A very important question...

[Bini]

I love to prettify things but that's probably the artist in me. I like to make things more visually appealing than they were.

[Jenamarie]

Meh, as a RS teacher for several years I never did any of that stuff. I preferred to put my effort into the lesson. Since I only taught once a month I would typically get a "reminder call" from one of the presidency to remind me that it was my week, and she would ask me if I had a center piece prepared! After saying "No" many many many times, they finally just made sure they put a vase of silk flowers from the RS closet on the table the weeks that I taught. (but I was still the favorite teacher )

[Backroads]

I think this describes some sentiments...

[skalenfehl]

Originally Posted by Backroads

I think this describes some sentiments...

Where's the laugh button!?

I've taught in many, many classes in Sunday School, Primary, Elder's Quorum, etc over the years and never used a center piece. I will use an object lesson on occasion to drive a point home, usually with children or adolescents. With adults, experiences seem to spark the imagination and the soul more effectively.

For example, if a lesson is keeping our eye single to God's glory, laboring in His vineyard, etc, I will get the Elders to share experiences with hunting/camping etc, if they've ever used binoculars or better yet a scope. When you look at or for something in the distance, you have to focus the instrument until everything else moves out of the field of view or out of focus. Only then is your targeted object in view with sharp clarity. I liken this to keeping your eye single.

With kids, I'll actually bring a scope and let them focus on something out the window in the distance. This gives them something to associate the lesson with and they are better able to retain the point of the lesson.

One time years ago, one ward I was in had an Elder's Quorum instructor, a decent guy. He always made center pieces for his lessons and used objects to teach, too. I don't know about the other Elders, but I always thought that maybe his wife prepared his lessons for him. I don't remember what the lessons were about. I just remember he always brought "cutesy" stuff to decorate the table with.

[applepansy]

Originally Posted by Backroads

I think this describes some sentiments...

This made me laugh right out loud!

[Blackmarch]

Originally Posted by Backroads

But why DOESN'T the insctructor makes a handout and a centerpiece?

If i could figure that one out, i'd probably get a nobel prize.

[Dravin]

Originally Posted by Blackmarch

If i could figure that one out, i'd probably get a nobel prize.

Because they don't want to.

/me sits back and waits for his prize.

[Backroads]

Okay, Dravin, I'll submit your name to the board.