father's precious children.  I do know that love makes all the difference!

 

 

Elise Simbeck

Second Counselor

Arlington Stake Primary