Q&A: How to Create an Effective Flip Chart

Flip charts can be a great way to teach a new song.  I have several opinions about them, so I'll share a few of those with you and then give you some ideas about how I create flip charts and how you can do it at home!

Opinion #1:  Don't overuse them.  You do not need to use a flip chart every month.  There are a lot of other ways to teach songs, so mix it up every now and then.

Opinion #2:  I like using flip charts for songs that we don't sing very often - Christmas, pioneer/heritage, Easter, Mother's/Father's Day, etc.  I do not think it should be required for these types of songs to be memorized.

Opinion #3:  I am not a humongous fan of flip charts that have all the words on them.  However, for primaries that are fairly small, or have fluctuating attendance, this type of flip chart is great.  That way, if you have kids that don't come regularly, they can still follow along and not feel left out.  I will not typically make this type of visual aid, but I'll help you in the next part of this post with how to make your own in just a few minutes.

Opinion #4:  It is okay to print the words on the back of the pages of the flip chart.  See this post.

Guidelines and Tips for creating flip charts of your own:

As I go through this, I'm going to refer to the flip chart I made today for "If the Savior Stood Beside Me," so you may want to have that open in another window so you can see what I'm referring to.  If not, no biggie.

--Here are the websites I use to find clipart:
Microsoft Clipart
LDS Clipart
LDS.org Images
If all else fails, sometimes I look on Google images for generic things like eyes, ears, etc.

--Find a program that is easy to use and manipulate images/text.  If you're good in Word, that would work.  Microsoft Publisher is another good one.  I use Art Explosion Publisher Pro Silver, which is just the beefed up version of Publisher.  It allows me to layer text and images really easily, and well, I just really like it.

--Once you pick your song, try to find the main points that you want to focus on.  What are the main questions?  Key words?  Concepts?  Doctrines?  This will help you decide how you want to visually represent the song.  Since I just did a flip chart for "If the Savior Stood Beside Me," I'll use this one as an example.  I noticed that the first two verses are full of questions about how I would behave if the Savior was standing next to me.  What would I do?  What would I say?  Would I follow?  How would I live?  Would I share the gospel?  Would I be more reverent?  I wanted to focus on those ideas, so I used the key phrases "Would I do" with a red question mark that repeats throughout the song.  The rest of the words are less pointed to me - I'm not as concerned that they wonder if their words are kind and true.  I am more interested in them remembering the real question - Would I say the things I say?  That way, they can use that question to apply its principles to their actual daily life.

--Use the images to make your point.  You don't have to type out all of the lyrics.  In ITSSBM, it says "think of his commandments," but that would take up a lot of space.  So I used a little thought bubble with an image of the stone tablets.  Love is a heart.  See is a magnifying glass.  Etc.

--Choose your images very carefully.  This is how the kids are going to associate words with meaning.  In ITSSBM, the first question is "would I do the things I do?"  I wanted to find a picture not of kids doing something bad, because I don't want them to associate themselves with wrong choices.  But not of them doing something good either, because I want them to really think about all of the things they do, not just the good things.  So I found a picture of a little boy that looks like he's in the middle of making a choice.  Bingo. In this same flip chart, the image I used for the chorus was hard to choose.  I wanted one where the Savior was actually standing nigh (near), in a position where he was looking down (watching over).  I like this one especially because it showed the child at home, comfortable, with his scriptures.  As we learn more about the gospel, we understand better and better that we can really feel the Savior near when we are doing what we are supposed to be doing.  I think this picture summed that up really well.  See the deeper meaning that we can bring out as we choose pictures?  This step is the one that by far takes the longest, because you end up really searching and pondering each picture.

--Use a font that is easy to read and large enough to see from far away.  In my flip charts, I use a font called Hank BT, in a 90.0pt size.  Use black for the bulk of the text, but feel free to highlight key words in different colors or other fonts, just to make them stand out more.

--Try to follow the same format for each verse.  Look at ITSSBM, the first page of the first and second verses.  They are the same - not only because it makes it easier for you, but the kids will have an easier time recognizing the similarities.  Use the same layout for each chorus (see that the chorus page is actually in the flip chart 3 times).

--Use the flip chart to give hints on dynamics, melodic intervals, fermatas, etc.  In ITSSMB, the first two verses go down at the end, the last verse goes up.  I represented that by having the words follow the pattern:

watching                  and                       me.
       over                                         over
            me.                           watching

--Remember the church guidelines on pictures of the Savior - use only those that have been printed in the church magazines and GAK.  There is a wide variety of them to choose from, including more cartoony ones and more artistic versions.  If it's in the Friend, it's okay to use.  Be sensitive about using pictures depicting Heavenly Father, and as far as I know I don't think you're supposed to use any pictures at all depicting the Holy Ghost - does anyone know the guidelines on that for sure?

--If you do not have access to a printer or the right software to make your own flip chart, don't be afraid to make one from scratch (like with paper and a marker).  At the end of each month, I go through the Friend and Ensign and cut out all of the pictures that could be used in a flip chart or lesson or FHE or whatever.  I have built up quite the collection of images, and there are seriously a million ways to use them.  One of my favorite primary blogs is The Children Sing - pretty much all of her visual aids used cut out images from church magazines - seriously, go there and get some ideas.  Kathleen is dang amazing - I love her and I've never even met her!

--If you do want to include all of the lyrics, you still need to choose your images and font very carefully.  Make sure the font is big enough to see from the back of the room.  A good rule of thumb is that the text should equal at least half of your page.  With this type of chart, the image is secondary to the text, so shrink that picture and blow up those words.

--To keep your flip charts protected, slip them into plastic sheet protectors.

--If you orient your flip chart to landscape, you can put the pages into a 3-ring binder and flip them really easily by opening the binder so the covers are together - no dropping pages!

What do you like about flip charts?  What do you think makes them effective and useful?  Feel free to share your ideas so we can all find something that works :)

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If the Savior Stood Beside Me - Flip Chart

Here is a flip chart for If the Savior Stood Beside Me.  It is pretty much just key words with pictures.  On the chorus, the first two verses have "watching over me" in a downward direction, on the last chorus those words go up so the kids can remember that it ends on a higher note.  Have fun!

Click here for the PDF.

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Q&A: How To Teach a Song From Scratch

Q:  I would love a post on how to teach a song. I am a newly called chorister and being a college-age convert to the church I never experienced primary as a child. I'm just not sure how to teach a song from the beginning .....thanks!

A: Yes.  Teaching a new song can be really daunting.  It doesn't matter if you've done it a million times, you still wonder what to do, what visuals to use, is the song too hard?  I don't have TONS of advice to give on this one, but here is what has worked for me.  Please feel free to comment and share what brings you the most success!

Finding the right method:

I suggest trying to find a way to teach a song that works for your primary.  It could be flip charts, posters, white boards, colored envelopes, repetition, etc.  For the kids I worked with, I found that they had the most fun and learned the best when I did rearranging activities.  Basically, you assign each phrase a picture or prop, then have kids come up and stand in a line holding said item.  You start with them really mixed up, and as you sing the song the kids have to put the pictures in order.  They had a total ball doing that, and I could usually teach a whole verse/song in one singing time.  Let me take just a minute and explain a few ways to teach songs, pros, cons, and a few helpful hints...

1.  I sing, you sing (aka "repeat after me").

This is probably one of the more difficult ways to teach a song, especially to Junior's.  Simply singing a phrase and having them sing it back to you is effective, but it really needs to be paired with visuals and you have to really listen to see if they're singing it correctly.  If you choose this method, really watch the kids mouths to see if they're catching on.  You want them to understand what all the words mean and how they fit together.  Keep in mind that teaching in this way also might affect where they are breathing - so remember to teach them phrases in a breath, not necessarily phrases according to the lyrics.  (for example "I am a child of God." echo. "And He has sent me here."  echo.  You should teach the line "I am a child of Go.........d, and He has sent me he.....re."  Does that make sense?)

2.  Flip charts.

I love flip charts.  I think they are amazing, but they have a time and a place.  I don't think you should rely on flip charts for every song you teach.  First, they are a total drain on your ink supply!  Second, they tend to be really small and ineffective for larger groups.  If you choose to use flip charts, there are typically two different kinds out there - the kind with all of the words printed on there, typically in smaller-than-helpful print, and the kind with a few key pictures and words/phrases.  If you have ever used a flip chart that I have made (like Samuel the Lamanite), you know that I prefer the key pictures/phrases.  (caution...I'm about to crawl up onto my soap box.  Please skip to #3 if you don't want to hear it...you've been warned!)  Here is why.  I think association and assimilation are more effective than memorization.  By giving them just a hint at what is coming up, it requires them to dig a little big deeper into their psyche and find those lyrics.  Simply reading the words will help them learn the song, for sure, but giving them the opportunity to create their own connections will help the song stick in their minds a lot longer.  Look for an upcoming post on how to create a good flip chart.  It will help hone this idea in.

3.  Posters.

Same idea as flip charts, but bigger.  Easy to use, no flipping and dropping pages, easy to see from the back of the room.  Hard to store, impossible to use in Sacrament meeting.  Can be hard to fit long songs on one side of the poster board.  You can use blobs to cover up parts of the poster to help wean them off of it.

4.  Disappearing visuals.

Imagine putting pictures on the board, each with a phrase of the song underneath it (all of the words or just key words.  I use key words...I'm just sayin'.  see #2).  Make sure the pictures and words are separate, so you can remove each part.  Sing the song all the way through.  Start by removing a section of words.  This is a great way to use a helper.  Sing the song again with the missing piece.  Continue until all of the words are gone.  Now they just have the pictures.  Repeat the whole thing again, this time removing one or two pictures at a time until the board is empty.  By the end, they should be pros.  This works better with shorter songs.  Longer songs take too much time and you run the risk of the kids losing interest.  

5.  Blurs.

I love this method, and so do kids.  Assign each phrase a picture.  I should warn you, this requires a small level of computer savvy, so if you feel uncomfortable doing this one, that's OK!  Go to www.fotoflexer.com.  You can use another program if it's easier, I just think this one is great because you don't have to download any software to your computer.  Upload your picture by clicking on the yellow bubble in the top right of the screen (which usually requires you to have the file saved to your hard drive or desktop).  Click the white upload bubble in the middle.  Find your picture and open it.  Your picture is now in the editing module.  Use the rotate buttons in the middle to get it oriented correctly, if necessary.  To make a blur, click on the Distort tab.  The Twirl function is what makes a blur.  You can also use the other tools, they are all pretty hilarious.  Don't make it too easy, but don't make it too hard either.  You want them to have to think about how that picture might fit into the song.  When you're done, save it as a JPG.  Then you can open it and paste it into a Word document to print.  Fit as many as you can on a page to save ink.  When you get to primary, give one set of blurs to each class.  Sing the song once through, using some recall questions to get them thinking about the lyrics.  Then have them try to put the blurs in order while you walk around the room singing the song quietly.  It will take a few times for them to get it, but you'll find that they start singing along with you.  It's like teaching by osmosis.  They learn it without you even trying!  This activity is better with Senior primary.

6.  Recall questions (aka challenge questions, discovery questions, etc.)

--How many times did I say "pick a word" in this song?  Let's sing it again and find out.  6?  Are you sure?  I thought I heard 7.  Let's sing it one more time, just to be sure.

--This song says we should follow someone.  Who should we follow?

--This song is really high!  What word is on the highest note that we sing?  Let's sing the song and hold it on the very highest note...see if you can remember when it's coming up.  When we get there, let's raise our eyebrows really high!

--This song has a lot of words that rhyme.  Can you think of any?

--How does this song make you feel?

7.  Movement and rhythm.

Use hand jives, actions, sign language, sway back and forth, etc.  Just remember to wean them off of the actions before they sing in Sacrament meeting (don't get me wrong - I love a good gospel choir, but we are just going for something different!)

8.   Use the scriptures.  

Did you know that almost every song in the Children's Songbook has a scriptural reference?  Use this to introduce the song, so they can associate the why behind the what of the message.

9.  Have a fun introductory activity/object lesson that gets the kids excited about learning the new song.

When we taught Praise to the Man, I downloaded an MP3 of this song played by bagpipes and drums.  I had the kids sit really quietly and told them we were going to learn one of the most powerful songs I know.  I brought my little portable speakers and turned them up to an appropriately loud volume (borderline inappropriate).  The bagpipes began playing, and when they got to the second repeat the snare drums came in and I thought the kids were literally going to jump out of their seats - but they stayed quiet!  We listened to a minute or so of the song, then I asked them how that song made them feel.  Like marching!  Happy!  Like I'm going into a battle!  Then we talked about power and what that meant.  Can music be powerful?  How can we be powerful like Joseph Smith?  Where does power come from?  We didn't even sing the song that day, but the next week they were really excited to dive into it.  If you do an introductory activity, don't feel like you have to start learning it right away.  Wait until next week - let the excitement build up so that they are really ready to begin.

10.  Don't rely on the piano.

Children learn better with your lone voice.  But wait - my singing voice is horrific!  First of all, I don't believe you, I'm sure you sound fine.  Maybe not the MoTab Choir, but fine just the same.  If you are legitimately concerned about singing all by your lonesome, have the piano softly plunk the tune, but no accompaniment.  If you are singing a capella, get a starting note and go to town.  If you go flat, no biggie.  All of that will resolve itself when you add the piano.  Do you want to know another benefit of not using the piano from the beginning?  You can actually hear where the kids are having trouble.  The piano is the great equalizer - it covers up a multitude of sins.  But those are the things that you need to be aware of and trying to fix.  If the kids sound really strong and then it fades into a mumble and gets strong again, you can fix that!  You can hear and see who isn't singing, where your hot spots are, and where you need to work on dynamics.  When they have a good handle on it, add the piano in.  

11.  I still can't get over singing without the piano.  You really have no idea how bad I am!  Come on!

I love you.  The kids love you.  Most importantly, Heavenly Father loves you.  Get over it.  ;)  Take some Immodium.  Or just use the piano, it's really not the end of the world.  Whatever you do it's going to be great!

12.  Keep it simple. 

Really, don't stress about it.  Don't forget the 5-10-5 rule.  Pray about the message of the song and how best to convey that to those kids.  They are, after all, His children.  He will lead you in the direction you should go.  Don't plan anything too time consuming or complicated - save that stuff for review days.  Repeat, repeat, repeat.  If they just aren't getting it, move on to something else, go home, regroup, and attack it from a different angle next week.  Have fun.  Smile.  Wear a lot of deodorant   Take a nap after church.  You get the picture, right?

There you have it - a few thoughts on teaching new songs.  Still have concerns?  Let me know!  What is your tried and true method of teaching a song?

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Q&A: Using Singing Time Wisely

Q:I've just been called to be the chorister and am having a hard time with structuring singing time. When do you do what? What elements does a successful singing time include? Should you do a game every time? How much time should I spend on a new song each week?

A:  Well, this is a very good question (series of questions, actually)!  This will be kind of a long post, because there's a lot to cover - so skim to the parts that apply to you, or make yourself a mug cake and make a night of it!

The first thing that we should establish is that a good singing time is one where the kids have fun, feel the Spirit, and learn something.  It doesn't have to be mind-blowing or earth-shattering, or even life-changing.  The important thing is that you try to incorporate those three elements.  Now that we have our foundation, we can build upon it!

Issue #1:  How should I use my time?

Let's forget about all of the songs we sing outside of our actual singing time.  So we're just talking those core 20 minutes, k?  If it is a month that has a new song to be taught, I would not spend any more than 5 minutes at a time on the new song.  But how are they going to learn it in 5 minutes a week?  Ah, I said 5 minutes at a time!  Gotcha!  I won't go into teaching the song, that will come in another post.  Spend the first 5 minutes on the new song. Then 5 -10 minutes playing a game or doing an activity.  This is the time you use to teach other songs; fun songs, holiday songs, oldies, etc.  Spend the last 5 minutes on the program song again.  Let me say that again:  5 minutes program song.  10 minutes fun stuff.  5 minutes program song.  That's it.  That's the magic formula.  5-10-5.  

Issue #2:  But what if they don't learn the program songs perfectly?

DO NOT get wrapped up in the idea that the program is the purpose of primary music.  The program is just a way for the kids to share what they have learned throughout the year.  It is not a road-show, a performance, or even a talent show.  If they only learn one verse of each song, that is great!  Have you ever heard of a solo?  Oh, you have?  What about a duet?  Really?  How about a quartet, quintet, octet, or primary class?  Wow!  You are totally equipped to delegate a few verses!  For example, in July, I would rather teach patriotic and pioneer songs, but I also need to teach "Families Can Be Together Forever."  What to do?  Well, because I know that singing time is about more than the program, I spend 10 minutes on July 7 teaching them the chorus of FCBTF.  Then, I ask an adorable 5 year old to sing the first part of the 1st verse and the 11-year old girls to sing the 2nd verse.  The primary already learned the chorus, so now I'm done!  And I have the whole month to do other things.  When the program comes around, there will be the most amazing spirit in the chapel because that's just how it is, and all it took you was 10 minutes.

Issue #3:  What songs should I teach other than program songs?

Whatever songs you like!  There are hundreds of songs in the songbook that are amazing and really easy.  Also, don't overlook the songs that have been in the Friend - there are some really great ones in there, too.  One that I think should be required for every child to know is "I Know that Jesus Lives."  Find it and download it here.  Sing seasonal songs, learn new birthday songs, learn prayer songs or songs about Jesus.  No matter what you sing it will be worth your time.

Issue #4:  So much to do, so little time.

One thing that I notice is that so many choristers (once again - I know that we are "music leaders" and not choristers.  But I say choristers, and I like it.  If you hate it and would like to hear fingernails screeching down a chalkboard, please click here for effect.  I will continue to call us choristers, just like Fresh Market will always be Albertson's to me.  I'm stubborn like that.) have a hard time trying to squeeze a lot of different elements into their singing time.  Some of these are suggestions from the primary presidency, some of them are just unnecessary.  For instance, it is not necessary to include opening, reverence, wiggle, baptism, article of faith, birthday, and closing songs EVERY week.  The key to a smooth singing time is being able to pick and choose which songs you sing.  There are some that you have to include, like birthdays.  But if the clock is ticking, skip some of the other ones!  The world is not going to end if you skip the reverence song and go right into sharing time.  Don't get so caught up in the schedule that you don't leave yourself any time to teach and connect.

For example, let's say that you have a split primary and junior is first, right after sacrament meeting, and then senior is in the third hour.  Your structure might look like this:

Wiggle or reverent songs while the kids are coming in
Opening exercises, including opening song, welcome, birthdays, AofF, baptism, goodbye, etc.
Singing time (either before or after sharing time)
Wiggle or reverent songs while the big kids are coming in
Singing time
Closing exercises, including closing song, welcome, etc.

Of course, yours is probably different, but work with me here.  Pretend that sacrament meeting went 10 minutes over.  Now everything is condensed.  At this point, you need to eliminate a few things (like the final speaker should have done in sacrament meeting!).  Skip the wiggle songs at the beginning - they rile the kids up and the reverence song is usually not enough to get them to calm down.  Use the reverence song as the opening song.  If you have visitors, just recognize them and have the whole primary shout "Welcome!!" with huge smiles on their faces.  There is nothing in the handbook that says that children only feel welcome if they are sung to.  That bought you 2 minutes right there.  Sing the birthday song if there are birthday kids, that's one that should never get cut.  It's okay to pray that they're all absent that day so you can move on.  Skip all the other extra things so you can go right into sharing time or singing time.  If you have sharing time first (which I HIGHLY suggest that singing time should always go first, but that's between you and your presidency), tell them to keep it short and sweet.  When it's your turn, really analyze what is the most important thing you were going to do that day.

Issue #5:  But what if I have a big thing planned and I don't have time to do it?

Every time you make a lesson plan, make a short version and a long version.  If you are playing jeopardy, the long version would be 5 categories with 3 questions each.  The short version would be 1 category, and only those 3 questions.  The game becomes "Scrambled Titles" instead of Jeopardy.  The key is flexibility.  

Issue #6:  So what should I keep in mind while I'm doing my planning?  

Never plan activities that take more time to explain than to play.  Never plan activities that require 50 helpers.  It's nice to include people, but all that coming to the front business takes up valuable time.  Find other ways to include children (yet another upcoming post).  Don't overuse activities.  If you're getting in a rut, pray.  Don't underuse activities, either.  If there is something that your kids really love and respond to, bring it out more often.  If you don't know what they like or which activity to bring back, give them 4 choices and let them vote on next week's singing time.  This can be a reward for good behavior and hard work.  Call it Kid's Choice Week!  (we can do jeopardy, name that tune, puppets, or laundry...what'll it be?)  Always plan simple activities that don't take a lot of prep time.  The best singing times are usually the ones that you make up as you go along.  If something gets off track, just wing it.  

Try to mix things up each week.  I currently work in Cub Scouts, and I'm in charge of the schedule.  In a typical month, we have pack meeting, an achievement day where we just work on stuff out of the book, a field trip day, and a belt loop day.  That way, everyone knows what to expect and it keeps things interesting so we don't get bored.  You could follow the same pattern in singing time.  Fast Sunday is introduction day.  Second Sunday is quiz day.  Third Sunday is game day.  Fourth Sunday is review day.  Fifth Sunday is Kid's Choice day.  If you can't find a pattern that works, just try to change things up as often as you can.

Issue #7:  Do I need to bear my testimony every week?  Sometimes I just don't have time.

Yes, bear your testimony every week.  No, there is not one way to bear a testimony, and you certainly don't have to make it formal or even recognizable.  Here are some great ways to bear testimony in primary that don't take any extra time:

1.  That was amazing.  When you sing that song, I feel the Spirit so strongly.  I am so grateful that the Spirit can come when we sing about Jesus.  Do you feel the Spirit?

2. Who remembers the song we sang in Sacrament meeting today?  It was one of my favorites because it talks about how much Jesus loves me.  I know he loves you too, and he really loves it when you sing!  

3.  I was wondering if you guys could help me bear my testimony...could you do that?  Can you sing "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" with me?

Well, there you have it.  The general idea of structuring a singing time.  Did that help at all?  What have I overlooked?  What questions do you still have about how to use your time?  Let me know so I can address every possible issue!
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How Can I Help You?

I love this blog.  I have so much fun posting ideas (sorry I haven't been posting a lot lately...the class I'm taking right now is KILLING me!), getting emails and comments from you, and helping where I can.  I have a few posts in the queue, but I thought I would just ask the general question...

"How can I help you?"

What are you struggling with?  Is there a question about the calling that you can't find the answer to?  Are you just burned out and need some inspiration?  Schedules?  Games?  Presidencies?  Props?  Specific songs?  Do you want a flipchart for something?  Something printable to make your life easier?  More than anything, I want this blog to actually be helpful.  So PLEASE leave a comment and I'll work on some posts that will hopefully be helpful to you.  I promise - if you're wondering about something, someone else is too!  So, let me know how I can help!  I love you guys!

{update}
Ok, folks...I have gotten a great response from this post!  I have gotten lots of comments and emails, and I've formed a list of posts that I'm currently working on to address your questions.  Here is what I've come up with.  Of course, if you think of something else make sure to let me know!  This list can get longer, trust me!  So stay tuned over the next few days and weeks!

-How to make an effective flip chart
-Flip chart for "Joseph Smith's First Prayer"
-Singing Time Routine - how to structure a successful singing time (this will include several posts)
               -Using games
               -What to do, when, and for how long
               -Filling time
               -Going into nursery
               -how much time on new songs
-Keeping the kids interested - especially Juniors!  And what to do if you're losing them
-Motivation - yours and theirs.  Getting over the "hump" and re-energizing.
-Reusable printables and moving away from flip charts (hey, some people like them, others don't)
-How to teach a song
-Planning ahead
-Ideas for teaching Books in the Bible/Book of Mormon, Prophets, and AofF songs
-Ideas for teaching "If the Savior Stood Beside Me"

Do you see something that might help you?  I hope so!  My gears are in overdrive over here, and I'm excited to share a few things with you!
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Nothing to do with Primary

I think I'm going to start a label for posts that have absolutely nothing to do with this calling.  Every now and then, something happens that I think is funny and I feel like I want to share it with you, cuz you know...we're friends.  So here is the experience of the week that I thought was entertaining :)

If you've ever read my bio (the middle tab that says "The Blogger"), you have read that one of the things that I would love to do is have lunch with Sis. Julie B. Beck.  I love her.  I think she is brilliant, compassionate, and really hits the nail on the head and says things like they are.  I just loved her no-nonsense approach to her calling as GenRSPrez and, well, enough gushing.  I just want to stand next to her and soak up her spirit long enough to have her rub off on me, but not long enough for her to realize how unworthy I am!

I got close a few months ago, at a band competition.  My friend and I were walking around before the competition began, and she saw a friend that she needed to talk to so we headed over there.  Well, lo and behold, there was Sis. Beck!  Come to find out, they were all buddies - you know, because real people hang out with famous church-folk all the time.  (That really happens?  I am a nobody, evidently)  This is the part that I am embarrassed to admit.  I stood there, with my friend, for probably a half an hour waiting for Sis. Beck to finish talking to someone else.  Like a groupie.  Like a total smitten groupie.  Don't get me wrong, I had no shame.  I didn't feel bad.  I just really wanted to stand by her.  Finally, she came down to where we were standing, and she HUGGED ME!  I kid you not, I was dying.  And then the competition started, and we had to go back to our seats.

Well, that was a great experience.  She probably saw right through my soul.  But, she was so gracious to humor me and treat me like I mattered to her for 30 seconds.  I think I did matter to her right at that moment, because that's just how I picture her to be.

But I still want to really visit with her!  So last week I was at the temple with my mom, and we decided to grab some lunch in the cafeteria because it was smelling up the whole place and we can't resist having a receipt that says "Temple Chicken" and "Temple Dessert."  We sat at a table and dove into our chicken enchiladas, and then I looked up and - wait for it...................... - there was Sis. Beck, sitting at the table literally 10 feet away from me.  She was visiting with several women, and by visiting I mean she was talking and everyone else was soaking up her wisdom.

Being the classy lady that I am, I decided not to interrupt her since she was busy.  (not that standing in the bleachers for 30 minutes was classy - I know that was weird)  But we were eating lunch at the same temple, at the same time.  So I guess I can knock that off my bucket list - I ate lunch with Sis. Beck!  Well, not with her, but next to her.  Ahh, life is good.

I know, I'm a dork.  Don't judge me ;)
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Simmer Down...Idea #2

Have you ever noticed that when you try to do something fun, the kids go psycho?  I mean, here you are, trying to carry out your best laid plans and they are acting like it's Halloween, or Christmas Eve, or even worse...Easter.  Seriously!  What is the deal, people?!  For those of you that are nodding your head right now, this is an idea that works REALLY well, but I have to warn you in advance - you will either come across as serious but playful, or totally cruel and conniving.  It all depends on how you play it :)

Print a picture and cut it into 4 squares.  Here is one that I put together, just in case you don't want to have to find one.  It's a bird.  A song-bird.  OK, it doesn't matter what the picture is of, it could be a smiley face or a picture from the Gospel Art Kit.  Just pick a picture and cut it in 4.

Put the picture pieces all together on the chalkboard or bulletin board.  If you have a magnetic board, I would put some magnet strips on the back if I were you, but that's just me.  Here comes the scary part...

Tell the kids that you are going to do something really fun today.  Explain your game or activity, and then let them know that you will require their FULL attention and participation.  If things get out of hand, you are going to take down a piece of the picture.  If they lose all the pieces, then the game is over.

If it was me, I'd be super stealth about taking down the pieces.  I like them to be a little bit afraid of me...I'm pretty intimidating (ok, not really...)  I'd be all, "What is going on?  You're losing pieces and you don't even realize it!  You need to be WAAAAAAYYYYY better/quieter/reverenter so you don't lose any more!"  Then I would threaten them by really slowly reaching for the next piece and then looking over my shoulder with an "are you watching this?  It's awful!" kind of look on my face.  By the time you actually reach it, you'll here the ssshhh's coming from all over the room from kids that are desperately trying to be good!

So, yes - potentially quite formidable.  But actually quite adorable.

What happens if you run out of pieces?  1.  You can continue to sing the songs and they can earn the pieces back by singing their best.  2.  You just put the game away and tell them you'll try again next week, so they have a week to prepare to come to primary in reverence mode.

If you are having a reverence problem, try this out!  Let us all know how you played the game, and what works for you!
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