Yesterday, I substituted again in Primary, the children's organization at church. I was teaching a small class of 9- and 10-year-olds. I really like each child individually, though sometimes group dynamics have proven a bit of a challenge. (During the lesson on the Sermon on the Mount, for example, one child asked if everyone could move the chairs far apart from each other in an attempt to stop arguing!) However, yesterday was just perfect. We had a new child in the class, and each of the other children did something to make that child feel welcome.
The lesson was on Sabbath-day observance. I was a bit worried that the discussion would turn heated when one child said it was OK to play video games on Sunday, "if you really needed to." The definition of "needed" was debated a bit, but I managed to stress to the children that the purpose of the lesson was not to judge the decisions of others, but rather to inwardly reflect on our own decisions. Are the activities that I choose to participate in on the Sabbath an outward expression of love for my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Somewhat to my amazement, that worked, and we were able to go on to list ideas of Sunday activities upon which the kids could all agree.
I enjoy teaching on days like yesterday. Thanks, class!
The lesson was on Sabbath-day observance. I was a bit worried that the discussion would turn heated when one child said it was OK to play video games on Sunday, "if you really needed to." The definition of "needed" was debated a bit, but I managed to stress to the children that the purpose of the lesson was not to judge the decisions of others, but rather to inwardly reflect on our own decisions. Are the activities that I choose to participate in on the Sabbath an outward expression of love for my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Somewhat to my amazement, that worked, and we were able to go on to list ideas of Sunday activities upon which the kids could all agree.
I enjoy teaching on days like yesterday. Thanks, class!
It sounds like you had a really good Primary day and that the kids did too:)
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