Okay, I realize this post will only be helpful to a handful of you guys out there.  However, if you’re like me and are responsible for managing a class full of little kids for 2 hours each Sunday…you might find this tip invaluable.

I’ve been teaching the 5 year-olds in my ward (that’s an LDS congregation) for over a year now.  As much as I love the cute little kiddos, sometimes keeping 10 kids reverent for 2 hours of Primary can be a little tricky.  I learned quickly that if I didn’t come up with a way for them to manage themselves, I’d never make it through.  I tried several ideas with only moderate success.  Then, a few months ago, I started the badge system.  It has worked like a charm ever since.

To introduce the system, I taught a simple mini lesson about ‘Choosing the Right’.  We talked about how we can choose the right during sharing time and lesson time.  I taught them that being reverent involved participating in class as well as following three basic rules about our hands:

1:  Keep Your Hands Free - when the kids come in they have to put everything they brought in under their chair (papers, scriptures, jackets, etc.)

2:  Keep Your Hands to Yourself - it can be tough for kids to keep their arms folded for the entire 2-hour block, so I encourage them to keep their hands in their laps or (if they still have trouble not bugging each other) tuck their fingers under their legs.

3:  Put Your Hand in the Air - this one is pretty self explanatory.  When the kids have something to add or need to ask a question they have to tell me with their hand, not their mouth.

We practiced a bit in class and once they had all the rules down I taped a simple CTR bracelet to their wrist (you can find the free download below).  I also showed them the CTR Class Chief Badges and told them about our new plan that would begin the following week.  Essentially, here’s how the badges work:

When the kids come into Primary I hand each of them a badge.  The goal is for the kids to keep their badges for the full 2-hour block.  They keep their badges by participating in sharing time and class and by keeping our three class rules.  When I spot them breaking a rule, I give them a quick warning.  If they continue, they have to pass me their badge.  They can earn it back as soon as they show me they can keep the rules again without reminders.  At the end of class, the kids that still have their badges can turn them in for a small treat (lately it’s been two gummy worms).  If they didn’t manage to keep their badge, I give them a challenge to do better next week and give them one gummy worm.   

Thankfully, the badges don’t just help with reverence.  The little numbered stars I added to the back of the badges help me manage volunteers as well.   As I’m sure you teachers know, little kids love to be the helper.  If I ask for a volunteer to hold a picture, answer a question, or say the prayer, I invariably get 10 little eager hands in the air.  Rather than try to pick one person and risk playing favorites, I simply call out a number.  The kids then flip over their badges and check to see if they’re my secret helper for that specific task.  They love the mystery of the number system and I love not having to worry about hurting anyone’s feelings.  

We’ve used the badges in our class for over three months now and I’ve seen fabulous results.  Don’t get me wrong, my class isn’t perfect…they are still only 5 after all…but the CTR badges have made a big difference.  To make your own badges, just download, print, and laminate the free file below.  I found the badge clips in the office supply area of Kmart, but I’m sure you could find them at Office Depot or Staples as well.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

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You guys have probably figured out by now that I love the holidays…even the little ones.  They give me a chance to break up the everyday routine and inject a little fun into our family life.  This Valentine’s Day I decided to try a new family tradition…we’re calling it our Lotsa-Love Fest.

I found the orginal idea on Family Fun’s website in their Valentine’s Traditions section.  In the post, Teresa J talks about setting up a “Secret Post Office” in their house so her family can send each other anonymous messages throughout the month of February.   I thought it was a cute idea and a great way to encourage my family to spread the love in the two weeks before the big day. 

In our version, I had the kids color and decorate their own Lotsa-Love envelopes.  I made one for Mom & Dad as well and then we posted them on the wall in the kitchen.  I also printed some simple fill-in-the-blank valentine messages to make creating a lotsa-love message a little easier.  You can find the free file download below.  I keep the notes and a stash of crayons in a heart-shaped basket on the kitchen table for easy envelope access.  Over the course of the next two weeks, we’ll spreading the love by leaving messages, pictures and treats in each other’s envelopes.  Each morning at breakfast we’ll check our envelopes and show off our new mail.  To kick off our festivities tonight, I wrote a special message for each of my kids and added a small stuffed animal (from the dollar spot at Target) to their envelopes.

It’s not much…just a simple and inexpensive way to jazz up these chilly winter days and help my family show a little extra love this Valentine season.  If you’d like to check out lots of other great Valentines traditions I recommend you check out Family Fun’s website.  I found several clever ideas that I plan to try this year.  Just thought I’d pass it on. 

If you’ve got a Valentine tradition that your family loves I hope you’ll post it for the rest of us in the comments area for the rest of us to enjoy.  Thanks.

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We’ve finally made it to the end of our Scripture Sticker Tutorials.  If you missed the first two, you’ll want to read up here:  Bookmark Sticker Tutorial, Gospel Art Kit Sticker Tutuorial.  

As I mentioned previously, my Scripture Mastery memory is a little shaky.  I created these simple margin stickers to help me locate those key scriptures quickly.  The bright blue box on the top of the sticker makes it easy to flip through my quad and spot the scritpture I’m looking for.  Each tag includes the blue SM box, the approved scripture key words, and the full scripture reference.  

The directions for placing your Scripture Mastery Tags are pretty simple.  Essentially you need to print out the file on the premium transparent sticker paper.  Crop the tags and sort them into piles by book (OT, NT, BOM, D&C).  Find your desired scripture reference and place the sticker in the upper right-hand margin.   In my scriptures, I used a blue colored pencil to add a square around the corresponding verse numbers as well.  You can find the free file below.

The Gospel Art Kit tags serve a similar purpose.  Essentially, I created them to help me use my GAK stickers more efficiently.  Although I could find the scripture stories quickly by using my footnote GAK stickers, I wanted to be able to locate the actual passages of scripture that associated with each without skimming the entire page.  These skinny GAK title tags are designed to fit neatly in the bottom margin of any standard scriptures.  They include the title of the picture, the GAK number, and the full series of references for the story.  I used a green pencil to mark the selected verses by drawing a green line next to the center line on the page (click here to see a close up of my markings).  I created two versions of these tags.  The first was designed to be used with the full-size GAK stickers (the stickers that are centered over the main text of the page).  The text on those is centered.  The second file was designed to be used with the footnote-size GAK stickers.  The text on those is either right or left aligned depending on which side of the page your GAK sticker should be placed on.  You can find both those files below.

The last file I’ll be posting is a simple instruction file.  Many of you have mentioned that you’re making these as gifts and would like to have a small instruction guide to include with the stickers.  I designed the instructions to be small enough to fit in any size plastic zip-top bag (available in the MeckMom store).  On the file there are two instructions for the GAK stickers and two instructions for the bookplate/bookmark stickers.  You can find that file below.

Many of you have also emailed with questions concerning knowing how many sheets of transparent sticker paper to buy.  Below you’ll find a page breakdown for the various sticker sizes and styles to help you out.

GAK Full Size (over main text)
Book of Mormon - 3 sheets per set
D&C - 2 sheets per set
Old Testament - 3 sheets per set
New Testament - 4 sheets per set

GAK Footnote Standard Size (over footnote text)
Book of Mormon - 1 sheet per set
D&C - 1 sheet per set
Old Testament - 1 sheet per set
New Testament - 1 sheet per set

GAK Footnote Large Size (over footnote text)
Book of Mormon - 1 sheet per set
D&C - 1 sheet pet set
Old Testament - 2 sheets per set
New Testament - 2 sheets per set

Bookmarks
Alphabetical Table of Contents - 1 sheet
3-month Book of Mormon Reading Chart - 1 sheet
D&C Section Summaries - 1 sheet
Scripture Mastery Key Words - 1 sheet
Proclamation/Living Christ - 1 sheet

Margin Tags
GAK Title Tags - 1 sheet per set
Scripture Mastery Tags - 1 sheet per set

So there you have it.  All my current scripture sticker files up and ready for you to download, print, and enjoy.  Again, thanks for all your enthusiasm and interest over these scripture stickers.  It’s been great for me to finally see all those hours of work be put to use.  Just thought I’d pass it on. 

This post is the 4th in a series of 4 scripture sticker posts.  To view the others, click the links below:

Part 1: Help Your Family Connect with their Scriptures with Easy Scripture Stickers

Part 2: Gospel Art Kit Scripture Sticker Tutorial

Part 3: Bookmark Scripture Sticker Tutorial 

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Sorry guys, I know I promised this a few days ago…it’s been a little busy around here.  First off, let me say thanks for the overwhelming response to the Scripture Stickers.  I’ve already had to restock my paper supply to keep up with the orders.  It’s great to know that those ridiculously tedious hours of searching for page numbers and adjusting images won’t go to waste!  If you’ve haven’t ordered your sticker supplies or custom book plates yet, don’t worry you’ve got time.  Domestic orders placed in the MeckMom Store before December 18th have guaranteed pre-Christmas delivery.

I don’t know if you’re anything like me but up until last year, my scriptures were crammed with bookmarks, quotes and lesson notes.  It seemed like everytime I pulled out my scriptures at Church I’d end up dropping a few random bookmarks to the floor.  I needed a better, more permanent solution.  Since I still had a ton of sticker paper left over from my order (I had to buy it in bulk to get the price below $1 per sheet) I decided to put it to use once again.  I created several full-page reference stickers and placed them throughout the blank pages of my scriptures.  Much like the Gospel Art Kit stickers I created earlier in the year, these simple bookmark stickers proved to be an incredibly helpful and inexpensive solution to my dilemma.  A few of the stickers I created are personal to me such as special blessings, favorite quotes, family photos, etc.  However, most of them are general reference-type stickers that would be handy for just about anyone.  You can find the files for those stickers and a little description about each below.

• Alphabetical Table of Contents
  Up until last year, when the Sunday School teacher would ask the class to turn to Zephaniah I would automatically start flipping pages…not because I knew exactly where to find Zephaniah, but because I wanted to look like I knew while I secretly sung ‘The Books of the Old Testament’ song in my head.  I created these stickers to give me an even shorter…less musical…shortcut.  On it, the books are listed alphabetically rather than by page number.  Now when I need to find a book I just scan the list, find the book and the corresponding page number and then flip to the right page in a matter of seconds.  Sure beats mentally singing a 40+ word song.  I placed mine on the inside covers of my quad. 
  

  Free Download:	Bookmark_Alpha_TableofContents.pdf

• 3 Month Book of Mormon Reading Chart
  I am not the most dedicated daily scripture reader.  It’s one of those goals that has a permanent spot on my New Year’s resolutions.  That being said, I have found that if I create a deadline and a put a plan on paper I have much better success.  I created this 3 month Book of Mormon reading chart to help me track my progress.  I’ve used it several times and it has proven successful for me.  I mark the little check boxes a different way each time so I can track how many times I’ve made it through.  I placed mine opposite the title page for the Book of Mormon in my quad.
  

  Free Download:	Bookmark_3Mo_Reading_Chart.pdf

• Doctrine & Covenants Section Summaries 
  My brilliant Mom has taught the D&C at BYU for years and could probably tell you what’s in each section with her eyes closed.  I, on the other hand, need a little cheat sheet.  I converted my old notes and bookmarks from my D&C class to create these handy section summary stickers.  I placed mine on either side of the title page for the D&C. 
  

  Free Download:	Bookmark_D&C_Section_Summ.pdf

• Scripture Mastery Key Words & References
  Although I know I memorized all of these at some point, I am horrible at remembering them now.  In addition to the fabulous little margin tags I’ve got on the individual pages (now available in the MeckMom store), I also created this quick-reference guide to help jog my memory.  It makes searching for those key scriptures tons easier.  I placed mine on the first two blank pages of my quad.
  

  Free Download:	Bookmark_Scrip_Mastery.pdf

• The Family: A Proclamation to the World and The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles
  These precious proclamations put out by The First Presidency simply belong in our scriptures.  Don’t you think?  They are often referenced in General Conference addresses and during Church lessons so I love having them readily available in my quad.  They are such beautifully written documents that I couldn’t bring myself to retype them.  Instead, I opted to convert the document images to a scripture-friendly size and placed them directly in my scriptures.  Below you’ll find two files: one that includes both documents and a another that has the Proclamation to the Family twice (in case you wanted to make several for your family at once).  I placed mine on the back two blank pages of my quad. 
  

  Free Download:	Bookmark_Living_Christ_and_Proclamation.pdf

  
  

  Free Download:	Bookmark_Family_Proclamation.pdf

The instructions for placing these large stickers are similar to those used on the Gospel Art Kit tutorial.  Here’s a quick overview:

Step 1:  Choose location for sticker (stickers can be placed over existing writing).

Step 2:  Crop sticker from printed sheet.  Peel top section of sticker backing.

Step 3:  Align the top edge of the sticker on the page and press lightly across top.

Step 4:  Use hand to slowly smooth downward.  Peel remaining backing and continue to smooth down.

Remember, if you are making these full-page bookmark stickers as gifts, you should also pick-up some of the Large size (5×7) plastic zip-top baggies in the MeckMom Store.  You can also find beautiful custom bookplates for the youth.  Each custom bookplate set includes a handy reference bookmark…the Articles of Faith (Primary), the Young Women Value Scriptures (YW), and the Boy Scout Oath & Law (YM). 

Good luck, everyone.  Happy cropping.  If you have any other suggestions for bookmark ideas, I hope you’ll add them in the comments area.  I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

This post is the 3rd in a series of 4 scripture sticker posts.  To view the others, click the links below:

Part 1: Help Your Family Connect with their Scriptures with Easy Scripture Stickers

Part 2: Gospel Art Kit Scripture Sticker Tutorial

Part 4: Scripture Mastery & GAK Margin Tags Tutorial

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It’s hard to believe, but as of today, Christmas is only four short weeks away.  There are many professional organizers that will tell you the key to holiday happiness is beginning your preparations months in advance.  Although they may be right, I’m not a believer.  Over the years, I’ve found that about four weeks is all I need to get my Christmas under control.  The key for me is to get it all down on paper.  

Last year, I posted a batch of Christmas planning files that were designed to help you and your family manage your holiday to-dos, expenses, and gifts.  Since I’ve got so many new readers this year, I thought I’d repost them.  I’m adding a new calendar planning file as well.   It’s nothing fancy, just a simple 5-week calendar to help you schedule your many holiday tasks.  I recommend printing out a few of them and sorting your tasks into categories.  For example, you may want an entire calendar dedicated to your cleaning schedule, another devoted to events to attend, and another for your party preparations.  Using these calendars in conjunction with the 4-week Christmas planner file should give you a great organizing foundation. 

Keep all your calendars and your other planning papers in a simple 3-ring binder and force yourself to go through it several times a week.  I like to keep mine in the car with me so I can review it while I’m waiting to pick up kids and so I can double-check my budget and gift plans before I head into a store (impulse buying is one of my many weaknesses).  You may also want to add a simple pencil pouch to your binder to store your receipts and coupons.

Whatever system you come up with, these simple files can be a great way to kick off your Christmas organization.  For more MeckMom stress-reducing holiday tips, check out my latest article in Organize Magazine.  It’s on sale now.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

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As promised in my last post, here are your first set of Scripture Sticker instructions and files.  I thought I’d start with my favorites, the scripture stickers based off of the LDS Gospel Art Kit.  The files were created to be used in the LDS scripture set, but if you are not LDS and would like to enhance your Bible with the beautiful Old and New Testament images, please feel free.

The photo instructions demonstrate how to place a full-size, over-text sticker.  However, the same basic instructions would apply for the footnote stickers as well.  You can find all the files for the various size stickers as well as the placement guide embedded within this post.  Don’t forget, you can find all the supplies you need to create these stickers in the new MeckMom.com Store.

Step 1:  Download and print your stickers on MeckMom’s Transparent Sticker Paper.

There are three basic sizes to the LDS scriptures.  Choose your file based on your scripture size and where you’d like the scriptures to be placed (on the center of the page or in the footnote area).  All four books of scripture are included in the file (Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Old Testament, New Testament).  The files are quite large, so expect a little delay when downloading.

• For Standard/Regular size scriptures (5.25″ x 7.25″)
  Centered on page:

  Free Download:	SS_GAK_ALL_FULL.pdf

  
  In footnote area:

  Free Download:	FF_GAK_ALL_ST.pdf

• For Large size scriptures (6.5″ x 9.5″)
  Centered on page:

  Free Download:	SS_GAK_ALL_FULL.pdf

  
  In footnote area:

  Free Download:	FF_GAK_ALL_LG.pdf

• For Compact size scriptures (4.25″ x 6″)
  Centered on page:

  Free Download:	FF_GAK_ALL_LG.pdf

  
  In footnote area:

  Free Download:	FF_GAK_ALL_ST.pdf

Step 2: Trim your stickers.

I recommend using a straight-edge cutter like the one pictured.  You won’t need anything fancy, just a nice straight edge and a very sharp blade.  Don’t stress over cropping all the white area from the picture.  Any remaining white space will disappear on the page once it is placed.

Step 3: Print the scripture sticker placement guide on regular paper.

These handy guides will tell you the titles, picture numbers, references, and page numbers for each scripture sticker.  Once you’ve printed your guide, choose a sticker from your pile and locate it on the guide.  Use the guide to find the correct page number for your sticker.

Step 4:  Peel the backing from your sticker.

The adhesive used on the sticker paper is permanent, so handle it carefully.  Don’t let it touch the paper until you’re ready to place it permanently.

Step 5:  Place the top corners of the sticker in the desired location.

A simple post-it note can be a great guide for your sticker placement.  If you don’t have one handy, just use one of the lines of text to guide your placement.  The stickers can be placed over existing writing and markings.  The markings will show through the image.

Step 6:  Slide your fingers down the sticker to adhere it to the page.

The specialty sticker paper is designed to be smudge-free and hold the ink permanently, so feel free to give it a good rub.

Step 7:  Repeat process with the rest of your stickers and enjoy!

The first sticker may be a little shaky, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly.  Remember, if you’re planning to give these as gifts, you’ll want to order a few of the plastic zip-top baggies available in the MeckMom Store.  They’re the best way I’ve found to keep my scripture stickers neat and organized.  Good luck, everyone.  More to come soon.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

This post is the 2nd in a series of 4 scripture sticker posts.  To view the others, click the links below:

Part 1: Help Your Family Connect with their Scriptures with Easy Scripture Stickers

Part 3: Bookmark Scripture Sticker Tutorial

Part 4: Scripture Mastery & GAK Margin Tags Tutorial

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Okay, I know, I know…I haven’t posted in weeks.  I’m so sorry for the long delay.  I promise I have a very long list of perfectly viable excuses.  I won’t bore you with the details.  Just know that as of tonight, I should be back on track. 

Remember, if you ever get sick of checking the site…only to find the same halloween countdown post again and again…you are more than welcome to subscribe to my Feedblitz feed.  Once you sign up, you’ll get every new MeckMom post sent directly to your inbox.  I generally post once or twice a week, so you can expect 4-8 bright idea emails each month.  If you’re interested, just follow the Feedblitz link on the right.

Today was my son’s 6th birthday so I thought I’d post two of my favorite family birthday traditions.  They’re not fancy or expensive, but they’re a great way to add a little sparkle to your child’s big day.

Breakfast Doughnut Tower

This simple little idea stemmed from my Mom’s breakfast-in-bed birthday tradition.  When I was growing up, my birthdays always began with a hot plate of french toast in bed and a birthday serenade from my family.  In order to create that same warm and cozy feel for my kids without exerting tons of effort, I created our breakfast doughnut tower tradition.  As you can see from the picture, the idea is pretty simple.  When my kids wake up on their birthday, they find a balloon & crepe paper covered kitchen and a big tower of doughnuts waiting for them on the table.  We add one doughnut for each year and then top the tower with a number candle.  The family sings, we take some pictures and then we all dig in.  We rarely have sweets for breakfast so my kids are thrilled about this tradition even if it’s not their birthday.

Birthday Present Scavenger Hunt

I love drawing out the present-opening process.  For some reason, it seems like my kids appreciate each present more when they get to hunt for it.  Here’s how our little tradition works.  When the kids wake up in the morning all their presents are wrapped and on display.  This way they get a chance to count up their stash and make their predictions about what’s inside.  While they’re away at school or during their nap, I hide their presents in various tricky locations around the house and yard (the locations get a little tougher as they get older).  After their birthday dinner the scavenger hunt begins. 

My clue method changes with each birthday.  One year I hid the clues inside balloons and had the kids stomp them to find the present locations.  Another year I snapped zoomed-in pictures of the present locations and sealed them in individual envelopes.  One of my favorites was the year we hid the paper clues in the birthday cake before frosting it.  It was messy, but the kids loved digging through the goopy cake to find the clues.

This year, I came up with a simple target shooting game to kick off my son’s hunt.  First, I printed and laminated seven numbered targets (these targets could have tons of uses, so I included the free file for you below).  Next, I used a dry-erase marker to jot down the present locations on each (ie ‘in the Capn Crunch box’ or ‘in the washing machine’).  Next, I used masking tape to stick them to the wall.  When it was time to hunt, I gave my son an inexpensive Nerf dart gun ($7 at WalMart) and had him shoot at the targets.  When he managed to nail a target with his suction cup dart, he pulled the target off the wall and read the clue aloud.  Once he and his sisters located the present, they brought it back to the living room and tore it open.  The game continued until he’d located and opened all seven presents. 

Regardless of the method, the end result of the scavenger hunt is always the same.  My kids come away from their birthday appreciating each gift a little more, their siblings have fun helping in the hunt, and my digital camera is full of fabulous family memories.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

If your family has fun birthday traditions that you’d like to share, please do so in the comments area.  I’m always looking for new ways to spice up our family fun!  Thanks.

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Perhaps it’s my own fault. Maybe decorating for Halloween five weeks early naturally creates holiday over-anticipation/impatience in my kids. Whatever the reason, my kids are constantly dragging their costumes out of their closets to ask me if it’s time to trick or treat. Yesterday, after answering that quetion for the 493rd time, I decided I needed a way for the kids to keep track of the countdown themselves. So, I created this simple little countdown poster to do just that.

Much like the Christmas Advent Poster I posted last year, this simple little chart hangs out on our fridge for easy access to my three kids. Rather than use stickers to mark the days, I opted to go for something a little more Halloweenish…googly eyes. Each morning at breakfast during the last two weeks of October, my kids get to add one googly eye to the poster. They start at the fourteen and work their way down to the one so they can know at a glance how many days are left until the big day.

To make your own handy chart, simply print out the file below on heavy white cardstock. If you’d like to give it a little more strength (like the one pictured), trim the edges and glue it to a sheet of black cardstock. I designed the file to use 12mm wiggle eyes, but you could use whatever size you have on hand. Ideally, you’ll want to look for the wiggle eyes that have adhesive backs. If you can’t find those, just use glue dots or keep a bottle of Elmer’s in your kitchen drawer. You’ll want to start marking your chart tomorrow (Oct 17th). 

If your kids have other Halloween activities to look forward to (class parties, family traditions, etc.) you can track those on your chart as well.  Simply use a marker to add a little color to the party date.  For example, our church Trunk or Treat Party happens on the 26th so I used an orange marker to highlight the number 5 circle (I did this after I took the pictures for the blog).  If my kids want to figure out how many days are left until the party they just count the open circles between today and the orange circle.

Cheap, easy and totally kid-friendly. I think this chart will be a party of our Halloween festivities for years to come.  Just thought I’d pass it on.

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