Wow. Last week was tough! General Conference was exactly what I needed to get recharged. I was so proud of my class today. Everyone came, and some of my "surly birds" came early or on time. Yes!
Last Friday I held individual interviews with students so that we could go over their binders, attendance records, and scripture mastery verses. It was a neat time to talk with them personally and express my care and concern. I had them evaluate themselves, based on the information noted previously, and then I sent copies of that information to their parents and Bishop for a progress report. I think it was a good idea for the parents to see where their kids were at, especially right around Conference time. I'm hoping it will revitalize our group.
I'm trying some new tactics for lesson planning too. Rick and I went over my outline together last night so I could practice a Reader's Digest version of the lesson. He pointed out some of the holes and helped me work through some of the activities I planned. Things went so much better today!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Late start or not at all?
Problem #427:
In our school district, we occasionally have late start days so the teachers can hold morning inservice meetings. Our first late start occured this morning. So, in an effort to motivate the students, I pushed seminary back to 8:oo am and made them breakfast. I thought for sure they would be excited about this plan. I guessed wrong. I only got 7/12. Now what am I to do with all the cinnamon swirl bread and muffins?!
Should I scrap seminary altogether on future late start days? I really hate to do that because I know we'll have unexpected cancellations due to weather come winter. I also want to wrap up our 160 days by mid-May, when everyone has spring fever.
Problem #428:
We're in the 5th week and the kids are starting to lose momentum. I've got students showing up later, or even not at all. I'm trying really hard not to take it personally, but I can't help but wonder what I'm doing wrong. I know the Lord called me to teach these kids and he thinks I can make a success of it, so why do I feel like I'm failing?
In our school district, we occasionally have late start days so the teachers can hold morning inservice meetings. Our first late start occured this morning. So, in an effort to motivate the students, I pushed seminary back to 8:oo am and made them breakfast. I thought for sure they would be excited about this plan. I guessed wrong. I only got 7/12. Now what am I to do with all the cinnamon swirl bread and muffins?!
Should I scrap seminary altogether on future late start days? I really hate to do that because I know we'll have unexpected cancellations due to weather come winter. I also want to wrap up our 160 days by mid-May, when everyone has spring fever.
Problem #428:
We're in the 5th week and the kids are starting to lose momentum. I've got students showing up later, or even not at all. I'm trying really hard not to take it personally, but I can't help but wonder what I'm doing wrong. I know the Lord called me to teach these kids and he thinks I can make a success of it, so why do I feel like I'm failing?
Friday, September 25, 2009
Scripture Mastery Rap - Updated
1 Nephi 3:7
First Nephi chapter three verse seven
Go and do with my three brethren
1 Nephi 19:23
First Nephi nineteen twenty-three
Liken scriptures unto me
2 Nephi 2:25
Two Nephi two verse twenty-five
Adam fell for mortal life
2 Nephi 2:27
Two Nephi two verse twenty-seven
Freedom to choose, given to all men
2 Nephi 9:28-29
Second Nephi chapter nine
Twenty-eight - nine, learning’s divine
2 Nephi 28:7-9
Second Nephi twenty-eight
Seven - nine eat, drink, and wait
2 Nephi 32:3
Second Nephi thirty-two three
Feast on Christ’s words, which are holy
2 Nephi 32:8-9
Second Nephi thirty-two
Verse eight and nine say pray and do
Jacob 2:18-19
Jacob two, eighteen, nineteen
God’s kingdom first, then feed the lean
Mosiah 2:17
Mosiah two verse seventeen
Serve all men and join God’s team
Mosiah 3:19
Verse nineteen of Mosiah three
Nat’ral man’s God’s enemy
Mosiah 4:30
Mosiah chapter four, verse thirty
Watch yourself and don't get dirty
Alma 32:21
Verse twenty-one of Alma thirty-two
Faith is not perfect knowledge too
Alma 34:32-34
Alma thirty-four, thirty-two - four
Don’t procrastinate anymore!
Alma 37:6-7
Alma thirty-seven, six and seven
Small things yield great things, like heaven
Alma 37:35
Alma thirty-seven, thirty-“fife”
Learn wisdom early in your life
Alma 41:10
Verse ten of Alma forty-one
The unhappy wicked one
Helaman 5:12
Twelfth verse of Helaman five
On Christ’s rock, we will survive
3 Nephi 11:29
Twenty-ninth verse, third Nephi ‘leven
Contention never comes from heaven
3 Nephi 27:27
Third Nephi twenty-seven squared
Be like Jesus to be fair
Ether 12:6
Ether chapter twelve verse six
Receive a witness after this
Ether 12:27
Ether twelve, verse twenty-seven
Weakness into strength for all men
Moroni 7:16-17
Verse sixteen of Moroni seven
The way to judge comes straight from heaven
Moroni 7:45
Moroni seven, forty-five
Charity is long, hopeful, and kind
Moroni 10:4-5
Moroni ten, verse four and five
The Holy Ghost - gain testimony by
First Nephi chapter three verse seven
Go and do with my three brethren
1 Nephi 19:23
First Nephi nineteen twenty-three
Liken scriptures unto me
2 Nephi 2:25
Two Nephi two verse twenty-five
Adam fell for mortal life
2 Nephi 2:27
Two Nephi two verse twenty-seven
Freedom to choose, given to all men
2 Nephi 9:28-29
Second Nephi chapter nine
Twenty-eight - nine, learning’s divine
2 Nephi 28:7-9
Second Nephi twenty-eight
Seven - nine eat, drink, and wait
2 Nephi 32:3
Second Nephi thirty-two three
Feast on Christ’s words, which are holy
2 Nephi 32:8-9
Second Nephi thirty-two
Verse eight and nine say pray and do
Jacob 2:18-19
Jacob two, eighteen, nineteen
God’s kingdom first, then feed the lean
Mosiah 2:17
Mosiah two verse seventeen
Serve all men and join God’s team
Mosiah 3:19
Verse nineteen of Mosiah three
Nat’ral man’s God’s enemy
Mosiah 4:30
Mosiah chapter four, verse thirty
Watch yourself and don't get dirty
Alma 32:21
Verse twenty-one of Alma thirty-two
Faith is not perfect knowledge too
Alma 34:32-34
Alma thirty-four, thirty-two - four
Don’t procrastinate anymore!
Alma 37:6-7
Alma thirty-seven, six and seven
Small things yield great things, like heaven
Alma 37:35
Alma thirty-seven, thirty-“fife”
Learn wisdom early in your life
Alma 41:10
Verse ten of Alma forty-one
The unhappy wicked one
Helaman 5:12
Twelfth verse of Helaman five
On Christ’s rock, we will survive
3 Nephi 11:29
Twenty-ninth verse, third Nephi ‘leven
Contention never comes from heaven
3 Nephi 27:27
Third Nephi twenty-seven squared
Be like Jesus to be fair
Ether 12:6
Ether chapter twelve verse six
Receive a witness after this
Ether 12:27
Ether twelve, verse twenty-seven
Weakness into strength for all men
Moroni 7:16-17
Verse sixteen of Moroni seven
The way to judge comes straight from heaven
Moroni 7:45
Moroni seven, forty-five
Charity is long, hopeful, and kind
Moroni 10:4-5
Moroni ten, verse four and five
The Holy Ghost - gain testimony by
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Help!
This summer I ran across this Magic Square idea for teaching the scripture mastery verses. I passed it by because I couldn't make sense of the actions, and I didn't like that the rhymes didn't include the whole reference.
As another scripture mastery "expert" introduced his verse today, one of the girls requested that we make rhymes to help us remember the reference and the key words. My brain has been firing all day, trying to come up with the following chants:
1 Nephi 3:7
First Nephi three verse seven
Go and do with my three brethren
1 Nephi 19:23
First Nephi nineteen twenty-three
Liken scriptures unto me
2 Nephi 2:25
Second Nephi two twenty-five
Adam fell for mortal life
(or Adam fell, now I’m alive – or Father Adam took a dive – or Adam fell, so did his wife?)
2 Nephi 2:27
Second Nephi two, twenty-seven
Freedom to choose, given to all men
2 Nephi 9:28-29
Second Nephi chapter nine
Twenty-eight and nine, learning’s divine
2 Nephi 28:7-9
Second Nephi twenty-eight
Seven through nine eat, drink, and wait
(or do not take the foolish bait?)
2 Nephi 32:3
Second Nephi thirty-two three
Feast on Christ’s words, which are holy
2 Nephi 32:8-9
Second Nephi thirty-two
Verse eight and nine say pray and do
Jacob 2:18-19
Jacob two, eighteen, nineteen
Seek first God’s kingdom, then feed the lean
Mosiah 2:17
Mosiah two verse seventeen
Serve fellow men and join God’s team (or serving others isn’t mean?)
Mosiah 3:19
Verse nineteen of Mosiah three
Natural man is God’s enemy
Mosiah 4:30
Mosiah chapter four, verse thirty
Watch your thoughts, your words, your deeds
(Watch yourself, and don't get dirty?)
Alma 32:21
Verse twenty-one of Alma thirty-two
Faith is not perfect knowledge too
Alma 34:32-34
Alma thirty-four, thirty-two through thirty-four
Don’t you procrastinate anymore!
Alma 37:6-7
Alma thirty-seven, verse six and seven
Small things bring to pass great things, like heaven
Alma 37:35
Alma thirty-seven, thirty-“fife”
Learn wisdom early in your life
Alma 41:10
Verse ten of Alma forty-one
It’s the unhappy wicked one
Helaman 5:12
Twelfth verse of Helaman five
On Christ’s foundation, we survive
3 Nephi 11:29
Twenty-ninth verse of third Nephi eleven
Contention never comes from heaven
3 Nephi 27:27
Third Nephi twenty-seven squared
Be like Jesus to be fair
Ether 12:6
Ether chapter twelve verse six
Receive a witness after this
Ether 12:27
Ether twelve, verse twenty-seven
Weakness into strength for all men
Moroni 7:16-17
Verse sixteen of Moroni seven
The way to judge comes straight from heaven
Moroni 7:45
Moroni seven, forty-five
Charity is long, hopeful, and kind
Moroni 10:4-5
Moroni ten, verse four and five
The Holy Ghost - gain testimony by
So, I've borrowed some from the original magic square rhymes, but now they have all the verses too. Some of these rhymes are pretty lame, so I'll gladly accept my readers' revisions. Do you think my "update" makes it even more confusing? I'm thinking the hand gestures we're making up will help...
As another scripture mastery "expert" introduced his verse today, one of the girls requested that we make rhymes to help us remember the reference and the key words. My brain has been firing all day, trying to come up with the following chants:
1 Nephi 3:7
First Nephi three verse seven
Go and do with my three brethren
1 Nephi 19:23
First Nephi nineteen twenty-three
Liken scriptures unto me
2 Nephi 2:25
Second Nephi two twenty-five
Adam fell for mortal life
(or Adam fell, now I’m alive – or Father Adam took a dive – or Adam fell, so did his wife?)
2 Nephi 2:27
Second Nephi two, twenty-seven
Freedom to choose, given to all men
2 Nephi 9:28-29
Second Nephi chapter nine
Twenty-eight and nine, learning’s divine
2 Nephi 28:7-9
Second Nephi twenty-eight
Seven through nine eat, drink, and wait
(or do not take the foolish bait?)
2 Nephi 32:3
Second Nephi thirty-two three
Feast on Christ’s words, which are holy
2 Nephi 32:8-9
Second Nephi thirty-two
Verse eight and nine say pray and do
Jacob 2:18-19
Jacob two, eighteen, nineteen
Seek first God’s kingdom, then feed the lean
Mosiah 2:17
Mosiah two verse seventeen
Serve fellow men and join God’s team (or serving others isn’t mean?)
Mosiah 3:19
Verse nineteen of Mosiah three
Natural man is God’s enemy
Mosiah 4:30
Mosiah chapter four, verse thirty
Watch your thoughts, your words, your deeds
(Watch yourself, and don't get dirty?)
Alma 32:21
Verse twenty-one of Alma thirty-two
Faith is not perfect knowledge too
Alma 34:32-34
Alma thirty-four, thirty-two through thirty-four
Don’t you procrastinate anymore!
Alma 37:6-7
Alma thirty-seven, verse six and seven
Small things bring to pass great things, like heaven
Alma 37:35
Alma thirty-seven, thirty-“fife”
Learn wisdom early in your life
Alma 41:10
Verse ten of Alma forty-one
It’s the unhappy wicked one
Helaman 5:12
Twelfth verse of Helaman five
On Christ’s foundation, we survive
3 Nephi 11:29
Twenty-ninth verse of third Nephi eleven
Contention never comes from heaven
3 Nephi 27:27
Third Nephi twenty-seven squared
Be like Jesus to be fair
Ether 12:6
Ether chapter twelve verse six
Receive a witness after this
Ether 12:27
Ether twelve, verse twenty-seven
Weakness into strength for all men
Moroni 7:16-17
Verse sixteen of Moroni seven
The way to judge comes straight from heaven
Moroni 7:45
Moroni seven, forty-five
Charity is long, hopeful, and kind
Moroni 10:4-5
Moroni ten, verse four and five
The Holy Ghost - gain testimony by
So, I've borrowed some from the original magic square rhymes, but now they have all the verses too. Some of these rhymes are pretty lame, so I'll gladly accept my readers' revisions. Do you think my "update" makes it even more confusing? I'm thinking the hand gestures we're making up will help...
Fireside
Sunday night we had an authentic fireside for the youth. We drove out to Genoa to the other seminary teacher's "back 40" and held a bonfire on her property. Bishop used the fire and coals as an object lesson to teach the kids the importance of going to seminary, church, activities, etc. Like coals, when individuals are separated from the group, they quickly lose their heat. The reverse is true also. When a lone coal is placed back in the group of hot coals and fire, the coal will become bright again.
Several other comparisons were made that night. My favorite one was from the Young Mens President. He said that when dating, the youth should avoid the"wet blankets" that will extinguish their fires. I also pointed out how fire is essential in a wilderness survival situation. It can mean the difference between life and death. I likened that to our spiritual survival. Without a burning testimony, we will die spiritually.
I hope the messages hit home with the kids that were there. It was hard for me to tell. I know the evening gave me something to think about. I'm especially grateful that I find myself in the middle of the fire right now. All this sleep deprivation is worth it when I think of the spiritual benefits of being in the heat of things.
Several other comparisons were made that night. My favorite one was from the Young Mens President. He said that when dating, the youth should avoid the"wet blankets" that will extinguish their fires. I also pointed out how fire is essential in a wilderness survival situation. It can mean the difference between life and death. I likened that to our spiritual survival. Without a burning testimony, we will die spiritually.
I hope the messages hit home with the kids that were there. It was hard for me to tell. I know the evening gave me something to think about. I'm especially grateful that I find myself in the middle of the fire right now. All this sleep deprivation is worth it when I think of the spiritual benefits of being in the heat of things.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Good Times
Sorry for my last post. The video is too big, so I can't figure out how to post it on here.
In other news... I went to an inservice meeting on Tuesday in Bowling Green. As always, I was glad I went. We have a wonderful CES coordinator in our area, Brother Karl Anderson. He has been instrumental in preserving much of our church history, particularly in Kirtland. He spoke to us and gave us some neat tools to enrich our lessons. We also got a chance to share some of our successes and sorrows with each other. The other teachers gave me some great ideas and encouragement that I was immediately able to use.
From Wednesday on, things have gone much better in seminary. We touched on Lehi's dream and created a mural as a class. All of the students that came to class today passed off 1 Nephi 19:23. For kicks, we made our own "band" and performed the scripture to the tune of When the Saints Go Marching In, as performed by The Sons of Ammon. It was hysterical! The students really got into it. We're thinking of taking our act on the road...
In other news... I went to an inservice meeting on Tuesday in Bowling Green. As always, I was glad I went. We have a wonderful CES coordinator in our area, Brother Karl Anderson. He has been instrumental in preserving much of our church history, particularly in Kirtland. He spoke to us and gave us some neat tools to enrich our lessons. We also got a chance to share some of our successes and sorrows with each other. The other teachers gave me some great ideas and encouragement that I was immediately able to use.
From Wednesday on, things have gone much better in seminary. We touched on Lehi's dream and created a mural as a class. All of the students that came to class today passed off 1 Nephi 19:23. For kicks, we made our own "band" and performed the scripture to the tune of When the Saints Go Marching In, as performed by The Sons of Ammon. It was hysterical! The students really got into it. We're thinking of taking our act on the road...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Retreiving the Brass Plates
Well, we went for it! Our class made an attempt at dramatizing the story found in 1 Nephi 2-5. Here is what happened next:
Several of our guys have a ham bone, as you can see. It's too bad the girls got the shaft in this story. There weren't enough parts to go around! Luckily, they were willing to step behind the cameras and record this moving account.
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