Video Lessons

Every once in a while, for a change of pace for both the students and me, we have a video lesson.  I use the scriptures from the lesson outline, and match them up with short Church videos.  Sometimes we have snacks to munch on.  I have to watch the time and adjust the lessons accordingly (dropping out a video as necessary) depending on whether sacrament meeting went over, or whether we have an extensive discussion.

This past week we did one based upon the question in July's lessons: "How Can I Keep My Covenant to Always Remember Jesus?"

Read John 8:29 about how Jesus is like the Father, and how we should be like Jesus.
Watch "Strengthened in the Lord" (4 1/2 minutes) about how NYC kids try to follow Christ.

Read 3 Nephi 11:32 which commands us to repent and believe.
Watch "The Savior Wants to Forgive" (6 minutes) about the despair and triumph through repentance of a drug addict and convicted felon.

Read Alma 37:36-37 which tells us to counsel with the Lord in all of our doings, not just our Church work.
Watch "I'm a Mormon and Mother to 79 Orphaned Children" (4 1/2 minutes) about a wealthy LDS fashion designer who followed the promptings to give up her luxury to bless destitute orphans in Tibet.  (Be aware this video is in French and you will need to click on CC to get the English subtitles.)

Read Helaman 12:1-5 which accuses men of being quick to forget the Lord when things are going well.  Ask your students if they really live the gospel during the week at school, or just during Church activities.
Watch "Bullying--Stop It" (10 1/2 minutes) which shows an Aaronic Priesthood member living a double standard of serving at church and bullying at school.  In the end he realizes his grave error.

Read D&C 6:36 which tells us to look to the Lord in every thought.
After the closing prayer, as the class gathers their things and leaves, play "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" (5 1/2 minutes)

My Own Awesome Class

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THESE KIDS!
(Especially the cute brunette on the left
and the tall handsome guy in the back,
who are my own two youngest children.)

Three Reinforcing Activities

Scripture
There are quite a few scriptures that I am always trying to find, but never can quite remember the reference.  I wish I had them memorized!  Time to start solving that problem!  I have picked out 12 scriptures that correlate with the 12 principles and I have printed them up on small bookmarks for the students to keep in their scriptures.  (I made extra for when one gets lost!)  At the beginning of each lesson (except fast Sunday, which is when I will introduce a new scripture) I will ask for three to four volunteers to recite the scripture.  If they can do it, they get a mini candy bar.  By the end of the month, hopefully everyone will have had a chance.  Kids who struggle with memory can go at the end of the month so they have more time.

Pop Quiz
Last year I did this a couple of times and it worked great.  This year, I think I'll do it every week.  During sacrament meeting, I wrote down a few questions about what the speakers said.  Then at the beginning of Sunday School, I asked the students those questions.  Correct answerers get a stick of gum, and everyone will learn to pay attention and remember the concepts taught in sacrament.

Review Game
Every three months or so, we have a review lesson in which we play a game like Jeopardy or Chalkboard Baseball.  Students have to answer questions about the material we've been discussing in class.  This is a big hit, and I've been pleased at how much more the students have retained.  To make this easy, I have a bunch of cards already cut to size, and at the end of the lesson, I just write a question and answer on one of the cards.  Then, when it is review time, everything is already prepared.

Call for Authors

This blog is constantly under construction!  Check back weekly for new ideas.  Each link (to the right) has multiple lesson plans in a blog-style format: click on the link and just keep scrolling down for more.

I want to try a new experiment: a shared blog!  If you have a great idea (from a quote you love, to an object lesson that worked for you, to an entire lesson plan) to share on any of the lesson topics, I'd love to have you become an author on this blog. 

• Send your complete written idea to me at thepianoisgrand@gmail.com.  
• Include the month and complete lesson topic title from the "Come, Follow Me" curriculum
• Reference all scriptures and quotes, preferably with a link to the original source.
• Leave your signature at the bottom like this:  --Nancy Jensen, Logan, Utah
• I'll preview it, and if it's doctrinally sound, I'll post it on the appropriate page.
• I'll then make you an author on the blog and you can post directly whenever you feel like it!
• I retain the right to grammatically edit all entries, to delete anything inappropriate, and to remove any authors from the website who post questionable material.  (If you're unsure whether something is appropriate, you can always e-mail it to me first.)

I know there are a lot of amazing teachers out there, and you are probably one of them, so join me!