May Newsletter From Stake Primary Presidency

Sharing Time for Primary Presidencies
Oakland Stake Primary Newsletter Vol. 4, May 2013

I recently viewed the General Sunday School Auxiliary Leadership Training - what a great resource!

Did you know that the Sunday School of each ward is responsible for training all teachers (including Primary teachers)?

Did you know that the most important part of your Primary teaching is in your own daily spiritual preparation?

Have you sensed the change in emphasis - from children/students who sit in a class waiting to receive the prepared lesson to “gospel learners” who also have responsibilities in the classroom?

Did you know that your purpose as a Primary teacher is to help the children become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ (not just to gain a testimony)?

Did you know that your calling is to teach as the Savior taught? (Now, that is a tall order!)

To that end, the church has introduced “Teaching in the Savior’s Way” to inspire us to look to the Savior and ponder his ways as we prepare and teach. The Savior (1) loved those he taught, (2) knew those he taught and who they could become, (3) used the scriptures, (4) shared simple, relevant stories and parables, (5) asked questions that caused gospel learners to think and feel deeply, (6) invited them to testify, (7) trusted those he taught and gave them opportunities to serve, (8) invited them to act in faith, and (9) was their examplar, patterning the principles he taught.

I encourage all of us to become more familiar with the church’s new teaching resource, Teaching in the Savior’s Way.

The First Presidency has promised that as we pattern our gospel teaching in the Savior’s way, the Holy Ghost will help us know what to do, our own testimonies will grow, our personal conversions will be deepened, and we will be strengthened to meet the challenges of life.