“Adapting the Manual for Use in the Nursery,” Primary 1: I Am a Child of God, ix
The Nursery Class
Who Attends
Children who are at least 18 months old but who are not yet 3 years old on 1 January may attend nursery at the discretion of their parents. At least two teachers should be called for each nursery class. If the teachers are not husband and wife, they should be the same gender. Both teachers should be in the class during the entire Primary time.
Purpose
The purpose of the nursery class is to provide a loving, safe, organized place where young children can increase their understanding of and love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, have positive experiences in a Church setting, and grow in feelings of self-worth. The nursery class is the first Church experience where very young children are taught the gospel and interact with other children and adults.
Physical Environment
The nursery room should be clean, cheerful, and inviting and located near a rest room if possible. The nursery room could be divided into separate areas for playing (on a carpet or mat, if possible), reading or activities, and giving the lesson. Toys should be clean, safe, and in good condition. Climbing equipment should not be used.
Time Schedule
Nursery class normally lasts for 1 hour and 40 minutes. This time should be separated into several different segments, each one reinforcing the purpose of the lesson.
Try to plan lessons that follow the same format from week to week. Children feel secure when there are a regular routine and familiar transitions from one activity to another. The following suggested format may be adjusted according to local needs:
|
Welcome |
Playtime: |
35 minutes |
Gathering time: |
10 minutes |
Music time: |
10 minutes |
Snack time: |
10 minutes |
Lesson time: |
10 minutes |
Activity time: |
15 minutes |
Closing: |
10 minutes |
Nursery children do not go to sharing time or to opening or closing exercises.
Welcome: As the children come into the nursery class, greet each one by name. Help each child feel your love and the love of Heavenly Father. Soft music can create a reverent, inviting atmosphere. Recordings of songs from the Children’s Songbook are available on audiocassette (52428) and compact disc (50428).
Playtime: Allow the children to play freely with toys, puzzles, pictures, or books. Encourage each child to choose only one item to play with at a time and to return it to its proper place before selecting something else. Do not force a child to share if he or she does not want to. Many children this age are not emotionally or socially ready to share. Be available to the children, but do not intervene too much in their play. At the end of playtime, help the children put away the toys.
Specific activities may be conducted during this time (see “Activities and Games for the Nursery,” xiv–xvii), but the children should not be required to participate.
Gathering Time: Gather the children to sing a song and prepare to pray. A list of possible prayer songs is found on page 310 of the Children’s Songbook. Invite a child to pray. Teach the children to give short, simple prayers. Help them as necessary. After the prayer, invite the children to talk and interact with the teachers and with each other in an informal setting. Show love, warmth, and respect by your words and actions. Be sensitive and flexible. Discuss the children’s needs and interests. Appropriate topics of discussion might include:
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• Recent experiences in the children’s lives, such as a new baby in the home or a family outing.
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• Special holidays.
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• The weather.
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• Observations of nature.
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• Social skills such as listening, sharing, or using good manners.
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• Acts of kindness.
Activity verses, bend-and-stretch exercises, and songs may also be used during this time to help the children overcome restlessness.
Music Time: Music can be used throughout the nursery class to create a happy, welcome environment; teach the gospel message; and allow the children to have a change of pace (see “Music in the Nursery Classroom,” xvii–xix). Children enjoy singing the same songs from week to week. Nursery leaders and teachers should have a copy of the Children’s Songbook. Others may be invited to help with music in the nursery.
Snack Time: Schedule snack time to meet the children’s needs. Money for snacks should come from the Primary budget. Because children have snacks each week in nursery, teachers should ask parents if there are any foods they do not want their children to eat (see Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders [1998], 239). Before serving snacks, help a child say a blessing on the food.
Lesson Time: The lessons in this manual are written at a three-year-old level, but many activities in the lessons and the enrichment activities sections are suitable for younger children. Each lesson also contains an “Additional Activities for Younger Children” section. (Note that the materials and preparation needed for the additional activities are not listed in the “Preparation” section of each lesson. Carefully read the description of each activity you want to use to make sure you have everything you need.)
Examples of how lessons in this manual can be adapted for the nursery class are found on pages xix–xx. As you adapt lessons, remember to prayerfully consider the children’s understanding and interests. Activities should be short and varied because children this age have short attention spans. Children learn by repetition, so you may want to repeat an activity during the lesson or in future lessons. For additional help with teaching younger children, see “Preparing the Lessons,” “Teaching the Lessons,” “Music in the Classroom,” and “Visual Aids” on pages vi–viii.
Activity Time: Choose activities such as coloring, making things with play dough, role plays, games, and so on (see “Activities and Games for the Nursery,” xiv–xvii) that will support the gospel message, allow sharing, and provide creative experiences. Don’t be concerned if younger children want to return to play.
Closing Time: Help the children put all toys and materials away; then briefly review and summarize the gospel message taught in the lesson. Help a child offer a closing prayer.
Preparing Children for the Nursery
A few weeks before a child enters the nursery, the first counselor in the Primary presidency should give the child’s parents a copy of the checklist on page xi and arrange a meeting between the parents and the nursery teachers.
Parents’ Checklist
A child may approach his or her first time in the nursery with eagerness or fear, smiles or tears. Parents can do much to make their child’s nursery experience enjoyable by preparing the child in advance. When children know where they are going and what to expect, they are usually eager to attend. Those who come with little or no advance explanation may be afraid and may resist staying. Prepare your child to come to the nursery by doing as many of these things as possible:
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__ 1. Teach your child about the nursery at least two weeks before he or she will first attend.
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__ 2. Arrange for your child to meet the nursery teachers a week or two before the first time he or she will attend the nursery.
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__ 3. Arrange for your child to meet a few of the other nursery children.
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__ 4. During the week before your child enters the nursery, say positive things about the nursery.
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__ 5. Take your child to see the nursery room when no one else is there.
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__ 6. The day before, remind your child that nursery will start tomorrow.
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__ 7. On the first day of nursery, allow plenty of time for your child to get ready for church. Do not rush.
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__ 8. Leave all your child’s toys at home.
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__ 9. Take care of your child’s rest room and feeding needs before taking him or her to the nursery. A child who needs a diaper change will be taken to a parent.
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__ 10. Arrive at the nursery promptly.
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__ 11. Reassure your child that you will come back later. Promptly return to pick up your child at the end of nursery.
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__ 12. If your child is afraid, remain in the nursery with him or her for the first few times.
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__ 13. Tell the nursery teachers which classes you will be attending during nursery time so they can bring your child to you if there is a problem.
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__ 14. Inform the nursery teachers if your child has an unusual problem, such as a food allergy.
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__ 15. Talk over the nursery experience with your child in a positive, warm way. Be sure to say good things about your child’s nursery class and teachers.
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__ 16. Remember that love and patience will make the nursery a good experience for your child.
Please do not take your child to the nursery when he or she has any of the following symptoms:
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• Fever
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• Runny nose
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• Cough
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• Unusual irritability or crossness
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• Vomiting
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• Diarrhea
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• Rash
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• Eye discharge
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• Head lice
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• An illness or infection treated with antibiotics within the last 48 hours
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• An obvious childhood illness in the contagious period:
If your child has an allergy that is causing a runny nose, cough, or rash, please let the nursery teachers know that your child’s symptoms are not contagious.
Characteristics of Young Children
Studying the following characteristics of young children can help you better understand why the children in your class behave the way they do. Use this knowledge in preparing and teaching the lessons and in interacting with the children. Remember that these are general guidelines; children do not all develop at the same rate or behave the same way at the same age. For more information on the characteristics of children, see Teaching, No Greater Call (110–11).
Mental Characteristics of a Young Child
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• Thinks simply and literally. Does not understand abstract ideas.
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• Has a short attention span (one to three minutes).
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• Often asks questions or makes comments that are off the subject.
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• Is very curious and inquisitive.
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• Is generally excited to learn and try new things.
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• Enjoys repetition.
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• Can make simple choices.
Physical Characteristics of a Young Child
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• Is generally very active.
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• Is developing the abilities to march, jump, and clap.
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• Becomes restless, irritable, and tired easily.
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• Finds it easier to undo and take down than to put back.
Social Characteristics of a Young Child
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• Is trusting.
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• Generally enjoys playing alone.
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• Is often quite selfish and self-centered.
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• Has difficulty sharing and taking turns.
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• Often argues over toys.
Emotional Characteristics of a Young Child
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• Is usually anxious to love and be loved.
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• Has frequent emotional outbursts.
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• Often cries easily.
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• Moves between moods frequently.
Spiritual Characteristics of a Young Child
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• Likes to pray but will need help to do so.
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• Can begin learning the meaning of reverence.
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• Is sensitive to the Spirit.
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• Understands that Heavenly Father and Jesus love us.
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• Understands basic spiritual concepts.
Potential Problems and Solutions in the Nursery
Even in the best nursery, children occasionally misbehave. The following are some common behavior problems and suggestions for resolving them.
Activities and Games for the Nursery
Use the activities in this section at your discretion during nursery playtime or activity time. You may also use any activities in this section that correspond to a particular lesson during nursery lesson time, and activities from the lesson may also be used during playtime. Make activities available to the children during playtime, but do not require the children to participate. Some children may prefer to play with toys during the entire playtime.
Art Activities
Experiences with art can be enjoyable and can help children develop self-confidence, creativity, manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and awareness of their senses. Art can also be a very satisfying way of expressing individuality. Use your imagination and creativity in planning appropriate art projects for your class.
These guidelines may help you plan creative art projects:
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• Keep projects simple.
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• Be prepared. Have all necessary materials and know how to do the project yourself.
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• Be flexible. If you are flexible, you will not be upset when a project does not go as planned. Remember that children are often more interested in experimenting with the materials you give them than in finishing a project.
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• Be positive and interested in what the children are doing, and give sincere praise.
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• Use variety. Plan projects that let the children use a wide variety of materials and methods from week to week.
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• Be tactful. Young children do not always try to represent something with their art. They simply enjoy experimenting with the materials provided. If you want to comment on a child’s work, say, “Tell me about your picture” instead of asking, “What is it?”
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• Give minimal help. Help when necessary but allow the children to do their own work.
Games and Activity Verses
Children love to do things that involve movement, such as simple games or actions to verses or songs. Many activity verses are included in the lessons, and some simple games are described below. When children enjoy an activity, it can be used many times throughout the year, not just in the lessons where it is mentioned.
These guidelines can help you teach new activity verses to children:
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• Memorize the activity verse yourself before class.
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• Say the words and do the actions for the children first, exaggerating the action. Then invite the children to join you.
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• Go slowly so the children will understand the words and actions.
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• Use visual aids occasionally to help present the activity verse. Children pay attention and learn better if they have something to look at.
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• Shorten the activity verse if the children become restless. If an activity verse is long, you may want to help the children do the actions while you say the words alone.
Music in the Nursery Classroom
Music in the nursery classroom creates a warm and loving atmosphere, making Primary a happy place to be. Nursery-age children are ready and eager to learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, themselves, and this beautiful world. An important way for them to learn is through music. Children can enjoy music in many different ways. They can sing, play instruments, move to music, and listen to music. See “Music in the Classroom,” page vii, for additional comments on using music to teach young children.
Singing
Young children may not want to sing with you (very young children may be unable to sing with you), but they enjoy listening to you sing and often learn important principles through songs. Encourage the children to sing, but do not worry if they do not. Children who cannot sing with you may enjoy doing simple actions while you sing.
You may want to use the same songs each week as you begin each different activity. When the children hear the familiar melody, they will know what activity is starting. You could also change the words to a song to fit the children’s situations or activities. Sing the children’s favorite songs many times throughout the year.
The following songs from the Children’s Songbook are especially appropriate for use in the nursery. Included are some suggestions for ways you may adapt the words. You may have other ideas for ways to adapt these or other songs in the Children’s Songbook so they will be appropriate for the nursery.
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• “A Happy Family” (p. 198) (© 1975 Pioneer Music Press, Inc.). Create a verse about your happy nursery or Primary. Use as a greeting: “I see Susie; she sees me. …”
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• “Do As I’m Doing” (p. 276). Use for giving direction: “Cleaning up the nursery; follow, follow me! …” or “Gather for singing. …”
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• “Fun to Do” (p. 253)
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• “Here We Are Together” (p. 261)
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• “I Wiggle” (p. 271)
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• “If You’re Happy” (p. 266)
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• “My Hands” (p. 273)
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• “Once There Was a Snowman” (p. 249) (© 1981 Pioneer Music Press, Inc.). Create verses about other things in nature: “Once there was a green tree … tall, tall, tall. In its shade I rested, … small, small, small.”
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• “Rain Is Falling All Around” (p. 241)
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• “Singing a Song” (p. 253). Replace “sing” with basic movements: “Jump, jump, jump” or “Hop, hop, hop.” Sing about clothing, colors, or self: “Shoes, shoes, shoes; I like my shoes. I wear them on my feet; shoes, shoes, shoes!”
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• “Smiles” (p. 267)
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• “Popcorn Popping” (p. 242)
Musical Instruments
Obtain simple musical instruments for the children to play, or make your own.
Flute or horn: Punch a few holes in the side of a cardboard tube (such as the kind used for wrapping paper, waxed paper, or paper towels). For a special effect, tape cellophane over one end. To play, hum or sing into the tube.
Sand blocks: Cut two pieces of 1″-thick wood about 2″ wide by 4″ long. Cut two smaller pieces, about 1″ by 2 1/2″. Sand any sharp edges or splinters off the blocks. Center the smaller blocks on the larger ones and nail securely. Attach a piece of sandpaper to the bottom of each block. To play, knock the sand blocks together or scrape the pieces of sandpaper against each other.
Shakers: Put corn kernels or dried beans in a metal can with no sharp edges, or in a cardboard container. Have the children decorate the containers. Tape openings securely to prevent the children from eating or playing with the contents. To play, shake.
Bells: Sew bells onto a strip of fabric. To play, shake.
Movement to Music
Creative movement to music helps children use energy constructively and develops their abilities to use their minds creatively. Sing, play a piano or other instrument, or use recorded music for the children to move to.
To involve children in movement to music, you could:
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• Direct the children in running, jumping, bending, whirling, tiptoeing, crawling, leaping, or stretching to music. Let the children take turns leading the group’s actions.
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• Play or sing songs with different tempos and let the children run or walk as the music suggests.
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• Have the children wave colored scarves or paper streamers as they move to music.
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• Use action songs when the children need a change of pace. If the children have been sitting for a long time, an action song using the large muscles and large movements would be appropriate. If they have been moving and need to be calmed, an action song using the small muscles as the children sit might be effective.
Listening
This manual is accompanied by an audiocassette that can be used for listening activities. The audiocassette contains five sections:
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1. “Quiet Music”—to be played as the children enter the nursery or at other times when a peaceful atmosphere is desired.
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2. “Musical Awareness”—to help the children become aware of various musical characteristics.
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3. “Moving to Music”—to be played for the children as they do actions such as bending or stretching. The children can release energy and develop physical and rhythmic skills as they listen and participate.
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4. “Musical Expression”—to encourage the children to listen and move freely to music. Twelve short selections are included, with narration that suggests ways to move to the music. Use no more than three selections in a class period.
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5. “Pretend Stories”—to be played to provide activity for the children. By following the directions and listening carefully to the stories, children take part in pantomime and other physical activities. The stories are titled “A Walk in the Forest,” “A Visit to the Zoo,” and “The Toys in the Toy Box.” Use only one story in a class period.
You may also use the Children’s Songbook audiocassettes (music only, 52505; music and words, 52428) or compact discs (music only, 50505; music and words, 50428), if available.
Children may have a hard time concentrating on music if they are only listening. Combine listening with singing, moving, or other activities, as in the following examples:
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• Have the children lie on the floor and listen to different kinds of music. Talk about how the music makes them feel. Then have them demonstrate how they feel.
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• Play marching music and let the children march around the room.
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• Have the children clap the rhythms of the music they are listening to.
Sample Adapted Lessons
Following are examples of how two lessons in this manual could be adapted for use in the nursery. As you review the samples, notice that:
Each block of time in the lesson is focused on a simple gospel message. Activities and music should help the children begin to understand basic gospel principles and terms.
Only some parts from the original lesson have been selected. This helps keep the class simple, active, and appropriate for nursery-age children.
The activities selected are not always used in the same order that they appear in in the original lesson. Activities during the lesson should be arranged in the order that will best help nursery-age children understand the gospel message.
Lesson 6: Heavenly Father and Jesus Love Me
Welcome
One way to set a reverent atmosphere for the nursery is to play music from the Children’s Songbook audiocassettes. To introduce the gospel message in this lesson, you could give each child a badge that says “Heavenly Father and Jesus Love Me” (see enrichment activity 6, page 17).
Playtime
35 minutes
During playtime, find ways to help the children think about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. For example, you might teach the children that Heavenly Father and Jesus are happy when we are kind to each other and that they love us very much. You could also help the children remember last week’s lesson by asking them, “Who is Heavenly Father’s Son?”
Gathering Time
10 minutes
Gathering time can also be used to prepare the children for the lesson. Start by singing a prayer song and help a child pray. Then help the children prepare for the lesson by asking them who gave us this beautiful earth and the gospel and the Church (see attention activity, page 15).
Music Time
10 minutes
Music can be very effective in helping nursery-age children learn a gospel message. For example, in this lesson you could help the children think about Heavenly Father and Jesus by singing “I Know My Father Lives” or “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (see enrichment activity 2, page 17). As time permits, review songs from previous lessons or sing selected songs listed on page xvii.
Snack Time
10 minutes
Although no activity is used here to reinforce the gospel message, you can remind the children that Heavenly Father and Jesus love us and that we should thank them for everything, including our food. Then invite a child to give a blessing on the food.
Lesson Time
10 minutes
This lesson has several parts that could be used to help nursery-age children understand that Heavenly Father and Jesus love them. For example, you could use the following parts from lesson 6:
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• Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ give us blessings (pp. 15–16)
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• Additional activity 2 (p. 17)
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• Enrichment activity 1 (p. 17)
Activity Time
15 minutes
Activity time gives the children opportunities to be creative and to channel their energy. Where possible, activities should help reinforce the gospel message. For example, you could play the rolling ball game (p. xvi), asking questions to reinforce the gospel message.
Closing Time
10 minutes
Use closing time to remind the children that Heavenly Father and Jesus love each of them and know them by name. Share your feelings of gratitude for the blessings Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given you. Then help a child offer a closing prayer.
Lesson 10: I Am Thankful for Trees, Plants, and Flowers
Welcome
Greet each child by name as they enter the nursery. As you greet them, introduce the theme of the lesson by telling them that today they will learn about plants, flowers, and trees.
Playtime
35 minutes
During playtime, prepare the children for the lesson by telling them about the many beautiful things in this world that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have created for us to enjoy.
Gathering Time
10 minutes
Sing a prayer song; then help a child pray. For this lesson, you might also bring a plant for the children to see, feel, and smell. Then express your gratitude for plants, flowers, and trees (see additional activity 2, page 30).
Music Time
10 minutes
Sing “In the Leafy Treetops” (see additional activity 4, page 30). Doing the actions to the song will help create a happy environment and give the children a change of pace. As time permits, you might also review songs from previous lessons.
Snack Time
10 minutes
When possible, begin snack time with a simple activity that relates to the gospel message. For example, in this lesson the snack could consist of bread and fruit. Explain to the children that these things come from trees, plants, and flowers (see the activity on page 29). Then help a child give a blessing on the food.
Lesson Time
10 minutes
Select parts from the lesson that you feel will help the children understand the gospel message. For example, you could help the children understand how trees, plants, and flowers grow by cutting open a piece of fruit so the children can see the seeds. Explain what must happen for the seeds to grow and become more fruit (see enrichment activity 4, page 30). Then help the children plant seeds in paper cups full of soil (see enrichment activity 1, page 29).
Activity Time
15 minutes
Following the lesson, you could play soft music while the children color pictures of trees, plants, and flowers. Activities could be selected from the lesson or from those listed on pages xiv–xvii. Some children may prefer to play with toys during this time. Make activities available, but don’t require the children to participate.
Closing Time
10 minutes
Closing time is used to summarize the gospel message and help prepare the children for prayer. In this lesson, you could have the children repeat after you the words to the song “Little Seeds Lie Fast Asleep” to remind the children that we are thankful for trees, plants, and flowers (see enrichment activity 2, page 29). Then help a child offer a closing prayer.
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