1st Week Sharing Time Idea for September: The Scriptures teach that the gospel will be preached in all the world.

Sharing Time Idea from the 2011 Primary Outline

IDENTIFY THE DOCTRINE (reading a scripture): Invite an older child to readDoctrine and Covenants 133:37 out loud.  Tell the children that missionaries teach the gospel in many areas of the world, in many different languages.  Have the children repeat the scripture together. 

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING (discuss missions): Show the children a map of the world or draw a simple map on the board.  Ask them to share places where people they know have served missions.  Mark these places on the map.  Invite the children to share where they would like to serve, and let them mark those places on the map.  Explain that mission calls come from the Lord through the prophet and that missionaries serve wherever the Lord calls them.  Help the children practice saying the name of the Church in a few different languages.  Discuss with the children that there are some places where missionaries are not yet allowed to teach.  Explain that President Thomas S. Monson asked us to "pray for the opening of those areas, that we might share with [everyone] the joy of the gospel" (in Conference Report, October 2008, 4; or Ensign, November 2008, 6). 

ENCOURAGE APPLICATION (writing to missionaries): Invite the children to write a note to a missionary from your ward or the missionaries who are serving in your area.  Give the letters to the ward mission leader to send to the missionaries.

Sharing Time Idea from Little LDS Ideas

Here is my idea for this week's sharing time. I am going to try to explain it to where it makes sense, but if you have any questions please just leave a comment or email me with your questions.

Does anyone know someone on a mission right now? Have some of the children share where their family/friends are serving. Missionaries work is very important. Read D&C 133:37. What does this scripture tell us? Does it say that the gospel is only preached in Mexico? Do missionaries only serve missions in the United States? NO! This gospel will be preached to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. You could explain the scripture a little so they understand what it is saying. 

Missionaries are sent all over the world to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Missionaries are sent all over and teach the gospel in all kinds of different languages. But there are still some places in the world that don't have any missionaries. Missionary work is very important.  

Have a map of the world (just a basic map with just the outline of each continent, you can find one here). 

Then have another copy of each continent printed on different colored pieces of paper. It's going to be like a puzzle. The continents on colored paper are going to be the pieces that you attach to the outline of the world map. 

For each continent/country/state you are going to need a short missionary story from that area or a phrase that the children could say in the native tongue of that country. You could also share a few facts/photos about that country.

If you know someone that served in a foreign country and brought home some souvenirs, ask them if you could use them to show the children.

Have your stories/phrases/facts typed up onto a card. I thought it might be kind of neat to make the card look like a post-card, like the children are receiving a post-card from a missionary. You could have a picture on  the front of the card and on the back have your information along with the map puzzle piece.

You could even create a little mail-box and have all of your cards in the mail box. Just have the children come to the front to 'check their mail' and have them pull out one post-card at a time.

Share the story or phrase or fact with the children and then have them add their piece to the 'world puzzle'.

Only have pieces for the areas where there are missionaries serving. At the end of the sharing time you will have some blank areas on your map. Show the children that these areas are where there are no missionaries. Explain that President Thomas S. Monson asked us to "pray for the opening of those areas, that we might share with [everyone] the joy of the gospel" (in Conference Report, October 2008, 4; or Ensign, November 2008, 6).  

Bear your testimony of the importance of missionary work and encourage the children to pray for the opening of missions. Encourage them to live their lives righteously, so that one day they can serve the Lord.

***This is where y'all can help. I thought it might be kind of fun to share some missionary stories for everyone to use. Do you know someone that served a mission? Do they have a short message that they could share? If they do you could use it for this activity. And if you have a story or an experience would you mind sharing it on here for everyone to use this Sunday???

My husband served his mission in New Zealand, so I've been bugging him to share an experience with me, so I can post it on here. You could use his experience for the Australia/New Zealand puzzle piece.

And once my hubby shares his story I will add it to my post. And if any of you have a story or something you would like to share about a country/state/etc. PLEASE share! Just leave a comment or send me an email at littleldsideas@hotmail.com

Thank you!!! And I hope all of you have a wonderful week and a great Sharing Time!

Thanks!

Sheena

Scenario Cards

So I have some scenario cards for this weeks sharing time typed up. I thought I would post them before we hit the road back to Idaho. :)

There's just a few, so if any of you have some other scenarios just let me know and I'll add them to my scenario cards. Hope you like them.

Thanks!

Click Here to view my 'Keep your mind clear' scenario cards.

Reading, watching, and listening to wholesome things keeps my mind clear.: 4th Week Sharing Time Idea for August

Sharing Time Ideas From 2011 Primary Outline

IDENTIFY THE DOCTRINE (seeing an object lesson): Show the children two glasses, one with dirty water and one with clean water.  Ask the children which one they would rather drink and why.  Tell the children that our minds are like the glasses, and we should put only clean and good things in them.  Write the following sentence on the board, and have the children say it with you: "Reading, watching and listening to wholesome things keeps my mind clean."  Consider teaching the children simple hand actions to help them remember the sentence.  For example, for the word reading, put your hands out like you are holding a book; for the word watching, point to your eye; for listening, cup your hand around your ear; and for mind, point to your forehead.  Repeat the sentence several times, substituting the actions for the words.

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING (playing a game and singing a song): Show the children a picture of Jesus Christ with children, and ask them to look at it for a few seconds.  Cover the picture and ask the children to tell you details they remember about it.  Help the children understand that we remember the things we see.  Explain that when we fill our minds with good things we also think of good things.  Show the picture again, and have the children sing "I feel my Savior's love" (CS, 74-75).  Ask the children to share how the song makes them feel.  Explain that listening to good music helps us feel the Spirit and keeps our minds clean. 

Sharing Time Ideas from Little LDS Ideas

I'm in Utah this week visiting my sister and getting some school shopping done. My oldest is going to Kindergarten this year. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. My sweet, innocent little boy is going out into the world....and it scares me thinking of all the things he'll learn. But when I start to worry I just think of this scripture:

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)

I know with the help of the Lord we can teach him the things he needs to know. So, to all of you mothers who are feeling the same as me...."Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid...for the Lord thy God is with thee..."

I just thought I'd add my thoughts before sharing an idea....hope you don't mind. :)

I have to say, I love the idea (the dirty water) in the handout. And as I was thinking of my sharing time this week I decided to use that as my Sharing Time, but use it as a game.

I am going to begin just like the outline, with 2 jars/glasses of water at the front of the room. I'll invite a child to the front and ask him/her which glass they would like to drink from. I'll ask them why and have them explain.

Then I'll go on to tell the children that these glasses are like our minds. Then we'll play our game, here's what I have in mind.

I will have 2 jars, filled with water, at the front of the room. I will also have 2 pictures (cut-outs) of a face. You could have a boy and girl, a smiling boy and a frowny boy, etc. 

I will show the children the clean water in each glass/jar, and then tell the children that these jars represents each of these children's minds. Then I will attach the face to the jar.

Around the room (hidden) I will have different scenarios. The children will take turns finding a scenario and then reading it aloud. If it is good you could add a few drops of a clear liquid (more water), but if it is something bad I will have them add a few drops of food coloring (blue, red, etc.) or dirt or something along those lines.

At the end of our game I will show the children the difference in the jars. I will tell the children that just like these jars we need to be careful what we put into our minds. We want our minds to be clear, not dirty like 'this jar'. 

Here are some different ways to have the children find the different scenarios:

• I thought it might be kind of fun to have them wear funny glasses and big ears (to represent listening, reading, and watching) as they search for the scenarios.
• You could also have them inside of balloons and have them pop the balloons.
• You could have them inside a container and have the children pass the container around while they sing 'The Lord Gave Me a Temple'.
• Have your scenarios typed up on bigger pieces of paper. Then lay them on the floor and have the children toss a beanbag onto one. Whichever one the beanbag lands on, have them read that scenario aloud.

So that is what I had in mind for this week's Sharing Time. I hope you like it. :)

Have a great week and a great Sharing Time.

If I get my scenario cards typed up I will be sure to post them on here. :)

Thanks!

~Sheena

Living the Word of Wisdom shows respect for my body: 3rd Week Sharing Time Idea for August

Sharing Time Idea from 2011 Primary Outline

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING (reading scriptures): On one side of the board write, "Commandments" and the following scripture reference: D&C 89:7-9, 12, 14, 16.  On the other side, write "Promises" and the following scripture reference: D&C 89:18-21.  Have half of the children read the first set of scriptures and look for commandments the Lord has given us in the Word of Wisdom.  Have the other children read the remaining scriptures and look for blessings He has promised us if we obey.  Discuss what the commandments and blessings mean.

ENCOURAGE APPLICATION (playing a game): Invite one child to say, "I will live the Word of Wisdom by _______________" and fill in the blank with something he or she will do to live the Word of Wisdom.  Then invite another child to repeat the phrase and the first child's response and then add his or her response.  Ask a third child to repeat the phrase and both of the other children's responses and then add another response.  Repeat as time allows, with each child adding a response. 

Sharing Time Ideas from Little LDS Ideas

Here are 2 ideas from the May 2002 'Friend' Magazine (Sharing Time: Ye are the Temple of God).

I love the second one, it would work great for Junior Primary.

Idea #1: Teach about the Word of Wisdom by playing a scripture scavenger hunt for some of the foods that are good for us to eat. Teach the children how to use the Topical Guide in the Bible. Show how to find words alphabetically and how to read the scripture references; then locate that scripture. Practice with the word food. Read several of the references and choose D&C 89:16 to locate. Have the children read it aloud as a choral reading. Review the promised blessings of obeying the Word of Wisdom by reading with them D&C 89:18–21.

Divide the Primary into groups of two or three children. Each group should have a set of scriptures. Give each group a pencil and a scavenger-hunt list with words such as apple, bread, corn, fish, fruit, grain, grape, herb, honey, meat, milk, and wheat. The children find one of the words in the Topical Guide, write a reference by it, then locate the scripture and raise their hands. A teacher or adult leader listens to them read the scripture, then puts her/his initials next to the word. Repeat the process for all the words on the list. When the groups have completed their lists, have the children share with the Primary some of the scriptures they have found. Bear testimony of the blessings you have received by obeying the Word of Wisdom. Sing “The Word of Wisdom” (pp. 154–155).

Idea #2: Divide the Primary into two groups. Make two sets of paper body parts—head, torso, arms, legs, hands, feet, eyes, nose, mouth, hair. In a container, place pictures from magazines (or draw them) of various foods, drinks, and other items that are either good or bad for the body. Have the children take turns drawing items from the container. If the item is good for you, they add a part to their group’s body. If the item is bad, they must remove a body part. Continue playing until one group has completed a body.

Here are some other ideas I came up with:

Idea #1: You could also do a type of scripture chase/hunt. Split the children into 2 groups. At the front of the room have 2 posters (one for each team). The posters will be split into two columns: 'Commandments' and the other side 'Blessings' (similar to the one in the outline). Have the answers (each commandment and blessing) typed or written onto pieces of paper (a set of answers for each team). On the floor in front of the posters place the answers face down (or have them on a table in front/beside each poster).

Then give each team a list of the scriptures: D&C 89:7-9; D&C 89:12; D&C 89:14; D&C 89:16 & D&C 89:18-21; this is the list from the outline).

Tell the children that they are going to have a scripture chase. Show them the poster and explain that they are going to be searching the scriptures for commandments and blessings concerning the Word of Wisdom. Then show them the pieces of papers on the floor and explain that these are the answers they are looking for. Tell the children that they are going to look up the scriptures and read it aloud to their team. They must decide what commandment/blessing is being discussed in that scripture. Once they think they have the answer they will then come to the front (one person) and look for the answer in the 'answer pile'. Once the answer is found they will need to post it under the correct column.

Play until one team has found all the answers and have them posted correctly. Talk about the Word of Wisdom and what things are harmful for our bodies and why or have the team share what they read about. Then discuss the blessing of obeying the Word of Wisdom. Bear your testimony.

Idea #2: When I first read this idea in the outline I thought it might be kind of fun to somehow make a person with an open mouth and then cut-out the mouth. Have the person attached to a bucket or container (have the bucket behind the person). Then find some pictures of food (good and bad). Read the scriptures listed in the outline and as you read have a child tell you what the scripture is talking about. Then have the child come to the front and pick the picture it is talking about and if it is good 'feed' it to the person & if it is bad throw it in the garbage (You could have a tiny little garbage with a sign on it).

I thought the younger kids would probably like 'feeding' the little person and it would help them to understand that we need to be careful what we put into our bodies. After you have fed your 'person' all the good foods share the scripture of the blessing from the Word of Wisdom. Bear your testimony.

Alright, so there are some ideas that I thought would go along with this week's topic. Hope you like them.

And I hope you have a great weekend and a fabulous Sharing Time!

Thanks!

Sheena

Dressing modestly shows respect for Heavely Father and myself.:2nd Week Sharing Time for August

Before I share my ideas today I wanted to explain to all of you why I am just now posting an idea for this week. You probably don't want to hear my blabber on and on, so I'll make it short and sweet or you could just skip my big boring excuse and scroll right on down to the ideas :). Here it goes...

First excuse, our internet. We live 3 miles out of town and since we live 3 miles out of town we cannot get regular high speed internet from the telephone/cable company. And since we don't have that luxury (haha) we have to get satellite internet...bummer! Plus we share this internet with my In-laws, we live right next door to them. And a few weeks ago something happened and now we don't get that great of signal, so our internet is very sporadic over here. I was using my laptop, but unfortunately it is getting old and is dying (R.I.P. poor laptop). So now I'm stuck with our desktop computer and I just have to put up with the constant kicking me off and then having signal, kicking me off, having signal.....you get the idea. :)

Second excuse....we have had a crazy month! This month we have had something going on every week. For instance this weekend (starting today) we have a family reunion out at our house. Next weekend we have a Primary party and a wedding reception, and so on and so on. I'm hoping September brings a more calm pace of life. haha

Third, my Family (I couldn't list this on as an excuse, ;) ). When I started this blog I promised myself I wouldn't let it come before my children/family. So I've had to put off posting ideas while I spend time/take care of them. I have been amazed/blessed by the time I am able to find where I am able to sit down and work on my blog. I've had many people ask me how in the world do I have time for a blog....amazingly there is time. :) I enjoy my blog so much, but unfortunately there are times (like this week) when I won't get an idea posted when I want to. But don't worry I will eventually post something...it might be 2 days before Sunday, but I will get it posted. 

So there you go, I hope those are good enough excuses for posting this so late. I apologize, but I hope you understand.

Now on to some ideas!

Sharing Time Ideas from 2011 Primary Outline

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 IDENTIFY THE DOCTRINE (reading a scripture and a gospel standard): Ask the children to turn to 1 Corinthians 3:16 and read the scripture aloud together.  Tell the children that one of the ways we treat our bodies like temples is by dressing modestly.  Display "My Gospel Standards" and have the children read aloud the standard that says, "I will dress modestly to show respect for Heavenly Father and myself."

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING (discussing modesty and illustrating posters): Discuss what dressing modestly means (see the "Dress and Appearance" section of "For the Strength of Youth").  Prepare several posters with "I will dress modestly by...." written at the top.  Divide the chidlren into groups, and ask each group to write their commitment to dress modestly or draw a picture of themselves in modest dress on one of the posters.  Display the posters in the Primary room.  You could adapt this activity for a larger Primary by asking each child to write or draw one idea on a small piece of paper.  Then attach all of the papers to the poster.

Sharing Time Ideas from Little LDS Ideas
Here are 3 ideas that you can use for this week's Sharing time. They are simple and easy, but will be fun for the children and teach them the importance of modesty.

Idea #1- Fishing for Modesty: I was on Sugardoodle last night looking at all the comments that people have posted and saw a great idea that I thought would be great for Jr. Primary.Here is what Wendy shared:

"For an activity I am going to "Clean the Room" (like going fishing)I will have words written on the shirts that are on the floor (like, low cut shirt, clean pants, long shorts, too short shirt etc.)As the kids fish the shirts up they will have to decide to keep the shirt and hang it up, or throw it away."

The children love 'fishing', so as soon as I saw this comment I knew it was a great idea. Thanks Wendy!

I thought of another way you could do the 'fishing'. On pieces of paper write different scenarios, for example: going to the beach, going to church, going to sleep, etc. Place the papers ina bag or small container. Then on some other pieces of paper have a picture of an outfit that goes with each scenario (you could also cut out each oufit using colored paper), for example: a bathing suit (one piece for going to the beach), a dress for going to church, pajamas for going to sleep, etc.

To begin ask the children this: "Would you go to a warm beach wearing snow boots? Would you get ready for your soccer game by putting on pajamas? Of course not! There are certain times when you would wear those clothes—like when you are building a snowman or going to bed.

Today we are going to learn the importance of modesty and what kind of clothing is appropriate to wear for different activities. As you think about all of the things you need to do, remember to wear your best clothes when you go to church on Sunday. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “When we go to worship in a temple or a church, we put aside our working clothes and dress ourselves in something better. This change of clothing is a mark of respect” ("What Should I Wear" Feb. 2007 Friend Magazine).

Today we are going to go fishing, but not for fish, but for modest clothes. In this bucket I have different activities. You are going to pick one piece of paper and read it and then you are going to have to decide what should be worn for that activity. Then you will have to fish for that outfit.

To play: place the 'outfits' on the floor in the front of the Primary room. Pick a child to come to the front and pick the first activity, (Let's say they pick going to my soccer game). Once they have picked their activity have the child look at the outfits on the ground and 'fish' for the appropriate outfit.

Once they have 'hooked' the correct outfit have them show the other children. Explain why we would wear that and why it is modest (you may not have to explain that for each outfit).

Idea #2- Modesty Memory: Last month we played a few memory games and the children really loved it. This game that I had in mind is really similar to memory, and it's sure to be a hit!

On small cards have several pictures of modest clothing (below the picture you might write what each one is). Then on a few other cards have a picture of a Frowny face or write 'Immodest!!'

To begin your sharing time discuss what Modesty means, you could read a little bit from the "For the Strength of Youth". Tell the children to listen because after you are done reading you are going to play 'Modest Memory'.

To Play: have the cards attached to a chalkboard,poster-board, or bulletin board. Show the children the cards and tell them that on the back of each card is an article of 'modest clothing'. They will need to take turns finding the match for each article of clothing. But beware! Some of the cards are Bad! On the back of some of the cards is a Frowny Face or 'Immodest'. When one of these cards is chosen the cards will get mixed up.

As you find the match to each article of clothing you could discuss why it's modest and why it is important to wear modest clothing. You could include a picture of a boy or girl without tattoos and talk about why we should not have tattoos. I saw another comment on Sugardoodle where she is going to compare tattoos with drawing on the walls. This idea was from Lisa and here is what she said:

"Since we have some children in our ward that are the only members in their families, I feel a great responsibility to be sensitive to their situation.... Do we draw on the walls of the temples? No, just like we don't draw on ourselves with pens and markers (credit to my husband who pointed out Primary-aged children generally don't have issues with tatoos, but rather color on themselves with markers and pens-teach the principle)."

I loved that comparison!

Also have a picture of earrings and tell the children that President Hinckly encouraged all Young Women to wear only one pair of modest earrings.

This is a simple game, but I think the children will love it! And they will be looking out for those 'frowny face' cards and I'm sure they'll get so excited when one is turned over.

Idea #3- Musical Modesty: (I'm having a hard time coming up with names, haha)

For this game have several scenarios written on pieces of paper and placed in a bag or container, example:

"It's almost time for school to begin. Your best friend

invites you to go to the mall with her to do some

school shopping. While you're looking through clothes

your friend comes up to you with a sleeveless shirt

and encourages you to buy it. What should you do?"

"Your friend invites you to go to the beach/pool.

But what should you wear?"

You could even have a few quotes from 'For the Strength of Youth' with a question or just the quote

You could also have pictures of different articles of clothing on each one. Have some modest and some immodest (You could also just write what they are, 'short shorts', 'sleeveless shirt', etc.) Have a poster split into two columns, with one side labeled 'Modest' and the other side 'Immodest'.

You could also do a combination of all of these.

To Play: Have the papers in a bag or container. Tell the children that they are going to sing 'The Lord Gave Me a Temple'. While they sing they are going to pass around the bag/container. When the music stops, whoever is holding it must pick out a piece of paper.

If it's a question, they must answer it. If it's a quote, they must read it. If it's an article of clothing they must decide if it's modest or immodest. Once they have finished their task continue playing the game by singing and passing it around.

When I first saw this topic and the idea in the outline I wasn't sure what I was going to share. But as I thought about it and saw a few ideas these are what I came up with. I know modesty is a sensitive subject and might be a little too 'over their heads', but it's important for them to learn now. I think about my Son and I'm pretty sure he has no idea what a tattoo even is, haha. But if he learns now and learns that we should not have them, then he'll have a better chance of resisting temptation when confronted with it.

I hope all of you are able to find an idea that will work for your Primary. And I hope you don't mind that I'm posting this so late.

Have a grea weekend and a great Sharing Time!!!

Thanks!

Sheena

'Just Be' Giveaway winner!

Have you been waiting all day for me to announce our winner? Sorry if you have, but I'm finally doing it! First let's review what our winner is going to be winning. One Little LDS Ideas reader will be winning one (1) 'Just Be' grab bag which includes:

1- CTR bottlecap pin

1- CTR bottlecap pendant with chain

1- CTR bottlecap zipper pull

1- Future missionary bottlecap pin

1- CTR scrabble tie tack

1- 'I know the scriptures are true' bottlecap zipper pull

1- 'We believe' 2011 YW theme bottlcap pendant with chain

1- I hope they call me on a mission bottlecap zipper pull

Yep, that's right, someone is winning all that stuff. So, are you ready? The winner of our 'Just Be' giveaway is:

Rachel Bennett: Comment #39

Congratulations Rachel! I am sending you an email. You have 3 days to claim your prize.

 

Now for the rest of you!

Don't forget about the great discount Jen & Amber are offering to all Little LDS Ideas readers:

~Receive 25% off your entire etsy shop order. Just use the coupon code LDS25 to receive this great deal. You have until August 31st to use this coupon code, so hurry!!

Click here to go to Just Be Jewelry on Etsy

Thanks again Jen & Amber for another amazing giveaway.

Have a great week everyone!

Thanks!

~Sheena