Knights of Columbus, folks. I'm the new Primary President*. Eek! I was asked two weeks ago so I've had that long to freak out because I don't know a thing about kids. I also don't know a thing about Primary. Aside from a couple of subbing gigs on the piano, I haven't actually been in Primary since I was in Primary, as a Merry Miss**, WHICH THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE ANYMORE!
I'm rather intimidated by the whole thing. Every other responsibility I've had in the church I have felt marginally prepared for. But not primary. I don't even know half the songs they sing in there anymore. What are the names of the classes? What are the names of the kids? Would it be acceptable for me to make them talk in funny accents strictly for my own amusement? Because you know eventually I'm going to get the urge to do that.
So, yes, I'm slightly freaked out about this. And I'm not looking forward to all those meetings (before I left church yesterday I had entered 5 on my calender just for this week! I've been living the Life of Elegant Leisure in Sunday School for the last 3 years so I suppose I'm due.) But more than anything I'm kind of excited. The fact that kids will even go along with the whole funny accent bit is proof enough that I'm dealing with a great group. Plus they're cute. And there are generally stickers and snacks involved. Bonus!
Do you want to place bets now on how long it will be before I teach them all how to shimmy?
Don't speak Mormon? Here, let me help:
*Primary is the children's group in my church. It's for kids 18 months to 11 years. And just like every organization in the church people are asked to work in it as teachers and leaders. But unlike every other organization in the church Primary, as Teresa mentioned in a previous comment, is like wrangling cats.
**One of the bygone names for a Primary class.
17 comments:
Well, it's nice to see I'm not alone. I just called to Primary President also, in my new ward. So, I have to find a presidency from a group of people I don't know. And to top it all off, the boundaries are changing next week and the Bishop has informed me that we will be getting about 40 new kids in our primary. So, just a whole lot of new faces I don't know. So, good times should be had by all.
P.S. You're going to rock it!! I wish I was back in the 'ol Upland 1st ward. :-)
Congrats! I am so excited for you and I know that kids are going to benefit from your leadership.
I KNOW that they will love attempting accents and they have special time set apart for getting the wiggles out, so I maybe that can be their "shimmy" time:)
I am in charge of the achievement days and it is running smoothly so don't worry about that for now.
Rachel. I wish I was in your Primary. I would love you as the President. I sustain you here in my ward...for what it's worth. :)
Your kids are going to love you and your teachers will as well. I just heard this Sunday that we shouldn't pray for callings that match our talents/abilities, but rather for our abilities and talents to match that which we're called to. You'll be fine. In fact, you will be grand. Your testimony will grow and you'll recognize the Spirit more and more because IT will kick in when YOU won't be able to.
You and Amy (above) can compare notes. I'm jazzed for you!!! And I'm jazzed for your kids and your teachers. Hmmmmmm....I may have to visit your ward.....
Big hugs to you!!!
Congrats! I am feeling a little jealous I kinda miss being in primary, I was a sunbeam teacher for three years and a nursery leader for two!
If you ever need help with anything I am here for you!
Nunchucks might be fun.
I don't know if anyone already said this because I was too lazy to read their comments, but I think it's perfectly acceptably, nay, practically a requirement to have them speak in funny accents. If you could place a hidden camera and post a video here, that would be awesome! (P.S. Good luck. I bet you'll be a blast and do awesome.)
Oh congratulations! I have been in primary in some form or other for lie 7-8 years now. I hate it when we move and for a brief time I have to go to Relief Society. So BORING! You will love it because you are so creative and young at heart. Good luck!
This is so awesome! I'm excited (perhaps selfishly) for my boys. They're gonna love you - and yes, you should totally do the accents - they'd love it. I know you'll do great!
You're going to be wonderful and I'm so sad I don't have a legit reason to come visit your Primary anymore, since my calling now involves YW instead of Primary! Go with the accents- they'll love it:)
I don't know if I'm more excited for you or for the children in your primary. I think this is awesome! And of course you should have them speak in funny accents and teach them to shimmy. In my ward on Sunday there was this little 15 month old girl that was waving to everyone and then she totally started to shimmy...really. I thought of you when she did it.
Having taught primary for almost 2 years and counting, here's my suggestion: Parties and snacks...lots of both.
Aside from the meetings, you are going to have SO MUCH FUN. You may recall I was primary chorister for two years and that, let me tell you, is a sweet gig. But Prez is even sweeter because you delegate AND you have final say in how things go (mostly).
You will be AWESOME!!! I wish Jacob could be in your primary. I've subbed as music leader a few times, and, as a mom of a sunbeam (they're still called that) and a sub, here's what I know:
1. Sharing Time should mostly involve lots of smiling and coloring.
2. The kids should have a chance to stand up and wiggle, even senior primary, whether they show it or not.
3. Having the kids' names on popsicle sticks works great for picking a kid to participate. Then you don't have 3 kids jumping out of their seats, then collapsing in disappointment every time someone else gets picked. It's fair most of the time.
You'll be fantastic. I can't wait to hear about the shimmying and funny accents in your great stories you're bound to share.
Been there, done that (for seven years in two wards) and lived to tell the tale. Primary is amazing and you will be wonderful. Kids are hilarious and you will find out the best gossip - there are NO secrets in Primary.
My only advice - Just remember that kids are still people - just shorter. I always had to remember that their trials may seem trivial, but that they are real trials to them and that I needed to be kind and sympathetic and not laugh (especially when they say funny things through their tears). That - and keeping our Sunday's staffed - were the toughest parts about the job. Everything else was super fun! I wish you the best!
you were my ALL TIME FAVORITE sinday school teacher so you have that going for you!! you're sharing time's will be remarkable!
Oi! That's all I've got. You'll do great!
Not that you need any more comments (sheesh, 16, you're well loved), but it's going to be awesome. I support you 110%.
Post a Comment