This manual serves as a guide for nursery leaders and workers, providing lessons to teach basic gospel doctrines to children aged 18 months to 3 years. The lessons are structured with introductions, learning activities, visuals, and teaching tips to create a loving, safe, and organized learning experience.
Purpose of the Nursery Class
The primary purpose of the nursery class, guided by the “Behold Your Little Ones” manual, is to introduce young children, specifically those between 18 months and 3 years old, to the foundational principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. This early exposure aims to foster a love for the Savior and Heavenly Father. Through engaging lessons and activities, the nursery class strives to create a positive and nurturing environment where children can begin to understand their identity as children of God.
The class also focuses on teaching them simple, age-appropriate doctrines such as the reality of Heavenly Father’s plan, the power of prayer, and the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for each of them. Furthermore, the nursery setting provides opportunities for children to develop social skills, learn to interact with others in a kind and respectful manner, and establish a sense of belonging within the church community. Ultimately, the nursery class seeks to lay a strong foundation of faith that will support these young children as they continue to grow and learn throughout their lives. The manual provides a structured approach.
Target Age Group: 18 Months to 3 Years
The “Behold Your Little Ones” nursery manual is specifically designed for children within the age range of 18 months to 3 years. This developmental stage is crucial as toddlers begin to explore their world, develop language skills, and learn to interact with others. The lessons and activities in the manual are tailored to meet the unique needs and capabilities of children in this age group. Recognizing that attention spans are short and learning is primarily experiential, the manual emphasizes hands-on activities, visual aids, and simple language to convey gospel principles effectively.
Children in this age group are typically developing a sense of independence and curiosity, making it an ideal time to introduce them to the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The nursery environment provides a safe and nurturing space where they can learn and grow while developing social skills and building positive relationships with peers and caregivers. The manual offers guidance on adapting lessons to accommodate the varying developmental levels within this age range. Furthermore, it helps teachers understand the characteristics of nursery-age children.
Core Doctrines Taught
The “Behold Your Little Ones” nursery manual focuses on teaching foundational doctrines of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that is accessible and engaging for young children. Among the core doctrines taught are the understanding that each child is a beloved child of God, possessing divine potential and worth. Children learn that Heavenly Father has a plan for them, a plan of happiness and eternal progression. They are introduced to the concept of prayer and taught that they can communicate with Heavenly Father through sincere prayer.
The manual also emphasizes the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for each individual child. These doctrines are presented through simple stories, songs, and activities that help children feel the Spirit and develop a sense of belonging and love for the gospel. The lessons are designed to build a strong foundation of faith in Jesus Christ, preparing them for future learning and spiritual growth. The manual aims to instill in each child a feeling of being valued, loved, and part of God’s eternal family.
Manual Structure: Lessons and Activities
The “Behold Your Little Ones” nursery manual is meticulously structured to provide nursery leaders with a comprehensive and user-friendly guide for teaching young children. Each lesson within the manual follows a consistent format, designed to facilitate effective learning and engagement. The lessons are thoughtfully crafted to introduce basic gospel doctrines in a way that is age-appropriate and easy for children to understand. Each lesson incorporates a variety of activities, including songs, stories, games, and visual aids, to cater to different learning styles and keep the children engaged.
The manual also provides optional activities to allow teachers to adapt the lesson to the specific needs and interests of their class. The inclusion of visuals, such as pictures and illustrations, helps to reinforce the concepts being taught and makes the lessons more memorable for the children. The manual offers teaching tips throughout each lesson, providing practical advice and suggestions for effectively managing the class and creating a positive learning environment. The combination of structured lessons and engaging activities makes the manual a valuable resource for nursery leaders seeking to nurture the spiritual development of young children.
Each lesson in the “Behold Your Little Ones” nursery manual is carefully crafted with specific components designed to engage young children and effectively teach gospel principles. The introduction serves to capture the children’s attention and prepare them for the lesson’s theme. It often involves a simple activity or question that relates to their everyday experiences. Activities form the heart of each lesson, providing opportunities for children to actively participate and learn through play. These activities may include singing songs, acting out stories, playing games, or creating simple crafts.
Visuals play a crucial role in helping young children understand abstract concepts. Each lesson incorporates age-appropriate pictures, illustrations, or objects that represent the gospel principle being taught. These visuals help to capture the children’s imagination and make the lessons more memorable. The manual provides guidance on how to use these components effectively, encouraging teachers to adapt the activities and visuals to suit the specific needs and interests of their class. By combining these elements, the lessons create a multi-sensory learning experience that fosters spiritual growth in young children.
Adapting Lessons to Children’s Needs
Recognizing that each child is unique, the “Behold Your Little Ones” nursery manual encourages teachers to adapt the lessons to meet the individual needs and developmental stages of the children in their care. This involves observing the children’s interests, abilities, and attention spans, and then modifying the activities and teaching methods accordingly. For example, if a child is particularly energetic, the teacher might incorporate more movement-based activities, such as marching or dancing, to help them release energy while learning.
For children with shorter attention spans, the teacher can break down the lesson into smaller, more manageable segments, using a variety of activities to keep them engaged. Additionally, teachers should be sensitive to children’s emotional needs, providing comfort and reassurance when needed. By creating a flexible and responsive learning environment, teachers can ensure that each child feels valued, supported, and able to learn at their own pace. The manual emphasizes the importance of getting to know the children and being attuned to their individual cues, allowing teachers to create a truly personalized and meaningful learning experience.
Utilizing Church-Produced Resources
The “Behold Your Little Ones” nursery manual strongly encourages the use of Church-produced resources to enhance the learning experience and reinforce gospel principles. In addition to the lessons and activities outlined in the manual, teachers can utilize a wealth of materials available through the Church, such as games, pictures, songs, and stories from Church magazines like the Friend. These resources provide engaging and age-appropriate ways to teach children about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the plan of salvation.
The scriptures themselves should also be used as a teaching tool, even with young children. Simple scripture stories can be shared, and pictures can be used to illustrate key concepts. Furthermore, music plays a vital role in the nursery, and teachers are encouraged to use Church-approved songs and activity verses to help children feel welcome, prepare for prayer, and learn gospel truths. By incorporating these various Church-produced resources, teachers can create a rich and multifaceted learning environment that helps children develop a love for the gospel and a strong foundation of faith.
Creating a Safe and Loving Environment
Establishing a safe and loving environment is paramount in the nursery setting, ensuring that each child feels secure, valued, and eager to participate. The “Behold Your Little Ones” manual emphasizes the importance of providing a nurturing space where children can learn and grow in the gospel. This involves several key elements, starting with physical safety. The nursery area should be free of hazards, with age-appropriate toys and equipment that are regularly cleaned and maintained.
Beyond physical safety, emotional security is crucial. Teachers should strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, greeting each child with a smile and offering comfort when needed. Demonstrating genuine love and affection helps children feel accepted and builds trust. Furthermore, clear and consistent rules help children understand expectations and boundaries, contributing to a sense of stability and order; By prioritizing safety and love, nursery leaders can create an environment where children thrive, develop positive relationships, and learn about the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Importance of Routine and Transitions
Establishing a consistent routine is vital for young children in the nursery setting, as it provides a sense of predictability and security. A well-structured routine helps children anticipate what comes next, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. The “Behold Your Little Ones” manual highlights the value of incorporating familiar activities, such as singing songs, reading stories, and engaging in simple play, into the daily schedule.
Transitions between activities should be carefully managed to minimize disruption and maintain a positive atmosphere. Using cues like songs or simple verbal announcements can help children prepare for the change. For instance, singing “Fun to Do” with lyrics about picking up toys or washing hands can make transitions smoother and more enjoyable. Clear and consistent transitions help children adapt to new activities and settings. A predictable routine minimizes disruptions and helps children develop a sense of security and control, ultimately enhancing their learning experience.
Addressing the Limited Number of Lessons
The “Behold Your Little Ones” nursery manual contains approximately 30 lessons, which may not cover the entire year of teaching. To address this limitation, leaders can creatively adapt and extend the existing lessons. One approach is to divide some lessons into two sessions, allowing for deeper exploration of the concepts and more opportunities for engagement. Another strategy is to revisit lessons, tailoring the activities to meet the specific needs and interests of the children in the class.
Supplementing the manual with Church-produced resources, such as games, pictures, songs, and stories from Church magazines, can also enrich the learning experience. By knowing the children well, teachers can identify their needs and adapt the lessons to best suit them. Don’t hesitate to repeat lessons or activities based on the children’s interests. This flexible approach ensures that the lessons remain engaging and relevant throughout the year, even with a limited number of provided lessons.