Written by you!
By Marissa Widdison
April 26, 2013
Did you know that the Friend now publishes longer experiences written by children? In this month's Friend, a girl named Taylor describes being sealed to her baby sister in the article “Sealed Forever.” To be published in the Friend, stories written by children must be true and come with permission from a parent. But even if you don't feel up to tackling the publication process, you could always write family stories and illustrate them for a fun family home evening!
Excited about Family History
By Tiffany Lewis
April 19, 2013
Did you know FamilySearch.org has recently been updated? The tools there are a great way to start researching your family tree with your kids. Our oldest son really loves technology, but we're trying to set a pattern of using media in productive ways—being creators and not just consumers. After being inspired by Elder Bednar's talk in October 2011 general conference, we've been introducing him to family history. He is excited to research our family so that, when he's old enough, he can take names to the temple for proxy baptisms. The family history page on the youth site is a great place to get started.
Editor's note: Keep your eyes peeled for next month's Friend, which will feature the story of a boy named James who loves family history!
Teaching with Variety
By Larraine Rowberry, Primary general board
April 12, 2013
One challenge some Primary leaders may have is getting the older children to participate in Singing Time. Once while serving in Primary, we discovered a secret weapon: We gave the older children their own special parts in many of the Primary songs. With their own responsibilities, they looked forward to singing and couldn’t wait to jump in with their parts. It helped them feel more grown-up and gave them a positive way to participate.
Page 80 of Teaching, No Greater Call has ideas on teaching methods that involve positive participation. It teaches that “the learning atmosphere is enhanced when all present are interested in the lesson and participate in discussions and other activities.” For additional ideas, see “Teaching with Variety” (pages 89-90).
We want to hear from you!
April 5, 2013
The Friend often prints ideas to help families prepare for general conference. But what about after conference has ended? We'd like to hear what you do to reinforce the teachings from conference with your children. Please send us your ideas at friend@ChurchofJesusChrist.org. We look forward to hearing from you!
