**These TNGC references appear in the 2011 Sharing Time Guide
2011 Outline for Sharing Time--I Know the Scriptures are True
-----Teaching, No Greater Call references: (TNGC)-----
2011 Challenge--Throughout the year, give children opportunities to share what they have learned from their scripture reading. This will give children a chance to share their experiences and help motivate others to read their scriptures at home.
Consider ways to help all of the children in your Primary have success in reading their scriptures throughout the year. For example, children who do not have support at home could be given opportunities to read at church and then add their names to paper chain.
Scriptures: Reading directly from the scriptures can help children feel comfortable with scriptural language. Make sure to define difficult words or ideas (TNGC 50-51)
Inviting children to learn from the scriptures will help them develop a lifelong love for the word of God. plan ways each week to invite the children to use and learn from their scriptures. Here are some ideas to teach using the scriptures:
1. Memorizing scripture can help teach children the doctrines of the gospel
2. Invite the children to point to each word as you read a scripture out loud. Ask younger children to listen for a specific word or phrase and raise their hands when they hear it.
3. Reading directly from the scriptures can help children feel comfortable with scriptural language. Make sure to define difficult words or ideas
General Teaching Principles
Preparation: As you plan your sharing times, first read through all of the lessons for the month. Then balance the activities you plan to use according to the time you have and the needs of your Primary. For example, you could complete half of a longer activity one week and finish it the next week or repeat shorter activities to help the children review. (TNGC 98-99)
---Object Lessons help the children understand ideas in a simple and familiar way (TNGC 164)
---Focus the children’s energy through appropriate movement to keep them actively engaged.
---Children are more likely to apply doctrines if they come up with their own applications. Children also feel love and validation as their ides are repeated by the teachers and other children.
---When teaching the children a song, use your hand to show them the melody. Raise and lower your hand as the pitch changes (TNGC 174)
--It is often easier to understand a gospel principle when it is expressed as part of a scriptural story (TNGC 55)
--Using children in visual demonstrations will get their attention and prepare them to learn.
---You may need to adapt activities to the needs of your Primary. For example, if your Primary is large, you may have the guest speakers move from group to group instead of moving the children from one speaker to another (TNGC 179)
---Children will learn more effectively when a variety of teaching methods are used.
---Inviting Responses: Children are more likely to respond to questions if the are given time to ponder. Consider telling them that you will give them time to think before asking for responses. (TNGC 69)
---Stations are places where smaller groups of children participate in various learning experiences (TNGC 179) In large Primaries, stations can be as simple as teachers moving between groups.
---What will the children do to learn? Asking this question as you prepare activities will help the children learn through participation.
---Using pictures or other visuals helps children a principle or doctrine to an image in their mind, which increases their ability to understand and remember what they have learned.
Small Groups--Participating in small groups gives more children the opportunity to participate. Class groups could be used for small groups and teachers could help ensure participation and maintain reverence.
Strengthen understanding: When children share what they learn in Primary with others, it strengthens their understanding. Give them opportunities to share and encourage them to do so.
Adapt Activities to the ages of the children in your Primary.
Reverence: Children are more likely to be reverent when they are involved in learning. (TNGC page 82-83)
Songs: Singing about a doctrine helps children learn and remember it. Children also learn better if they see a visual or perform an activity in conjunction with the music. (TNGC 172-175)
Primary songs teach gospel truths in such a way that children will remember them throughout their lives.
Object Lesson: can be used to create interest, focus the children’s attention, or introduce a gospel principle (TNGC 164)
Different Age Groups: Plan your sharing times to engage both older and younger children.
Sharing feelings: Give children opportunities to share their feelings about the gospel. This will invite the Spirit and strengthen the children’s understanding of how the doctrine applies to their lives (see TNGC 63-65)
Repetition: Children learn through repetition.
Drawing: If you plan to draw on the chalkboard, practice your drawings ahead of time. DO NOT apologize for your lack of artistic ability. Apologizing will only draw attention to that particular aspect of your drawing. If you are uncomfortable drawing, ask someone to help (TNGC 162-163)
Writing: Inviting a child to write on the board will make him or her feel valued. It will also help hold the interest of the other children.
Show Love: Look for opportunities to show your love to each child. As you show love for those you teach, they become more receptive to the Spirit and more enthusiastic about learning. (TNGC 31)
Variety: Planning activities that involve the children in a variety of ways enhances understanding and application.
Review: Connecting a doctrine to a physical activity or visual will help the children remember it (TNGC 182-183)
Guest Speakers: When inviting guest speakers to Primary, remind them to keep their messages simple so the children will understand. All guest speakers should be approved by the bishopric.
Teach by Example: how to show love and respect for others (TNGC 18-19) Minister to the teachers in your Primary by offering encouragement and support. Then help the children see how they can love and encourage one another.
