Monday, August 3, 2009

Primary Update

So I taught Sharing Time for my first time ever yesterday. Sharing time is when all the kids at church come together for a lesson before splitting up into classes with their age groups.

To be honest, I was freaking out. I love to teach. But teaching on kids terms is really different and much scarier for me. I am more comfortable in a room full of adults than a room full of kids. I know kids are really forgiving and if my lesson bombs, they totally forget moments later or don't even notice at all. But there are other grown ups in the room which makes me even more nervous to be out of my comfort zone. I was happy with the teaching rotation that allowed me to put off teaching Sharing Time for a few weeks.

I couldn't put it off any longer. All during sacrament meeting I sat there with a horrible pit in my stomach thinking about what was coming up. Oddly enough, when I stood up to teach, my fears left me. I loved it. Not that it was without flaws...I have plenty of room for improvement. But I found that I enjoyed teaching kids almost as much as I love teaching older people.

Plus, there is the added bonus of funny comments by kids. This is by FAR my favorite thing about primary. Kids blurt out the most entertaining things. And answers to questions are sometimes so off course. Oh man...I love it. (It's not nearly as cute when adults give answers that are way off course.)

I've been stressing about Sharing Time for weeks all for nothing. In fact, yesterday was the first time I found any amount of joy in this calling. For the first time I felt more controlled and less chaotic, even though I still have A LOT to learn. (Thank goodness for great teachers and a fantastic presidency...they're the ones running primary these days and I think they know it.)

Maybe my Sharing Time fears have been a big roadblock. In past callings, I've been blessed with an immediate love for those I'm serving. I have been really struggling with that this time around. But yesterday, as I was listening to the primary children sing, I was overwhelmed with love for each child. I'm so grateful to finally feel that. I was worried it wasn't going to happen.

I finally feel like I may be able to enjoy serving in primary and what I thought would be my least favorite responsibility, turned out to be the best part. I'm looking forward to my next turn to teach already...it beats hall duty for sure.

Now if I could just understand what in the world Cub Scouts is all about...

20 comments:

Kelly said...

I bet you're awesome and I know the kids love you!

AKA Rosa said...

It's easy to love the kids..... comes with being set apart. I am glad you enjoyed it. I know they will love you. As for scouts.... I have an eagle scout and have worked in scouts and I still don't get it. I just had a great counselor over it!!!! It will just prep you for when your boys get in there!! Keep us Posted on your Primary adventures!! Sure do miss your boys in our primary.

AKA Rosa said...

It's easy to love the kids..... comes with being set apart. I am glad you enjoyed it. I know they will love you. As for scouts.... I have an eagle scout and have worked in scouts and I still don't get it. I just had a great counselor over it!!!! It will just prep you for when your boys get in there!! Keep us Posted on your Primary adventures!! Sure do miss your boys in our primary.

Hubba's Thoughts said...

I did Sharing time yesterday too.. Jr. Primary was SOOO loud that I couldn't think. I think I totally bombed that one. Sr. Primary was better, I think it went better for them! I bet your primary kids LOVE you! I'm sure you did a great job!

jeanine said...

I'm so glad that you are starting to love primary. And I'm with you... the scariest part of teaching Sharing Time is the other adults in the room. I think I'd be fine if they all left and it was just me and the kids. Good luck with Cub Scouts. My mom recently was called as a Cub Scout leader. At first she was really nervous about it (she didn't know ANYTHING about scouts!) but now she LOVES it.

Kris said...

I think you are the perfect candidate for teaching young children. You are so great and creative with you own....good luck, but I don't think you will need it!

Traci Elizabeth said...

I would way rather teach the little guys. I bet you are awesome at it!! and you can totally act childish and its a hit!

Sam and Becky said...

I bet you were a hit! Good job Katie. :D

Genn said...

I am with everybody else. I bet the kids looooved you.

Genn said...

I am with everybody else. I bet the kids looooved you.

Genn said...

I am with everybody else. I bet the kids looooved you.

Eric said...

Good for you, I've been wondering how the new calling was coming along for you, knowing how much you love primary. I actually dread sharing time and am glad I don't have to do it as much as the presidency does. As for cub scout, you'll learn what it's all about once your boys are in it.

Abbey said...

So, glad that it went well. I think you are a natural when it comes to children.

Amanda B. said...

I am so sad I missed it!! But, so glad I am reading this because it helps me feel ALOT better about next Sunday- I have been really nervous about my turn coming up. :)

I had zero doubt you would do awesome. You are so much more amazing then you know. :)

Kelly said...

Told ya it wouldn't be so bad!! Kids are great- especially mine- ha ha
but seriously, it isn't as stressfull as other callings- I am so glad it is going well-I for one am thrilled with the new presidency= my kiddos are too!!

Autumn said...

I felt the EXACT same way about sharing time!!! Oh exactly. It was so embarassing to me HOW nervous I was about it. I was SO worried about having leftover time. Thankfully if anything I more often run out of time than material. I've been short 1-2 minutes before-not as bad as I would have expected. I LOVE the kids comments too--it makes primary so fun. That is really a major highlight for me.

Tammy said...

Of course it went well!! I've always thought that Primary is the best job in the church. And you are so creative and fun. I bet they loved you.

Erin said...

Isn't it amazing how the spirit can make a calling great! I had anxiety over teaching the 11 yr. old girls but after a few weeks of getting to know them I fell in love with them.

And I can't believe you were nervous-you are vvery entertaining, kids are bound to love you!!

Unknown said...

Can I just tell you that I love doing sharing time too?? That is so funny. (Not that I'm in Primary right now) I'm so glad you are warming up to it. It really is so fun when you have that love for them. I always try to imagine what Heavenly Father would have me teach these children that they will remember and build upon. :)

Unknown said...

P.S. Thanks for the ego-boost!:)