What "To Do"

Here are two powerful teaching tools that take a lot of practice.

Focus on what is happening that is positive:

For example, instead of telling Johnny that he can’t run around the room, tell Jane that you love the way she is sitting reverently. 

Instead of saying, “I can’t hear Sister Yancey’s class singing” say “I like how sister Smith’s class was singing beautifully!”

Instead of correcting, “don’t shout out the answer!” try ”I love the way that Steven is raising a quiet hand.”

Instead of telling a child what they cannot do, focus the child on what they Can Do:

Instead of saying “Don’t hit Sammy” you could say, “Please keep your hands to yourself.”

Instead of “Don’t run on the grass!” use “Please keep your feet in the wood bark.”

“I am going to choose someone who is sitting quietly in their chair.”


This positively reinforced behavior (focusing on the positive that is happening and what Can be done) is much more powerful and effective than the alternative.

The Savior said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” His words are gracious, encouraging, uplifting, and positive as He builds each of us and helps us reach our true potential.

I just love to visit you and your primaries and see the wonderful and positive things that are being taught!

Tanya Yancey
Arlington Stake Primary President
http://weeklyteachingmoments.blogspot.com

Childlike

I was a chaperone for 80 Band students, two of my own,  this week in Disneyland California.  I ate at this restraurant called “Earl of Sandwich”.  I had never eaten there before and as I sat on a tall bar stool looking out the window at the colorful blooming flowers and the tall palm trees, my eye caught a glimpse of this motto on the napkin, ORIGINAL, SIMPLE, WORTHY.  My mind quickly traveled to all the wonderful applications of this motto.  I thought, “That is how I would like to be described!”  and the next thought that followed was “that is how children are”.  I saw many many children in Disneyland.  Some were dancing in their princess dresses, others were swinging on the chains that form the lines, some were giggling and some were crying, but they were all ORIGINAL, SIMPLE, and WORTHY.  Impressed in my mind is the memory of a little girl riding an outside horse on the carousel waving like a queen to everyone the whole ride as it went around and around and around.  She had a beautiful and confident smile!  We are so blessed by these dear children and may we learn to be more childlike, for that is how the Savior is.

Love,

Tanya Yancey

Arlington Stake Primary President

PS. The avocado, chipotle chicken sandwich is a new favorite  J

Give it Your Best Effort

I found this beautiful video from an inspired Apostle of the Lord. I want to share it with each of you. Each of you are needed and appreciated and so loved!

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught Primary leaders: “Every member of the Church is important to us…We care so much about you and about the children you are teaching. Prepare well to bless these little ones. Give it your best effort.”

https://www.lds.org/callings/primary/leader-resources/video-resources?lang=eng

Thank you to all those who have contributed ideas to our Arlington Stake Primary blog. We hope this is a great resource for you and the leaders and teachers in your primaries. Please let them know about our blog.

http://weeklyteachingmoments.blogspot.com

Tanya Yancey
Arlington Stake Primary President