Lesson Plan: Follow the Spirit Daily

My mantra this year is "follow the Spirit."

What does it tell me to do right now?
#1: No clubs.  No outside groups.  Just us. Sigh. I was looking forward to trying to make online/distance groups work, as well as some more sign-language choir with friends.  Not now, apparently.
#2: Don't worry.  Enjoy learning.  Be patient. Learn the lessons God has for you.
#3: Don't force or coerce: just offer classes that I feel inspired to do (see outline later) and move forward in faith
#4: Daily accountability: kids document what they did for the day on a paper for them and me (and the others in the family) to see. (I believe "returning and reporting" is powerful.)
#5: Let the kids lead.  For instance, the other day Maia (5) said she wanted to paint the next day. (I felt prompted that she needed more Mom-time and so I asked what she wanted to do together.)  "What do you want to paint?" I asked.  "The ABCs" she said decidedly.
Rather than look on pinterest, I thought about how we could paint the ABCs.  We got out some index cards, painted one letter per card, took turns until all the alphabet letters were painted...and then hung them up!  Super cute, she was fulfilled, we learned, we carried it through. No extensive prep or worrying.  Time to move on. It was enough.

Spirit now?  Paint the house and finish it.  Our family needs more room to learn :).

Perspective

If you are LDS, you should check out Moses 6 as a beautiful guide to how and what is most important to learn.  I listened to it as I cleaned this morning (didn't finish it all), and it broadened my perspective.

Videos about Learning

I am not crazy about everything in these videos, but they opened up a lot of discussion.  Preview them before sharing with your families.  They do reference evolution (we talk about that a lot in our home...better introduced here than when they leave!) and...ummm...I think that was in on "questionable" stuff that you might want a head's up on.  I was glad we watched them.  Here they are in case you would like to use them.

A Different Type of Devotional and Accountability

For August, we are focusing on where we are at and for future goals.  It is a great way to start the year :)!

Today, I had them reflect, rather than speak, and record an impression or thought about where they are at or future goals after each of the following videos:

Talk about needing to prepare to succeed! (Not to mention the value of good mentors, right :)?)

It was pretty peaceful to listen to quiet music while they wrote and thought between each video, rather than talking as we normally do.  We would just pause the music when everyone was done.

This one doesn't have a youtube equivelent, so here it is:
http://www.values.com/hard-work
Totally worth it. We watch this one often.

This one was a great climax:

Talk about the need to be ready!  I liked this way, although I missed the talking.  (I forgot to give them time afterwards to share.) But I did have them each come up to me afterwards and share at least one thing I can put on my own list to help them with this year.

I am also continuing to do the "Accountability" record at the end or beginning of the next day.  They just list everything they accomplished.  (8 and older)  It is amazing the power of it, when they know they will have to record and answer for their days!  I don't do it as often as I should, but when I remember, I do it.  It works!