Recently the grandmother of one of my Primary children died. I prayed for her in class and sent her a card. I would like to do something more to help the children when they are grieving. Do you have any suggestions?
Signed: At a Loss

Dear At a Loss:
Doing a public act to let her know that you care was an excellent idea. And it's a good idea to have a plan in place so that no one is missed during a time of grief-which can come because of divorce, the death of a pet, the death of a family member, or another crisis.

One way to help children cope is to send them home with a "comforter." Keep in the classroom a small stuffed animal, such as a teddy bear (prayer bear), or lap blanket. When there is a crisis, give the child this object to take home. The object may be returned if the child wishes to bring it back for another to use or kept as a remembrance of your care.

Don't forget to check in with children who have experienced a loss, and continue to offer prayers for them and their families. The assurance of your ongoing concern is the greatest gift you can give.

Dear Anna:
Why are the wondering questions for the sessions not included with the story on the back of the story pictures? It would make the storytelling time so much easier for the teacher.
Signed: Wondering Why

Dear Wondering Why:
It does make sense to have the wondering questions printed on the back of the story pictures. We're going to begin doing that next fall. Thanks for your suggestion!

For now, you might want to write out the wondering questions on the back of the story picture ahead of time. As you practice telling the story, you may even think of some other questions that would be good ones for your group.

I have a group of 5 boys and 1 girl who are ages 4-6. I find the Primary materials too advanced for them. The boys are always acting out. Writing doesn't work for them, and the reading level is beyond them. Doing word puzzles doesn't interest them. However, they like to draw and make things; they even like stickers. What should I do?
Signed: Busy with Boys

Dear Busy:
You have your hands full! Try to harness the creative energy of these children. Have you tried getting them to act out the story? A box of dress-up clothes and props will help. When you tell the story, give them play dough to manipulate. Keeping their hands busy may help them to listen better. Have them reenact the story using play story figures in a box of sand or paint pictures with watercolors or fingerpaints.

Another suggestion is to use the Preschool teacher's guide and student book instead of or along with the Primary books. The Preschool unit is designed for ages 3-4, but teachers have found that it also works well with kindergarteners. It may be the answer for you.

I teach a Middler group. I think it is important for children to learn how to pray for each other. How can I help the children become comfortable praying with and for one another?
Signed: Prayer Is Not Only for Adults

Dear Not Only for Adults:
We want children to learn to experience prayer as a natural form of communication with God. One easy way to help your Middlers pray is have them read aloud the short prayers in the front of the student book, called Grow.

Invite children to repeat short prayers after you. If a child shares something that is sad news or good news, take a moment to pause and pray out loud. If you are comfortable praying aloud, the children will pick up on that feeling.

There are many other creative ways to pray with children. One teacher wrote: "In one session, I put the children's nametags in a bag and asked each student to pick out a nametag and pray, '(Name) may God give you courage to do what's right' before sticking the nametag on a poster."

Find more tips for praying with children from Preschool through Junior Youth in chapter 9 of the Gather 'Round Handbook.