New Testament Stories

The 2011 manual for the children ages 8-11 (Valiant 8, 9, 10, and 11) is Primary 7: New Testament.  One of the resources available to teachers of these classes is New Testament Stories.  This book is available from the church distribution center.  The stories are illustrated and the narrative is written especially for children.  Beginning readers can easily read and understand these scripture stories.  Additionally, this book can be viewed or downloaded at New Testament Stories.  The book is available in pdf, MP3 or several video formats where the pictures in each chapter have been animated and the narrative read.  These approved presentations of the scriptures help children understand the story without adding additional information not found in the scriptures. 

Helping children learn and apply scriptures is one of our goals in Primary.   There is a radio program, “Scripture Stories.” that is broadcast each week on the Mormon Channel that highlights music, discussion and reading from New Testament Stories.  Listening to some of these archived programs can improve you own ability to guide children through the process of making scriptures part of what is happening in their own lives.

We can use this wonderful resource of New Testament Stories, in its many presentation formats, to help children “feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3).

Help from the Friend - January 2011

Check out the “What’s online this month?” on the back cover.  Depending on your electronic interests, there are several options that might want to try such as mobile applications, Facebook and Twitter.

Primary 7: New Testament
     Lesson 5: The Childhood of Jesus Christ – “Jesus as a Child”, p 6-7

Sharing Time – Gospel Instruction

     January – “Bringing Primary Home:  The Scriptures Are the Word of God”, p 40-4
          “Coloring Page:  The scriptures are the word of God” p 46 
     September – “Where Is Isabelle?” p 8-9

Sharing Time – Music Time
     “If I listen With My Heart”, p 24-25

Sharing Time – Opening
     “Sammy’s Scriptures”, p 36

Activity Days for Girls
     “Bulletin Board:  Time Capsule”, p 12
     “Bulletin Board:  Understanding the Scriptures”, p 13
     “Bulletin Board:  Run, Jump, Play!” p 13
     "Little Women from Massachusetts”, p 18-19

Activity Days for all Children (just a note – these activities are not mentioned in the new handbook, but the guidelines are contained the Faith in God guidebooks, p 18)
     “Friends in the News:  Barrigada Branch”, p 47

Faith in God
     Serving Others - “Going the Extra Mile”, 20-21
     Articles of Faith – “Article of Faith 1”, p 22 
          (also note online – “Play Articles of Faith Memory Quest at friend.lds.org!” 
     My Gospel Standards “Listen for His Voice”, p 2-3 “The Cookie Solution”, p 4-5
     Learning and Living the Gospel – “Guide to the Friend:  Possible Ideas for Family Home Evening, #1”, p 48

Pre-opening activity for Cub Scouts, Patrol of 11-year-old Scouts, Activity Days for Girls
     “Funstuf: Say What?” p 43

Cub Scouts – “Friends by Mail:  How the Friend Helped Me”, inside front cover

Victory Tunnel

Sister Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary General President, included the following experience and insight in her talk in General Conference:

“Last spring my husband and I attended a soccer game of our four-year-old grandson. You could feel the excitement on the field as the players ran in every direction chasing the soccer ball. When the final whistle blew, the players were unaware of who won or who lost. They had simply played the game. The coaches directed the players to shake hands with the opposing team members. Then I observed something quite remarkable. The coach called for a victory tunnel. All the parents, grandparents, and any spectators who had come to observe the game stood up and formed two lines facing each other, and by raising their arms they formed an arch. The children squealed as they ran through the cheering adults and down the path formed by the spectators. Soon the children from the opposing team joined the fun as all the players—the winners and the losers—were cheered on by the adults as they ran the path of the victory tunnel.

In my mind’s eye, I had another picture. I had the feeling I was seeing children living the plan, the plan Heavenly Father has created for each individual child. They were running the strait and narrow path through the arms of the spectators who love them, each one feeling the joy of being on the path".    Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary General President, “Stay on the Path”

Isn’t it wonderful to be a one of those “spectators” who are marking the path for these children to follow.   Give yourself and the children a cheer!

Help from the Friend - October 2010

Use the "Topical Index to this Issue of the Friend" on p 48 to find ways you can use this month's Friend in Primary.  Below are a few ideas:

 

Faith in God - Activity Days, Cub Scouts, 11-year-old Boy Scouts

"A Gift for Billy", 2-3

"Meeting the Challenge", 4-5

"Bulletin Board", 12-13

"Temple Facts Challenge", 16-17 (Gathering activity)

"No Matter Our Differences", 22-23

"Important Trait", 26 (Gathering activity)

"Invite All to Come unto Christ", 40-41

"No Matter Our Differences", Friend, Oct. 2010, 22-23

My Gospel Standards, Cub Scout Core Value-Compassion, Boy Scout Slogan

"Grandpa's Garbage", Friend, Oct. 2010, 8-9

My Gospel Standards

"Run Away!", 44-45

Primary 6: Old Testament, Lesson 43, Jonah and the People of Nineveh

"Jehovah Sends Jonah on a Mission", 14-15

Callings to Serve

Sister Jean A. Stevens, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency visited with the primary leaders in our area on Saturday, September 11, 2010. One of the topics she discussed was the responsibility of ward/branch Primary Presidencies to recommend individuals to serve in callings in the Primary. She used the following quote from the 2004 Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles instructed auxiliary and priesthood leaders in their relationship in extending callings:

”. . . Bishops are responsible for all Aaronic Priesthood callings and for the calling of all ward auxiliary officers.  

Each auxiliary president is asked to recommend, after prayerful consideration, individuals to serve as counselors. When a presidency has been approved and called, recommendations for other officers, such as secretaries or teachers in a specific organization, should be made after prayerful evaluation by the full auxiliary presidency.  Because of the keys they hold, stake presidents and bishops can receive confirming revelation to proceed with such callings in accordance with the fifth article of faith. 

This inspired pattern maintains order in the kingdom. . . . an auxiliary president should seek the guidance of the Lord as to who should be recommended to specific positions while recognizing that it is only a recommendation.  

While the stake president or bishop often receives a confirmation that the individual recommended should be called, that is not always the case. Each recommendation will be carefully evaluated, recognizing that it has been conscientiously considered and prayerfully identified. A stake president or bishop will normally consult closely with auxiliary leaders on individuals recommended to ensure that the full picture of an organization’s needs is obtained before he prayerfully seeks confirmation of a calling. . .

Stake presidents and bishops, when you call a new presidency of an auxiliary organization, give them guidance and vision to orient their service. Meet with your counselors, and develop a statement of direction that you hope that they will follow to fulfill their assignment and to meet local needs. Share this vision with the new presidency. Ask them to prepare a plan for its implementation. A member of the presidency or bishopric should meet with them periodically to give further guidance and help them resolve any challenges they may have. . . “ p 6-7.

Following this pattern of prayerful recommendation and priesthood confirmation will bring blessings to each of you and success to your efforts to serve the children according to the Lord’s desires.

Help from the Friend – September

Friend - September 2010

Activity Days for Girls, Cub Scouts, 11-year-old Scouts
     “Family History Library”, p 6-7; “ Family History 1-2-3”, p 24-25; “Guide to the Friend: FHE, # 2”, p 48
     “A Golden Friend”, My Gospel Standards, p 9
     “Friendship Challenge”, p 10
     “Bulletin Board: Simple Service”, p 12
     ”Bulletin Board: Making a Difference”, p 13
     “Kitchen Crafts: After-School Mini Pizzas”, p 16
     “A New Commandment”, p 17 (Gathering Activity)
     “Word Scramble”, p 43 (Gathering Activity)
     "Guide to the Friend: FHE, # 3”, p 48

11- year-old Boy Scouts
     “What Is a Priesthood Quorum?”, p 11; “Guide to the Friend: FHE, # 1”, p 48

Activity Days for Girls
     “A Faithful Girl Named Emma”, p 28-29

Primary 2 and 3
     “Choose the Right Way”, p 34-35

Primary 6: Old Testament, Lesson 40
     “Jehovah Saves Faithful Daniel”, p 14-15; “Coloring Pages: Daniel Chooses the Right”, p 46

Activity Days for All Children
     “Friends in the News: Albany Ward and Crescent Park Fifth Ward”, p 47

Music
    “For Teachers and Leaders: Songs in ASL”, back cover

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus

In the April 2010 General Conference, Elder Neil L. Andersen spoke of the importance of children hearing the stories of Jesus to build their personal testimonies. (Tell Me the Stories of Jesus)  He said:

“The stories of Jesus can be like a rushing wind across the embers of faith in the hearts of our children. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”  The stories of Jesus shared over and over bring faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and strength to the foundation of testimony. Can you think of a more valuable gift for our children?

Are the life and teachings of Jesus Christ embedded in the minds and souls of our children? Do they think about the Savior’s life when they wonder what to do in their own lives? This will be more and more important in the years ahead”.

He included this promise:

“As you reverently speak about the Savior . . . the Spirit of the Lord will accompany your words.

As you do your best, the testimony of Jesus will gently distill upon your children’s hearts. They will go to their Heavenly Father in humble prayer and feel His influence through the power of the Holy Ghost. A stronger personal faith in Jesus Christ will prepare them for the challenges they will most surely face”.

We have the opportunity to share the stories of Jesus in every aspect of Primary; nursery, Sunday classes, sharing time, music, closing exercises, Activity Days for Girls, Cub Scouts, patrol of 11-year-old Boy Scouts, and Activity Days for All Children.  As we faithfully endeavor to bear witness of the Savior by telling the children stories about Him, they will be strengthened for a lifetime.

Help from the Friend - August 2010

The following are just a few ways that The Friend can be used in Primary:

Faith in God - My Gospel Standards
     "Birthday Standards", p 4-5
     "Trying to Be Like Jesus: Skipping for Good", p 31 

Faith in God - Learning and Living the Gospel
     "Faith in God Challenge - A "Learning and Living the Gospel" Activity", p 23 Teaching, Activity Days for all Children, Activity Days for Girls
     "Investigating the Scriptures", p 13 

Primary 6, lesson 38
     "Queen Esther Saves Jehovah's People", p 14-15, "Coloring Page", p 46 

Primary 1, Lesson 7; Primary 2, Lesson 13
     "A Special Feeling of Peace", p 17 

Activity Days for Girls
     "Cooking Up Activity Day Fun", p 22-23 

Activity Days for all Children
     "Who Wants to "Play"?", p 24-27

11-year-old Scouts "A Scout is kind"
     "Trying to Be Like Jesus: A Good Goalie" p 31

Cub Scouts, 11-year-old Scouts, Activity Days for Girls (Gathering Activity)
     "Funstuff: Partial Pictures", p 43

Help from the Friend - July 2010

The following are examples of how this month’s Friend can be used in Primary:

Activity Days for Girls, Scouting

                “Funstuf”, p 17

                “A Quilt that Tells a Story”, p 24-25

                “Friends in the News: Westchester First Ward”, p 47

                “Possible Ideas for Family Home Evening”, p 48

Faith in God, My Gospel Standards

                “Courage”, p 16

                “He Told Me, No Way”, p 28-29

Example of Application of July Sharing Time Theme

                “Trying to Be Like Jesus”, p 30-31

Primary 1: I Am a Child of God, lesson 5 and 6

                “For Little Friends: Who is Jesus?”, p 32-33

Behold Your Little Ones, lesson 8

                “Brigham’s Right-Way Feet”, p 35

Primary 6: Old Testament, lesson 28

                “Coloring Page: David and Goliath”, p 46

Love - Not Judge

While counseling with my priesthood leader, he pointed out a message from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf in the Sunday session of the April 2010 General Conference that he hoped all of the stake’s Primary leaders and teachers would take to heart.  It discusses the need for us to not judge, but love every child.  It is easy to be put off by the behavior, dress, language, or cleanliness of a child, but we need to look past those and love that child as the Savior does.  We may be the only source of love and connection with gospel teachings that child may have during the week.  Here is part of the message from President Uchtdorf:

“I hope that we welcome and love all of God’s children, including those who might dress, look, speak, or just do things differently. It is not good to make others feel as though they are deficient. Let us lift those around us. Let us extend a welcoming hand. Let us bestow upon our brothers and sisters in the Church a special measure of humanity, compassion, and charity so that they feel, at long last, they have finally found home.

When we are tempted to judge, let us think of the Savior, who “loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. . . . “[And] he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, . . . [for] all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.” 2 Ne 26:24-25, 28, emphasis added. . . Christ knows how to minister to others perfectly. When the Savior stretches out His hands, those He touches are uplifted and become greater, stronger, and better people as a result.

If we are His hands, should we not do the same?”

President Uchtdorf continues with this promise:

“As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “‘You Are My Hands’,” Ensign, May 2010, 68–70, 75

Change to BSA Youth Protection Training Policy

The following is a portion of a letter dated June 1, 2010 from James Terry, Assistant Chief Scout Executive.  Be aware that this policy is now in effect.  All adults serving in positions in the Cub Scout Pack and the patrol of Eleven Year-old Boy Scouts, including the members of the Primary presidency serving on the Pack and Troop Committee need to complete or update this training.  A link to Youth Protection training is on the sidebar of this blog under the heading of Online Training. 

"Youth Safety is the No. 1 concern of the BSA.

To increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is implementing several important changes to further enhance it Youth Protection Policies.

Effective June 1, 2010:

• Youth Protection training is required for all registered volunteers.
• New leaders are required to take Youth Protection training before they submit an application for registration.  The certificate of completion for this training must be submitted at the time application is made and before volunteer service with youth begins.
• Youth Protection training must be taken every two years.  If a volunteer's Youth Protection training record is not current at the time of recharter, the volunteer will not be re-registered." 

If additional information is needed on how to take this training or attaching the certificate to the registration form of newly called leaders, read the entire letter "Important Changes to the Boy Scouts of America's Youth Protection Training Policies"

Toys for Nursery - Age-Appropriate Choices

In general terms, children in the Primary Nursery go through two play stages, manipulation and imagination.  Children ages 18 months through 2 years are all about discovering the world and improving their own skills by manipulating themselves and objects; stacking, sorting, picking-up, throwing, pushing, and pulling.  Three-year-olds are exploring life through imagining and acting out the roles they observe in the world; mother, father, truck driver, policeman, fireman, farmer, and much more.  The following list will give you a general idea of how to select toys appropriate for the Primary Nursery.  Always keep in mind the safety and wash-ability of any toys that are used.  Gently used toys in good repair or new toys can be purchased with the approval of the Primary president using budget funds designated for the Primary. 

18 months to 2 years

Toys:

• Stacking and sorting
• Push or pull toys, especially those that make noises and have removable people
• Puzzles with a few large chunky pieces that are easy to grasp and fit into a specific space

Books:

• Books that improve vocabulary and awareness of the world without story-lines

Art Supplies: 

• A few basic colors of crayons (coloring will be in large strokes that frequently go off the paper)
• Chalk and a chalkboard
• Clay, such as Playdoh (if you choose to use this medium check-out the blog "Play Dough Play" for a recipe and suggestions to make this activity successful in the Primary Nursery.

3 years

Toys:

• Dress-up clothes and hats 
• Child size dishes, pans, and play food
• Tool sets
• Phones
• Dolls and clothing 
• Interlocking blocks that easily stack
• Simple puzzles with a few interlocking pieces to create a picture

Books:

• Books with a simple story-line especially with rhyming and/or words creating rhythm

Art Supplies:

• Glue sticks
• Colored paper
• Large beads for threading on pipe cleaners or laces

Keep toys with multiple parts together in baskets or bins and have a tote ready to take home toys that will need a trip through the dishwasher before the next nursery playtime.  Each Sunday a few toys (about two per child [example: four children = 6 to 8 toys]) should be made available at child-level on shelves or tables for the children to choose from.  Rotate the toys every few weeks to keep things interesting.  A few well selected toys will result in an organized environment where children are safe and happy.

Using the Scriptures in Primary - "Look For"

A teaching tip on the June page of the 2010 Outline for Sharing Time, p 12, states, "It is important for children to learn gospel truths from the scriptures. Help the children focus and listen when scriptures are read.

Even young children can listen for a specific word or two as you read a verse".  More information on this teaching technique can be found in Teaching No Greater Call, p 55.  The section is "Teaching From the Scriptures: Use "Look for" and "Listen for" Approaches".  Having children focused on a specific idea as a scripture is read involves both the reader and the listener.  Before a scripture is read, ask the children to "Look for" or "Listen for" an answer to a question.  Younger children may be directed to listen for factual details while older children can look for conceptual or application connections.  

This "Look for" method of teaching from the scriptures can be used throughout Primary; during classes, sharing time gospel instruction, and sharing time music.  Engaging the students in the scriptures by asking "Look for" and "Listen for" questions will not only improve learning, but also teach children a life-long skill of looking for answers as they read the scriptures.  

One more scripture use tip:  Children, and many adults, have difficulty finding a scripture when only given the standard reference such as Deuteronomy 6:6-7.  Give enough information to make finding the scripture easy, especially the page number.  Example giving specific information and waiting until everyone is ready before the next direction is given:  

• Let's get the Bible and look in the Old Testament.  That is in the first part of the book. 
• Now let's look in Deuteronomy, chapter 6.  That is on page 263.  
• While you read verse 6 look for what should be in your heart.  . . .(discuss answer) 
• Now, turn the page and read verse 7 looking for who we should share this with. (Just in case you want to do it even easier while you are reading this post go to http://scriptures.lds.org/en/deut/6).  

With four standard works containing 87 books plus sections, chapters, declarations, introductions, title pages, study helps, etc. it is no wonder we feel fear when we hear the words, "Let's turn in the scriptures to . . . . ."

"Inviting children to learn from the scriptures will help them develop a lifelong love for the word of God.  Plan ways each week to invite the children to use and learn from their scriptures"  2010 Outline for Sharing Time, Introduction.

Toys for Nursery - Evaluate What You Have

Spring always brings on the urge to do a little cleaning and sorting.  Now would be a good time to review the toys in the Primary Nursery.  

 

Ask these questions:

• Is this toy appropriate for children ages 18 months through 3 years of age?
• Can it be washed and easily sanitized?
• Will it look clean after it is washed?
• Is it broken or missing parts?
• Does it have edges that are rough or sharp?
• Will a child want to throw this causing injury or disrupting other children's play? 
• Will using this toy encourage climbing (this is specifically prohibited in the guidelines of the nursery manual)? 
• Does it have small or loose parts that could be swallowed? 

Reduce clutter and confusion by:

• Limiting the number of toys available to the children each week
• Providing small bins or baskets to hold toys with multiple parts 
• Donating any excess toys to a local charity or by making them available at the next Relief Society meeting for families who can use them 

Storing the toys in closets and/or closed shelving will help keep the them sanitized and in good repair for use during nursery.   Remember to leave the room clean and uncluttered ready for other uses during the week. 

For tips on how the clean and sanitize toys check "How to Clean and Sanitize Toys" in a blog posted in October of 2009.

Help from the Friend - May 2010

Closing Exercises
     "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice: My First Talk", p 2-3

Activity Days for All Children
     "Bringing the Book of Mormon to Life", p 18-20.  The video "How-To" is located at:  http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=7050cf9b00a48210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD 
     "Friends in the News: Five Oaks Ward", p 47
     "Guide to the Friend: Possible Ideas for Family Home Evening", p 48, #4


Activity Days for Girls, Scouting, My Gospel Standards, Articles of Faith
     "Modesty at Any Age", p 8-10
     "Bringing the Book of Mormon to Life", p 18-20.  The video "How-To" is located at:  http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=7050cf9b00a48210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
     "Sharing Time: Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel Lead Me to Jesus Christ", p 40-41


Primary 6:  Old Testament
     Lessons 18-21 - "Jehovah Gives Commandments", p 14-15
     Lesson 18 - "Coloring Page:  Moses Becomes a Prophet", p 46


Behold Your Little Ones
     Lesson 15 - "Count Your Blessings", p 34-35

Thoughts about Primary from General Conference - April 2010

President Henry B. Eyring talked about helping children by providing ways to build faith in Jesus Christ and his restored gospel. “Many bishops in the Church are inspired to call the strongest people in the ward to serve individual children in the Primary. They realize that if the children are strengthened with faith and testimony, they will be less likely to need rescue as teenagers. They realize that a strong spiritual foundation can make the difference for a lifetime.” He concluded, “I promise each of you, as you follow inspired direction in this, the true Church of Jesus Christ, that our youth and we who help and love them can be delivered safely to our home with Heavenly Father and the Savior to live in families and in joy forever”.

The primary has wonderful resources available for teaching the children. The 2010 Sharing Time Outline and the nursery manual, Behold Your Little Ones, are great examples. Primary materials, correlated and approved by the priesthood, will be of great worth to this generation of children. President Boyd K. Packer spoke of the importance of this priesthood direction:

• "Years ago we began correlation under the direction of President Harold B. Lee. At that time President Thomas S. Monson said: “Today, we are encamped against the greatest array of sin, vice, and evil ever assembled before our eyes. . . . The battle plan whereby we fight to save the souls of men is not our own. It [came through] the inspiration and revelation of the Lord.”

The ideas from others may be well-meaning but lack priesthood approval. What great assurance we have that the "battle plan" we are using is the one prepared by the Lords' priesthood servants.

Sister Cheryl C. Lant, recently released Primary General President, reminded us, “It is our sacred responsibility as parents and leaders of this rising generation of children to bring them to the Savior so that they might see His face and the face of our Father in Heaven as well. As we do so, we also bring ourselves. . . Elder M. Russell Ballard has said, “Clearly, those of us who have been entrusted with precious children have been given a sacred, noble stewardship, for we are the ones God has appointed to encircle today’s children with love and the fire of faith and an understanding of who they are” (“Behold Your Little Ones,” Tambuli, Oct. 1994, 40; “Great Shall Be the Peace of Thy Children,” Ensign, Apr. 1994, 60).