Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Monkey See Monkey Do

This activity will actually be for the 3rd week of November. I've been relieved of duties for this coming week because of a special activity the presidency is doing with the kids. The theme for week 3 is "I can be a good example to my family".


Preparation:

7 monkey faces that have a song listed with a different way to sing the song on the back of the faces. You should hang these (or mildly hide them) around the primary room.

On the chalk board write the words: "I can be a good example in my home by..."


Presentation:

Sing the 4Th verse to "The Family is of God" to the children. Have them listen for the word that you leave out. Leave out the word "Example". After singing, ask them what word you left out. Have quick discussion of what the word "Example" means.

Explain that even when they are not aware of it, they are an example to others. Explain that the strongest example for good or bad will be felt in their own homes. Tell them, that for many of them, they are the example to their younger brothers and sisters. Younger siblings often learn by coping behavior. If they see older brother smile, they try smiling. If they hear someone say a bad word, they try and say the bad word. Explain that monkeys often mimic each others behavior..and that there is an old saying, "Monkey see, Monkey do". Little kids often want to be just like their older siblings and try and do everything they do regardless if it is right or wrong. So, If they show a good example they will be able to strengthen their families with their righteous example.

Tell the children that there are some monkeys hiding in our primary room today watching them. The monkeys have some ideas on how they can be good examples in their families. Pick a child to go and find a monkey. Sing and do the corresponding activity. Have the children pick a word from the song that describes what they could do in their homes to be a good example and write that word on the board.

I can be a good example to my family by...

1. (smile) If you chance to meet a frown (Have a child hold smile/frown sign)

2. (cleaning up messes) Do as I'm doing (Have a child pretend to be picking things up off the floor and have the primary mimic the behavior)

3. (Reverent attitude) Reverently, Quietly (Have a child hold quite/loud signs)

4. (Prayer) Love is Spoken Here (Have the girls sing/boys sing)

5. (Reading Scriptures) Scripture Power (Have the children sing this staccato)

6. (Obedience to parents) When my mother calls me (Have a child be the chorister)

7. (Following Jesus Christ as Our Example/Showing faith in Him) Baptism (Have the children sing this without music)

End by quickly reviewing the words the children came up with. Show them there are many ways they are examples to their families. Share your testimony on strengthening family and others by righteous examples.



6 comments:

: ) Paula said...

love your blog!

Amber Hooten said...

I just got called as the primary chorister...I love this website. You have such great ideas that help spark my creativity! I love this monkey idea. I think I will use it this Sunday!

Wendy said...

My prayers have just been answered! Thank you, Melanie, for taking the time to share your ideas (and the gospel) through your blog. As the newest primary chorister in my own ward I will probably be a frequent visitor. Thanks again!!

Summer said...

I did something similar to this for the serving our families week. The kids drew out of a jar, ways that we can serve our family (smile, make a bed, rake leaves, etc) then we sang it to one of 3 songs: Fun to do, Do as I'm doing, or When we're helping. The kids got a kick out of it since they got to be up and doing the whole time.
Love your ideas! Thank you!

Lance and Sally Sagers said...

I did this last week and the kids loved it. I always get compliments from the teachers when I do your lessons. you are a life saver for me!

cjaster said...

thanks so much for all your posts. i use your ideas all the time, sometimes changing it up a bit & making it fit what i want to do. can't thank you enough for helping teach the children about the gospel & keeping it so the spirit can be there.