Junior Primary Lesson on Tithing

The lesson I was teaching my 6 year olds in primary was on tithing today. I was trying to find a fun way to teach this concept so I did a web search and found a fun idea. It was on www.sugerdoodle.net. I thought I would share it with you as it was a big hit today!
Tithing and Temples
by Melinda Haney

We first discussed what tithing was and how we got the money to build the temples. Then I gave each child a dixie cup with 10 M&M's in it to represent 10 dimes. I also had a bag of white homemade playdough that was shaped into little balls. If a child wanted to help build the temple, then they put one M&M in our tithing envelope. Since they had paid their tithig, they got one ball of play-dough because they helped to build the temple. Each child got to shape their ball into a stone and then place it on a paper plate and we built a small miniture temple out of our stones. Then we talked about how Heavenly Father always blesses us, and how sometimes it is hard to part with our money (M&M's) but if we follow the Lords commandments He will bless us more then we could ever imagine. So at the end everybody who paid their tithing, got two extra M&M's as their blessings.

(I did have some children who did not want to put one of their M&M's in the tithing envelope because they wanted to eat them all. I told them that was completely fine, because Heavenly Father always gives us a choice. However, if they chose not to pay their "tithing" then they would not get a temple stone to help build the temple, the only way to get the money for the stones was by paying their tithing. Because they all wanted to help build the temple, they all decided to pay their tithing.)

Back at Hanna!

Hanna Fenichel, the preschool I wish I went to. Sydney is a graduate of this world of dress up, messy play, animals and endless hours of creative play. Bella and Preston have been following in her footsteps and are now firmly planted there. They talk endlessly about "their school" and their teachers and friends. Their first day back this year was full of excitement as they wondered what changes had happened to the school while they were away for the summer. I was excited to know that all the paint, sand and water play could now be done a school and not in my house for a few months.





Bella is in a new classroom with new teachers this year. Her teachers, Eva and Marta have been with the school for years and have a wonderful way of incorporating science the 3 R's and friendship into the day with out the kids figuring out that they are not just having fun. And how could the kids help but be intrigued with what they have to offer. Walking into their room you see four different kinds of animals, a mother rabbit with 3 babies, 2 hermit crabs, 2 parakeets and a millipede. As the children learn the basics like beginning reading and writing there are rabbits hopping around the classroom and beautiful music softly playing in the background. I wish I could spend a few day's here. In true Bella form she asks me after only a week of school if she "has to go EVERY day". I just smiled and said gently that yes she "gets" to go every day. I was also smiling inside as I thought that with all that preschool has to offer nothing was better then a day with Mom! I think we will have to take a few day's off of school together.

Preston has totally changed regarding preschool. Last year he really wanted nothing to do with it. This year on the first day he walked right into his classroom, gave his teacher a huge hug and got to work painting. He has been coming home talking about all his friends and the fun play they did together. He is very social and happy. Those of you who know Preston and our struggles over the past year know what a pleasant change with is. I'm so happy for him and this new world that has opened up to him.

First Day of 1st Grade

Sydney went back to Torrey Hill's Elementary on August 25Th as a first grader. It was really hard to see her go after the fun summer we had. I also knew she did not know what she was getting into. The longer day's at school, more work and less play. I knew it would be hard on her. But she was up and ready to go on to 1st grade in her new dress and shoes she picked out. She had gone to the school over the weekend with Todd to see where her classroom was so she felt very confident as she directed me and her siblings where to go. Todd and I were the typical parents with the camera and video camera out documenting every footstep. There was not a tear shed by her as we all hugged and kissed her goodbye. I felt sad but I kept up a good front for her.

Happy Birthday to my Boy's!!

My boys are growing up. Mainly my little man Preston but also his dad. Preston and Todd have birthday's two day's apart. We tried for Preston to come on Todd's birthday but he wanted to make an entrance on his own day. Preston's birthday landed on the first day of school this year but even with all the excitement of that we still fit in a very Preston birthday. Which means robots (yes his new obsession) and baseball! We had a little cake with some friends that morning and then that night the family had more cake and went to see the Padre's play. Preston and Todd could not have been happier.




I really can't believe Preston is 3 years old. He is turning into such a little boy with his own opinions on just about everything and a love for all things that roll or bounce. He also LOVES robots. We don't know where he learned about robots but we think it's so funny when he walks around the house imitating one and speaking in his robot voice. I miss my little cuddly baby who looked at me such such adoration but I seem to fall in love with each new stage he is in.





Our favorite Man around the house had a birthday to! Todd's birthday came a couple of day's after Preston's. We celebrated in Todd fashion, which includes Grasshopper pie from Baskin Robbins and the beach. Sydney is really into boogie boarding so she insisted that Daddy wanted one so he could go with her. He was pretty surprised by his new board (he's an avid surfer) but was very excited to try it out with his girls. So after he opened presents we headed to the beach for an evening picnic dinner and a sunset boogie boarding session. It was such a great night!!!



We love you Todd- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!