Sunday, August 16, 2009

Primary Pet Peeve

Primary teachers. (Mormon lingo: Primary is the organization in our church for children ages 18 months to 12 years). Love them. Been one. Worked with them multiple times. Thank God for primary teachers (literally!) But, have you ever noticed that every ward (congregation) has at least one that seems to think that sharing/singing time is their opportunity to simply sit and listen? Their primary class is talking, throwing things, refusing to cooperate with what's happening in sharing time, pulling others hair, you name it and the teacher just sits there completely oblivious and does exactly ... nothing!! Seriously?!! Hasn't it ever crossed their mind that having one adult for every 8 to 12-ish children is crowd control strategy, a strategy that will never succeed without their active participation?

I'm not in a leadership position in primary--not my place to do anything about this. In the past when I have been in a leadership position nothing we did seemed to make a difference on this issue anyway. But it's a pet peeve of mine and I wanted to vent.

8 comments:

  1. I hear ya! What about primary teachers that disappear to relief society? Yeah. Can't believe that would happen... but it does.

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  2. I totally know what you mean! It drives me crazy, too.

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  3. sounds like it was a little rough yesterday, I get to watch the primary scene each week, it is truly amasing how much craziness can go on around decently sane adults, without even a polite shh, sometimes I wish I could turn out some of the distractions, But because we were raised by the meanest Dad in the whole world(turned marshmellow), I guess I will do what I can to bring reverence into Primary each week

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  4. OH MAN!!!! I wasn't there yesterday! I Love primary, but I so know what you mean! I always joke that I feel my calling should be switched to primary floater!! I always try to help anywhere I see needs it! Please if you ever notice me slacking tell me!!! Much Love
    KIM

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  5. Ummm I really hope it wasn't my class that was causing the issues (like the little girl that danced around you playing with a blanket . . .)! I'm trying, but I just don't know the kids yet! But we'll get there.

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  6. Of course it wasn't about you!!! If it was I would have said something to you, not posted on my blog. You were attentive to your kids the whole time.

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  7. I'm 1st counselor (again), and I totally hear you. It goes right up there with teachers who don't show up and don't get subs. :)

    Makes us so very, very grateful for the wonderful ones who are so conscientious, huh?

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  8. I'm not sure this is a teacher problem. Me thinks it might be a "mommy" problem. I see lots of mothers--at church and other public places AND in my home when they visit--that seem pretty oblivious to what their children are doing:-) Drives me crazy!

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