I've decided that I get more nervous speaking in front of kids than I do in front of adults..thats probably not good considering my major. On the other hand, I probably wouldn't be so nervous if I knew what I was doing. I conducted primary today and we had some leftover time in senior primary so I had to improvise for about 10 minutes (which seems like forever at the time!) I felt so awkward but one of my friends who is a teacher noticed that the kids all stopped talking and were just watching me while I was at the front- I was glad he noticed that because I sure felt dumb. Anyways, primary has been fun. But I need help because I have to give sharing time next week "I know the scriptures are true." I'm so nervous! My supplies here are limited but I want to make it fun for the kids and interactive. Any ideas for me?
On a side note, today is the Sabbath and we went as a group to the Garden tomb. While we are almost positive that we know where Golgotha is, we are not sure whether or not the tomb is the actual spot.but it was still amazing. The tomb we saw is empty and the tomb he would have been in is empty because He is risen! I love the spirit that is brought through music. We had the opportunity to sing some hymns while we were at the garden and it brought so much peace and love into our group. I know that the reason I feel so incredibly close to all these people already is because of this mutual bond and spirit that we have. I just love everyone here so much and the experiences that I am having. We also had a chance to go the Western Wall last night (stones from the Herodian people still make up part of the wall) to be with the Jewish people while they worshiped at the start of the Sabbath. Look up pictures of the wall-it's incredible. Everything here is.
Help me with ideas for sharing time if you have any- I would appreciate it! Tomorrow is our field trip to Jordan and a week from tomorrow we will be in Egypt!
5 comments:
How fun for you! My sister spent 8 weeks in Egypt a couple summers ago for an intense Arabic Language program. She loved it! I hope you are enjoying your time there!
Hi Jessica! You don't know me, but I was friends with your parents when they were young! I am a former school teacher and I've just spent the last 13 years in Primary!
Here are some ideas for you:
1 - Stick to the primary children's outline. There are good ideas there. Yes, they are simple, but I've found the best lessons are the simple ones.
2 - See if you can create an object lesson to teach the gospel principle. Some of them would only use simple materials.
3 - If you have extra time, the chorister NEVER has enough time to do teach, perfect, the program songs. I was just released from the chorister and I LOVED it when then turned the time back to me if they finished early. I never had enough time to do what I planned. Just let the chorister know there's a chance you'll kick it back to her so she is prepared for it. It's also a time to sing the favorites (popcorn, hinges etc.) or program songs. This will be more appreciated as you near the program and the chorister is worried they don't know the songs well enough. The music is the best gospel teacher. Those concepts stick in their little heads so much more when they can sing it!
4 - Include music as part of your sharing time. Find a song that goes along with the principle that you are teaching and incorporate it into your sharing time. Just be sure to let your pianist know ahead of time if she isn't comfortable sight reading. It will eat a little time and I found it taught the principle better than I could have said it myself!
5 - Use the friend magazine. They will often have something that relates to the monthly theme. You can access it from lds. org. if you don't have a paper copy of the Primary Children's Sacrament Meeting Outline, you can get that in the primary section of lds.org also.
Maybe this will help a little bit! I love primary. I miss it! I hope that you will learn to love it. It's the best place to be. You'll find the children will teach you!
Also....don't ever let them know you feel inadequate in any way. FAKE it! No one will ever know! I'm sure you're doing just great!
Love, Layne
If you have access to the blogs, I have several blogs that I use for sharing times....
http://littleldsideas.blogspot.com/
http://sofiasprimaryideas.blogspot.com/
and of course there is always sugardoodle
http://www.sugardoodle.info/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6443&Itemid=200088
If you want more specific ideas, email me michelle@lavarock.com
Jess!!! I am so glad to hear you are enjoying yourself so much! We love and miss you! The first fun thing that popped into my head for teaching them about scripture stories was finding different props or outfits and letting them play charades. You could even cheat a little by letting the actor/actress say a "famous" line. example: "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded" Ok, that might be too easy but i think they would enjoy it. Good luck!
Jamie
Wow, these posts are amazing. I have been absent from blog world but will be back often to look for Jessica's writings.
Jess, it is beautiful and strengthening to all who read, keep writing. Also I think I will make a note of some things in my OT for teaching ideas someday!
I will write you an email about my primary thoughts.
Love you Jess...
And the rest of your family.
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