Friend Podcast
By Marissa Widdison
July 26, 2013
Did you know that an audio version of the Friend can be delivered to you digitally every month? It's true! Click here to subscribe to the Friend podcast or sign up to have the audio version of the magazine emailed to you. You can also find audio files by clicking the "Download" button on the right side of pages on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Stories of Jesus
By Jessica Larsen
July 19, 2013
For the past four years, the Friend has run a series called “Stories of Jesus” that talks about the Savior in the scriptures. This year the series focuses on Christ in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Friend has paired beautiful, full-page illustrations with short paragraphs about key doctrines and events, like the First Vision and the restoration of the priesthood. This month's page teaches children about the relationship between Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, and Zion.
I like this series because it works for teaching a variety of age groups. If your children are young, you can focus on the picture and explain the story in your own words. If your children are older, you could read the captions together and look up the scriptures mentioned. No matter how you use this series, share your testimony! Sharing your testimony shows children why these things are important and teaches them to live the gospel.
To see other “Stories of Jesus” articles, go to “Resources by Category” and click on “Scripture Retellings.”
Car Talk
By Tiffany Lewis
July 12, 2013
Summer is the time for travel and road trips. While it may be tempting to stick a movie in the DVD player, road trips are great times to bond as a family through discussion and audio books.
The Mormon Channel has great resources for all ages. We especially like “Stories from General Conference” and “Scripture Stories” for younger kids, and “For the Youth” for older children.
We also check out audio books from the library, and have made our way through several classics that my children might otherwise not have read. Listening to the scriptures is also great on car trips, especially if your family has a goal to finish a book of scripture. We appreciate this chance to get to know each other better!
Helping Those Who Become Disruptive
By Mary Durham, Primary general board
July 5, 2013
While visiting a Primary recently, I noticed a few children who were continually raising their hands, which proved to be a bit disruptive. I was amazed at how well their leader handled the situation. In her kind way, she was able to give the children positive attention and help them feel her love.
Teaching, No Greater Call shares some simple ways to respond to occasional disturbances. Here are a few suggestions:
- Be silent. Wait quietly until the child stops talking or being disruptive.
- Move closer to him or her. This small action can serve as a quiet reminder for the child to be more attentive.
- Help the child participate in positive ways. Consider asking him or her to read, give an example, or respond in some other way.
For additional ideas, see pages 85–86.
