It was no surprise when my husband and I attended our first family ward together as a young newlywed couple that we immediately landed in Primary. That seems to be the lot of many couples in our situation. Being the youngest in my family, however, it was quite the shock getting thrust into a room full of 5-year-old boys and having the responsibility of teaching them all about their eternal identity, their relationship to the Savior, and the plan of salvation. Even more surprising were the comments and unexpected complications that came with the calling. Don't get me wrong, it's been an exciting adventure. But it has been an adjustment.
As one week transformed into over two years of serving as a Primary teacher, my reactions to unanticipated situations and lesson derailments have completely changed. Here's just a glimpse of how I felt as a brand-new Primary teacher versus how I feel now as a "veteran."
When a kid suddenly bolts from the room and becomes a renegade in the church building.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When your lesson on Joseph Smith descends into a debate about whether Spider-Man or Mario is better.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When a kid leans back in his chair and it collapses under him.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When a kid who you thought never pays attention gives the most profoundly beautiful comment about the Savior.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When all the kids suddenly need to go to the bathroom—NOW!
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When you share a personal story expressing the deepest parts of your soul, and a kid responds with a poop joke.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When your question about when your Primary kids' birthdays are results in 25 minutes of discussion but your question about how we can choose the right gets a one-word response.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When the child bursts into tears because they weren't picked to say the prayer.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When you realize the profound video you wanted to share for your lesson suddenly will not play.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When the little girl in your class brings by the sweetest present because she remembers you talked about serving others in church.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When the epic scripture game you planned results in a massive tantrum.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When everything in your lesson goes completely and utterly wrong.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When you ask the kids what they learned today in class and the only answer you get is silence, blank stares, or how Beanie Boos are so much cuter than Shopkins.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reation
When a kid says something completely off the wall.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When a kid suggests you go outside for part of your lesson.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When you make the mistake of handing out treats at the beginning of class.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When the art project you planned turns out to be a little too advanced for small hands.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When the mom of one of your Primary kids says their child loves coming to your class.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction
When you realize even if the kids didn't learn something today, they felt loved and it was all worth it.
First-Month Reaction
Two-Year Reaction