Primary Main Page (LDS)

Primary Church Headquarter Information:
Office of the Primary General Presidency
76 North Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84150-6030
Direct Number: (801) 240-2392
Toll Free: (800) 453-3860 *
* When calling the general 800 number to the Church,
a 2 must be entered before any 4-digit extension.
e-mail:
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YEARLY PRIMARY THEMES:
Click here to see 2013 Primary Theme Ideas and Helps (I Am A Child of God)
Click here to see 2012 Primary Theme Ideas and Helps (Choose the Right)
Click here to see 2011 Primary Theme Ideas and Helps (I Know the Scriptures are True)
Click here to see 2010 Primary Theme Ideas and Helps (I Know My Savior Lives)
Click here to see 2009 Primary Theme Ideas and Helps (My Eternal Family)
Click here to see 2008 Primary Theme Ideas and Helps (I Am A Child of God)
ACTIVITIES:
Get to know you games
Get to know your teacher breakfast
Meet Your Teacher Breakfast
Primary Games
Quarterly Activity Ideas
ARTICLES FROM CHURCH MAGAZINES THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL:
The Principle of Presidency - A good article to review with your presidency to create unity and harmony
ATTENDANCE FORMS:
Attendance Rolls (editable for any organization) by Melanie Day
BINDER COVERS:
Flower Binder Covers by Angela Nelson
CHOOSING HELPERS IN PRIMARY:
Click here for ideas on how to choose your helpers
CHURCH ISSUED LETTERS:
"God offers us counsel not just for our own safety but for the safety of His other children, whom we should love. There are few comforts so sweet as to know that we have been an instrument in the hands of God in leading someone else to safety. That blessing generally requires the faith to follow counsel when it is hard to do." -Henry B. Eyring, "Safety in Counsel", Liahona, Jun 2008, 2–7.
Changes to Teacher Improvement Meetings
Not wearing all white outside of the temple
Safeguarding Children
Transportation Guidelines
CLIPART:
Book of Mormon Posters
Borders, Letters and Stationary
Candy Bar Wrappers
Free LDS Art
Meetinghouse Library
DIFFICULT CHILDREN:
Dealing with difficult children
DISTRIBUTION CENTER (Online):
Order materials for your Primary (English)
Order materials for your Primary (French)
Order materials for your Primary (Spanish)
DOOR SIGNS:
Generic Classroom Door Sign by Sarah Kerr
Primary Classroom Door Signs
Primary Classroom Signs
EDITABLE DOCUMENTS:
Editable Monthly Primary Planner
ENCOURAGING CHILDREN TO BRING AND USE THEIR SCRIPTURES:
Encouraging children to bring their scriptures by Chauntel Wirrick
Primary Scripture Gumball Jar by Anjanette Ludwig
To help encourage the children to bring their scriptures to church on Sunday we had a cute glass vase/jar with a ribbon around it. While we sang "Scripture Power" the children held up their scriptures and we counted everyone who brought them (teachers also). Then we placed that many chocolate chips into the jar. When the jar was full (about 3-4 months) they had earned chocolate chip cookies (we threw out the handled chips). The children loved it and if some didn't have scriptures, they could borrow from the library. (Idea by Jennifer McClure / ga01222009)
Scripture Dots by Alana Lee
Scoop up the scriptures by Beth L. Heureux
GENERAL BOARD:
Biography and picture of Cheryl C. Lant, General Primary President
Biography and picture of Margaret Swensen Lifferth, 1st Counselor on Primary Board
Biography and picture of Vicki F. Matsumori, 2nd Counselor on General Primary Board
GETTING MORE FROM THE FRIEND MAGAZINE:
September 2008 by Lynda Whitlock
GIFT IDEAS:
Birthday Gift Ideas
Christmas Gift Ideas (for teachers and children)
Outgoing Presidency Ideas
Substitute Thank You Gifts
HELPFUL LINKS:
LDS Primary Talks from Mormon Share
HOLIDAY IDEAS and/or HANDOUTS:
Easter Jeopardy by David Hill - Power Presentation
Easter - Easter Egg Wraps by Vicky Evans
Easter Story Cookie Printable by Gina Tucker
Halloween Poem Printable by Bree Heaton
Heavenly Father loves you, and so do we by Melissa Brown - Valentines Handout
Mother's Day Gifts Ideas for Primary
JOKES:
A bishop was walking down the street one day when he noticed a young primary boy in his ward trying to press the doorbell of a home on the street. The boy was very small and the doorbell was too high for him to reach it, so the Bishop decided to help him by pressing the doorbell. Crouching down to the child's level, the Bishop smiled benevolently and asked, "And now what, young brother?" To which the boy replied, "Now we run!"
Sunbeams by Robert Artstrong
LANGUAGES: If you have documents in another language that you'd like to share, e-mail me.
French Primary Documents
Portuguese Primary Documents
Spanish Primary Documents
LEADERSHIP HELPS:
Activation Ideas
Activity Day Program
Baptism Preview
Bulletin Board Ideas
Charting Class Visits by Kristina Moore
FAQ's - Commonly asked questions by new Primary Leaders
Forms
Missed You Cards / Postcards
Monthly Primary Planner
Nursery Program
Primary Presidency Checklist by Heather Lyman
Priesthood Preview Ideas
Primary Classroom Signs
Primary Music Leader
Primary Teacher
Primary Websites
Purchase your Primary materials online
Reverence Ideas
Sacrament Meeting Program Helps
Scouting
Spotlight Ideas
Sunbeams
Teacher Improvement Meetings
Video Clips
Yahoo Primary Groups
MISCELLANEOUS:
We'll miss you (cards) by Ruth Bardsley - A card for those children moving out of the ward
OTHER:
Book of Mormon Challenge by Trina Brough
Chair Covers
Clock Face by Jeannie Hunt
Dealing with the death of a Primary child
Dry erase boards for the teachers by Lisa Van Gemert
Giving children a chance to serve by Marla Crestani
History of Primary and pictures of past leaders
Newsletter Templates
Past Primary Program Themes and Songs by Emily Wodka
Personalized Crossword Puzzles
Poems
Presidency Door Hangers by Lisa Van Gemert
Primary Entrance and Exit Signs by Melissa Brown
Primary Journals by Julie Van Wagoner
Primary Talks
Primary Theme Challenge by Angela Kynaston
Thank you for being an outstanding student! by Khinna Kaminske
PERMISSION SLIPS:
Parental or Guardian Permission and Medical Release Forms
PRESIDENCY MEETINGS:
Getting to know each other better by Jennifer Ward
PRIMARY PROGRAM COVER:
2010 Primary Program Cover by Vickie Snow
PRODUCTS FOR PURCHASE:
First Hand Videos - Video of how to teach children with special needs in Primary
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
PPI with teachers - what questions do you ask?
Showing respect by using "brother" or "sister"
Stake Primary Secretaries
What do you do about Primary and Nursery teachers who don't show up to teach and do not call substitutes?
What do you do to help your Primary with reverence?
QUOTES:
One Liners
Quick Quotes
The importance of Primary
SCOUTING INFORMATION:
Click here for my Scouting Page
SECRETARY HELPS:
Class Presentation Outline by Lacey Lopez
Scripture, Talk and Prayer Reminders
SHARING TIME HELPS:
2012 Sharing Time Helps - "Choose the Right"
2011 Sharing Time Helps - "I Know the Scriptures are True"
2010 Sharing Time Helps - "I Know My Savior Lives"
2009 Sharing TIme Helps - "My Eternal Family"
2008 Sharing Time Helps - "I am a Child of God"
2007 Sharing Time Helps - "I'll Follow Him In Faith"
2006 Sharing Time Helps - "I will trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Their promises are sure."
Class Presentation Outline by Lacey Lopez
Sharing Time Index from the Friend Magazine - I've indexed all the sharing times from 1982 to current.
SPOTLIGHT IDEAS:
Spotlight Ideas
The Spotlight Song by Nathan Howe - sheet music and mp3
SUBSTITUTE HELPS and/or FORMS:
Primary Substitute Sign Up Sheet by Jennifer
Primary Substitute Sign Up Sheet by Morgane Lucas McAllister
Thanks for "stepping in" by Amber Fawson
You are a real "life saver" by Cynthia Gentry
SUMMER PROGRAMS:
2009 Summer Reading Program by Amy Stephens and Kricket Mounts
2010 Summer Reading Program by Carolyn Thompson
2010 Summer Scripture Reading Program by Lynelle Klein
Article of Faith Challenge by Carrie Cutler - Summer Program for Senior Primary
Book of Mormon Summer Reading Schedule by Jenni Hughes
Doctrine & Covenants Summer Reading Program and Charts by Tara
Summer Scripture Quest by Carrie Cutler - For Junior Primary
TEACHER APPRECIATION IDEAS:
A Primary Life Saver by Jessica Herbert
A marble magnet thank you by Cynthia Gentry
Ahhh, that's refreshing by Allison Stoker
Back-to-school gift idea by Jen Johnson
Bookmarks of Appreciation by Jennifer Ipsen
Hundred Grand by Anne Fisher
It's no "trick" to "treat" the children with love! by Tricia Luker
Just popped in.... by Kristina Moore
Magnetic Notepads by Jennie Hendricks
PMA: Primary Music Awards by Sarah Reber
Primary Teacher Survival Kit by Mikki Hardy
Primary Teachers are M&M by Jill Gamble
Primary would be a zoo without you by Wendi Clanton
Primary Valentine Thank You by Mindy Hardy
Singing A Song is Fun To Do (teacher appreciation singing time idea)
Teacher Appreciation Gifts
Teacher Appreciation Songs by Carolyn Frances
Thank you for 'bee'lieving in me by Cara Webber
Thank you gift for Primary Teachers
Thanking teachers for their "commit-'mint'" by Debbie Davis
To a M&M (marvelous and magnificent) teacher by Wendi Clanton
We are double grateful for your commit-ment by Kate Cupps
We are "soda" lighted to have you by Nicole Barney
We're "SODA"-lighted to have you by Kate Cupps
TEACHER INTERVIEWS:
15 minute training by Rachel Ekins
A questionnaire from www.eprimary.dk
Teacher Questionnaire by Allen 1st Ward Primary
Primary Teacher Interview Questions
Primary Teacher Questionnaire by Kristi Lynn Cook
PPI with teacher - what questions do you ask??
Sample Teacher Assesment
THANKING THOSE LEAVING PRIMARY:
Goodbye song for departing presidency (or teachers) by Loralee Kurzius
Saying goodbye to the pianist
The Goodbye Song
We sing "If your SAD and you know it .... wave goodbye" sung to "If your Happy" in the Primary children's songbook! They LOVE IT! (Idea by Jen Lefler / ga02122008)
When our pianist moved, I decorated a really cute jar with musical stickers and words like "____ Ward Primary Loves You!", etc. Then I told the children that he was leaving and that I was going to "capture" our singing (and his playing) in this jar, so he could open it a little bit anytime he wished to hear our beautiful music! It was really fun. I went around the room while we we were singing and got each child singing directly into the jar, then paused in front of the piano and got the music and pretended the jar was so full I could barely put the lid back on! Anyway, the jar was really cute and the sentiment was lovely. (Idea by Dianne Gamblin / ga04162007)
TREATS AND FOOD IN PRIMARY:
Food for Thought VS. Food In Primary by Laurene Knighton
Non-Food Rewards for Primary by Amelia Miles
What is the policy for food in Primary? - Food should only be provided when it is included as part of a lesson or as a snack for the children in the nursery class. Be sure to consult with the parents of each child about any dietary restrictions that may be caused by conditions such as diabetes or allergies (see Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 239 or click here and scroll down to "Food In Primary").
WEBSITES:
Autism and Primary - making it work together
E-Primary
Los Colores de Nuestra Primaria (SPANISH)
Pratt Family
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Nov 28 2009 01:45:10 | Terri Izatt
I love your website! I have been using it for a year...ever since I was called to the nursery. I just have one question...what happen to the page that had the lessons from the manual listed and the song and pictures as mp3 and pdf files? That was such a great page to quickly download music and print your handouts.
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Nov 29 2009 12:48:40 | Kathy Covington
Can you tell me what are the specifics of approved toys for the nursery? It has been forever since I was in Primary
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Jan 17 2010 13:37:14 | Anonymous
I have created a blog with helps for teaching children in primary with disabilities. www.brightlyshiningstar.blogspot.com
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Jan 23 2010 15:24:00 | Anonymous
ME ENCANTA ESTE TIPO DE PAGINAS, YA QUE AYUDAN A LOS MAESTROS DE LA IGLESIA A HACER MAS DINAMICAS Y CREATIVAS SUS CLASES, ADEMAS DE AYUDAR A CONOCER MÁS MIEMBROS DE LA IGLESIA...

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Feb 03 2010 16:47:14 | Anonymous
I teach Sunbeams and need to come up with some rules and goals for our class. Can anyone give me some ideas that pertain to 3 years olds. Thanks.
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Feb 10 2010 19:15:35 | Anonymous
Im looking for primary themed lifesaver covers for birthdays. I saw them a couple weeks ago, now I can't find them.
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Feb 11 2010 17:13:13 | Anonymous
Hi, I love your sharing time helps! Can't find any for 2010 yet? can u tell me where to look?
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Feb 17 2010 08:47:07 | Andy Day
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Mar 13 2010 18:37:52 | Jamie Thomas
Is there a Print out for "My Gospel Standards"? I need an 8x10 but I'm just not finding anything
Thanks
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Mar 25 2010 13:25:47 | Sarah T
It is in the gospel art kit #618
http://www.lds.org/hf/art/display/1,16842,4218-1- 6-174,00.htmlQuote:Is there a Print out for "My Gospel Standards"? I need an 8x10 but I'm just not finding anything
Thanks
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Apr 09 2010 17:15:51 | HILERY MORGAN
I am looking for the simplified sheet music that I can no longer find on this sight, is it still available?
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May 12 2010 09:28:58 | Melissa Cleverly
I am looking for some cute ideas for the kids to give to their fathers for father's day....anyone have some cute ideas?
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Jun 12 2010 13:05:27 | Shauna
I love this site and have been through it so many times. I am trying to find the Article of Faith tracking sheet that had 11 (or so) ice cream cones with 13 scoops each. I know I saw it here somewhere but can not find it again. Thanks for your help!
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Jun 16 2010 13:32:41 | abbie buckley
hi im wondering if u have any ideas for children leaving primary to go up to toung mens xxx
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Jun 16 2010 19:05:43 | Belinda
I was on Sugardoodle a couple of days ago and saw and idea I REALLY liked, I ran it by our Primary president and then came back to find it and I can't!!! It was a poster where you kept the kids little "dollars" for being caught being good in little envelopes. Then they could use them to buy stuff at a concession stand at a movie for an activity. Sound familiar to anyone???
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Jun 19 2010 06:26:13 | J. BrockQuote:I was on Sugardoodle a couple of days ago and saw and idea I REALLY liked, I ran it by our Primary president and then came back to find it and I can't!!! It was a poster where you kept the kids little "dollars" for being caught being good in little envelopes. Then they could use them to buy stuff at a concession stand at a movie for an activity. Sound familiar to anyone???
There's something similar on the Little LDS Ideas website. Check out this link:
http://littleldsideas.blogspot.com/2010/06/ primary-talent-show-primary-quarterly.html
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Jun 29 2010 22:33:30 | Kimberly
Is anyone doing a fourth of july sharing time? I would love some ideas! Thanks.
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Sep 15 2010 12:24:20 | Olivia
I gave a talk about the Holy Ghost using a gift box with objects linked to the Holy Ghost (light, bell, etc.) Now I can't find that talk. Does anyone have anything like this? Thanks so much
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Nov 04 2010 12:23:16 | kathy
Has anyone typed up the lesson schedules for 2011 primary manuals yet? If so I would love it! Thanks
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Nov 16 2010 08:52:46 | guest
Has anyone noticed that they took out Quarterly Activities in the new handbook recently distributed? They changed "Achievement Days" to "Activity Days" and there is no other mention of "Activities" done by the primary. Also, "Baptism Preview" is not in the old or new manual. Is this something our stake made up???
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Nov 16 2010 12:33:12 | Johanna Hall
Have you seen today's update in the Primary section of the church website???
No more quarterly activities.
No more opening/closing exercises.
No more teacher trainings.
Wow, what big changes!!!
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Nov 16 2010 14:04:49 | J H
After studying the handbook, with the info on the FAQ page, it looks like we still have a song, prayer, talk but it is at the beginning of sharing time.
So, if you normally have all of your Primary together for sharing time it isn't different.
If you are like me and have a big Primary, you will have song/prayer/talk at the beginning of Jr Primary Sharing Time and another at the beginning of Sr Primary Sharing Time.
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Nov 23 2010 13:06:26 | Susie Moroney
FREE Silhouette Craft Cutter
I would like to enter the give away!
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Dec 04 2010 22:47:48 | TamraQuote:Has anyone noticed that they took out Quarterly Activities in the new handbook recently distributed? They changed "Achievement Days" to "Activity Days" and there is no other mention of "Activities" done by the primary. Also, "Baptism Preview" is not in the old or new manual. Is this something our stake made up???
I think the Activity Days were changed back when Faith in God changed (or started ? ) I know that is when it was no longer called Achievement Days. Also, at that time the FIG book stated that occasionally all of the children may be invited to participate in an activity. I don't think there is a real change there.
I hadn't noticed that they didn't mention Baptism Preview. That is a good question.
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Dec 12 2010 23:07:59 | Beverly
Does anyone know which children in Primary recieve CTR Rings? I assume the children turning 8 in the year will need them. Is there anyone else? I don't want to leave anyone out.
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Dec 22 2010 19:19:14 | Jenna
In our ward, the Bishop already assigned the Primary to be in charge of having quarterly activities for the children. It's just coming thru the ward council/Bishopric instead of thru the Primary part of the manual.
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Jan 03 2011 13:35:04 | Cheryl
Where can I get ideas and find information about the new Sunday Primary Schedule?
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Jan 08 2011 20:50:46 | Carolyn
i have made up a lesson schedule, but i can't figure out how to get it onto the website. i have it with the date of our primary program practice to where there is no extra sunday. which always seems to be a problem.
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Jan 13 2011 15:12:17 | KaraQuote:are we still doing quartly activies?
Nancy,
No, we do not. Check out these FAQ's from lds.org on the new handbook.
http://classic.lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,7701- 1,00.html
Hope that helps! :-)
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Jan 30 2011 09:08:05 | michelle
I am looking for ideas for a talk on the holy ghost for a baptism. I don't want it to be over there head :O) I heard one where the Holy Ghost was compared to a blanket as a comforter and I thought I would buy each of the children a blanket but I can't find that talk. Lookig for help :O)
Of couirse I need to have it ASAP
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Jan 30 2011 09:11:18 | michelleQuote:I gave a talk about the Holy Ghost using a gift box with objects linked to the Holy Ghost (light, bell, etc.) Now I can't find that talk. Does anyone have anything like this? Thanks so much
I would love this infor too. I have tao give a talk at a baptism this sunday and love this idea and ws lookignfor something similar
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Jan 30 2011 09:13:37 | Michelle Henrie
I woiuld love this idea if I coiuld also get it. I have to give a talk this saturday on the HOly Ghost and eveything I think of is way over the kids head. I like this :O)
Could youi send me info
Michelle
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Feb 01 2011 10:56:16 | TTTpammy
For opening exercises we came up with a folder. On the outside of the folder was the list of which class had opening assignments. On the inside pocket was the assignments to hand out to the class. And in the middle of the folder was the class charts. Each class had their own chart/table that said: Date, Prayer, Scripture, Article of Faith, and Talk. Now we pass the folder to the class that has the assignments and they can open it up to their chart and keep track of who gave the last talk, etc. It has been helpful for substitutes especially since they do not know who gave the talk the last time, etc.
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Feb 07 2011 12:09:54 | Danette McOmberQuote:Quote:Has anyone noticed that they took out Quarterly Activities in the new handbook recently distributed? Also, "Baptism Preview" is not in the old or new manual.
Baptism Preview was created by wards who didn't want to visit each child individually. The Handbook states we should be visiting each child individually. Quarterly Activities have been eliminated. I called Church Headquarters to clarify. To quote what they told me, "If it is not a scouting activity, or a Girls Activity Day Activity, it goes against church policy." The only activities we should be having beyond cub scouts, 11 yr old scouts, and Girls Activity Days - are Ward Activities where families participate together.
I think it is wonderful that the Church is encouraging and promoting family time. As busy as families are, we are being encouraged to remember the sacredness of family time. What a blessing!
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Feb 10 2011 20:44:18 | Leslie
I haven't been able to print the Primary 3 lessons from the website like I used to. I only get the first page and an almost blank last page. Can someone help? I like the format on this site better than on LDS.org even though it's the same lesson.
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Mar 20 2011 11:36:40 | Michelle
*An idea for a goodbye card for pianist*
We made a huge card which read "Thank you for touching our lives with your music" and we had a the children use red, blue or yellow ink and put their thumb print on the card. We later made those thumb prints into musical notes. Our pianist loooooved it!!
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Mar 25 2011 13:37:43 | Marla
I want to play a trivia game during music time with all the prophet songs this week (before Gen Conference) Does anyone know any interesting facts - IN "the Prophet said to plant a garden" which prophet was the author referring to? OR things like any of the prophets favorite primary songs?
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Mar 27 2011 13:39:52 | Diane Oliver
I played the game "Don't eat the prophet" with our Primary children and they loved it. I just chanaged it a little as when they had guessed the prophet I then shared with them a very short story about that prophet. I even shared some cute photographs of the prophets taken when they were the same ages of our primary children now. The children were fascinated with the stories and pictures and it helped them to think about how the prophets were once small children like they are now. It also helped them to realize that choices they make now will help shape their futures. I used a book called "The Lord Needed a Prophet" by Susan Arrington Madsen for my rescource of stories and pictures, but I am sure the internet will have stories too.
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May 13 2011 12:11:12 | AHBQuote:For opening exercises we came up with a folder. On the outside of the folder was the list of which class had opening assignments. On the inside pocket was the assignments to hand out to the class. And in the middle of the folder was the class charts. Each class had their own chart/table that said: Date, Prayer, Scripture, Article of Faith, and Talk. Now we pass the folder to the class that has the assignments and they can open it up to their chart and keep track of who gave the last talk, etc. It has been helpful for substitutes especially since they do not know who gave the talk the last time, etc.
Don't get this. Why should class need to keep track of who gave a talk in sharing time. sounds like a lot of work
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May 13 2011 12:12:56 | Mel B.Quote:I was on Sugardoodle a couple of days ago and saw and idea I REALLY liked, I ran it by our Primary president and then came back to find it and I can't!!! It was a poster where you kept the kids little "dollars" for being caught being good in little envelopes. Then they could use them to buy stuff at a concession stand at a movie for an activity. Sound familiar to anyone???
who has time to keep track of this money idea? A concession stand are you serious




Hi there. It would be great to have to helps and ideas for those who teach and lead children with disabilities.