The Words We Speak

The words we speak and how we speak them can impact those around us tremendously... Words can uplift and inspire but also hurt and discourage.  How are we speaking to those we care about, have stewardship over or just come into contact with?  Do we really sit and think that what we are saying may change a person's day?  That we have the power to be a source of light and goodness to some who may be overwhelmed with life's challenges?  

We are taught in the scriptures that Heavenly Father and Jesus speak with still voices of perfect mildness, as if it was a whisper and it pierces to the very soul. We can learn from heaven.  It was not loud, scolding or demeaning: it was a still voice of perfect mildness, giving firm direction while giving hope.  Let's be that voice.  Let's lovingly encourage and inspire and direct and even when there's a need for corrective action let's do it with love and patience.  We are all learning and face different challenges and life is so much easier when we feel loved and share our love.  I know that if we turn to our Father in heaven in prayer He can direct us in the best way to share His love and ours with those we come into contact with.

I'm so thankful for the love I feel from those around me and for the opportunity to share a little love with others.  I promise you that if you reach out and do even the smallest thing with loving intentions you will always feel better.  Thank you for your service and hard work and efforts and for just being there.  You are making a difference and the children need you and can feel of your love. 

Sending you my love,

Lauri Ferguson

Arlington Stake Primary

Second Counselor

Being Inspired to Teach

Hi Everyone,

Do you ever feel uninspired, boring or maybe just overwhelmed with all the great things that you need and want to teach but aren't sure how to best do it?  If yes, you're normal!  And you care, which is a great thing.... First, take a deep breath, you're amazing and truly capable!  Next, think about who you are teaching.  What are they like, what excites them?  Are there some with learning issues who need extra help?  Are people engaged or just staring blankly at the wall?  What will get through to them?

Now that you're picturing your audience, it's a great time to pray.  Heavenly Father knows exactly who these children and teachers are and what each one of them is in need of.  We all know this but sometimes we get busy and forget or just feel like we don't need to pray about a simple lesson.  Humor me!  Try it... A simple, heartfelt prayer can do wonders and you'll never walk away feeling like it was a waste of time.

Now, you've prayed and are ready to be inspired.  Think about some new ways to teach.  Maybe it's time to venture out of your comfort zone.  Try a new approach!  The possibilities are endless, here are a few ideas: Object lessons, posters, puzzles, acting it out, role playing, guest speakers, children sharing personal experiences, music, videos from lds.org, scripture search, ask your children what they would like.  Get to know them, help them learn by making it fun and exciting.  Use the resources the church provides.  The scriptures are the best resource of course but Teaching, No Greater Call  and lds.org are great resources too! 

I know that if you seek help from our Heavenly Father and try some new techniques He will bless you and you will be able to reach the hearts and minds of those you work with.  The Gospel will come alive and be more interesting. The lessons will be remembered and most importantly the feelings of love and the truthfulness of the message will be clear.

Lauri Ferguson

Arlington Stake Primary

Second Counselor

Follow The Prophet

Sister Moss, our Music/Nursery Specialist, found this wonderful idea to teach the song "Follow the Prophet", the Primary song for March.

 http://www.camillesprimaryideas.com/2015/02/follow-prophet.html

Whenever you are planning for Primary, remember to ask yourself these 2 questions:

1.  What will the children DO to learn today?

2.  How can I help the FEEL the spirit today?

Music is an amazing tool to help the children learn the gospel and feel the spirit.  It can also be really fun!  As with the class lesson and sharing time planning, seek guidance from the spirit to know what is best for the children in your stewardship when planning the Music Time as well. 

Thanks,

Elise Simbeck

Arlington Stake Primary

First Counselor

What to Do?

There's always that one child or those two together that you have to keep your eye on.  What can you do?  They don't seem to hear you and it seems like mom and dad are just too overwhelmed to address the issue.  Is there anything that can be done?

There are some things that can be done, but first you need to start with yourself.

1.  Pray.  Pray for patience, understanding and guidance.

2.  Pray again.  Pray to know this child and understand his circumstances. 

       Pray to know what this child personally needs to receive from primary

      and how you can help. 

3.  Pray some more.  Pray for love for this child.  Remember the worth of souls...

4.  Evaluate your own efforts and seek to improve. 

             Read the information on LDS.org in the Primary section.

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

    There are several articles and videos on improving reverence, helping disruptive children 

    & teaching children with disabilities. Don't forget the book "Teaching, No Greater Call".

    It is full of insight and techniques!!

Now, you're ready to act.

5.  Greet her by name.  Tell her how excited you are that she is here today.

6.  Express your love for him. 

7.  Strategically place him in Primary or in his class.  Can you remove any distractions? 

8.  Is there a job she can do?  Have her be responsible for something each week.

9.  Does he need something to do with his hands?  Is there a toy or book she can look at

      that wouldn't distract the others?  An I Spy water bottle?

10.  Use statements of understanding rather than statements of scolding. 

           (Teaching No Greater Call pg. 81)

11.  Praise and Reward.

12.  Repeat steps 1-12

Here's a great video about seeking the spirit and being flexible.

 https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/1994-01-005-seeking-the-spirit-and-being-flexible?lang=eng

Elise Simbeck

Arlington Stake Primary

First Counselor

Music can help you draw closer to your Heavenly Father

“Music can help you draw closer to your Heavenly Father. It can be used to educate, edify, inspire, and unite" —Thomas S. Monson

An important way to teach about the Savior is through music. One way to ensure that music is an important part of Primary is to have singing time first. Singing time will set the tone for the sharing time lessons. Singing also helps children feel the Spirit and learn truths they can remember and share at home. The song I Know That My Savior Loves Me is included in this year's Sharing Time outline. Wouldn’t it be great if every family could learn that song and sing it in their home. As they sing, they are bearing their testimony about the Savior!
-paraphrased from Jan 22, 2015 news article
"Leaders Say Primary Theme Builds Children’s Testimony of Christ"

https://www.lds.org/church/news/leaders-say-primary-theme-builds-childrens-testimony-of-christ?cid=HPTU020315670&lang=eng

Elise Simbeck
Arlington Stake Primary
1st Counselor

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Love Me

Today's primary theme, "Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Love Me".  Thinking about this I can't help but think what life is like for those that do not have this knowledge.  When life gets hard and you want to give up what do you have to hold on to.  To get you through?  I know many times I have said over and over in my head Heavenly Father and Jesus love me and want me to be happy.  I can do this.  This knowledge helps me press on.  It helps me have the strength to get up the next day.  It helps me not give up on life.  This is a knowledge our children need to give them confidence and strength when life gets tough.  

Another thought I had was what do we do for people we love?  We do everything we can.  We give everything we can.  I think of all the obedient prophets in the scriptures that quickly obeyed.  When we serve diligently and keep our minds on what the Lord wants us to do we show them that we love them.  What is the most important? It will always come down to love and relationships.  I don't always love my job as a school teacher, but I do love moments when I get to be like Jesus.  I was able to hug a little boy and wipe his tears until he stopped crying this week.  His friend in class was moving away and he was very sad about it.  These moments keep me going when it gets hard.  I am glad I know Heavenly Father and Jesus love me and I am happy I can share that love with others.  I am happy you get to share your love with the primary children each week.  I am glad you get to teach them about Heavenly Father and Jesus and I know as they grow in their love for the Savior they will be able to share this love with those around them.

Autumn McClellan

Arlington Stake Primary President

Just Serve

The Arlington Stake Presidency has asked all leaders to register on justserve.org. If you know of service opportunities in our community please let me know and I will forward them on to Sister Thompson in the Stake. Encourage our cub scout leaders and Activity Day girls to find service opportunities on this website. What a a good way to become more like Christ. It is a good way to teach that He lives in us and through us. Service is the best way to as President Uchtdorf would say, to "Fill the World with Christ's Love."
"Jesus Christ, who knew perfectly how to give, set for us the pattern of giving. To those whose hearts are heavy with loneliness and sorrow, He brings compassion and comfort. To those whose bodies and minds are afflicted with illness and suffering, He brings love and healing. To those whose souls are burdened with sin, He offers hope, forgiveness, and redemption. If the Savior were among us today, we would find Him where He always was-ministering to the meek, the downcast, the humble, the distressed, and the poor in spirit."

I know that as we serve daily in our homes, callings, and the community that our hearts will become more like the Savior's. Even little children can fill this joy. They naturally love to give. Bring your children with you when you serve let them see and feel the pure love of Christ.

Autumn McClellan
Arlington Stake Primary president