Taking a Break

Despite getting back into a normal routine recently, my posts here have been severely lacking.

I am apologising once again for the lack of posts, but this time I am also giving myself a break.

As I am sure you are well aware life changes quite often when living with a toddler and although I may have had the time and energy to keep this blog up weekly back when I started, that is just not the case now. As such I have decided to stop with the weekly posts.

I will try to get through the Book of Mormon Stories chapters still, but it will certainly be at my own pace. If any of you lovely readers feel that you would like to take on some posting duties (ie. we could switch off weeks) then I would love to hear from you!

Thank you so much for being my loyal readers. I have really enjoyed being able to help out and encourage other toddler mothers. More than anything this blog has helped me implement a great reading schedule for LQ and me.

Week 21: Chapter 21 - The Amlicites

Book of Mormon Stories
Chapter 21: The Amlicites


Again, these Nephites were blessed because of their righteousness. If you didn't get to use any of last week's suggestions, draw from that list. This week's list is pretty lame because I was really stumped with what I should focus on.

The themes that I came up with for this particular story were: voting, democracy, being blessed for being righteous, marking ourselves (tattoos, etc) is wrong.

So along with last week's suggestions here are a few more that you may think your toddler will enjoy.

• Vote for which doll/teddy bear/stuffed toy will be president of the room. If you really wanted to get into it, you could make your own ballot box and have the toys debate why each one is better than the other.
• Make newspaper swords (rolled up newpaper) and re-enact Alma and Amlici's fight.
• Explain that our body's are gifts from Heavenly Father and that we should treat them carefully (I'm not sure if you want to go into the whole tattoo thing, but if you think your child is ready, go for it).
• Sing "the Lord Gave Me a Temple" (Children's Songbook page 153)

Good luck with that eclectic list!

Moving Again

We are in the middle of moving and trying to set up internet connections. I will have a post up in a few days. Of course if I were organised, I would have already done the post BEFORE moving.

Oh, well... I am working on my organisation skills.

xx

An Indulgence

I hope you will forgive me as I am about to post something a little bit unrelated to toddlers.

I am currently going through the next story in the Book of Mormon Stories picture book, "The Amlicites" - Chapter 21.

It brought to mind an email I sent to my Mother in Law last year after I had read Chapter 2 of Alma for my own personal study. I thought I would share that email with you.

A bit of background before you read: As you may have guessed (from my funny spelling) I am Australian. I am married to an American. I was intrigued with the amount of passion many Americans had toward the recent presidential election. I have no particular bias toward any political party because I have not lived in America long enough to know which party believes what. So please read the email knowing I am not saying that one political party is more like the Amlicites!!



Dear Mom,

I find it interesting that only a day after the American Presidential election I should be reading Alma 2. I was inspired to share with you my thoughts as Dal has mentioned you are concerned about the uncertain future that we face.

Chapter 2 of Alma starts with Amlici stirring up the hearts of those around him and gaining a great support from many of the Nephites who want to make him king. It then goes on to say that the righteous Nephites were ALARMED that they might actually be subject to Amlici because there were so many people who liked him. But as Mosiah had decreed that all things be done according to the "voice of the people", they all came to together to vote on whether Amlici should be King or not.

It is interesting to note that in verse five there is a cross reference, after the mentioning of "much dispute and wonderful contentions", to 3 Nephi 11:29. I can imagine the many presidential debates that went on during that time! But Heavenly Father wants us to know that we can have a democracy WITHOUT contention, because contention is of the devil.

To the Nephites relief, Amlici is voted out. But this doesn't stop him. He gathers his MANY supporters together and raises an army against the Nephites. They go to battle and it looks like the Nephites are going to lose, but in verse 17 and 18 we see that the Lord strengthens the Nephites because of their faithfulness. Again in verse 28 he strengthens them in their faithfulness and prayers and then in verse 30 and 31 we see that Alma was strengthened because of his faithfulness.

I think Heavenly Father wants us to know that regardless of who is leading us or what our current political status, he will protect those saints that are faithful and trust in Him. It seems that chapter two is only the beginning of a long history of battles and wars and there are many Nephites who do die (I don't think that will happen to any of us soon!).... BUT the main theme of chapter two in Alma seems to be that the faithful will conquer, even when we are in the minority.

What a lovely way to start a beautiful day, with words of encouragement from my loving Heavenly Father!

A Neat Suggestion

Emily from Productive Parenting sent me an email with a fantastic idea for reading and memorising scriptures:

"One idea I’ve done with my kids is to make a ‘heart chart.’ With a big piece of construction paper I cut the shape of a heart then we glued 8-10 envelopes to it and in each envelope we put a scripture passage. Each week one of the children picks a new verse from an envelope on the heart chart for us to focus on for the week. By the end of the week it is memorized simply by focusing on the verse and applying it to different situations that arise throughout the week! "

Not only did she come up with this great suggestion, Emily also has a website www.productiveparenting.com. I have signed up for the daily emails that give me activity suggestions specific to LQ's age. I love it! I think you would too if you had a look!

Week 20: Chapter 20 - Alma and Nehor

Book of Mormon Stories
Chapter 20: Alma and Nehor

My favourite scripture from this particular story is Alma 1:25. It talks of standing steadfast through trials. But I am sure my little toddler is not going to quite appreciate that sentiment yet.

This is a somewhat depressing story about Nehor, but right at the end we are told that the faithful saints continued to keep the commandments and look after each other. So I thought I would draw from that positive ending and try to find some activities that go with keeping the commandments.

• Of course the first thing you must do is sing "Keep the Commandments"
• We have been trying to teach LQ the importance of obeying, so I will reinforce that this week, placing emphasis on the fact that it is a commandment.
• Create happy and sad face puppets. Give examples that your toddler will understand of keeping and breaking the commandments. He/she can hold up the happy or sad face according to your examples.
• Sing "Nephi's Courage"
• Act out ways you can keep the commandments. For example - pretend to pray, pretend you are taking the sacrament, play out going to church, etc.

Activities from the Friend

• December 1997 - A little poem talks of keeping the Commandments. It has a suggested finger puppet activity to go along with it, but unfortunately does not provide the template for the puppet.
• April 2009 - Both sets of LQ's Grandparents own chickens. LQ LOVES chickens. I think this story will go down a treat with her. I may even print out a few pictures of chickens and chicks for LQ to colour.

I know you are all ahead of me now... so what are some of the things you did for this story??

Activity Searching

Sare just left a comment on the previous post:

"How do you find all these resources? I want to know how you find the cool ideas you post. What kind of search do you do?"

Considering my lack of posting recently, I am sure that all of you are well ahead of me now in your scripture reading and I thought that it would be good idea to let you know how I find all my activities that I find each week. That way, you can carry on without me and I wont feel guilty every time I see that I am only up to chapter 19 and Sare is up to chapter 29!!!! (I am SO sorry Sare!)

First things first. See my list of Websites I Reference in the side bar there.... just under the long-winded blurb about the blog. Yep... the first website listed is the one I frequent most often. If you go to friend.lds.org you will see on the right side of the page there is an option to search The Friend.

I started at friend.lds.org mostly just searching through the sharing time ideas and then adapting them to fit a toddler's standard. This kind of fell dead a few posts ago when I couldn't find anything that I could adapt.

Then I figured I could type in the search box, "For Little Friends (and then my topic)". Then all I got was all the fun activities and stories specifically designed for littler people.

Some of my ideas also come from reading the stories in The Friend that are related to my topic. The idea of going on a picnic and letting your toddler carry the heavy bag, then lifting it to show how Heavenly Father lifts our burdens.... that idea came from a story that I read in The Friend.

Of course if you go to the Primary Manuals link you will find some wonderful ideas and activities particularly in the Nursery Manual. Although, I find that I only go to this resource if I have completely bled The Friend dry!

If your toddler is definitely into colouring then I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the LDS Family Fun (also known as Living Scriptures) website. I have mentioned before that they require a log in, but it is free to sign up and you get access to all their activity booklets. HOURS of colouring fun to be had there. If you can't find anything there, then the LDS Clipart link will have pretty much anything else you are looking for.

Two things that are important to remember:

1. I always try to adapt what we do in our every day play to incorporate a gospel message. Marching around banging instruments is definitely the flavour of the week for us. So singing as many marching Primary songs that go along with our theme works!
2. It helps to read the story and choose a theme before the week starts. That way you have a direction for your activities.

I hoped this has helped somewhat. Now you can all send me your wonderful ideas that you have been saving up to tell me!!

Week 19: Chapter 19 - The Sons of Mosiah Become Missionaries

Book of Mormon Stories
Chapter 19: The Sons of Mosiah Become Missionaries

As soon as I started reading this story I began humming "I Want to be a Missionary Now". And now I can't get it out of my head!! LQ and I spent the afternoon marching around the living room playing "instruments" and singing. I am thinking that I could do the same but sing "I Want to be a Missionary Now."

I love that just like young men today, the Sons of Mosiah gave up an opportunity that to the world would seem too good to give up - being King. Young men today give up so many opportunities to serve the Lord while on their mission... I think "sacrifice" would be a wonderful theme to go along with "being a Missionary" this week.

Aside from singing my missionary song, here are some other ideas.

• Make some cookies for the Elders in your ward
• Draw a picture for a missionary you may know that is serving. My brother is serving in Canada at the moment and I think he would appreciate something from his little niece!
• Sing "I Hope they Call Me on a Mission"
• There are two pages in the LDSFamilyFun booklet "Ammon, Missionary to the Lamanites" that are good colouring pages pertinent to this story. Remember you need to have a sign in (free to register) to access the activity books.
  

Friend Activities

• July 2008 - This page is full of goodness. It has a poem about the Son's of Mosiah with hand actions. It also has a colouring and pasting missionary activity. And a great little story about a missionary.
• September 2002 - Has a great poem about being different things when you grow up. Maybe you could say the poem while changing hats for the different occupations. Then give your toddler a missionary badge made from cardboard.
• July 1996 - A poem similar to the one above.

An Apology

I am so sorry that I haven't had this blog up to date recently. If you would like some excuses, you can click here, or here, here and here.

But if you aren't interested in excuses, please know that I am back on track and I will definitely do my best to go back to posting once a week.

Week 18: Chapter 18 - Alma the Younger Repents

Book of Mormon Stories
Chapter 18: Alma the Younger Repents

This is one of my favourite stories in the Book of Mormon. I guess I have a bit of a soft spot for wayward children, having been one myself. I know that Heavenly Father looked out for me during that difficult period of my life. I can only imagine the pain I put my parents through, but I am so grateful that regardless of what I did, my mum would always be ready with a hug.

So to read of Alma, King Mosiah and the many people who were being persecuted actually praying for those wayward boys just warms my heart. But enough about me... let's talk about:

• Forgiveness
• Repentance
• Prayer and Fasting
• Heavenly Father's Love for ALL His children

All good things to talk about to your toddler as you read this story to him/her. Some activities to go along with these themes include:

• Create flashcards of things Heavenly Father has blessed us with (ie. house, family, etc). As you show each card say "Heavenly Father loves you. He has given you a ..." If possible have your child name what is on the card.
• The lesson from the Nursery Manual "Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Love Me" has some very good activities to reinforce this particular topic.
• Explain that when Alma the Younger repented he said "I'm Sorry". Practice saying "I am Sorry"
• Sing "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" (Children's Songbook pg 228)
• Sing "I Pray in Faith" (Children's Songbook pg 14)

Activities from the Friend

• January 2009 - Make the bookmark provided for the sharing time.

Any suggestions? I have a bad case of vacation brain and would love some help!

Week 17: Chapter 17 - Alma and His People Escape

Book of Mormon Stories
Chapter 17: Alma and His People Escape

Another great escape. As mentioned in my previous post, this story is similar to King Limhi and his people escaping. The big difference being that Alma's people were already doing the right thing to begin with. They also didn't have to get the Lamanites drunk - they just fell asleep!

I love the scriptures in this story that tell how the people prayed in their hearts and Heavenly Father made their burdens light. I gotta tell you, I know that feeling of having my burdens made light - it's a nice feeling. Because I particularly like those verses, I will read with LQ Mosiah 24:10-15.

Another verse in Mosiah 24 mentions that after the Lord delivered Alma and His People from bondage everyone who could, lifted up their voice in praise and thanksgiving. Giving thanks could definitely be a good theme for the week. So I have thought of and found activities that will go along with the theme of giving thanks.

• Sing "Children All Over The World" (Children's Songbook pg #16)
• Sing "Thanks to Our Father" (Children's Songbook pg #20)
• Behold Your Little Ones: Nursery Manual has a lesson on Thankfulness - there is a great colouring activity that we will definitely be using this week.
• Go on a picnic and pack a backpack for your toddler. Make it heavy enough for them to realise when you lift it a little bit. Explain to them as you are lifting it that you are easing their burden just like Heavenly Father eased the burdens of the People of Alma.
• During dinner each day this week have each family member tell what they are grateful for.
• You can use last week's suggestions for the prayer part of the story
• Go for a walk and point out all the things you are thankful for.

The Friend Activities:

• November 2008 - Has a WONDERFUL matching game for things we are thankful for. The Sharing Time suggestions recommend that you discuss why you are thankful for the particular blessing when it is matched (you know I LOVE, love, LOVE matching games).

I just wanted to point out that whatever activity you choose to do, make sure that while you are doing it point out the similarities between what you are doing and the story that you read each day. It is through these small "chats" that your toddler will learn that he/she can learn important lessons from reading scriptures and that it is not just a boring thing to do.



On a different note, I have had some wonderful emails and comments recently and I just wanted to thank you for them. I have recently been in a blogging slump (if you haven't noticed) and it is the comments and emails that have kept me going. THANK YOU!!

Week 16: Chapter 16 - King Limhi and His People Escape

Book of Mormon Stories
Chapter 16: King Limhi and His People Escape


Ah.... those Lamanites. I had a sneak peek at next week's story - Alma and his people escape. It turns out the same group of Lamanites hosted the great escapes of both Limhi and his people AND Alma and his people. I just don't think they were ready to be leaders...!

This story is a good example of praying in faith, obeying the commandments and repenting of wickedness. Any activities that you can think of that will help your toddler to remember to choose the right, listen to the prophets or that teaches him/her to pray will go along nicely with the story. The activity involving the current apostles and flashcards I suggested two weeks ago would also go well with this story.

Specific activities I have thought of:

• Sing "I Pray in Faith" (Children's Songbook pg 14)
• Sing "I Need My Heavenly Father" (Children's Songbook pg 18)
• Show a picture of Jesus Christ and tell your toddler that he wants us to obey
• The Nursery Manual has two great lessons on obeying and praying
• Pretend to sneak past the guards at the door. If you have someone who's willing - why not post them at the door, get them drunk enough to pass out and then sneak past.

Activities from The Friend

• May 2001 - A colouring activity to hang on your wall
• May 2003 - If you are ambitious you could try creating this mobile with your toddler
• September 2008 - This activity is probably too much for a toddler, but I just had to show it to you. I think it is a GREAT idea for older children.
• June 1985 - You could use the little cards in this sharing time idea for a match up game.

Thank you for bearing with me and my tardy posts. I can't wait to review next week's story!!

Week 15: Chapter 15 - Alma Teaches and Baptizes

Book of Mormon
Chapter 15: Alma Teaches and Baptizes

I'll admit it - I have back-dated this post so it looks like I was diligent and posted it two weeks ago instead of the beginning of June. But if you don't read this paragraph I am sure you will be none the wiser.

This week Alma teaches and baptizes a slew of people. I have just taught a lesson in Primary about the blessings of being baptised that included the story of Alma teaching and baptising. The blessings included: 1) We become members of Jesus Christ's church; 2) We get the gift of the Holy Ghost; and 3) Heavenly Father forgives us.

These important blessings are outlined in Alma's story and would definitely be a great guideline for teaching the story this week.

Other activities that you may want to do:

• Help your child realise the importance of writing in his/her journal. After hearing what Abinadi had to say, Alma immediately wrote down everything that had been said. Write in a journal or draw a picture about something you have done during the day.
• Build a tent and hide in it for a day. You know I love me a tent!
• LDS Family Fun (aka the Living Scriptures) has an activity book about Abinadi. The last part of the book covers part of this Alma story.
• You could also use the flash cards at the end of the LDS Family Fun activity book to make a card match up game.
• Invite the missionaries over for dinner.

Activities from the Friend:
July 2005 - Help your toddler complete the diorama used for sharing time

Week 14: Chapter 14 - Abinadi and King Noah

Book of Mormon
Chapter 14: Abinadi and King Noah



While searching for activities to go along with this particular story, I came across many Sharing Time suggestions that had the theme of Obeying the Prophets. I think a perfect activity to complement Abinadi's story is to make up some flash cards with the pictures of the First Presidency and the 12 Apostles. As you go through the cards, tell your toddler what that Apostle spoke about at the last General Conference (obviously in a VERY summarised version).

Other activities include:

• The Living Scriptures (aka LDSFamilyFun) has an activity book with plenty of colouring pages for the Abinadi story
• Sing "Follow the Prophet" (Children's Songbook pg 110)
• Sing "Keep the Commandments" (Children's Songbook pg 146)
• Play Follow the Leader

Abinadi's story is quite long and important, so I would be inclined to spend two weeks going over this particular story. But I will still be back next week with the next chapter!

Felt Stories Winner

Comment number 6 - Bloomin Babes!

Bloomin' Babes said...

I also really like the LDS Collection. The pictures are great. My mom used to make something similar for me when I was young. I still remember how much better I remembered the stories we had pictures for.

May 14, 2009 12:45 PM

Congratulations! Please email me at toddlerscripture@gmail.com with your address so I can have Awnya send your gift.

Week 13: Chapter 13 - Zeniff

Book of Mormon
Chapter 13: Zeniff



Things I have learned from the Zeniff story:

1. Zeniff was a spy who learned to love the land he had spent so much time in. It seems he had also learned to love the people within that land.
2. Even though we may live in a different land to the majority of saints, the Lord still delights in giving us blessings and protecting us.
3. Fasting and Prayer used in faith can work miracles (eg; you CAN beat the lamanite armies)

Activities that can be used when teaching these lessons from Zeniff:

• Spy on the neighbours
• Go for a walk to find things you wouldn't normally find
• The lesson, "I Can Pray to Heavenly Father", from the new Nursery Manual has a few ideas on teaching your child to pray.
• Learn about different cultures
• Show and talk about the GAK picture 608 - Christ and Children from around the world
• Sing "Children all over the World" - Childrens Songbook, page 16.
• Look at a map of the world and talk about the different people that live on the different continents.
• Move to a different country and fight the natives

Activities from the Friend:

• September 2000 - Sharing Time: Fasting and Prayer
• June 2005 - "For Little Friends" teaches little ones about fast Sunday, fasting and prayer.

My initial reaction when I first read over this chapter was one of despair. I couldn't think what I could do to create lessons from a story about Nephites that moved to a hostile land and fought the Lamanites. But once I delved further into the scriptures associated with the pictures I was able to see why Heavenly Father had wanted this particular story included in the scriptures.

I love doing this blog just for the mini lessons that I learn each week. I am sure that as you study out each lesson before you teach your little one, you too will start to benefit from your toddler's scripture study.

##############

Don't forget to leave a comment on the post below to be in with a chance to win one of those snuggly felt scripture stories!!!

Felt Stories and GIVE AWAY!!

Over a month ago I was approached by Awnya Boam, the owner of Time4Felt, to do a product review. I was a bit reluctant to do anything like that on the blog that was really only started to give me an extra incentive to continue on with LQ's scripture reading. Moral dilemma and all that... I soon got over my moral dilemma and realised I could not only help Awnya out, but I could also get you guys another chance to win something!!

I know, I know... I am fantastic, you can thank me later.

Just this week I received some Book of Mormon felt stories to help with our scripture studies. Awnya sent me Nephi and the Brass Plates and Samuel the Lamanite.

Upon opening our special package I immediately noticed how beautifully rich the colours are on the felt. The side of the felt that is printed on is also VERY soft and I will make LQ play with them just so I can touch the felt. I know... weird! I am quite certain that the Quiet Books could be doubled up as a VERY nice pillow (if needed during church).

I was very excited that we got the story of Nephi and the Brass Plates, because just this Sunday gone, I was supposed to tell that particular story in my class. My class consists of 10 very boisterous 4 & 5 year olds. EEEEK! Each week I seem to outdo myself in creating an interesting way of telling what seems to be the longest story ever told. I have actually gone through quite a few of the archives on this blog and used a few of the activities that I had found. Hooray for me.

Back to the Felt Story. I can't tell you how relieved I was, when my class sat still (or as still as any five year old will sit) through the entire story of Nephi and the Brass Plates. I honestly haven't been able to capture their attention as well with any other prop. BUT - the all important question is: How did I go with teaching the scripture stories to LQ?

It was incredible! I wasn't sure if LQ would be into it, but as I told a summarised version of Nephi and the Brass Plates I handed each character to LQ to place on the felt board. She loved that she could tell the story in her own creative way. And once again, I was able to get through the ENTIRE story. SUCCESS! The felt even held up after LQ decided that it was more fun scrunching them and then throwing them into the air.

Would you like to be included in the chance to win a Mystery Story worth $17.00?

Go to Awnya's website www.time4felt.com. Check out her products - it is ok if you are there for a while, she has a LOT of fantastic products - and then come back here and leave a comment telling me which product you like the best. I have my eye on the LDS Book of Mormon collection, but until we move out of the whole student budget thing, I may just be content with the Book of Mormon Activity Book. Awnya even offers a cheaper alternative by selling the pieces uncut (you cut them yourself).

Well, what are you waiting for? Get on over to Time4Felt. Spread the word by posting about this competition on your blog (let me know in an extra comment) and I will give you an extra chance to win.

Time4Felt will definitely enhance your toddler's scripture study time.

Competition ends Midnight Monday 18th May 2009 (Australian Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be announced on Tuesday 19th May 2009.

Week 12: Chapters 11 & 12 - Enos and King Benjamin

Book of Mormon
Chapters 11 & 12: Enos and King Benjamin

I have combined these two chapters because, although the King Benjamin chapter is quite lengthy, Chapter 11 (Enos) is just about Enos praying about E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G.

LQ and I are going to read the Enos story on one day and then cover King Benjamin for the rest of the week.

King Benjamin is going to be read in a makeshift tent made from blankets and chairs. We will also dress up like a king and build a block tower.

Other ideas that I have for this week include:

• Making cookies and giving them to our friends (covering the service part of King Benjamin's speech)
• Look at all the pictures we have of Christ's earthly life and talk about that (just like King Benjamin)
• Colour, cut and paste the first two images on this page
• Sugardoodle.net has this idea for using a refrigerator box to make a tower

The possibilities are endless because King Benjamin taught a lot of different things. What ideas have you had?

Week 11: Chapter 10 - Jacob & Sherem

Book of Mormon
Chapter 10: Jacob & Sherem

Week 11 is almost over and I am only just writing this post. I apologise profusely. My only excuse is that LQ turned 2 today and I have been tied up doing stuff for her the past few days. She is officially an American citizen now which we are all excited about.

After reading through this week's story, I think that a great theme that we can study is testimony. Jacob bears his testimony to the people of Nephi and also to Sherem. Jacob 7:11 - "... Behold I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ."

So any activities that involve bearing my testimony or having LQ bear her testimony are going to be it. Because it is a tough thing for a little one that can barely speak to do, I have decided that we probably only have one or two activities that we do over and over throughout the week. One of which is to sing "I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ".

• This is a nice short story about a little five year old bearing her testimony.
• This "Testimony Glove" is a great idea.

I have to admit... a lot of my recent ideas have gone unused because LQ is enjoying sitting with me and flicking through my scriptures as I read a scripture to her. How has your toddler scripture reading time evolved?

So you missed out on the Quiet Book?

If you go here, there's a competition going on where you can win something similar.

Go there.... you will not be disappointed.

Week 10: Chapter 9 - A New Home in the Promised Land

Book of Mormon
Chapter 9: "A New Home in the Promised Land"

If you look at the scripture references for this chapter, you will notice that 2 Nephi is all summed up in this chapter. Lucky for LQ... she doesn't have to deal with Isaiah JUST yet.

Of course, this means that I can pick out some wonderful scriptures to read to LQ this week. One of those scriptures will be 1 Nephi 19:23

I encourage you to go through the last part of 1 Nephi, 2 Nephi and the first chapter of Jacob and pick out your favourite scriptures to read to your child. LQ really believes she is getting a special treat when I read to her from the scriptures. She isn't allowed to touch mummy's scriptures otherwise. It's nice that she has that excitement.

The story this week focuses on the Nephites setting up and the Lamanites being cursed. I thought of some fun activities that tie in with those themes.

• Plant some seeds and watch them grow (get that quick growing grass seed... toddlers attention span and all that)
• Set up a tent in your living room
• Tame wild beasts
• Search for gold and silver in the sandbox
• Build an altar with blocks (my favourite because it's so simple)
• Build a temple with blocks or recycled boxes
• Sing the second verse of "Love is Spoken Here" (Children's Songbook, pg 90)
• Talk about Lehi blessing his sons and then relate to your child the importance of the priesthood. This lesson from the new nursery manual has a colouring activity that explains how the priesthood is used.
• The Living Scriptures "Journey to the Promised Land" activity booklet has a few pages at the end that relate to arriving in the Promised Land.
• Talk about the different types of homes the Nephites lived in (tents, ship, houses) and then sing "Home" (Children's Songbook pg 192)

I know some of these are a stretch, but because the chapter spans such a huge amount of scripture, I really think you could slot in any subject you would like your toddler to learn. If you wanted to attempt Isaiah you could even talk about Christ's coming, etc.

If you have a particular problem or just need a sounding board for your own ideas for your toddler, send me a comment or an email. Hopefully I can help you out.

Week 9: Chapter 8 - Crossing the Sea

The Book of Mormon
Chapter 8: Crossing the Sea

"Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did ^apraise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions." 1 Nephi 18:16


There are a few scriptures in this weeks reading that I really enjoyed. One other that I just couldn't go past (which may or may not apply to me at the moment).... "And it came to pass that I ^aprayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm." verse 21. I need some calm in my life, could it be that I'm not praying enough?

This week, Laman and Lemuel are back at it. Why oh why did that family bother to bring those boys along? They were trouble from the start. They are just two big bullies. Can you imagine being stuck on a boat with them for too long? Although, being stuck in a small place with your entire extended family is going to make you do some crazy things. Maybe I have a little bit of sympathy for them.

I can see some water play happening with this weeks activities. Lots of water swooshing and maybe I can tie LQ to a pole for a few days, just so she knows how poor Nephi felt. Ok... just joking - but really, does anyone else blame me? The terrible twos are setting in. Other non restrictive activities include:

• Making our own boats and sailing them in the bath. Make a storm with fans, hands and watering cans.
• Packing a picnic lunch (packing the boat) and taking it to the park (the promised land)
• The Living Scriptures have a booklet "Journey to the Promised Land". I will be using some of the colouring pages

Ideas from the Friend:

• November 2000 - Journey to the Promised Land Game - a simplistic board game that I think LQ may enjoy for two minutes
• January 1996 - For older children another board game - Lehi's Journey to the Promised Land

There's not much more from the Friend (for this weeks ideas) that hasn't already been mentioned before on this blog. So go have a look at previous posts ... there should be a few links to the Friend that will correspond to this particular story.

I have been trying to think of an activity that involves the Liahona, but have been drawing a blank. If you have any ideas, please let me know, as I think the Liahona is a pivotal part of this story.

AWOL

LQ and I are taking a short break. We have decided to visit LQ's new cousin, Audrey and will be staying with Audrey and family until this Sunday.

We will be lucky to get a scripture read each day, because there will be too many Audrey cuddles to be had. So this week's scripture reading plan will be postponed until next week.

Happy Scripture reading!

Week 7: Chapter 7 - Building the Ship

The Book of Mormon
Chapter 7: Building the Ship


My apologies for the post delay this week. LQ and I have already started our scriptures for this week, but another project has consumed all my "LQ nap" time. So today I made myself sit down and work out what else LQ and I are going to do this week for scripture study.

LQ is still responding well to the quicktime version of the stories. Dal was making fun of them last night - whatever works I say. LQ also enjoyed flicking through my scriptures this morning while I explained to her that Heavenly Father blesses us when we keep the commandments.

This week Nephi and his family are building a ship. His brothers are being naughty again and Nephi gets to shock his brothers by touching them. I had a thought for an object lesson, I could build up a bit of static electricity and let LQ have it..... Bordering on child abuse, you say? Ok, I may let that idea slide then. Other non-abusive activity ideas include:

• Using blocks to build a boat
• "Sewing" a sail for the boat (you can make a sail out of cardboard and punch holes around the edge. Then your toddler can have fun sewing with string or wool)
• The Living Scriptures has an activity book to go along with their dvd "Journey to the Promised Land". Remember you can download these activity books for free if you register (for free). There are a few colouring pages that can be used for this particular story.

Ideas from the Friend:

• March 1992 - Sharing Time: Nephi Builds a Ship (diorama)
• March 1988 - Nephi Builds a Ship - you could do as the article suggests, or you could also use the pictures for a matching card game.
• November 2000 - Journey to the Promised Land - This one is too old for Toddlers but is a great game to play with the entire family

My favourite scripture from 1 Nephi 17 is verse 3. I have been reading this one to LQ over the last two days. It is easy to summarize and it has a great message to it.

As always,... I am eager to know how you are doing. Send me an email sometime.

Teaching Our Children to Love the Scriptures

I am giving a talk in April the topic is "How can we show our love for the Saviour to our Children?". I am supposed to fluff this topic out for 10 - 15 minutes and I am a little unsure how many times I can say "example".

Enough about my talk topic woes. In a desperate search for an article that covers that exact topic, I found this talk by Ann G. Wirthlin. It just reconfirmed the importance of reading the scriptures with LQ.

Week 6: Chapter 6 - Lehi's Dream

The Book of Mormon
Chapter 6: Lehi's Dream


Ok.... this one's going to be rough. I won't pretend that reading the story of Lehi's dream to a toddler excites me. It does in fact leave me sweating bullets.

I am considering just mumbling my way through this chapter, but I think I can make some pretty poignant points with this one.

I have decided that I will start to eat Maltesers in front of LQ and then explain that I will share them with her because I know that she will like them too. Then explain that's what Lehi did in his dream... except it was fruit.... and it was actually GOOD for his family (we will skip lightly past all that). So that may be my first day.... OR I may do it every single day this week.

Some other ideas I have had include:

• Following mummy around the room by holding on to the broomstick (iron rod, duh!)
• Sing the chorus of the hymn "The Iron Rod" while marching around the room.

Look to the Friend for some ideas:

• July 1998 - Joseph "Holds to the Iron Rod" - a flannel board story
• August 2006 - For Little Friends - a story and activity ideas
• August 2002 - The Lord's Temple - it's a stretch, but it's a poem with actions and talks about holding to the iron rod
• January 1996 - The Wonderful Fruit - cards to be printed out can be printed twice to make a match up game. You could also do the suggested activity if you have a child prodigy.

I am going to read 1 Nephi 8:10 to LQ each day.


While I love researching and planning LQ's scripture study, I would also love to hear if you have a successful day with your toddler or if there is something that your toddler particularly likes to do. I am eager to post your successes and ideas, so go ahead and email me at toddlerscripture[at]gmail.com

And the winner is...

I am so pleased with the turn out I had from the quiet book competition. Each comment helped me feel just that little bit better with my efforts in raising LQ.

It seems that staying in your pyjamas all day is a rite of passage for all new mothers. I do appreciate the more experienced mum's letting the rest of us know, that it is just a season. I think I will call this season of my life the "Pyjama Season".

“to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven; … a time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away (a time for pyjamas and a time for makeup).” (Eccl. 3:1, 6.)

I also appreciate those other mothers who admitted that they experience the same pyjama struggle.

As I read each of your comments and blogs (yep, I visited your blogs, the ones who allowed me) I realised that this competition probably wasn't such a good idea after all. I am terrible to watch sports with, because I will barrack for the losing team because I feel sorry for them.... this means I may even change my allegiance halfway through a game. It is because of my soft approach to losers (and because I know that each of you would have loved getting that book) that I find myself struggling to announce just one winner... I want everyone to have a quiet book!

But I only have one Quiet Book, so I will be happy for the winner instead of sad for the "non-winners".

Congratulations Nannette!

Could you email me (helencluff[at]gmail.com) and let me know your address so the quiet book can be sent on to you. Did you know Nannette has a little boy who just turned one on St. Patricks Day? Dal and I were married on St. Patricks Day. Fun.

Don't forget that if you still want that Quiet Book, you can visit Knot Sew Shabby's etsy store and buy one for yourself.

Week 5: Chapter 5 - Traveling in the Wilderness

The Book of Mormon
Chapter 5: Traveling in the Wilderness

For those of you who are new, I base LQ's scripture study around the chapters of the softcover Book of Mormon Stories book that can be purchased from the LDS Distribution Services for US$7.00. It can also be found online. If you look back through my posts you will see that at the moment LQ doesn't sit very still while I read to her from this book. She does, however, sit still if I have her watch the Quicktime movie from here. It is also available in other movie formats.

LQ and I are going to do Chapter 4 this week, because we didn't get anything done last week. And I just can't go past the story of the Brass plates - it just wouldn't be right skipping a good chance to play sword fights.

BUT, it is always good to get ahead with my planning, so here is chapter 5.


This chapter seems to be a bit long but I am prepared to summarize the part about the "boys" going back to get the "girls". I don't see any complaining this time from Laman and Lemuel about going back to Jerusalem, silly boys. I am going to tell LQ that Heavenly Father wanted the boys to have someone to marry so they went back to Jerusalem and encouraged Ishmael's family to join them. That pretty much sums up the first page.

Then we can get on with the Liahona, the bow breaking and Laman and Lemuel getting into trouble again.

Scriptures that I will read to LQ from the Book of Mormon include: 1 Nephi 16:4, 1 Nephi 16:29 (last sentence). These are just scriptures that I feel contain an important lesson that go along with the chapter.

Here are some resources I will be using for activities this week:

• The Friend

June 1987 - Sharing Time: Compass of Faith (some great ideas and activities in this article)
May 2000 - The Liahona and the Holy Ghost (LQ will enjoy turning the pencils)
October 1998 - Liahona Colouring (I will use the picture of the Liahona for a colouring activity)

• We may marry off LQ's Fisher Price Little People
• Make a bow and arrow and "shoot" some of the Fisher Price Little People farm animals, cleverly disguised as wild animals
• Why not have a hat day? Wear some tea towels on your head so you can be a part of Lehi's family. Get out your wedding veil (if you kept it) and pretend to have a wedding.

If you have just recently found this blog, I encourage you to look through some of the older posts. There are some failures, successes and suggestions for reading to your toddler (which I am sure you probably already know).

Let me know how you go this week!

Ideas?

Because I am going to have THOUSANDS of people visit this blog in the next week, I thought I might use the opportunity to get some ideas thrown around this rattly blog.

This week I have been a little lackadaisical in my approach to furthering LQ's eternal salvation. In fact things seem to have completely stopped for me. Are you ready for the excuses? I had a bit more on my plate... and LQ has been waking up in the middle of the night for the past four days, so when she wakes up at six I am JUST NOT READY to be the spiritual giant that I usually am.

I have also come across a few different things on the internet that have had me thinking. So my questions to you are:

If you already do scripture study with your toddler, or older children for that matter, do you just read whatever book you are reading consecutively or do you actually study the scriptures with a particular topic in mind?

OR if you don't do scripture study with your toddler and never plan on doing it and are just here for the chance to win a fantastic QUIET BOOK then tell me this - When raising a toddler, what gets you (or what got you) out of your pyjamas each day? Because most days.... I'm still in mine when Dal arrives home from work.

Found

In a desperate search for something else, I found right at the bottom of the ldsfamilyfun download page a boardgame called The Quest for the Brass Plates game.

Ummmm .... FANTASTIC! It's a PDF that you download and mount the game and cards on cardboard. I wish LQ was a little older so we could play this.

Week 4: Chapter 4 - The Brass Plates

The Book of Mormon
Chapter 4 - The Brass Plates

Finally we get some action! This is a bit of a long story, but the sentences that are associated with each picture are quite short, so I am hoping that the entire story will hold LQ's attention. I will use the downloaded "movie" again because it worked so well last week.

This week's plan includes only reading one scripture this week. I will concentrate on 1 Nephi 3:7 "I will go and do, etc." I am planning on reading this to LQ every day in the hopes that she will become very familiar with it.

While discussing the story with LQ I am also going to have her do the following activities:

• Colouring pages from the living scriptures
• Make the brass plates from orange cardboard and pipe cleaners
• Make and use paper swords
• Dress up and pretend to be Laban like Nephi did
• "Read" Old Testament stories from our made up Brass Plates like Lehi did

I have also found a few related activities in the Friend that would suit older children:

September 1996 - Brass Plates Code
March 2004 - Nephi and the Brass Plates
February 1996 - Nephi gets the Brass Plates (this could be used as a matching game for your toddler)

If you are doing any of these activities or have found something that works really well for you, let me know. I'd love to hear from you - and you, Denae ;)

Lehi's Journey

The first title I thought of for this post, was "Lehi's Ass". Because here it is in all it's glory.

But to be on the safe side, I thought I'd include his Camels too.

And then there's his motley family with the dog that is just as big as Lehi (who used to be known as Noah in his former life).

I think I had more fun doing this than LQ did!

Success

This morning, instead of turning the TV on as soon as LQ woke up (this is usually done so mum can get a few more minutes of sleep time), I took her to the computer to have her watch and listen to this week's scripture story.

It worked! She sat on my lap, listened to the story and pointed to things in the pictures that I was pointing to. I was so pleased she was so attentive. I was also pleased that I had made an effort this morning.

LQ also prayed and read the proper scripture with me before sliding off my lap and running to her toys. I am high on a successful mummy moment.

Week 3: Chapter 3 - Lehi Leaves Jerusalem

Book of Mormon
Chapter 3: Lehi Leaves Jerusalem


Instead of using our scripture picture book this week, I am going to download the story to Quicktime and have the computer tell us the story (you can follow this link which will give you several media options to watch the story). LQ enjoys sitting at the computer and just watching me play Mickey Mouse games for her, so I think this will have the same sort of appeal. As well as the excitement of a new medium, it is also someone else telling the story. This means that while the story is being told, I can point out in the pictures what is going on. I am excited to try out this new method.

As we continue on in the chronological order (Don't tempt me otherwise, DeNae!), I am really becoming eager to get to a story that has some ACTION! Until then, I will try and make the "lead up" stories seem as exciting.

Activities that go along with this story include:

• Build an altar out of blocks
• Erect a tent out of chairs and blankets
• Pretend to be in Lehi's family and pack only the most important things - The July 1995 Friend gives a good FHE activity idea that is perfect for this particular story. I thought to simplify it for LQ, I will have her pack her Tinkerbell suitcase with "important" items.
• LQ has a couple of different Fisher Price Little People sets including Noah's Ark. I am going to take the camels and Noah from that set; the farmer, horses and mule from the Farm set; and two other little people to create a scene of Lehi's family departing into the wilderness.

Once again, the living scriptures activity booklet has colouring pages as well as a connect-the-dots activity for older children.

Particular scriptures that I will read and discuss with LQ include 1 Nephi 2:2, 1 Nephi 2:3, 1 Nephi 2:7, 1 Nephi 2:16.

All wrapped up

It is Sunday, which means week two has disappeared behind me in a cloud of dust made up of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, dirty clothes, a trip interstate and a few scriptures thrown in for good measure.

Dear old Lehi has not played as prominent part in my toddler's life as much as I would have liked this week. However, I am determined to stick with this project. Mostly because I don't want to be labeled a "quitter"!

LQ and I did sit down this week and read and discussed the scripture "having been born of goodly parents".

One thing I have discovered is that example plays a vital part in the process of LQ's learning. Therefore, along with reading with LQ, I will make a point of doing my personal scripture study while LQ is awake and aware of what I am doing. Maybe this will encourage a little more attention from LQ.

What Scripture Study Means to LQ

I have made a rod for my own back.

Whenever I mention reading the scriptures, LQ immediately looks at the colouring pencils and markers and starts making a whining noise until I let her colour. We can't even read one scripture before she has a complete meltdown. I guess this just goes to show how often I have been using the colouring thing to keep her interest.

It doesn't end there. Yesterday when she decided she wanted to colour. Instead of standing at the shelf that has the colouring accoutrement, she waddled her way over to where I was, folded her little chubby arms, bowed her head and said "Amen". LQ kept saying "Amen" until I realised that saying "Amen" meant she wanted to colour.

Oi! I can't seem to get anything right! Today is for role playing, methinks.

Week 2: Chapter 2 - Lehi Warns the People

Book of Mormon
Chapter 2 - Lehi Warns the People

I am really excited about the chapter this week. It is only one page and it only covers 20 verses of 1 Nephi chapter 1. My excitement stems from the fact that I may not "drown" in the story telling this week.

As far as posting goes, I have decided to do things a little differently this week. Because there is such a range in understanding among little children, I thought I would give you all my ideas for this week in this post. This means having a less rigid structure for each day and if there is something that works particularly well, you (or I) can do it maybe more than once during the week.

It's all about going with the flow and learning from our mistakes.

Here is what I have so far:

The living Scriptures (or LDSFamilyFun as I have found it to be called) has an activity booklet for "Nephi and the Brass Plates." The first few colouring pages cover Lehi warning the people. I think I will use those during the week.

The January 1996 Friend has a board game about Lehi and his travels. You could use this to introduce this story and the next in the book for children a little older. The linked page doesn't actually give you a diagram of the board game.... but it seems to me like it would be easy enough to make up (from reading the directions).

Role Play - Standing on a table (if mum allows it!) and preaching to the wicked people from Jerusalem (any stuffed toys that you have) should be a hit. I am also looking forward to pretending to be asleep and having a vision... that one should be fun!

Particular scriptures that I will read and explain include - 1 Nephi 1:1 (I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents), 1 Nephi 1:5, 1 Nephi 1:19 (over a few days), 1 Nephi 1:20 (again over a few different days)

I don't have any craft ideas for this week, but if you do, let me know!

Day 5 - Just Reading!

Today I am going over the entire story with LQ one more time. I will also read to her the scripture from James that Joseph Smith read, you know "if any of you lack wisdom... blah, blah, blah."

Remember to make it exciting!

Day Four - Recap

Well, Denae was right. I do need to ease up a bit. I am good at tackling new projects ferociously and then leaving them to die a slow and painful death.

So in the interest of my self preservation today I printed out a colouring page from the Living Scriptures website and recited the story of how we got the Book of Mormon while LQ coloured. I promise I will do the Gold Plates craft thing... probably on Sunday.

Day Four - Craft

Today I am planning on making the Gold Plates with LQ.

It is not going to be a too detailed project as I am still wary from Day Three's disaster.

I think I will make the Gold plates with some cardboard, glue some yellow paper to the cardboard on both sides, punch holes in the side of the yellow "pages" and thread pipe cleaners through the holes.  Voila.... your very own set of Gold Plates.  I just KNOW LQ will find writing on them the most exciting part.

So before we make the plates, I will share another scripture about Moroni showing Joseph Smith the Gold Plates.  While we are making the Gold Plates, I will tell LQ all about how Joseph Smith translated the writings on the Gold Plates and that is how we got the Book of Mormon.

Sorry I don't have a particular scripture for you... it's been a big day and I am ready for bed!

Day Three - Recap

Ok, so today didn't go so well.

I ended up on the floor crying while my sister (who is visiting) ran out to find LQ.  Sister then told LQ to get back inside and help mummy dig for the gold plates before mummy had a complete nervous breakdown.

My problem started at three this morning when LQ woke up for the third day in a row at that hour (UGH!).  We all woke up looking like zombies this morning and I just didn't have enough energy to do scripture study when LQ was still bright and bubbly.  I did it when she was at her contrary stage.... you know the stage they get to right before you declare "NAP time!"

Here's to hoping that my scripture study goes a little better tomorrow.  I am not counting on it, though - I have to wake up before the crack of dawn to take dear Sister to the airport (which I love doing, by the way!)

Another Resource

My friend Misty was so kind and offered some more suggestions for resources. Thanks Misty!

I went and checked out the stuff she suggested. The Book of Mormon for Latter-Day Saint Families is definitely something I will keep in mind, as LQ gets older she will probably appreciate something like that.

I also checked out The Living Scriptures at livingscriptures.com. While the DVD's are really pricey, Dal and I have a soft spot for these "movies" because we watched some of them when we were growing up (Dal can quote a few of the Nephi lines REALLY well). Whenever I am reminded of these particular DVD's, I make a mental note to start my collection. My collection is still to be started.

HOWEVER.... I looked into the other resources that they have available and I found that they have FREE Activity books that you can download from their website. You just have to register... which was one of the easiest registering processes I have done in a while. The activity booklets are full of great colouring pages and if you have older children, there are crosswords and other activities.

I am particularly excited about the little cards that are at the end of the booklet. They are to cut out and then put in order, but I think if I make two sets, then Isabel and I can play match the cards.

Go take a LOOK!

Day 3 - Role Play

My previous calling was in Primary and I had the opportunity to teach classes, sharing time and singing time. One of the directives from the General Primary Presidency (which I can't find at the moment) was not to allow the children to play the role of Jesus Christ or Heavenly Father when doing role playing. I will continue using this directive in my own home.
Therefore, today we will both be playing the part of Joseph Smith and the Angel Moroni.

My Plan:

Say an opening prayer

Read Joseph Smith History 1:33 "... that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations,"

Explain that after Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ he kept praying. He was praying one night when the Angle Moroni came to visit him.

Read story from "An Angel named Moroni appeared and told Joseph..." As we read the story, act out the roles of Joseph Smith and the Angel Moroni

ie. When the Angel appeared, Joseph Smith was scared (let's be scared)

The Angel appeared three times (let us appear three times ;) )

Make sure that LQ gets to "dig up" some Gold plates.

Show LQ the Book of Mormon and tell her that what is written in the book is what was written on the Gold Plates.

Say a closing prayer (I am not sure how many prayers you want to say, but praying is one of Isabel's favourite things to do at the moment - hence the MANY prayers!)

Day 2 - Recap

Are you interested in hearing how my plans actually turn out?

Day 2 Recap:

I was quite surprised at how excited LQ was at reading the "proper" scriptures with me. I guess it is because I have made them to be precious and she isn't to touch them without me. This worked in my favour this morning, because she was very attentive when I read her the scripture from Joseph Smith History.

She's still not into the whole story book idea and I am having some thoughts about doing my own picture board book each week for each story. This may seem like a bit more work, but I think she will sit still for the story if I do.

As expected LQ really enjoyed the colouring part of the morning. Here is how her picture turned out. I am sure she was trying to recreate the darkness that came before Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. If you squint you can make out the two Heavenly Beings behind her scribble.


As she was colouring I kept repeating the scripture to her and pointing out that Joseph Smith was reading the scriptures just like we did this morning.

LQ is also really into folding her arms and bowing her head ready for prayer, so I took advantage of any time that she wanted to do that I would say a quick little prayer with her. Thanking Heavenly Father for the scriptures, Joseph Smith, anything that related to our scripture study really.

Day 2 - Colouring

I have used some of the free LDS Clipart to make a colouring page. It has pictures of Joseph Smith reading the bible, praying and then a picture of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as they appeared to Joseph Smith.

It was simple enough to make up and you can access it here.

At this point in her life, LQ loves to colour.

My plan:

Show LQ the scriptures. Tell her that I am going to read her a special scripture that Joseph Smith read. Read the part of Joseph Smith - History verse 11 that says "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God".

Tell LQ that God is also called Heavenly Father and that is who we pray to.

Show LQ the colouring sheet and retell the first half of Chapter 1 story while she colours. Show her the pictures in the storybook that correspond with the pictures she is colouring.

Day 1 - Read the Story

Today was my first day trying any of this. Remember I am just as new as you at this, so bear with me. If you have any ideas, let me know!!

For Day 1, I felt that just introducing the story was enough. I pointed to a few pictures and explained what was going on. We didn't quite get through the entire story, but I managed to point out that Angel Moroni showed Joseph Smith where the Gold Plates were hidden.

I think it is best if you read the story by yourself before hand and pick out the main points. Get a feel for how long your toddler will sit and listen and then edit the story accordingly.

My husband leaves for work at 6.30 every morning. So to start a time table that will help LQ realise when it's scripture study time, I have decided to say family prayer with daddy just before he leaves and then LQ and I will sit and study the scriptures immediately after.

Now is a good time to figure out when your child will be most settled and ready to have scripture study with you. If you can find a time that suits all your family members, then all the better.

Week 1: Chapter 1 - How We Got the Book of Mormon

Book of Mormon
Chapter 1 - How We Got the Book of Mormon

I have decided not to reinvent the wheel and I am going to follow loosely the Book of Mormon Study Guide: Age of Innocence schedule to begin with. This schedule does not have the first chapter of the Book of Mormon Scripture Stories, however, I am going to cover that chapter this week.

The idea is to read the one story to your child for the full week. I am also going to endeavour to incorporate reading an actual scripture from the references given in each chapter. In doing this, I hope to instill the sense of actual scripture study and NOT just reading stories and doing activities. This means having a set of scriptures for your child. Probably one of the soft blue covered Book's of Mormon is enough for a child that young.

When reading the story, make sure you use a lot of inflection in your voice. Sound excited about things that are exciting. Sound sad when things are not going so well for the hero of the story. The pictures in the stories are not catered towards toddlers who love bright colours, but I find that if I am pointing to the picture while I describe it, LQ seems a little more interested.