I'm so new at teaching this age group (9 turning 10). I started teaching the sunbeams fresh out of high school (upon my request and the bishop was nice enough to listen). I spent most of my adult life in Jr. Primary with 3 or 4 year olds until I moved from Utah to Virginia. I had a turn in Relief Society and Sunday School and a little more Jr. Primary. Now it is time for Sr. Primary. My son is in my class and they called me to teach the Valiant 9's since I am the Bear Den leader. I was called to be the Bear Den leader in Sept/Oct when our ward split. I currently have 5 boys both in my den and in my primary class and one lovely young lady joins us on Sundays. I'm still trying to figure out the cub stuff and now how to teach/entertain/involve the kids on Sundays. Cub scouts meets every Wednesday from 7:30-8:30 ~ the same time the youth meet. The activity day girls also meet during this time twice a month. My goal is to share what I'm doing with my kids - both in scouts and in primary. I also hope to add projects I do (if I ever have time for any) and things I do with my family.
I feel like I need to add to the above paragraph for my nonLDS audience. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or LDS for short. Many people know us by our nickname, Mormons. As our name states we are Christians, we do believe in Jesus Christ. I am fortunate to be born into a family that was LDS and I was raised in the church. At eight years old I made the decision to be baptized ~ we believe that children are not held accountable until eight years of age. Until this time they are pure and are still learning right from wrong. At eight we are able to make that distinction and are given the opportunity to be baptized and make covenants with our Heavenly Father. Even though my memory of most of my childhood isn't the best, I still remember parts of my baptism and my confirmation. I love that our church is family based. We believe that families are eternal. My family is the highlight of my life and I'm blessed to KNOW that I will be with them forever, even after death. Jesus Christ has prepared the way to return to Heavenly Father. If I repent of my sins, follow the commandments and live my life as close as I can to the way Jesus Christ lived his then not only can I be reunited with my earthly family, but I can be reunited with my Heavenly Family ~ God and Jesus Christ. I'm also thankful for the guidance the Word of Wisdom and the youth program gave me. They have instilled many values that still keep me safe and healthy. I'm thankful to be a member of this church, for a living prophet, and for all the joys and comforts I have received through being a member.
To learn more about our beliefs you may visit: mormon.org, read The Book of Mormon, visit one of our churches, or listen to some missionaries.