Little LDS Ideas

Primary Substitue 'Thank you's' & 'We Miss You!' Ideas

2012-01-18T23:13:00.000-07:00

Alright, I am once again asking for all of your awesome ideas. A few days ago I received an email from a wonderful sister, Teylor, asking for ideas for Substitute 'Thank You' gifts and also ideas for 'We Miss You' cards for the children that were gone on Sunday and for those that might not come as often as we'd like. :)

I have a few ideas I'd like to share and then I would LOVE it if all of you shared what you do in your primary.

Substitute 'Thank You' Gifts

When I was in the Primary Presidency we had a bag of 'Thank You' goodies in our closet. Attached to each snack was a cute little 'thank you' note.

I like the food idea, because who doesn't like a yummy little treat, right!?!

1. I just made some yummy cookies today and while enjoying the yummy cookies (they were sooo good, hehe) an idea came to mind:

"Thanks for 'chipping' in today!"

Attach this to a bag of cookies. Since we don't always know when there will be a substitue just use 'Famou Amos' cookies or 'Chips Ahoy'.

2. I saw this cute Idea on the Idea Door:

Get a Hershey's Kiss and Hershey's Hug and tape/glue them bottom to bottom. Then place the Kiss and Hug in a plastic spoon and wrap it in a goodie bag, cellophane, or netting and tie it with a bow. Then add a note that says 'A spoonful of hugs and kisses for your willingness to serve!"

3. How about this one?

We 'Do-nut' know what we would have done without your help today. Thanks!

Attach it to a package of donuts.

4. To use any type of sweet treat, use this:

"Thanks for substituting in Primary today. You are too sweet!

Attach to any bag of sweets.

5. I saw this on Pinterest as a Valentine, but you could easily use this as a Thank You:

"You are 'O-fish-ally' the best! Thanks for helping in Primary today.

Attach to a bag of 'Goldfish' crackers (any flavor) or a bag of 'Swedish Fish'.

Ok, so there's a few I thought of. Do you have any cute ideas that you use? Do you use treats or soemthing

'We Missed You' Cards
Teylor also wondered if I had any 'We Missed You' cards on my blog. She wants to give these cards to the children that weren't at church, so they know they were thinking about them. Unfortunately, I don't have any cute ideas/cards for this, but I think it's a great idea.
Children love to know that you're thinking about themm that you know them, and that you love them. So the idea of giving them a little note is wonderful.
Do any of you have any cute ideas for this?
And what about birthday cards/gifts for the children that don't make it to Primary as often?
Any ideas??? Please share!

Jesus Christ created the earth as a place where I can learn to choose the right: 4th Week Sharing Time Idea for January

2012-01-18T21:10:00.001-07:00

Sharing Time Idea from the 2012 Primary Outline

IDENTIFY THE DOCTRINE (seeing and discussing an object lesson): Show the children a container of many different colors of crayons. Show them a second container with only one color. Ask the children, "If you were going to color a picture, which of these containers of crayons would you want to use? Why?" Explain that having a variety of choices is a blessing. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and they want us to make correct choices.

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING(coloring): Let the children color a copy of the illustration on page 35 of the Nursery Manual, Behold Your Little Ones, or invite them to draw similar pictures with the same captions. (Click here to open coloring page; page 4). Discuss who created the things in the illustration and why they were created. Teach the children that Heavenly Father expects us to take care of this world His Son created for us. Ask the children to share ways they can choose to take care of the earth and the creations that are on it. Invite the children to take their illustration home and have their parents make it into a book.

Sharing Time Idea from Little LDS Ideas

I had a hard time coming up with an idea this week. All the ideas that I found or thought of only had to do with the Creation. But the theme isn't just about the creation, it's about choosing the right also. So, I thought about it for awhile, and then I saw a great idea on Sugardoodle. And I'm not the only one who thinks it's a great idea.....I think everyone else does too based on all the replies. :)

Here is what Staci shared:

"I plan to use the object lesson with the crayons as mentioned. I am then going to share the poem "Colors of Our World" from the February 2006 Friend: found here.

I will have a piece of blank poster board for our group picture at the front of the room. I will have pieces of the picture (blue sky, purple mts, gold sun, etc. as mentioned in the poem) in a box labeled "The Earth Was Created for Us to Learn to Choose the Right." I will randomly choose children to pick something from the box. Before they can add it to our picture they must tell us how we can CTR while on earth. We will compile a list of ways to CTR as we create our picture.
I have made magnets for each child with an earth and CTR on it. I used 1" clear "rocks" like is used in vases and glued the pic to the back. I then attached the magnet."

If you are interested in the pictures she used for her magnets just head on over to Sugardoodle and leave your email as a comment: Click here to go to Sugardoodle.

Thanks Staci for sharing your wonderful idea!

I think that's it for me. If I happen to come up with any other ideas, I'll be sure to post them.

Have a wonderful week and a great Sharing Time!!

Paper Cakes and Icing: Great Blog for Cute Handouts

2012-01-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

The first Sunday in January I had to teach Relief Society. After much praying and pondering about what I would actually teach about I decided on focusing on our Heavenly Father's love for us, Charity, our Infinite Worth, etc.

To begin my lesson I asked the women what they think of when they hear the word 'treasure'.

Do you think of jewels, money, gold?

I had a treasure chest and asked one of the sisters to open it. As they opened it I asked what was inside.

Inside of the treasure chest was a mirror. I told the women that we are all 'Treasured' daughters of our Heavenly Father.

We discussed 3 different types of love and then talked about which one is the love our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ has for us.

When we know and feel our Father's love for us we begin to feel better not only about ourselves, but share that 'love' with others.

We then discussed charity and loving those around us.

As a closing to my lesson I had some special goodies for each sister. First I had some chocolates (Dove Promises) and I asked the sisters to 'Promise' me that they will not forget who they are, treasured daughters of Heavenly Father. Then I asked them to 'Promise' me to love one another, be kind, do not judge, be Christ-like.

After the chocolates I gave each of them a cute handout with a quote from Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf. It was a quote from his "Forget Me Not' talk.

I knew I wanted to give the sisters a handout so that they could remember how special they are, and I don't know about you, but I love getting cute little handouts. :)

Since I don't have any digital scrapbooking software to make cute handouts I turned to Shanna over at Paper Cakes and Icing.

I've talked about her cute blog before, have you taken a look? If not you really need to, she has such cute stuff!

You could use her handouts for Visiting Teaching, Relief Society, Young Women, Primary, or just for you to print out and keep in your scriptures. :)

I printed mine out on cardstock and then distressed the edges with a little 'Distress Ink'. Then I backed each handout with some cute yellow cardstock. My Mom was here visitng and she had the great idea to turn the handouts into magnets. Luckily I had a strip of magnet, so I just cut some strips of magnet and attached it to the back of each handout. Now the sisters can keep it on their fridge or anywhere else they'd like. Anytime they're feeling down, they can look at that handout and read that amazaing quote and remember that they are not forgotten. :)

Thanks again Shanna for sharing your wonderful handouts!

Visit Paper Cakes & Icing HERE.

2012 Monthly Song, Scripture & Theme sheets

2012-01-09T12:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I asked if anyone would be interested in my Yearly info (song, scripture, & theme) sheets. I've only had 1 person say 'Yes' so far, but I figured I'd go ahead and make them. I already had mine from last year, so it didn't take as long.

There are 2 sheets in this document. The first one is each month's Theme, Scripture and Song.

The second sheet is each month's weekly themes.

Just print them out and put them in your folder and you're set!

I have a link for the PDF version of my file and also a link for the Microsoft Word file.

Just click on the link for the Microsoft Word file and then at the top click 'Download'. Once the file is downloaded you will be able to make any changes needed.

With the Microsoft Word version the fonts for each Month and Title won't be the same font as mine, unless you have the font on your computer. But the font is free online, just search 'Howser' Font and download it, then you'll have the same font as above. :)

Click here to view the PDF version of my 2012 Monthly Info Sheets

Click here to view the Microsoft Word version of my 2012 Monthly Info Sheets

2012 Primary Bulletin Board Ideas

2012-01-09T11:33:00.001-07:00

"Choose youthis day whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will servethe Lord"
(Joshua 24:15)

The Primary President in my ward used this year's Scripture (Joshua 24:15) as the focus for the Primary Bulletin Board.

Here's a picture of the board. It's not quite done, the house fell down, but I just propped it up on some chairs, so I could get a picture to show all of you.

Here's a close-up of the scripture and the house. So cute!

I love the idea of having a house to go along with the scripture. And I am loving the 'Choose the Right' banner. She made her house 3-D, but you could just make a flat house for your bulletin board. She just used different pieces of scrapbooking paper and then made some windows and a door and included 'CTR' on the house.

I Love it! Jill you are amazing!

Another Idea:

I was trying to come up with bulletin board ideas, but I'm not sure mine would have been as cute. :) I was thinking you could cut out a bunch of CTR shields (one for each of the primary children) and have their picture in the middle.

To make it a little cuter back the shield/picture with some cute scrapbook paper.

In the middle of the bulletin board have "Choose the Right' or "I Can Choose the Right" or "We Will Choose the Right", something along those lines. Then have the CTR shields surrounding the phrase that you choose.

You could also have "I Can Choose the Right By....."

And then on their picture have them tell or write a way that they will choose the right this year.

I was trying to come up with a cute bubble gum bulletin board idea for 'Chews the Right'. But no such luck yet. And I wasn't sure if they would really get the message if they saw gum up on the bulletin board every Sunday. Hmmm....They would just be thinking 'I want some gum!' haha

OK. So those are my bulletin board ideas I have to share with you today. I hope you like them as much as I do. And thanks again Jill for the awesome bulletin board. :)

Primary Mailbox

2012-01-08T18:50:00.001-07:00

Before I start my post I want to say Sorry...I did not even notice that January had Week 1 & 2 combined. When I posted my idea, I thought I was posting for week 2 and then later realized that it was actually for week 3. So I'm sorry I didn't get any ideas up for the first 2 weeks. :)

A few months ago I was looking around the web and came across a website that had the cutest idea. After reading it I knew every Primary child would love this idea.

How many of you have children that like to check the mail, hoping that there's something in there for them? I think all children love getting mail, right? I know I did. My cousin and I used to write each other letters and we only lived a mile from each other, but we enjoyed getting that letter in the mail. It makes you feel happy and special.

Daphne over at LDS Primary had an idea that she called the 'Primary Mailbox'. Here is what she said about it:

"In our Primary each Sunday we open a little mailbox and a few children receive an assignment to read a scripture, say the opening prayer or prepare a talk for the next Sunday. We have even had CTR rings and warm fuzzies come out of our mailbox. Sometimes a card will be pulled out with a special announcement for a baptism or to tell us that someone has completely memorized their Articles of Faith. I love the Primary Mailbox!"

Love it! I think the children would be so excited to give a talk, scripture or prayer if it came from the Mailbox. haha

You could even put special birthday cards in the mailbox for those children with birthdays that week. Pick one of the birthday children to come and check the mailbox and then invite the rest and have them collect their card, goodie bag, and then sing to them.

Just make sure to take turns with who checks the mailbox. You could even use this to your advantage....the most reverent child gets to check the mail. Oh WoW! I think you would be able to hear a pin drop if you did that. hahaha

You could use an old beat up mailbox, make one out of cardstock or look at your local Craft Store. Find a place in your Primary Room where you can place your 'Primary Mailbox' and then tell the children what it is and get ready for some super excited children.

I just loved this idea and thought I'd share it with all of you. What do you think? Do you like it? or am I being a little over-dramatic? :)

Some more News

Now some more news! I have quite a few posts that I've been meaning to post on here, but haven't been able to get them typed up, so my goal this week is to get it done! So be looking for posts this week.

Also...the new Primary President in my ward just finished her bulletin board for this year. Oh my goodness! It is so stinkin' cute! I will get pictures up tomorrow for all of you in need of some ideas.

I also wanted to ask you a question. The past 2 years I have typed up a sheet with the Monthly theme, monthly scripture, and song. Would you like me to do that again or do you already have one? Let me know.

OK I think that's it. Have a wonderful week ladies!

In the premortal life, I chose to follow God's plan: 3rd Week Sharing Time Idea for January 2012

2012-01-01T19:32:00.001-07:00

Sharing Time Idea from the 2012 Primary Outline

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING (singing songs): Briefly discuss the following concepts, and then sing the corresponding songs with the children:
- Before I came to earth I lived in heaven ("I lived in Heaven" [CS, 4])
- I chose to come to earth and receive a body ("I am a Child of God" [CS, 2-3]; The Lord Gave Me a Temple" [CS, 153])
- I will be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost ("When I Am Baptized" [CS, 103]; "The Holy Ghost" [CS, 105])
- I can prepare to go to the temple ("I Love to see the Temple" [CS, 95]; "Families Can Be Together Forever" [CS, 188])
- I will be resurrected ("He Sent His Son" [CS, 34-35])

Sharing Time Idea from Little LDS Ideas

Happy New Year!!! I hope you didn't stay up too late. :) I stayed up late, but not to celebrate the New Year....I had to teach Relief Society. Sorry I missed ideas for the first week, but here are a few for next week.

Idea #1: Here is an idea from 'The Friend'. This would work great for a smaller Primary. I'm thinking it wouldn't work so well if you have a large Primary.

Help the children memorize Moses 1:39 (see TNGC, pp. 171–72). Teach the plan of salvation by using stations that represent each phase of our existence: premortal, earth life, spirit world, and degrees of glory. (This will need to be taught chronologically. If your Primary is small, move to each station as a group. With many children, select small groups to represent the whole group and have them move from station to station at the front of the room.) As children move from premortal to earth life, they will pass through the “veil” representing birth. As they move from earth to the spirit world, they will pass through the “veil” representing death. As they move from the spirit world to the degrees of glory, help them understand the concepts of resurrection and judgment. With scriptures, stories, and songs (see suggestions below), teach what we have done and what we are expected to do in each phase of our existence.

Premortal life: Abr. 3:22–26; D&C 138:55–56; “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” paragraphs 2–3; “I Lived in Heaven” (p. 4). Earth life: Articles of Faith; My Gospel Standards; role of the Savior; stories from the scriptures of choosing the right; “Choose the Right Way” (pp. 160–61). Spirit world: Alma 40:9–14; D&C 138 (the righteous will do missionary work); “Called to Serve” (pp. 174–75); talk about the importance of temple work for the dead. Degrees of glory: D&C 76; A of F 1:3–4; “Families Can Be Together Forever” (p. 188).

Idea #2: Another idea from 'The Friend' (February 1999). I really like this idea, and it would work great for a large Primary.

1. Plan with the music leader to teach the children about the plan of salvation with a “Sing-a-Story.” Assemble the following visual aids:

signs: Premortal Existence (or, Pre-earth Life), Spirit, Celestial Kingdom, Terrestrial Kingdom, and Telestial Kingdom;

Gobe or picture of earth

a baby doll;

4 pictures of Jesus—alone, teaching, the Crucifixion, resurrected;

2 labeled partitions (these could be posterboards, drapes, scarves, or screens)—Birth and Death;

and “name” tags, Spirit Body and Physical Body.

Have one child represent all the children and move through the “plan.”

In the premortal existence, the child wears the Spirit Body sign. Sing verse 1 of “I Lived in Heaven” (CS, p. 4). Then ask, “How many of us were there?” [we all were], and tell briefly about that Council in Heaven and our choosing to follow Heavenly Father’s plan. Sing verse 2 and hold up the picture of Jesus alone. Tell the children that when Jesus volunteered to be our Savior and give His life so that we could return to live with Heavenly Father, we were so glad that we shouted for joy.

Explain that the next step for us was to be born into this life. Have the child pass through the partition marked Birth. Explain that all of us come into this earth life as babies (show the globe or picture of earth, and the doll) and get a physical body (add the Physical Body sign on the child). Sing “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (CS, pp. 164–165). Ask, “What does this song tell us that we must do while we are on earth?” [Seek God’s light, obey His commandments, etc.]

(For younger children: sing one or two action songs about bodies.

Sing verse 3 of “I Lived in Heaven” and hold up the pictures of Christ teaching and the Crucifixion. Explain that because Jesus taught us the gospel and overcame death through the Resurrection and gave us the gift of the Atonement, we can return to live with Heavenly Father and Him again by living the gospel.

Sing “I Want to Live the Gospel” (CS, p. 148). Have the child pass through the Death partition. Explain that although we don’t know if we will be old or young when we die, we do know that our spirit leaves our body for a while (take the Physical Body sign off the child) and lives in the spirit world (hold up the Spirit World sign).

After Christ’s Second Coming (show the Resurrected Christ picture), we will all be resurrected and receive our physical body again (return the Physical Body sign to the child) and we will find a new home in one of the three degrees of glory (show the 3 Kingdom signs). Emphasize that we are aiming for the Celestial Kingdom. Sing “I Am a Child of God,” verse 4 (CS, pp. 2–3). Bear your testimony of the Savior and your gratitude for the plan that allows us to return to Him.

Idea #3: I had an idea after reading the one above. Here it is:

You will need signs, pictures, or objects to represent each part of the Plan of Salvation. You can use the examples from Idea #2 (baby doll, globe, etc.) Have the items in bags or boxes and number each one. Inside each box you could also add a song that the children can sing after opening. You can use the songs and questions from above or the songs from the Sharing Time Outline.

On a poster-board or chalkboard have the plan of salvation drawn but don't label each area. I thought it might be kind of fun to have a 'veil'. Hang up a sheet in a doorway or somewhere in the Primary room to represent the veil.

Begin by having a child come to the front and find the box/bag labeled #1- Pre-Mortal Life, have a sign or a picture or an object to represent Pre-Mortal Life. Ask the child which part of the 'Plan' this is, Pre-Mortal Existence, then have them find the paper with the Song on it. If you have a question you could ask the question and have the children listen while they sing for the answer.

After you have discussed the part of the Plan, label that part.

Then move on to box/bag #2 and do the same thing as before. Continue until you have gone over the whole Plan of Salvation.

You could find some clip-art to use for the Plan of Salvation and as you talk about each part have the child tape it to your poster-board/chalkboar where it goes.

Here's some clip-art from Sugardoodle: Click Here to view the Plan of Salvation clip-art

More ideas from Little LDS Ideas:

Click here to view some of my past ideas that might work for this week.

Ok, I hope some of these ideas can help you out. I hope you have a wonderful week and a great Sharing Time!

Thanks for the replies about Birthday ideas for this year!! Keep 'em coming! :)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to stop by today and wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! I hope all of you are enjoying your families.....and maybe some new presents :).

I will be back posting new ideas for the new year, so be on the look-out.

I wanted to ask what y'all are doing for bulletin boards, birthdays, goals, etc.

Please share, I would love to hear what you have in mind.

I thought I would also share a short little Mormon Message with you today. I actually used this for our Ward Christmas Party.

And here's another great one for all you Primary Leaders. So Cute!

And one last video. This is a new Mormon Message. What a great message to hear, especially today.

Merry Christmas!!

Love,

Sheena Perron

Little LDS Ideas

Christmas Gift Ideas for Primary

2011-11-30T16:34:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again...when Christmas music fills the air, our thoughts are turned to others, and we remember the baby born in the manger.

This is the season of giving, and that means giving gifts. :)
I've had a few of you email me asking for gift ideas for the Primary children. So, here are a few of my ideas and a few from my amazing readers.

Since this year we focused on the Scriptures, I thought you might want to focus on that when choosing your gifts.

Gift ideas:
1. In a cute Christmas gift bag have a Scripture Marker and a Bookmark. On a card add your testimony (or each testimony from the Primary Presidency). Laminate the Testimony card, so the children can keep it in their scriptures. Then add some yummy Christmas candy. You could use the Hershey's Treasure candy and add a card that says 'Treasure the Scriptures'.

2. Pillowcase with a Scripture Rock
You could even personalize each pillow case by painting names or using Iron-on products (you can usually find the Iron-on transfer paper at any office store or use your craft cutter if you have one). Put the child's name on the pillow or a short phrase about the scriptures:
"I know the Scriptures are true."
"Read Every Day!"
"Make sure your scriptures are read, before you lay down your head."

Along with the pillow case add their very own 'Scripture Rock', along with a 'Scripture Rock' poem.
(It's usually a 'Prayer' rock, but just change the name to 'Scripture Rock' to go along with the theme.)

3. Remember these cute Bottlecap Pins? These would be great for Primary Children. I have the pink one pinned on my Scripture Bag and I love it!

They also have necklaces and tie tacks. Just visit Jen & Amber's etsy shop and look around. If you have a large quantity that you would like to order they work with you to give you a great price.
Click here to visit the Just Be Shop

Gift Ideas from You:
Here are some great ideas from you, my amazing readers. Thanks for sharing!

1. The past year for primary children's birthdays we gave them a scripture marking pencil and bookmark. So for Christmas we decided to complete the set and give them a pocket sized Book of Mormon with the Primary Presidency's testimony inside the front cover. Seemed to fit this year's theme well.

2. We are giving our children a Mason/Ball jar lidthat has a cut out die scalloped edge circle that fits right on the front insideof the outside edge. This is then modge podged and a vinly cut out"CTR" placed on this. We chose red paper and white vinyl. Modge podgethis again. On the back either write the name of the child and the year or doit on an Avery label. Attach a string or ribbon with hot glue and voila' youhave a little Christmas ornament that introduces the 2012 theme over and overagain year after year. Now, if you have a big budget (which we don't!) youcould hot glue heavy circle magnets on the back and this could then be put on arefrigerator and remind them daily to CTR. We are excited to give these to ourchildren this year.

3. This idea came from Andria Hansen. She said:

We put together booksfor the kids for Christmas. The front page has the 2012 theme, scripture, andCTR logo. Each time you open a page, there's the month's theme, scripture andwords to the song for that month. We're going to tie a candy cane on it with ribbon.

Our president alsohad a great idea for encouraging the children to bring their scriptures eachweek, too. Next year we're going to have a temple box, and everyone who bringstheir scriptures gets to put a penny in the box. At the end of the year we willdonate the money to the GeneralTemple Patron Assistance Fund that President Monson mentioned last conference.The fund helps people who would otherwise never be able to go to the temple togo one time. We are getting a temple in our town next fall, so we're reallyexcited to focus on temples next year, along with CTR. We are asking the peoplein the ward to donate their spare change for this project.

What ideas do you have? Leave a comment or send me an email sharing your idea.

If I receive any other ideas I'll be sure to post them on here. And if I come up with anything else I'll do the same. :)

Alright, I think that's it. Have a great day!!

Jesus Christ was born: 2nd Week Sharing Time Idea for December

2011-11-30T16:24:00.001-07:00

Sharing Time Idea from the 2011 Primary Outline

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING (singing a song and drawing pictures): Sing together the firstverse of "The Nativity Song" (CS,52-53). Divide the children into four groups, and assign each group oneof the remaining verses (2-5). Ask the children to draw pictures to go with their verse. Sing the wholesong, and have the children hold up their pictures as they come to their partin the song.

Sharing Time Ideas from Little LDS Ideas

Sorry this is kind of late. I've been busy putting together the program for our Ward Christmas party. I'll share it when I'm done. :)
Here are some ideas I had to use for this week's Sharing Time.

Nativity Sharing Time: I've used this idea for a Sharing Time before and the children always enjoy putting the nativity together. You will need a nativity (you can also use a picture of one, there's a great one in this month's Friend).
The children will be putting the nativity together piece by piece while reading the story of Jesus' birth.
Have the stable set up and begin reading the story. As you read about each person/animal have a child come to the front and find that piece of the Nativity and place it where they would like. You could also hand out each piece and as you read their part have them come to the front and add their piece. This may help them to listen very closely so they hear their part. :)

For Sr. Primary you could have scripture references on each piece. Hand out each piece (you could also number each one). Then begin by having the first child read his/her scripture. When they're done have them come to the front and place their piece where they would like.

Nativity Match: I found some really cute Nativity cards from Green Jell-O with Carrots (love the name, hehe) that I thought would be great for Sharing Time. It's a matching game with Nativity cards. You have to purchase them, but they're only $2.99! Here's what I was thinking:

Have the memory/match cards layed out on a table face-down. As you read the story of the birth of Jesus have the children listen for certain people/animals/items in the story.

When you say 'Wisemen' invite a child to the front and have him/her turn over 2 cards to try to find the 2 wisemen cards. Have children come up until they have found the match.

Play until you have read the story and all matches are found.

If you don't want to play as you read, then read the story first and then play the Nativity Match game. Have the names of each person/animals, etc. in a bucket (or use actual characters from a nativity set), and have a child come to the front and choose from the bucket. Whatever is chosen out of the bucket that will be the card they have to find.

example: If Mary is picked then have the child flip over 2 cards. Invite children up until both Mary cards have been flipped over.

Click Here to view the Nativity Cards from Green Jell-O with Carrots

Nativity Bingo: Another cute game I found on Green Jell-O with Carrots. Instead of playing the match game have the children play Bingo. Read the story and every time they hear a name that is found on their card have them place a Peppermint, M&M, etc. on their Bingo card. When someone has 5 in a row have them shout 'Christmas!'

Click Here to view the Bingo cards from Jell-O with Carrots

That's all I have for today. Have a great week and a great Sharing Time. :)

Prophets prophesied about the birth of Jesus Christ: 1st week Sharing Time Idea for December

2011-11-29T20:19:00.001-07:00

Sharing Time Idea from the 2011 Primary Outline

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING (reading scriptures and role-playing): Divide the children intofive groups. Give each group one of the following scriptures and someprops or a simple costume to respresent the corresponding prophet:

Isaiah 7:14, 9:6 (ISAIAH)

1 Nephi 11:14-21 (NEPHI)

Mosiah 3:5, 8 (KINGBENJAMIN)

Alma 7:9-10 (ALMA)

Helaman 14:2-6 (SAMUEL)Invite eachgroup to read and discuss what the prophet said about Christ'sbirth. Have one child from each group use the props or costume torepresent the prophet and tell the other children which prophet he or she isrepresenting and to read or tell what that prophet has said about Jesus'birth. Sing, "He sent His Son" (CS, 34-35)or "Samuel tells of baby Jesus" (CS, 36).

Sharing Time Ideas from Little LDS Ideas

Sorry I've been M.I.A. for the last couple weeks. I had a Sharing Time idea to post for last week, but never got a chance to post it.

I hope all of you in the U.S. had a wonderful Thanksgiving. My family went to Utah for Thanksgiving and spent it with my Sister's family and my Dad. We had an amazing time eating and relaxing. :)

I just have a couple quick ideas for you today. Hope you like them. :)

Idea #1:This idea goes along with the idea in the outline, but with an added twist.

You will need some helpers (adults or some primary children) to dress up as the Prophets above. You will have a wrapped present for each of the Prophets with their name inside.

A child will come to the front and choose a present and thenunwrap it to reveal the name of the Prophet. The 'Prophet' will then come intothe Primary Room and share the scripture/message with the children. You will then discuss what the scripture means.

Idea #2: If you don't want to have people dress up, here is an alternative idea. Have five gifts with the scriptures and the name of the Prophet inside. On a board have 5 pictures that have to do with each of the prophets/scriptures. Invite a child up and have them pick a gift, then have them unwrap the gift. Read the scripture aloud and then have them match the name of the prophet with the picture it belongs to.

A sister on Sugardoodle shared pictures that she was going to use for her sharing time. Here is what she said,

"The images I used were as follows: for king Benjamin I did a picture of Christ raising the girl from the dead (mighty miracles), for alma I did a picture of Jerusalem (He was born at jerusalem), for nephi I did a picture of Mary with baby Jesus (He was born of Mary), for Isaiah I typed up all the names for Christ that are listed in the scripture (wonderful, counselor...), for Samuel I did a picture of the wise men with the star (a new star will appear)."

Discuss the scripture after each one has been read and matched.

**You could also to a present pass. Have the pianist play a song and pass the gift around. When the music stops that child gets to unwrap the present.

Alright, those are my ideas. I hope they help. :) I've had a few people ask me about Christmas presents for the children, so be thinking of what you are doing or have done. I'll post about my ideas and ask for yours.

Have a great week and a great Sharing Time!!

Reverence During the Sacrament Helps Me to Remember Jesus Christ: 2nd Week Sharing Time Idea for November 2011

2011-11-09T21:23:00.001-07:00

Sharing Time Ideas from 2011 Primary Outline

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING AND APPLICATION(learning about the sacrament): Invite the bishop or branch president and a few Aaronic Priesthood holders to teach the children about the sacrament. If possible, you could ask them to take the children into the chapel and teach them what the sacrament symbolizes and show them the sacrament table, the place where they kneel to offer the prayer, and the cloth used to cover the sacrament. Invite another Aaronic Priesthood holder to explain what he does to pass the sacrament each week to the congregation and why this is a sacred privilege. Ask the children what the priesthood bearers do that shows respect for God when they bless the sacrament (kneel to pray, cover the sacrament with with a white cloth, dress and act in a reverent manner). Invite the children to share what they can do to show respect for Jesus Christ during the administration of the sacrament.

Sharing Time Ideas from Little LDS Ideas

I really like the idea from the outline, but in case the idea above doesn't work for your Primary here is another idea that I had.

Before sharing time ask for 2 sacrament trays (one for the bread and one for the water).

For the first part of this activity you can use either the water or bread tray. I thought of possibly placing questions or statements about the sacrament inside the sacrament tray. You could pass the tray around (make sure they're very reverent) and have the children pick out slips of paper and then read them aloud.

You could have the pianist play a song and when the music stops have that child pick a paper from the Sacrament tray.

Place questions, scriptures, facts, etc. about the Sacrament: explain what the water and bread represent, the Sacrament prayer references, what covenants we renew when we partake of the Sacrament, etc.

For the second part of this activity use the other tray that wasn't used for the first activity. For this activity you will be help the children to know that being reverent during Sacrament helps us remember Jesus Christ.

You will need several stories along with pictures of Christ. Number each picture and then on small pieces of paper write each number. Cut them into small pieces and then crumple them up and place them in the Sacrament tray. Using the same concept as above pass the tray around and when it stops have the child pick a number. Share the story of Christ with the children and then hang the picture up on a chalkboard/bulletin board.

Explain that during the Sacrament we can think about these stories of Jesus Christ and it will help us to remember Him.

You could also have different ways the children could be reverent during the Sacrament: read your scriptures, read the Sacrament hymn, look at pictures of Christ, etc.

I also thought it would be great to have the children (especially Jr. Primary) make their very own 'Sacrament Book'. Here is something I did for my children.

We bought a packet of Temple pictures, pictures of Christ, and the 'Scripture Hero' pictures. Then I laminated each one and added a strip of cardstock to the top (I did this so I could punch holes). Once I had each one laminated and the holes were punched I made a little cover out of cardstock and then tied them together with some ribbon.

My children enjoy looking at the pictures, and it helps them to focus on Christ during the Sacrament.

But you could also print out several Coloring pages from 'The Friend' and have the children color each one and then tie them together with ribbon to make their very own Sacrament Book.

I put together a few pictures I found on LDS.org (I did this really quick) that you could use for your Sharing Time. If you want to add some more just click HERE to view all the coloring pages.

I just copied the picture and then shrunk it down to fit 4 to a page. You could do 2 to a page to make a larger book.

Be sure to print each picture on a heavy type of paper or glue each picture to a piece of colored cardstock. If you back each picture with a piece of cardstock then you can punch the holes in the cardstock instead of the actual picture. Then just use some ribbon or brads to put the book together.

If you don't have time to make a book during your Sharing Time, have the children take home a 'Sacrament Book Kit'. Give them the pictures and the ribbon and some instructions and have the children do it at home as a family.

Click Here to view my Sacrament Book coloring pages

OK, there's my idea. I hope it can help you out. Have a great week & a great Sharing Time!

A Time for Change

2011-11-08T10:34:00.002-07:00

Maybe some of you have already guessed what this is about just by the title of this post...change. Yep, I guess it's that time.

Two weeks ago I received a new calling as the 2nd Counselor in Relief Society. I was completely shocked! I am happy for the change, but will miss Primary so much. I served in Primary for 3 1/2 years, but the time really flew by. I wondered when we would be released, thinking that that would be a nice change, but the day I found out I wanted to cry. I am excited to serve the women in our Ward, but am a little nervous. Everyone has told me 'You're going to be in charge of activities, you'll do great!' But activities for children is alot different than activities for grown women, they aren't as easily as amused. haha

Everyone has also been asking me, 'So, what are you going to do with your blog?' So here's my plan...

I am going to TRY (and that's a big try) to still post sharing time ideas each week. Now, they probably won't be typed up as a Sharing Time outline like I did in the past, but I will definitely share ideas. Every once in awhile I may type up an outline or a game to share that you will be able to just print out.

Along with my Sharing Time ideas I plan on sharing Relief Society lessons, hand-outs, & activity ideas.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to serve in the Primary. I am so grateful for the wonderful Primary President and 1st Counselor I served with, what wonderful women they are. I learned so much, and my testimony grew. I will miss those sweet Primary children and their sweet spirits.

I wanted to share something with all of you. One of my favorite talks from this last General Conference was 'Teaching after the Manner of the Spirit' by Matthew O. Richardson.

Before this conference I prayed and had a few questions in mind. One of my questions had to do with becoming a better teacher. When I heard this talk I knew this was my answer. I thought about the many times I taught Sharing Time and whether I was really teaching by the Spirit.

"While we are all teachers, we must fully realize that it is the Holy Ghost who is the real teacher and witness of all truth. Those who do not fully understand this either try to take over for the Holy Ghost and do everything themselves, politely invite the Spirit to be with them, but only in a supporting role, or believe they are turning all their teaching over to the Spirit when, in truth, the are actually just 'winging it.' All parents, leaders, and teachers have the responsibility to teach 'by the Spirit'. They should not teach 'in front of the Spirit' or 'behind the Spirit' but 'by the Spirit' so the Spirit can teach the truth unrestrained."

"With the current conditions of the world, we desperately need real learning and teaching in our homes, meetings, and gospel classes. Your quest to improve may seem overwhelming at times. Please do not become discouraged with your progress....You can parent, lead, and teach after the manner of the workings of the Spirit. I know you can do this. I testify you can do this, and lives will change."

I wanted to share this with you because I may share ideas with all of you, but only YOU can know what you should teach the children. I know many times I took over and taught 'in front' of the Spirit, but I want to change that. I want to teach in a way that those I teach can feel the Spirit, and grow. As we prepare our lessons let us remember to listen to the promptings. By doing this you can't go wrong.

I am so grateful for all of you wonderful women who visit my blog, and leave me such sweet comments. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it and how much they brighten my day. I am so grateful for this wonderful Gospel. I am so grateful for the Holy Ghost and the inspiration/promptings I have received. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me better than I know myself :) and for giving me these amazing opportunities to serve.

I hope you didn't mind my babbling, but I wanted to let you know and tell you Thanks! Have a great week everyone & a great Sharing Time.

Thank you!

(I am going to try to share some ideas tonight or tomorrow)

Reverence is love and respect for God: 1st Week Sharing Time Idea for November

2011-11-03T20:38:00.003-06:00

IDENTIFY THEDOCTRINE (seeing a picture and playing a game): Show a pictureof a child praying, and explain that the child isshowing love and respect for God. Tell the children that you are thinkingof a nine-letter word that means love and respect for God. Draw nineblanks on the board, one for each letter in the word reverence, and invite thechildren to guess letters. As they guess correct letters, write them inthe appropriate blanks. You may want to have an older child helpyou. For younger children, show the picture and ask they how they knowthe child is being reverent. Have the children say together,"Reverence is love and respect for God."

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING (reading a scripture and singing a song): Ask thechildren to open their scriptures and read John 14:15. (If the children memorizedthis verse last year, you may want to ask them to recite it.) Ask thechildren how we show our love for Jesus Christ. Sing "Reverenceis Love" (CS, 31). Ask the children to put their hand on their hearteach time they hear the word "reverence" or "reverent".

ENCOURAGE APPLICATION (discussing reverence): Divide the children into smallgroups, and have them discuss ways they can show reverence for Heavenly Fatherand Jesus Christ in one of the following situations: when they are atchurch, when they pray, and when they are at home or with friends. Younger children could draw pictures of what they could do. Havesome of the children share their ideas with the whole group. Encourage them to share their ideas with their families at home.

Sharing Time Ideas from Little LDS Ideas

I know I amreally late posting ideas for this week. I was thinking about ideas and had agame planned, and then I thought 'The lesson is on Reverence, so that means we should probablydo a reverent Sharing Time'. Right? Having a fun, rowdy game would probablydefeat the purpose of teaching the children the importance of reverence.:)

I really likethe idea that is given in the outline, but I found a few ideas that I alsoliked, so I thought I would share them.

I saw thisidea and thought it would be great for this week:

#1Reverent Tour:"Take the youngerchildren on a tour of the meetinghouse. Have them think of ways they can show reverence for it, such as by puttinglitter in the wastebasket, taking good care of the grounds, opening andshutting classroom doors quietly, whispering in the chapel when they need totalk, walking (not running) in the halls." (From Oct. 1992 'Friend' magazine)

#2 Reverent Search: I think the children will really enjoy the 'IdentifyDoctrine' section from theoutline (because what kid doesn't like hangman). But it's always hard to playthese types of games for Jr. Primary since most of them don't read. So, Ithought you could write each letter of 'Reverence' on a piece of paper, butplace a number up in the corner of each page (example: R-1; E-2; V-3; E-4,etc). On a chalkboard have 9 squares labeled #1-9 (this is where the paperswith each letter will go).

Hide the pages around the room,underneath chairs, or just set them face-down on a table and have the children'reverently' find them. Have the children place the letter in the appropriatenumbered box. Once all the letters have been found read the word aloud.

To make it a little more fun youcould have the person finding the letter wear special 'Reverent Glasses' orhat. Have them fold their arms as they search for the letters.

#3 Reverence Puzzle: Geta picture of a child sitting reverently or praying. Cut the picture intoseveral pieces. On each piece have a way we can show reverence, a scriptureabout reverence, or a song about reverence. Hide the puzzle pieces around theroom and have the children find the puzzle pieces. As they find the puzzlepieces have them put the puzzle together.

#4 Ijust saw this idea on Sugardoodle and thought it was a great idea for Jr.Primary (I'm sure Sr. Primary would love it too. )

"The Family HomeEvening Resource book has excellent lessons on Reverence. Borrowing from that,I am going to talk to the kids about the Savior's appearance to the Nephites in Bountiful, specifically pointing out the following verses: 3Nephi 11:5, 12 - 17. I will ask the kids how they would feel and how they wouldact if the Savior were to come to our primary that day. Then explain that whenwe show respect and love for God, we are being reverent, which invites HisSpirit to be with us always. Then I will have the kids choose potato head partsout of brown paper sacks that spell the word REVERENCE. I will ask them toexplain how we can use that body part to show reverence. Then they will put theparts on a pumpkin (since it's November)"

What a great idea. Thanks Krista for Sharing. :)

#5 Reverent Jars: In this month's Friend there is an idea for a Reverence Jar. Such a simple idea,but you can use it several different ways. The idea in the Friend is probably directed more toward families to use for FHE.For the idea you will have a jar and strips of paper with different ways we canbe reverent while at church. You are to place the strips of paper inside your'Reverence Jar' and pick one out each Sunday and work at that specific task.

Examples:

Think about Jesus Christduring Sacrament

Speak quietly at church.Don't run or yell.

Be kind to others.

Great idea for FHE!

ClickHere to view this idea from TheFriend.

But here are acouple ideas using the 'Reverence Jar' idea:

-Have 2 jars,one labeled 'Reverence Jar' and the other could have a frowny face or'Irreverent'. On pieces of paper, balls, or some other kind of object, writedifferent scenarios that we might be reverent and irreverent.

Invite a childto come to the front and choose a paper/ball and read it aloud. Then have themplace it either in the 'Reverence Jar' or the 'Irreverent Jar'.

-Have 3containers/jars labeled 'At Church', 'When I Pray', and 'At Home or WithFriends'. Once again have different scenarios that have to do with showingreverence at each of the above places/actions. Have a child choose one and readit aloud. Then have them decide if that is a way we can show reverence atChurch, when we pray, or while at home or with friends.

You could evenhave a sad bucket where all the irreverent scenarios go.

OK. I thinkthat's it for me. Have a wonderful week and a great Sharing Time.

Prayer Cranium Cards and Questions

2011-10-29T19:59:00.000-06:00

Here are my Prayer Cranium Cards and the questions I will be using for Jr. Primary.

I had to change up my game a little, due to NO orange balloons where I live. Hmmm....I would think there would be plenty of orange balloons around this time of year.

Anyway, I decided on white.

I am going to place the question in each balloon and then draw a little ghost face. I am going to tell the children that these are our Primary Prayer Ghosts. I even came up with a little song/saying to tell them:

Primary prayer ghosts are flying in the air,

They came to visit to teach us about prayer.

Haha....yep, that is my great idea. :) I am going to have our little Prayer Ghosts hanging around the room. The children will pop the balloons and find the question and then answer it. If they answer the question correctly they get a sweet treat. I found some really cute Halloween bags for 10 cents. Yeah!

So there's my change. And here are my questions. Hope you like them.

I left the Singing Star ones blank so you could add whatever songs you wanted.

Click Here for my Prayer Cranium Cards

Click Here for my Jr. Primary Prayer Questions

Have a great weekend & a great Sharing Time.

Singing Time Ideas

2011-10-25T10:34:00.002-06:00

I have a few Singing Time Ideas to share with you today. These ideas came from two wonderful sisters.
Thanks Tana and Amy for sharing your wonderful ideas. :)

The first 2 ideas come from Tana Parke, a wonderful sister in my Stake. Here are her ideas:
Magic Music Spray
Get a spray bottle and fill it with water or juice. Tana uses a fun butterfly squirt bottle that she found at Target.
If the children aren't singing pull out your 'Magic Music Spray' and give them a quick squirt in the mouth.
Tana says that after using the Music Spray the children are singing.
What a great and easy idea!

Candy Sunday
This idea will be great to start next year when we start learning new songs.
Tana usually uses this for the last Sunday each month as a reward for learning the song for that month.
For 3 weeks teach the children the song and then review on the 4th Sunday. Play a fun review game and then reward them with a special treat if they have memorized it.

Because what kid doesn't like a special treat? :)
Find a fun treasure box or decorate a big bucket/box and label it 'Candy Sunday'. The children will get to know that special box and will be sure to try their hardest to learn each song.

Dress up Name that Tune!
Amy Thacker emailed me and shared another great idea, so I had to share it with all of you. Here is what she said:
"This is what we did for Singing Time after the Sacrament Presentation-
Our Chorister, who is wonderful, had a box of dress up items. Then she placed cards, in a circle, upside down, on the floor. Each card had the name of a song on it, she used fun songs that had nothing to do with the ones we just sang in Sacrament.
She then placed a twisting desk chair in the middle.
She had a teacher from each class take turns sitting on the chair and twisting while the piano music played, when the music stopped the teacher picked up whichever song their feet landed on. The teacher then had to guess how many music notes it would take their class to guess which song it was. The chorister also made a guess and whoever was closest got to pick an item out of the bag for the other to wear!
The children loved it, especially when our male teachers wore tutu's and tiara's.
Our chorister ended up in a large clown tie, dish gloves, a beret, and floppy shoes!
After the dressing up took place all the children would sing the song all the way through.
This was just something to fun to reward them for singing so well during the Program, we were still singing, but it was just fun!"

What a FUN idea!
Thanks again Amy for the great ideas, they are much appreciated. :)

Have a great week everyone!

Church Resources Update

2011-10-21T16:07:00.000-06:00

Here are some updates/news on different Church resources.

LDS Music App

There is a new LDS Music App now availablefor download for the iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch.

LDS Music is a new app for music of The Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day Saints. Browse and search Hymns and Children's Songbook, read thewords and sheet music and listen to accompaniments.

This new app currently has content inEnglish, but will soon have music in Spanish, Portuguese and French. Additionalmusic will soon be added, including Seminary Video soundtracks and YoungWomen's camp songs.

Download this music App Here.

What Can I Do with My LDS Account?

Have you created an LDS Account? Are youusing it to its full potential?

"One of the overlooked but powerfulfeatures of new Church websites is LDS Account....Using LDS Account opens up awealth of features many Church websites, such as access to online ward orbranch membership directories, temple ordinance records on the new FamilySearch, and study tools for scriptures and other Church materials."

(taken from 'What Can I Do with My LDSAccount?' from the ChurchNews & Events)

If you would like to read more about thewonderful features of having an LDS Account then read this article in theChurch News and Events. It discusses the many different tools you can use onceyou've created an LDS Account.

Click Here to view the article

How do you volunteer?

Based on the Savior's parable of theworkers in the vineyard, this website connects members and friends of theChurch with volunteer service opportunities online.

Volunteers with an LDS Account can servein "small and simple" ways online, such as by helping to prepare textin Church publications, translating material into various languages, orassisting in genealogical work.

Know another language? Like photography?Start participating and join hundreds in the efforts to make the gospelavailable around the world!

Visit The Vineyard website and learn how you can contribute today.

{More} Sharing Time Ideas for October

2011-10-19T16:27:00.000-06:00

I have had a few people email me about ideas for Sharing Time after the Primary Program and for the 5th Sunday.

To those who shared ideas as a comment, thanks! Here are some of the great ideas that were shared:

Krista shared this idea:

"I am the Primary Chorister in our ward and our program is this coming Sunday. I have something fun planned and I can't wait to see how it goes! I arranged with the Bishop to put index cards in all of the programs, we are going to ask the congreation to write short notes to the Primary kids about the program. All year I have been reminding the kids that we can bear our testimonies through music and I am excited for the kids to hear how their singing affects people. We are going to have a collection box right out side the chapel for them to drop their cards in and then we are going to read them during Primary. I can't take credit for this wonderful idea, I saw it posted on the Yahoo group that I belong to!"

Krista, I love this idea! I'm sure the children in your Primary loved it as well. Thanks for sharing.

Cindy said...

"We had permission to show a church approved movie and had popcorn. We still did the opening prayer, scripture and talk. We then watched Johnny Lingo and passed out individual bags of popcorn to everyone. The kids thought that it was great and we talked a little bit after about the message of the movie. Of course afterward we vacuumed the primary room."

I think any child would love watching a movie and popcorn for Sharing Time. :) Great Idea, Cindy!

AmeeG said...

"We have a small primary so we let the kids earn ice cream sundaes and we serve them during singing/sharing time the Sunday of the program in the cultural hall. The kids love it. They earn each part of the sundae by passing off songs for the primary program.

Kids and Ice Cream....you can't go wrong with that! :)

Anonymous said...

"We have done a bunch of fun things in the past....at one practice (in the primary room) we recorded the program of the kids and watched that after the program with popcorn! the kids loved to see themselves! last year we made a giant life size game board with carpet mats (and some posterboard)and a huge dice and we put all the chairs up and the we had one kid from each class take a turn and roll the dice and ws had all sorts of questions from who is the prophet to reciting an article of faith. if they got it right their class got to move the number on the dice. then another kid from the class would swap (so the classes were all against each other) hope that makes sense..but it was super fun!

I love the recording your Program Idea. Children love seeing themselves on T.V., so I'm sure that

Sharing Time was a hit!

Such great ideas! Thank you ladies for sharing. I know they will help someone out. :)

Just in case you missed my post earlier in the month, here are my Sharing Time ideas for October:

Click here to read the post.

Fifth Sunday/Halloween Sharing Time Idea

I shared a Halloween idea in my previous post, but I also had another idea that would be great for the 5th Sunday.

I saw this on Pinterest, and it actually comes from Martha Stewart, but with a few changes this would make a great Sharing Time.

The original idea says to place candy inside each balloon. The children pop the balloons to get the candy. But after I saw this I thought 'How fun would that be for Sharing Time'.

Here is what I was thinking of doing:

You could play this like Cranium. In the game of Cranium you have different categories that consist of Questions, Drawing/Sculpting, Words/Definitions, and Charades.

I was thinking of doing this for my Sharing Time next week. I don't have it planned yet, but I was thinking of having categories like:

Cloodle: drawing or sculpting with clay

Singing Star: Have different songs and have the children sing, name that tune (by having the pianist play a certain number of notes), and Humdinger (have a child hum the song and have the children guess).

Scripture Search: Have different scripture references that have to do with prayer. Have a question for each scripture.

Charades: I might have them do some charades, but I may choose between Cloodle and Charades.

Who Am I: Have pictures of different scripture stories where prayers were answered. Have the children match or guess who the story is about.

At first I was thinking of putting questions inside each balloon, but instead of putting each question in each balloon, I may just put the name of a category in each balloon: Cloodle, Singing Star, Scripture Search, etc.

I will invite a child to come to the front and have them pick and pop a balloon. They will then need to find which category was in the balloon.

On a table to the side I will have cards, separated into each category, with the various questions/tasks on them. The child will then pick the top card from the category that was inside their balloon.

I might even have a big bucket/cauldron of candy as a reward. :)

Oh....and don't forget to add some 'Teacher Play' to the cards. This is where the child get to pick a teacher to do the task. This is always fun.

I think the children will have alot of fun doing this. And it has a little Halloween fun to it, but they're still learning the theme for the month.

If you don't want to do the Cranium game just put questions/scenarios in each balloon. Or mix it up and have scriptures, questions, and songs.

Alright...there's my idea. Do you have any fun ideas that you'd like to share? Just leave a comment or send me an email at littleldsideas@hotmail.com

Thanks! Have a wonderful week and a great Sharing Time

or Program! :)

Program Treasure Chest

2011-10-19T15:44:00.001-06:00

The other day I received an email from a wonderful Sister, Amy Thacker, who shared another idea to use during Program practices. This idea helps with reviewing the songs, so Music Leaders this one is for you! You could definitely use it for reverence, speaking parts, etc. also.

If our program wasn't this Sunday I would definitely be using this idea. Thanks Amy for the great idea!

Here is what Amy said:

"To practice the songs for our Sacrament presentation I took a toy tool box (you could use a treasure chest or anything you have on hand) and filled it with candy. Then I wrote each song on a separate ribbon and taped the ribbon around the box. When the children sang the song, 1) loud enough to be heard, 2) with the piano, not faster or slower, and 3) remembered all the words each group had practiced, then we cut each ribbon. The first week a few ribbons remained and we had to start over the second week practice, but during the second week they knew the songs and sang really well so we got to open the box. During the third week practice it was fast Sunday so I filled it with glow-in-the-dark bouncy balls.

The box worked wonders, just be prepared for a little (ok a LOT) of excitement when that box opens up!!! We presented our program yesterday and we had numerous compliments on our singing! I hope this idea helps someone else."

Isn't that the greatest idea!?!?! I love it!

Thanks again Amy for sharing.

Program Football

2011-10-16T19:37:00.000-06:00

As we begin practicing in the Chapel we try to come up with some kind of game to encourage reverence during the practices.

We've tried a Reverence-O-meter, a game board, but the last two years we have used

Football as our game.

We begin by explaining the 'Rules' of the game. Here are our rules for this year.

Then we show them our Football field. I did it a little different this year. I started with a football in the middle (50 yard line). If the children were reverent, singing well, paying attention to the Chorister, etc. I moved the football 10 yards toward the 'Touchdown'.

But if they were being a little rowdy, talking while other children were saying their parts, or not listening, then I moved the football away from the 'Touchdown'.

The children knew if they made a 'Touchdown', they would receive a special treat.

At first that ball never made it past the 50 yard line, and every time I moved the ball further away I would hear little gasps. " Oh No! Our Treat."

But eventually they made a Touchdown, during the last song, but a Touchdown is a Touchdown no matter when they get there.

So, during class we delivered Chocolate Chip Cookies, and this week, Rice Krispie Treats.

Of course, this doesn't turn them into nice quiet perfect little children, but it does help. :)

Give it a try and see what you think.

Do you do anything during your program practices?

Have a great week!

Primary Program Pizza Party

2011-10-15T20:59:00.001-06:00

The last 3 years we have had a Primary Program Pizza Party the Friday or Saturday before our program. The children work so hard, so it's nice to reward them with a little party. :)

But we don't just give them a pizza party....we make them earn it.

Yep, we are so mean. :)

We really encourage the children to memorize their parts, so we don't have to read it to them during the Program.

So, we came up with this idea to get them excited about memorizing them.

This is our Program Pizza, I made it today for church tomorrow.

Here is how it works:

Start out with an empty pizza dish. I just used a file folder today and cut out a circle. Then I covered it in Aluminum foil.

Show the children the empty pizza dish and tell them in order to have the pizza party they are going to have to make a pizza. Explain to the children that they will be making a pizza by memorizing their parts. Each Sunday as you practice the program, anytime a child recites their part (without any help) they will be able to add a piece to the pizza.

I have 8 slices of pizza and 20 pepperoni. I figured not every single person will be able to memorize their part, but if a majority of the children do then that is great.

To keep track of who has said their part, I just write their name on the back of each piece.

When the pizza is complete (like above), the children know that they will be getting a Pizza Party! Yeah!!

I used construction paper to create my pizza this year. I first cut a large circle using a tan color (I used a large bowl to trace the circle).

Then I used a smaller bowl to trace a circle on red construction paper (this is for the sauce).

Then using a smaller bowl, I traced a circle on yellow paper (for cheese). I then drew a wavy pattern around the edge and cut it out.

I glued those all together and then cut out 8 slices.

On the left-over red paper I cut out 20 small circles for pepperoni. You could also do olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.

I wanted simple, so I stopped with pepperoni. :)

And there you go...your very own Program Pizza.

What do you use to prepare for the Program?

We also play a game during practices to encourage reverence. I'll share that tomorrow. :)

Have a great Sunday!!

Church News Update & a question

2011-10-11T17:59:00.001-06:00

Church News Update

I meant to post this a few days ago, but of course life happens and I totally forgot. :) Here it is anyway.

I received an email with a few updates from the Church. Here is one that goes along with Conference.

Family History and Youth Website

A new website dedicated to Youth and Family History is now available. Elder David A. Bednar mentioned this site during his General Conference address.

He said, “I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah.” An introductory video is also available through this new website.

Currently this site is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

October 2011 General Conference is now available for downloads.
Here is a summary of what you can access now:
MP3s- full sessions and individual talks for streaming and download (70 languages)
Video-full session and individual talks for streaming and download (several languages)
Transcripts- Text in English is now available. Text in other languages should start appearing within the next 7 days.
The Conference Sessions can be found Here.

My Husband downloads all sessions to his phone and listens to it in the car. He loves it! I have only been able to download the Saturday sessions, but I will soon have all sessions on my phone. :)

Our Bishop also gave us a little challenge. He encouraged us to have
'Breakfast with the Prophet'
What that means is while you're eating breakfast read,watch, or listen to the conference talks.
I know it will help improve your day when you begin it by being filled with the Spirit.

New Mormon Message:
Have you seen the new Mormon Message, 'Opportunities to do Good' ? If not here it is.

This story brought tears to my eyes and touched my heart. What a great story on service and love.

Program Question
I received an email from a wonderful sister, Marcie Lamb. She was looking for ideas for after her Primary Program. I decided I would ask all of you and see what you do in your Primary.
Her Primary Chorister wanted a 'much needed' break from Primary, so she will have the whole time to do something fun, but still Spiritual.
Do you play fun games, invite special visitors, make a 'Thank you' for the Primary Chorister?
Any ideas???
Please share. :)

O.K. That's it for now.
Thanks!!

Lollieland Giveaway Winner

2011-10-07T23:19:00.001-06:00

I'm posting this a little later than expected, but better late than never. :)

I want to thank Laura for this wonderful giveaway, and all of you for entering and for following my blog.

One lucky winner is going to win a print of their choice from Lollieland designs.

Sorry all of you can't win, but Laura is offering all of you a 2 great deals if you are interested in purchasing something from her Etsy Shop.

First coupon:

'FREEPRINTSHIP'

Use this coupon code for free shipping on any Print order.

Second Coupon:

'20OFF'

Use this coupon code for 20% off any order (not including Prints).

These coupon codes will be good until October 14th, 2011.

Just visit Lollieland Designs to place an order and use one of the above coupons.

Alright...so are you ready to hear who the winner is?

Drum-roll Please!!!

And the winner is....

Comment #32

Jackie Crane

Thanks Jackie for entering & Congratulations. I will be emailing you shortly.

You will have 48 hours to respond.

After that I will have to pick another winner :(.

Thanks again Laura for everything! And to all of you!

Have a wonderful weekend!

October Sharing Time Ideas: Prayer Is Reverent Communication between God and Me

2011-10-05T21:47:00.001-06:00

I decided to go ahead and post ideas for the whole month all at once. So, I'm not going to include the ideas from the Primary Outline, hope you don't mind.

Week 1: I can pray to Heavenly Father.

The first counselor in Primary actually did this Sharing Time the week before Conference, so I am going to share her idea along with another one I had.

For her Sharing Time she compared prayer to making a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich (she read this idea on Sugardoodle). The first piece of bread was for 'Dear Heavenly Father', the Jelly was for 'We Thank Thee', peanut butter 'We Ask Thee', and the other piece of bread was for 'In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen'.

She added to that idea a little bit. She decided to wear an apron with pockets. One of the pockets had pictures that had to do with things that we are thankful for. After she spread the jelly on to the piece of bread she had a child come up and pick a picture from her apron. Then they discussed what it was and why we are thankful for it. She continued to call on children until all the pictures were chosen.

She did the same with the things that we might ask Heavenly Father for.

The children really enjoyed making the Prayer PB&J.

For my idea you will need pictures for things that we might be thankful for and things that we might ask for. You will also need 2 buckets/containers labeled 'We Thank Thee' and the other 'We Ask Thee'.

Explain to the children that when we pray we need to begin by saying, 'Dear Heavenly Father'. After that we continue to thank Him for the many blessings we receive. After we thank Him then we can ask Him for things that we may need. To close we should say, 'In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen'.

After you have explained that to the children you can begin the game.

Have your buckets on a table at the front of the room. Have your pictures of things we prayer for in another container/bag, underneath chairs, hidden around the room, inside balloons, etc.

Tell the children that you have several pictures of different things we may pray for. Show them the buckets and read each one to the children. Tell the children that they are going to find/choose a picture and then decide whether it goes in the 'Thankful' bucket or the 'Ask' bucket (some items can go in both buckets).

Play until all the pictures have been placed in the appropriate bucket.

I have some pictures that you could use from a previous Sharing time.

Click Here to view my Prayer pictures.

Week 2: The scriptures teach me how and when to pray.

I saw an idea from a past issue of 'The Friend' and loved it, so I decided to use it for this week. I tried to combine it with ideas from the Outline also. Here it is:

Show the children a picture of ‘Daniel in the Lions Den’ (GAK 117). Ask if anyoneknows this story? If someone says yes, ask the child to tell you what they knowabout the story. If not explain to the children that the man in this picture isDaniel. Explain to the children that Daniel was thrown into a den of lionsbecause he prayed.

In the front of the room have several lions (pictures,stuffed animals, etc.) and a pair of large sandals. Tell the children thattoday they are going to be standing in "Daniel’s shoes".

Invite a child up andask them to stand in Daniel’s shoes as you read the story. Tell the child to imagine that he/she is Daniel as you read the story.

After you have read the story aloud to all the children, askthe child standing in the shoes how he/she would feel if they were Daniel andwere about to be cast into the lions’ den. Who would you ask for help? Explain that you could do just as Daniel did and ask your Father in Heaven for help.

Identify thedoctrine:

Explain to the children that the scriptures teach us how andwhen to pray. Tell the children that you would like to share a scripture withthem that talks about prayer. Ask them to listen for how we should pray andwhen we can pray. When they hear the answer have them fold their arms. Thenread Alma 13:28:

“Humble yourselvesbefore the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually.”

What did the scripture say....How should we pray? And whencan we pray? Explain to the children that we can pray to Heavenly Fatheranytime, anywhere.

Just as Heavenly Father heard Daniel’s prayer, Heavenly Fatherhears our prayers today, and He answers them in ways that will be for the best.We need to remember to thank our Heavenly Father for all our blessings and askHim for help when we need it.

Tell the children that we’re going to ‘Stand’ in Daniels’shoes a little more. Explain to the children that Daniel knew the importance ofprayer, so we’re going to stand in his shoes and learn how and when to pray.

Have a piece of paper or chalkboard split into 2 columns: How and When. In a bucket have several scriptures that teach/talk about howand when to pray (examples from the outline: 3 Nephi 18:19; 3 Nephi 19:6-8; 3Nephi 18:15).

Have a child pick a scripture out of the bucket and read italoud. Have them discuss what it teaches us about how or when we should pray.Write their answer underneath the appropriate column. Then choose another childto come to the front and pick another slip of paper.

You could also have different scenarios where the child would pray.

Examples:

You were with your family shopping. You

stopped to look at something and when you

turned around your family was gone. You began to

get very scared. What could you pray about?

You parents tell you that your family will be

moving. You are scared to leave your home

and your friends. What could you pray about?

I think the children would really enjoy standing in Daniel's shoes. And to make it really fun make the Primary room look like the Lions' den.

Week 3&4: Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

I have a few different ideas that you could use for this week. They go along with the outline, but I have a few different ideas to use instead of different stations.

This would be great for Sr. Primary since they can read.

Crossword puzzle: for each clue have a story or scripturethat talks about different ways our prayers can be answered. Have the childrenlisten as you read the scripture or story for the answer and then have them fill in the blank.

You could use the scriptures and stories that are provided in the Outline.

The words that you use for the crossword puzzle could be:

Thoughts

Others

scriptures

Prophet

Prayer Match:

This would work great for Jr. Primary

Have the children look up 3 Nephi 14:7 and James 1:5. Invite the childrento listen for what the scriptures teach about prayer.

Read the scriptures aloud together and let the childrenshare what they learn.

I found this cute poem from a past 'Friend' and thought it would be great for this week's lesson. Read it to the children and have them do the actions.

Heavenly Father always listens (place hand over ear)

When I kneel and pray. (kneel and fold arms)

I know He pays attention

To everything I say. (point to mouth)

He doesn’t always answer

In ways that I can see; (point to eyes)

Bu I just know that what He does

Is what is best for me. (point to yourself)

I thought this might work instead of the stations, if stations don't work for you:

Have a picture of a heart, people (group of children, adults, etc.), scriptures, and the Prophet.

Then on a chalkboard/bulletin board have 4 envelopes with a sign on the front of each that says: 'Heavenly Father hears and answers my Prayers'.

Something like this. You could even have your sign say: Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers by...

You don't really need to have them numbered, but you can if you would like.

Inside each envelope you will have a scripture or story that talks about the different ways our prayers are answered.

You can use the ones from the outline:

1. Answered by thoughts or ideas that come to our minds and hearts: D&C 8:2; Tell the story of Enos

2. Answered by others: Tell story of President Monson answering Ben and Emily Fullmer's prayer (Ensign Nov. 2003, 58-59).

3.Answered by words of Christ, which are found in the scriptures: 2 Nephi 32:3; share a personal experience.

4. Answered by teachings of the latter-day prophet: D&C 1:38; Show the children The Friend or Ensign, and tell them that they can find the teachings of the prophets in the Church magazines. Share a personal experience where a prayer was answered by the words of the prophet.

You will choose a child to come to the front and pick an envelope. You will read the scripture or story aloud and then ask them how the prayer in the scripture or story was answered. They will then need to find the picture that goes with that story and place it underneath/beside the 'Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers by...' sign.

Continue doing this until all stories have been read and you have discussed the different ways our prayers can be answered.

You can have the pictures hidden around the room, underneath chairs, etc.

A Halloween Idea:

I was trying to think of a way to put a little Halloween flare to this Sharing Time and the thought of Pumpkins came into my head. I thought of a 'Prayer Pumpkin.' :)

You could get a large pumpkin and hollow it out. Then cut a hole in the top (but keep the top as a lid) and then cut a hole in the back.

On the front of the pumpkin have a sign that says 'Prayer Pumpkin'.

On another table have 4 buckets or containers with the pictures from above (heart, people, scriptures, and the Prophet.)

For your stories/scriptures cut out 4 paper pumpkins and write the scripture reference or title of story on the pumpkin.

Begin by showing the children your 'Prayer Pumpkin' and explain that today they are going to learn about the different ways our prayers can be answered. Using the hole in the back of the pumpkin place your first 'story pumpkin' inside the large pumpkin.

Invite a child to come up to the front and remove the top of the pumpkin and reach in to get the first story. Once they have the story pumpkin have them hand it to you. If it's a scripture reference you could ask the children to look it up. Read the story aloud and then ask the child how the prayer was answered. Have them place the paper pumpkin inside the appropriate bucket.

Then continue with the next story by placing it in the pumpkin by using the hole in the back.

I thought this would be really fun to do the Sunday before Halloween. I know the children would love putting their hand into a pumpkin. :) But they'll still be learning that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.

So there are my ideas, I hope they can help you out. And if I happen to come up with another idea I will be sure to post it. Have a wonderful week and a great Sharing Time!

P.S.- Tomorrow is our final day for our 500 follower giveaway! Be sure to enter!!!

Thanks!

500 Follower Giveaway from Lollieland Designs

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

This Giveaway is now closed.

I cannot believe that wenow have over 500 followers!!! I am so excited and humbled that all of youvisit my silly little blog. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

So to celebrate this momentous occasion (well, it may not be thatexciting to you, but I am super excited), we are having a great giveaway fromLaura at Lollieland Designs.

Laura emailed me a week or so ago telling me she would love to doa giveaway here on Little LDS Ideas. I am always up for a fun giveaway, so Isaid 'Of Course!' We've been emailing back and forth getting all the necessaryinfo from each other, and we're finally ready! I'm sure Laura is glad, she'sprobably sick of hearing from me. :) (Just kidding.)

I like to spotlight the wonderful people that do giveaways on myblog, so I asked Laura to tell us a little bit about herself. Here is what shehad to say:

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Laura and I'm a young and very happily married Georgia Peach. I transplanted myself to Utah and then China for awhile, but I've got my roots back in Southern soil! I have the inability to sleep past 7am but love getting my day started off right with a jog. I enjoy snuggling, cozy duvets, candy corn, and my sweet sheltie, Toby (and husband, of course!). I like to think my nieces and nephews love me most because I'm the world's biggest pushover when it comes to those I love :) My goal in life is to be a rock awesome photographer and an even better mom and wife.

Why did you start your blog/site?

Haha. This one is actually a funny one for me :) I never thought I'd be an 'Etsier', but when my husband and I were in our Senior year of college money was dang tight. We were saving up all of our pennies to move to China for a year- as a part of that I really wanted to invest in an entry level SLR to capture our year-long journey. My Mister and I made a deal that any money I made on Etsy could go towards the camera. Three months later I had my camera in hand! I thought I was just going to shut down the shop after that, but I actually really enjoy digital design!

How long have you had your site?

My shop is coming up on it's 2nd anniversary in November. It's definitely been a learning experience, but one that I would repeat again in an instant. It's taught me a lot about design, finding a niche, customer service, and working hard for success.

Laura's site, Lollieland Designs, is an Etsy shop filled with beautiful cards and prints. She even offers custom orders. Here are a few of her amazing prints.

This would be great for an anniversary or Valentine's present. Or to put in your kids' bedrooms. Love it!

Laura emailed this picture to me today and I fell in love with it! I think this might just have to be an early birthday present for myself. :)

Laura was nice enough to send me a print. I chose this one ina slate gray.

My kidslove this Primary Song, and President Monson encouraged us to have a picture ofa temple in every room, so I thought this would be perfect!

Now for the Giveaway:

This Lollieland Design giveaway is open to anyone! Yep, youread that right....Anyone!

Laura's goal as a designer is to keep pretty things and apretty reasonable price. She even ships her prints directly from her printer tosave her customers an extra dollar in shipping. Laura said, "Money's tightfor many right now, you shouldn't have to break the bank to get some good arton your walls!"

What is up for grabs?
Laura is going to give one (1) Little LDS Ideas reader his/her choice of printfrom Lollieland Designs.

She also had this to say about what she was giving away:

"...but if the winner really wants something else I'lldefinitely work it out (I'm kind of a softie). I just introduced a whole newline of prints that I want to share with the world, though!"

Thanks Laura!!! Such a sweetheart!

Here ishow to enter:

We have a few different ways to enter, you can choose to doone or all of them. But please only do each entry once. And remember to leaveeach entry as a separate comment.

Entry #1:

As a comment...Leave your name and email

example: Sheena Perron

littleldsideas(at)hotmail(dot)com

Entry#2:

Asanother comment....Visit Laura's Etsy shop, Lollieland Designs and take a lookaround.

Thencome back here and tell me what you are dying to have!

Click Here to visit LollielandDesigns

example:Sheena Perron-

I lovethe 'Home can be a Heaven on Earth' Print

Entry#3:

Spreadthe word about this fabulous giveaway by sharing a link to this giveaway!

Tweet,Facebook, blog, email, stop random people on the street (ok not really)

and tell them about this giveaway.
Then come back here & as another comment tell me you have shared the link.

Example:Sheena Perron- I just spread the word on Facebook!

Andtold the cashier at the grocery store, haha j/k.

OK, sothere you go 3 possible entries for this great giveaway!

Thisgiveaway will end on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 12:00AM (MST)

Thatgives you 7 whole days to enter! Aren't I so nice. :) And please be sure toleave an email, so I can email you to let you know if you win.

Thewinner will be chosen randomly by Random.org. The winner will then have 48hours to respond before another winner is chosen.

I know only one can win this giveaway, so Laura decided to offereveryone else 2 coupons.

First coupon:

'FREEPRINTSHIP'

Use this coupon code for free shipping on any Print order.

Second Coupon:

'20OFF'

Use this coupon code for 20% off any order (not includingPrints).

Thesecoupon codes will be good until October14th, 2011.

Just visit Lollieland Designs to place an order and use one of theabove coupons.

I justwant to tell Laura Thanks!!! for this amazing giveaway.

Andanother Thank you goes to all of my amazing readers. Thank you for reading myblog and for all the many emails and comments that you have left me, I trulyappreciate all the kind words.

Goodluck!!

*If youare reading this as an email you must visit Little LDS Ideas to enter the giveaway, please do not 'Reply' to this email.

Conference Jenga

2011-09-22T21:04:00.002-06:00

With a 5 and 3 year old I am always trying to come up with fun ideas to use during General Conference.

Here is an idea that I thought of a few days ago, that I'm sure will be lots of fun.

You could play this several different ways...here is the first way to play:

You will need:

-Jenga blocks or some other kind of stackable blocks (the colored blocks pictured is some kind

of Uno Stack game).

-Different words/subjects/names of apostles that will probably be discussed/talk during conference (i.e.- Prayer, Family, Pres. Monson, Temples, etc.)

-Your family :)

On small pieces of paper (they will need to be the same size as the Jenga block, like pictured above) type write the different key words/subjects that you have chosen. Attach the pieces of paper to several Jenga blocks.

Right before conference begins stack up your blocks with the words facing the outside of the 'tower'.

As you watch conference listen for the key words. When a key word is said someone must pull one of those blocks out of the tower and then stack it on the top. Continue playing until the tower falls over.

**You could also do this in teams. Split the family into teams and have them listen. The first person to hear the word (have them ring a bell, raise their hand, etc.) must take a block out. For every block taken out, without the tower falling over, a certain number of points will be awarded. Whichever team the tower falls on have them lose a certain number of points. Tally up the points and reward the team with a special 'Conference Treat'. Then stack them up and keep on playing.

Idea #2:

If you have different colored blocks have a keyword for each color. You could write each of the keywords on a poster with the color code beside it. That way everyone can see it during conference.

As the keyword is said during conference have a block removed from the tower.

Idea #3:

The Monday night before General Conference have a family home evening about Conference. Talk about what will happen and why it is important for us to listen.

Then tell your children that this conference you will be playing 'Conference Jenga'.

Give everyone a piece of paper with 'Conference Jenga' written at the top. Then have everyone make a list of several words (decide a certain number of words or names). You could discuss a few topics if you have younger children. After everyone has made their list collect each list.

Next explain the rules to the children: During conference we will have a 'Jenga Tower' and your list of words will be posted where everyone can see them. As we listen to conference we will be listening for your keywords. When one of your keywords is said you will have to remove a block from the 'Conference Tower' and add it back to the top. Continue playing until the tower is knocked over.

You could also split the family into teams like the idea above. Award points for each block safely removed.

I am going to try this with our family and see how it goes. I think my children will have alot of fun and maybe even listen for a little while. :)

I hope you like the idea and if you use it let me know how it goes.

I am working on some other game ideas and hopefully will post them soon.

And one more thing...We have 500 followers!!! Be on the look-out for a fun giveaway!

Thanks!
Sheena

I Can be a Missionary Now: 4th week Sharing Time Idea for September

2011-09-21T20:32:00.000-06:00

Sharing Time Idea from 2011 Primary Outline

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING (sharing ideas): Write thefollowing sentence on the board: "I can be a missionary now by__________________." Invite the children to think of things they cando to be a missionary now. Have them share their ideas with someone sittingnext to them. Invite several children to write their responses on theboard.

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING (hearingtestimonies): Invite an older child to share the story of the FirstVision, and invite another child to share his or her feelings about the Book ofMormon. (Ask the children ahead of time so they have plenty of time toprepare). Encourage all of the children to share the story of the FirstVision or their feelings about the Book of Mormon with theirfamilies.

ENCOURAGE APPLICATION (singinga song): Ask the children to think of an action that shows how we can bemissionaries and live the gospel now. Choose a child to come to the frontof the room and share his or her action with the rest of the Primary. Invite the children to do the action as they sing, "Do as I'm doing"(CS, 276). Repeat with other children as time allows.

Sharing Time Idea from Little LDS Ideas

Here are some ideas that I have. Some are borrowed and some are ideas that I just came up with.

Pack the Missionary
At the front of the room have a picture of a missionary and a picture of a boy/girl. Ask the children what they think of when they hear the word 'missionary'.
They probably think of full-time missionaries in their black suit and ties and name badge.
Then ask the children, 'Who else can be a missionary?
Some missionaries may wear Sunday clothes and name tags every day, but we too can be missionaries right now!
Today we are going to help a missionary pack his/her suitcase and learn how we can be a missionary now.
Have a picture of a missionary (you could always have a helper missionary too) and introduce the missionary to the children.
This is Elder/Sister _______ and he/she needs help packing his/her suitcase.
Have an open/empty suitcase at the front of the room where the children can see it.
On a table beside the suitcase have several items that a missionary might need on his/her mission: Clothes (shirt, tie, shoes, etc.), name tag, Scriptures, Preach My Gospel manual, Passport, etc.
The object of this game/activity is to get the missionary packed!

Here is what you need to do:
In a bag or bucket have pieces of paper with each item that will be going in the suitcase written on it, you could also have a small picture of each item.
For each item that goes in the suitcase have a scenario or a way that the children can be a missionary now.
Examples:
"You are at school and your friend starts asking you questions about the church. How can you be a missionary now?"

"You are invited to a birthday party on Sunday. When your friend asks if you are coming you tell her no. Your friend asks why you can't come. How can you be a missionary now?"

"You are asked to read 20 minutes a day and write down what you read. You decide to write down that you read the Book of Mormon. You turn in your paper and after class your teacher asks you about the Book of Mormon.
How can you be a missionary now?"
There's just a few ideas for you. :) Now just attach the scenarios to each of the items.

To play the game:
Invite a child to come to the front and pick a piece of paper out of the bucket and show everyone what item he/she got. Have the child go find the item on the table and then have them read the scenario aloud. Have them tell you how they can be a missionary now. Once they've answered the question have them place the item in the suitcase.
Then continue on to the next child and item.
*Another way you could do this is pass the bucket around the room as you sing "I Want to Be a Missionary Now." When the music stops whoever is holding the bucket, gets to choose an item.
When the suitcase is packed the game is done and the missionary is ready to serve!

Dress the Missionary
I actually thought about this idea last week, but never got around to posting it. I was on Sugardoodle the other day and saw that someone was thinking what I was thinking. :)
Have a picture of a missionary, choose a child, or invite someone in to be your helper.
The object of this game is to dress the person like a missionary to show that we too can be missionaries.

Have the person stand at the front of the room and have a basket of clothes beside them. On each article of clothing have a scenario or a way that we can be a missionary now.
Examples:
Serving others
Share a Book of Mormon
Invite a friend to church or an activity
You invite a friend over for Family Home Evening
You could also use the scenarios above

Have a child come to the front and have them pick an article of clothing. Read the scenario or way we can be a missionary and discuss it. Then add it to your person.
After all the clothes are put on and the scenarios are discussed show the children that the person is dressed just like a missionary would be.
Tell the children that we may not dress in Sunday clothes every day and wear name tags, but we too can be missionaries now.

Ok, those were my 2 game ideas for this week. Now, here are some great ideas that I saw and would be great to use for this week also.

Darcee over at Pergler's Primary Place shares a great idea. I actually used it last week. I had to combine the 3rd and 4th week sharing time idea, so when I saw this idea I thought it was perfect. I just found a picture of a door and some pictures about missionary work and I was set.
Click Here to view Darcee's Idea

Here's another cute idea that I saw today from Malie at The Busy Coconut.
Click Here to view Malie's idea.

One more thing before I go. I noticed the other day that Little LDS Ideas now has 498 follower, WOW!
When the number reaches 500.....we might just have a nice little giveaway.
So if you aren't a follower be sure to follow!

Have a great week everyone and a great Sharing Time!

Thanks,
Sheena

OK I lied...one more thing, I have a couple of General Conference games that I will try to post tomorrow evening. I think they'll be alot of fun.
Just as a hint, one includes Jenga!!!

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

2011-09-16T11:18:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago I received an email from Church Headquarters asking me to promote new materials that the church is releasing. As my first item I was sent a preview of the October Ensign and asked to preview it and then share some things with my readers.

Here is an excerpt from the Ensign:

"Welcome to This Special Issue

Few topics are worth dedicating a whole issue to, but the Book of Mormon is one of them. In this issue, prophets past and present, as well as members all over the world, testify of this unique book of scripture. Its origins are miraculous. It is tangible evidence of the Restoration. It is the keystone

of our religion. And it was written for our day—teaching the doctrine of Christ clearly and simply to build our faith and strengthen our families.

Although you won’t find many of the departments you are accustomed to having in the Ensign, the First Presidency Message (page 4) and Visiting Teaching Message (page 46) are here. These messages and all the other articles

share testimonies and teachings from the Book of Mormon.

We invite you to study this issue prayerfully, take the messages to heart, and share them—and the Book of Mormon—with others."

This issue of the Ensign is amazing and will be a great way to introduce family and friends to this magnificent book, The Book of Mormon.

This issue begins with the First Presidency Message from President Monson. In his message he shares a sweet experience from his life and then continues to talk about the promises from the Book of Mormon:

"From the Book of Mormon come other precious promises,

including promises of peace, freedom, and blessings if we “will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12).

From its pages comes the promise of “never-ending happiness” to “those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual” (Mosiah 2:41).

From its pages comes the promise of “incomprehensible joy” to those who become “instrument[s] in the hands of God” in rescuing His precious sons and daughters (Alma 28:8; 29:9).

From its pages comes the promise that scattered Israel will be gathered—a work in which we are engaged through our great worldwide missionary efforts (see 3 Nephi 16; 21–22).

From its pages comes the promise that as we pray unto the Father in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, our families will be blessed (see 3 Nephi 18:21).

From a study of its pages comes the fulfillment of the

prophetic promise that “there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.”

And from the pages of the Book of Mormon comes Moroni’s promise that through prayer, real intent, and faith in Christ, we may know the truth of these promises “by the power of the Holy Ghost” (see Moroni 10:4–5)."

What amazing promises those are.

The next article focuses on Joseph Smith and how he received, translated, and published the record now titled the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

It is written in a sort of 'time-line' fashion.

Throughout this issue you will find several experiences/testimonies from members all over the world. Here is one:

TO KNOW IS TO KNOW LOVE

"I am a new member of The Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints, and to me the Book of Mormon is not just a book. It is solidproof that Heavenly Father loves us. It is proof that earlier Saints loved usand wanted us to come home. It is proof that God’s plan of happiness exists andis perfect. To know that this book is true is to know that Heavenly Father andHis Son live. It is to know that life is beautiful and eternal. It is to knowthat as long as you keep trying to be your best and repent when you fall, thenyou will always be forgiven. It is to know the true meaning of family. It is toknow that you will never lose a loved one, as he or she waits for you. It is toknow the blessings of Heavenly Father. It is to know the comfort that whateverstorms come your way, you can face them, as they are for your benefit. It is toknow the Holy Ghost is your constant companion. In essence, it is to know lovein all its expressions."

EmmaAdesanya, Ireland

Also in this issue you will see a Book of Mormon Time line,

an article on 'Who Wrote the Book of Mormon', and another article that shows that both the Bible and Book of Mormon testify of Jesus Christ and teach principles of His gospel; giving scripture references from both the Bible and Book of Mormon concerning various topics like: Loving Father in Heaven, Death and the Spirit World, Baptism and Holy Ghost, Atoned for our Sins, Prophets, and many more.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares a wonderful article: 'How to Study the Book of Mormon'

Here is an excerpt of what he says:

"Twenty-five years ago, President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) detailed 'three great reasons why Latter-day Saints should make the study of the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit.'

The reasons were these:

• First, the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion—the keystone of our witness of Jesus Christ, of our doctrine, and of our testimony.

• Second, the Book of Mormon was written for our day. • Third, the Book of Mormon helps us draw nearer to God.

These reasons for studying the Book of Mormon also suggest some ways we might go about studying this unique scripture..."

Instrument of Conversion

"The Book of Mormon is an incomparable treasure and the instrument of conversion that the Lord has designed and provided for our dispensation. I recognize it as the foundation of my own testimony of Jesus Christ, of the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith, and of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as “the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth.” 4 I am happy to join my testimony with Jesus Christ’s that “as your Lord and your God liveth it is true” (D&C 17:6). May your lifelong study of the Book of Mormon deepen your conversion and lead you in a direct course to eternal life."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

I could go on and on sharing each and every article in this special issue, but I'll leave the rest for you to see for yourself. I know you will love this issue and use it as you study the Book of Mormon.

I am going to leave you with one last quote from this issue, I loved this quote!

Quoting President Benson: “It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though itindeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony ofChrist, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There isa power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment youbegin a serious study of the book.”

I cannot wait for this issue of the Ensign, it should be showing up in our mailboxes soon. :)

It will also be available on LDS.org on Sept. 20th.

I hope each of you will read this issue and share it with others.

Have a great weekend!

Thanks!

Sheena

Little LDS Ideas is on Pinterest!

2011-09-15T11:27:00.000-06:00

Have you heard of Pinterest? It's great! If you aren't on Pinterest you really need to. Here is why....

Do you ever see something on the internet that you love, and you think...'I need to do that, read that, make that, etc.'

You may write down the website, add it to your favorites, or just read the name and think you'll remember it. WRONG! I have done this many times, only to find that I can't remember where I 'saw' that great idea, recipe, website, and so on. How can you keep track of all the great things that you see on the web? Because if you're like me you see alot, and I mean ALOT of great ideas.

This is where Pinterest comes in. So what is Pinterest?

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things youfind on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate theirhomes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browsepinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discovernew things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

I started using Pinterest for my personal use (craft ideas,recipes, kid ideas, etc.) and then I thought 'Why not use Pinterest for myblog'. So I did it!

I just started it, but I'll add to it as I find ideas that I like.So far I have pinboards like:

Singing Time Ideas

Primary Ideas

General Conference Ideas

Relief Society

I love this site and I know you will too. If you are on Pinterest just find me and start following my boards. My Username is littleldsideas.

If you aren't on Pinterest, but would like to join the fun, just leave your email as a comment and I will invite you, or email me at littleldsideas@hotmail.com and leave me your email address. You can always request an invite from Pinterest, but that will take about 3 days.

Happy Pinning!!

Thanks!

Sheena

Visit Pinterest Here!

I can prepare now to serve a mission: 3rd Week Sharing Time Idea for September

2011-09-13T19:55:00.000-06:00

Sharing Time Ideas from 2011 Primary Outline

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING (reading scriptures): Showa picture of Ammon and tell thechildren that he was a great missionary who taught the gospel to theLamanites. Explain that he prepared to serve as a missionary before hewent on his mission. Read (or ask an older child to read) Alma 17:2-3 out loud. Ask the otherchildren to listen and raise their hand when they hear ways Ammon prepared tobe a missionary. Ask a child to write their answers on the board. Tell the children that they can do these same things as they prepare to bemissionaries. Sing, "I hope they call me on a mission"(CS, 169). As they sing, invitethe children to pantomime simple actions missionaries might do, such as knockon doors, read the scriptures or ride a bike.
ENCOURAGE APPLICATION (preparingfor missions): Tell the children that there are things they can do now toprepare to be missionaries, such as studying the scriptures gaining atestimony, keeping the commandments, paying tithing, and saving money. Give each child a tithing slip, and show them how to fill it out. Helpthe children prepare a special place where they can put their tithing money andmoney they are saving for their missions. It could be a box, a small jaror can, or an envelope with seperate spaces for tithing and savings.
TIP: Invitinga child to write on the board will make him or her feel valued. It willalso help hold the interest of the other children.

Sharing Time Idea from Little LDS Ideas

When I first saw this topic in the outline I thought...'I want to do something with a suitcase'. Well, I was on Sugardoodle today and happen to see an idea that I think everyone all over the world is going to end up doing, haha.

A wonderful Sister shared her idea and then had a huge list of 'I want this idea emailed to me'. I read it and thought it was exactly what I was planning on doing.

So, instead of adding an idea of my own, I am just going to be a bum and borrow Heather Fawcett's idea. Thanks Heather for the great idea!!

Click Here to view Heather's Missionary Suitcase idea.

Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society

2011-09-10T12:28:00.000-06:00

Have you seen the new book that was just announced, 'Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society'?

We received a copy of this wonderful book last week. But when I was handed the book I had a few questions as to what I was to use it for. Is it a new Relief Society Manual, is it supposed to be used for visiting teaching?

So I was happy to learn that there is a new companion website to go along with this wonderful new book: Here.

This website has instructions on how to utilize the book in Church classes, family, visiting teaching and more. You can also get to this site by following the path MENU> SERVING IN THE CHURCH> RELIEF SOCIETY > MESSAGES FROM LEADERS > DAUGHTERS IN MY KINGDOM.

Here is what the book is about:

Relief Society sisters have a glorious heritage. We pray that this volume will be an important resource for preserving that heritage.

~ The First Presidency

In grateful recognition of the blessing of Relief Society in the lives of Church members, the First Presidency has directed the preparation of Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society.

The teachings, stories, and examples in this history book will guide you in establishing priorities and practices in your life that will help increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need.

The history of Relief Society teaches the divine identity and infinite worth of daughters of God. It is a Spirit-filled story of strong, faithful, purposeful women who have served with little public recognition.

As you study this history you will see that our Heavenly Father knows His daughters, that He loves them, that He trusts them with sacred responsibilities, and that He guides them as they fulfill those responsibilities.

You are encouraged to share the book with others. Church members of all ages may use the book as a reference in lessons, talks, council meetings, and at home.

Hear what others have to say about 'Daughters in My Kingdom' by visiting HERE.

I read through what some others had to say and found some amazing testimonies.

I loved what Sharon shared:

"Women are not a footnote in this church.... Relief Society wasn’t to sew shirts for the temple workmen—any benevolent society could have done that. Joseph restored a way for women to take their part in building up the kingdom of God. He organized it under a priesthood pattern, with presidencies and officers that held the stewardship to prepare women and their families for the temple. I could feel the excitement of those early sisters as they recognized what was happening. And for the first time in my life I understood Relief Society wasn’t a class on Sunday; it was my personal inheritance in Zion. "

I am so excited to read this book and learn about this wonderful organization that I belong to. I am excited to read about the stories, to learn how I can strengthen my family, increase my faith, and to learn how to seek those in need. I am thankful that we have been given this wonderful book and for the opportunity that I have to read it.

I hope all of you join me and read this book.

If you don't have the book yet you can download it online, HERE.

Have a great weekend! :)

"We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one another and gain instruction, that we may all sit down in Heaven together."
Lucy Mack Smith, in Daughters in My Kingdom, page 25

Missionary Work Blesses Everyone: 2nd Week Sharing Time Idea for September

2011-09-07T23:05:00.000-06:00

Sharing Time Idea from the 2011 Primary Outline

Encourage Understanding (Listening to guest speakers): Invite a returnedmissionary to come to Primary and tell the children about some of the blessingshe or she received from doing missionary work. Invite others (recent converts, children,or families) to share a missionary experience they have had or an example ofhow missionary work has blessed their lives. Invite the children to sing ‘We’llbring the world his truth.’ (CS 172-173) to the guests.

Ideas from Little LDS Ideas

To begin your sharing time bring in a big plate of cookies or treats, etc. and begin eating one. Start really enjoying your treat by loudly saying 'Mmmmm...' or 'This is the best cookie', something along those lines. Act like you don't notice the children and then after you have finished your treat look at the children and say, 'Oh, you don't want one of these, right? OK, then I'll keep on eating'.

The children will probably be a little disappointed and say a few things. When that happens, stop eating and ask the children if they'd like you to share your treats.

Then ask the children: If you had something amazing/wonderful wouldn't you want to share it with others? Everyone in this room has something wonderful, something so special that we should want to share it with everyone we know. Does anyone know what it is?

The Gospel!

We are blessed to have the gospel in our lives, and we should want to share it with others, but how can we do that? By missionary work.

Missionary work blesses everyone. Today we have some special guests coming in to share some experiences where missionary work has blessed their lives.

At this time you can invite your guests in and have them share their stories.

If you don't want people to come in to Primary you could ask a few people to share a story with you by writing it down. Then you could share the stories during Sharing Time.

Here are some ideas to share your Missionary Stories:

-You could hide the stories underneath random chairs for the children to find.

-Print out some little missionary people and number each one on the back. For each missionary have a story/experience. You could find some online, in the scriptures, or from people in your ward. Hide the missionaries around the Primary room and have the children find each one and then share the story.

-You could also get a globe and place a sticker where each story takes place. For example if you find a story that has to do with a missionary serving in Mexico, place the sticker on mexico. Invite a child to come to the front and spin the globe and find a sticker. When he/she has chosen a sticker/place share the story that belongs.

Here is another way of doing the idea above:

For your treat at the beginning you could use popcorn. Then for your story of missionary work find a video about missionary work and share the popcorn with the children as they watch the movie.

OK, there are my ideas for this week's Sharing Time. Hope you like them.
Have a great week and a great Sharing Time!

Missionary Stories & Some other Sharing Time Ideas for this week

2011-09-02T22:45:00.002-06:00

I received an email yesterday from a wonderful woman, Whitney Anderson, who provided me a HUGE list of missionary stories from LDS.org, Friend Magazines. Thank you Whitney for taking the time to look for these stories and for emailing them and sharing them with everyone!

Click Each name to read the story:

Mexico

Tahiti

Tahiti #2

Czechoslovakia

Spain

Thailand

China

South Africa

Boise, Idaho

New Zealand- Here is a story from my Husband about his mission:

Elder Perron had only been out for about a month in the Auckland, New Zealand mission. He was with 2 senior companions trying to contact less active members in the ward. They had a list of names and addresses.

They approached a home and knocked on the door and asked if a family still lived here. Unfortunately they no longer lived in that home. The missionaries thanked the people and left on their way.

As the 3 missionaries were walking away from the home Elder Perron felt inspired to turn around and ask the family if they would like to listen to a discussion about the church. Elder Perron thought about what he should do. He decided to tell his companions that he felt that they needed to return to the home and invite the family to listen to a discussion. The 2 other Elders agreed and they all returned and knocked on the door again.

The family opened the door to find the missionaries standing there again. Elder Perron introduced each one and then asked the family if they would be interested in learning about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The family said 'Yes', so they scheduled a time to return and teach the family about the Gospel.

Missionaries are often guided by the Spirit. With the help of the Spirit Elder Perron we able to know to turn around and go knock on the door again. And because he listened to the Spirit he and his companions were able to teach a family about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I hope that sounds o.k. If you need a story for New Zealand there you go. :)

Whitney also shared 2 more links for Sharing Time Ideas. Here they are:

Missionary Roll Call Game

Missonary Post Cards

I also received an email from another wonderful Sister named Cynthia Birt. She shared a great idea for this week. Here is what she said:

"When reading the ideas for this month it bought me back to my mission when My companion and I did a sharing time in Primary. It was cool because we took CTR in all the languages we could find and the kids had to match them up 1st talking about the different languages that the world has and then we talked about missionary work and around the world
I thought that would be cool to do we just put up papers with the different CTR signs in all the languages we could find. The kids Loved it and so did we :)"

Thank you Cynthia for the great idea!!!

Thanks again ladies for sharing.

Have a wonderful weekend and a great sharing time.

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

2011-08-30T21:11:00.001-06:00

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

2011-08-27T11:08:00.001-06:00

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

2011-08-24T00:18:00.000-06:00

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

2011-08-18T23:33:00.000-06:00

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

2011-08-12T10:27:00.001-06:00

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

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!

2011-08-02T22:03:00.000-06:00

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

My Body is a Temple: 1st week Sharing Time idea for August

2011-07-31T17:13:00.000-06:00

Sharing Time Idea from 2011 Primary Outline

IDENTIFY THE DOCTRINE (discussing temples): Before Primary, write the phrase "Ye are the temple of God" (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) on the board. Show the children pictures of temples, and ask them what makes a temple so special (it is a house of the Lord, clean, well cared for, and a place where the Holy Ghost can come. Write their responses on the board. Explain that our bodies, like temples, are sacred and need to be treated with respect by ourself and others.

ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING AND APPLICATION (answering questions and coloring): Copy the picture on page 47 of the Nursery manual, Behold Your Little Ones. Cut out the circles in the picture, and put them in a container. Ask a child to choose one of the circles. Ask the children how the picture reminds them to treat their bodies like temples. Give each child a copy of the picture, and invite them to color it. Invite older children to write one thing under each circle that they will do this week to treat their bodies like temples. Invite the children to take their pictures home to teach their family how they can treat their bodies like temples.

ENCOURAGE APPLICATION (discussing gospel standards): Display a copy of "My Gospel Standards". Ask the children to identify which gospel standards teach them how to treat their bodies like temples. Invite the children to turn to someone sitting nearby and share one way they are treating their body like a temple. Then ask them to think about one way they can improve. Invite a few of the children to share their thoughts with everyone.

Sharing Time Idea from Little LDS Ideas

A few months ago the first counselor in our Primary did a Sharing Time using a Mr. Potato Head. The children loved it! As I read the idea for this week in the outline I remembered her idea and my idea came to me.

You can use a Mr. Potato head or draw an outline of a person on a poster-board. Here is a great paper-doll print-out you could use, just blow it up or draw it onto a poster-board:

Click Here to view the paper-doll.

Have each body part in a bag (or write each body part on a piece of paper and have the pieces of paper in a bag).

The children will take turns picking a body part. You will then discuss what we must do to keep our bodies clean and pure. Here are some examples:

Mouth- eat healthy and obey the word of wisdom

Hair- hygiene

Legs & Arms-do you exercise?

I have included examples for each body part.

And I've even included some 'spiritual' things.

Legs & Arms- do you 'exercise' faith?

Mouth- do you keep your spirit 'fed'?

I think this will be a really great Sharing time and the children will have alot of fun and will learn how they need to treat their bodies. I am going to take alot of information from 'For the Strength of Youth' and I might even have quotes from 'For the Strength of Youth' typed up for the older children to read, so I'm not talking the whole time. :)

At the end I will show them a heart with the scripture Alma 34:36 written on it. I will tell the children

“If you are clean in mind and body, you can receive great blessings because “the Lord hath said he dwelleth not in unholy temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth he dwell”

Then I will bear my testimony on the importance of keeping our bodies/temples pure and clean.

Click Here to view my 'My Body is a Temple' sharing time idea.

As I was preparing my Sharing Time I saw some other great ideas from the May 2002 'Friend:' Ye are the Temple of God.

Click here to view these ideas.

I think that's it. Don't forget tomorrow is the last day to enter the 'Just Be' Giveaway.

Click Here to enter!

Hope you have a great week & a great Sharing Time.

Thanks!!

~Sheena