Sunday, 25 January 2009

Sunbeams

I was having a little, "I'm not Mormon enough" spaz about teaching sunbeams. It seemed like EVERYONE I talked to actually taught a "lesson". Not to say I haven't been but I spend more time crafting with the kids and talking about our lesson then I do actually "teaching" it. I know this may just be rambling and I have received a LOT of encouragement from people around me but I feel slightly..... very inadequate at teaching any church based material (even to three year olds).

The point of the rambling is that I decided that this week I would try to teach all these kids the good ol' fashioned way. The result- 5 bord kids. Thank goodness for the help I had. The person assisting me became more of a bouncer (but in a tame three year old kind of manner) and I just kept talking and encouraging with the hope that somehow my "spiritual" rambling would catch the attention of just one child. Alas that would be a negative! I give all you teachers props for actually being able to give a 20-30 minute lesson to a bunch of wiggly sunbeams.

The day wasn't a complete loss. I learned some very valuable lessons.
  1. help isn't a bad thing. (the primary presidency has been very supportive in trying to find some one for an assistant and I've been resistant to the idea of help..... but having someone in there was... helpful (who knew?))
  2. have music time was a great idea
  3. I broke down and gave the kids a snack (which I'm not really too fond of the idea) but I think the poor kids are starving.
  4. I am a crafter and that's what I do best with the kids so that's what I'm sticking with.

I love my calling. I was hesitant in taking it, in fact I was sure someone made a mistake putting me in there. I am so thankful to be a sunbeam teacher. I am grateful for a really great primary presidency. And I am REALLY grateful to all those of you who listen to me and help me.

3 comments:

shauna said...

Kristin - I honestly think you have it right with these kids. By teaching and then doing something hands on (but still talking about the lesson) you are instilling it in them better than just yammering at them for 40 minutes. Terry does the same thing with the CTR 5s - maybe not so much the crafting but lots of activities and role plays and coloring to keep their attention! You have a rambunctious group - not everyone has that many rambunctious sunbeams! Your way is how I have to teach my kids anything...lecture type things don't work. Hands on lessons do...

And - there was a huge demand for you as a teacher. The RS REALLY wanted you I was told...but the Bishopric prayed about it and felt the Sunbeams needed you more. (Yay for the Sunbeams!)So there you have it! You are AWESOME and I wouldn't have it any other way!

The Whiddens said...

Um yeah. It's true. RS REALLY wanted you and, once again, the primary beat us out. Grrr! kidding :)

shauna said...

Haha Julie - we should be able to leave you (meaning the RS presidency) alone now that we have taken another RS teacher away from you guys! Don't even think of taking a primary teacher to replace Jen!!! Just kidding...do what you have to do...but not Kristin...I mean it!