Thursday, March 3, 2011

Choose and Review - "Words for You"


This idea comes from the Sharing Time page in the October 2001 issue of the Friend magazine. It works perfectly with the song and the theme in March. The activity will allow me to review the song “Stand for the Right” and then reinforce the principle of following the counsel of the prophet.

The suggestion is to display a picture of the prophet and to post statements of his counsel around the picture. I can explain that “ whenever we choose to do what the prophet asks us to do, we are being true and are standing for the right.” I chose several statements from President Manson in recent General Conferences and typed them on conversation balloons. I included a picture for the benefit of the younger children and to make the visuals more appealing. I will choose an appropriate review song for each statement. I can use my apron, the grab bag or the “everyone can” and invite a child to choose the statements one at a time. We’ll discuss it briefly and post it on the board. Then we'll sing the song.

I like that the activity is flexible, depending on how much time I have. I don’t have to use every statement, but I made several extra. If I want to use more of the statements, we could read and post them without singing a song for each one. Here are the statements that I’ve prepared:

“I testify that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.” (April-2009)

“Children, let your parents know you love them. Let them know how much you appreciate all they have done and continue to do for you.” (April-2009)

“He will help us and bless us as we call upon Him in our prayers, as we study His words, and as we obey His commandments. Therein in found safety; therein is found peace.” (Oct-2010)

“Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to represent the Lord. Maintain your health and strength. Study the scriptures.” (Oct-2010)

“Do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love.” (Oct-2010)

“May we show increased kindness toward one another.” (Oct-2010)

“Constantly nourish your testimonies of the gospel, that they will be a protection to you against the buffetings of Satan.” (Oct-2010)

“If you will study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptation and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased.” (April-2009)

“Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer.” (April-2009)

“Give your parents a hug; say ‘I love you’ more; always express your thanks.” (Oct-2008)

“May we be found among those who give our thanks to our Heavenly Father. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.” (Oct-2008)

“May we live together in peace and harmony and love. May we strive each day to follow the Savior’s example.” (Oct-2008)

“Don’t be afraid to walk out of a movie, turn off a television set, or change a radio station if what’s being presented does not meet your Heavenly Father’s standards.” (April-2010)

“The ordinances performed in our temples are vital to our salvation and to the salvation of our deceased loved ones. May we continue faithful in attending temples.” (April-2010)

“Each of us has come to the earth with all the tools necessary to make correct choices.” (Oct-2010)

“Keep the commandments of God...Happiness comes from living the way the Lord wants you to live and from service to God and others.” (April-2010)

14 comments:

Jenny in NC said...

Kathleen, I feel as though I should Fedex you some brownies for once again preparing my singing time for me. I was already planning to do something similar this next Sunday, but I was wondering when I would have time to look up lots of quotes from President Monson. You've done it for me! Seriously, thanks!

Kathleen said...

Ah, Jenny thanks for the thought. Maybe I'll just make some brownies and think about you! Glad to help. ;o)

The Florist said...

This is awesome! Such a great idea. I already have this Sunday prepared, but I'd love to use this next Sunday. Would you be willing to email me the pdf file for the quotes with the pictures? Brownies via FedEx for sure, if you're able! Email to stopandsmellthefamily at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

Thank you for such a wonderful idea! I love coming to your blog because I can count on your ideas bringing the children closer to Christ (while having fun). Thanks for the wonderful quotes & helping us learn how you find your inspiration from the friend. I appreciate you teaching us how to fish instead of just feeding us your ideas :)

Kathleen said...

It is so fun for me to read comments. You are all so kind, considering all my best ideas come directly from the Friend! LOL.

Florist, how I wish I could share a pdf, but I don't have one and wouldn't know how to make one, can you believe it! I just did it the old fashioned way by selecting, copying and printing the illustrations from the digital issues of the Friend. Then I typed the quotes in my word processor (you could copy from here and insert into a file) and arranged them on the page so that they would print over the pictures. I know, I know. It is a very old fashioned way to do it, but you probably noticed my gray hair! I'm sorry I can't e-mail you a file. That would be way more helpful.

The Mom, I so appreciate what you've said about learning how to find inspiration from the Friend. This has honestly been one of the things I have wanted to do with this blog. I'm soooo glad you get that point. It seems at first that there are not many resources available to us as choristers, but once you learn how to access and adapt from the Friend, one never lacks for ideas. The ideas are not always cute, trendy, and over-the-top fun, fun, fun, but that isn't my style anyway. Thanks for telling me that you all are getting that!

Unknown said...

Wonderful Idea! Thanks!

Melissa said...

This is great! I think I'll also print a sheet of just the quotes in case the teachers want them... I know I want to post them around my own house! :)

Rachel said...

Kathleen, you are so wonderful to share all of your ideas! I love coming to this blog every month as I gather ideas to share with the ward choristers in my stake!

I am happy to help you learn how to make a PDF. It can be as simple as pressing "print" from your word processing document. It's also free! Google search "CutePDF" for more details. It basically adds "CutePDF" as one of your "printers," and you select it instead of a normal printer. Instead of paper coming out of your printer, a "save as" box pops up, and you simply give your new PDF document a name! You can email me if you have trouble.

Love, a grateful Stake Primary Music Leader

Kathleen said...

Thanks Rachel, I'm going to have to spend some time experimenting! You do make it sound easy. However, I am only connected to the internet at the public library and cannot "add" anything to their computers. I essentially bring my blogging on a thumb drive from my home computer. So I will have to investigate how to add whatever I need to my computer at home and then transport in a temporary file. Thanks, ladies, for all your encouragement!

Kiersten said...

Thank you so much for your wonderful ideas; I feel badly that I don't comment more often--I really love your blog and the fact that you strive to teach the children about the gospel through song, not just take up time or simply entertain them (although your activities are always fun and exciting as well)! Once again, this is a beautifully thought out activity, and I can't wait to try it with my kids tomorrow!

Kathleen said...

Kiersten, you are so sweet. Thanks for the compliment. I'm so glad you find the blog helpful.

Audra said...

Thank you for your wonderful ideas. I can't tell you how many times I'm praying about ideas for Sunday, and I remember something you had blogged about. I'm then able to adapt it to my primary. Thank you for taking the time to share.

Kathleen said...

Audra, you're welcome! I'm glad that you are able to adapt. I think the nicest thing about sharing is that it simply sparks other ideas about how to use something. Thanks for your thoughts.

Jenna said...

This is so great! I am teaching "When I hear the Prophets Voice" and using some of these to emphasize how we are blessed when we listen to the prophet. Thanks so much!

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