General Conference is a special time of year for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's a time to gather as a family, listen to the words of the prophets, and receive spiritual guidance. However, for families with young children, keeping little ones engaged during the sessions can be challenging. One great way to keep kids busy and involved during General Conference is with giant coloring activities. In this blog post, we will explore how giant General Conference coloring pages can provide much fun and meaningful engagement for children of all ages.
The Importance of General Conference
A Time of Year for Spiritual Renewal
General Conference is held twice a year, typically in April and October. It is a time when members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints come together to listen to the words of the Lord through His prophets and apostles. This event is broadcast worldwide, allowing members to participate from their homes, meetinghouses, or other locations. For many, it is a time of spiritual renewal and reflection.
Engaging the Whole Family
While adults and older children may find it easier to sit and listen to the talks, younger kids often struggle with the long sessions. Keeping them engaged and helping them understand the importance of General Conference can be challenging. This is where creative activities, such as coloring, can make a significant difference.
The Benefits of Giant Coloring Pages
Endless Fun for Little Kids
Giant coloring pages are an excellent way to keep little kids entertained during General Conference. These oversized sheets provide ample space for children to color and explore their creativity. The large designs are easy for young children to work on, and the extended activity time means they can stay engaged for longer periods.
Great Things for Older Kids
Older kids can also benefit from giant coloring pages. While they may have more patience for listening to the talks, having a creative outlet can help them stay focused and absorb the messages better. Giant coloring posters with themes related to General Conference, such as depictions of prophets, temples, or Book of Mormon stories, can reinforce the spiritual lessons being taught.
Incorporating Giant Coloring into General Conference
Preparing Ahead of Time
To make the most of giant coloring activities during General Conference, it's essential to prepare ahead of time. Here are some steps to get ready:
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Select Appropriate Coloring Pages: CherryCreekLane.com has several giant General Conference coloring pages that feature themes relevant to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These include images of the prophets, temples, scripture stories, and more.
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Gather Supplies: Ensure you have plenty of coloring supplies, such as crayons, markers, and colored pencils. Having a variety of colors available will make the activity more enjoyable for the kids.
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Create a Comfortable Coloring Space: Set up a designated area where children can comfortably color. This can be a table with enough space for the large coloring sheets and all the supplies they need.
Engaging Kids During Conference Weekend
During conference weekend, use the following tips to keep kids engaged with their giant coloring pages:
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Start with a Coloring Session: Begin the day with a fun coloring session. This sets a positive tone and gets the kids excited about the activities planned for the day.
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Color While Listening: Encourage children to color while listening to the talks. This way, they can stay busy and quiet while still being present and hearing the messages.
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Discuss the Themes: Use the coloring pages as a conversation starter to discuss the themes of the talks. For example, if they are coloring a picture of a prophet, you can talk about the prophet's role and the importance of their messages.
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Integrate with Sunday School Lessons: Use the coloring pages as a supplement to Sunday School lessons.
Creating a Meaningful Experience
Giant coloring pages can do more than just keep kids busy; they can help create a meaningful and memorable General Conference experience. Here are some ideas to enhance the spiritual aspect of the activity:
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Color and Discuss: After each session, take some time to discuss the talks while the children color. Ask them what they learned and how they felt about the messages. This can help reinforce the spiritual lessons and encourage thoughtful reflection.
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Display the Artwork: Once the coloring pages are completed, display them in a prominent place in your home. This serves as a reminder of the lessons learned during General Conference and can spark ongoing discussions.
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Create a Family Art Project: Work together as a family on a giant General Conference coloring poster. This collaborative effort can foster a sense of unity and shared purpose as you all contribute to a beautiful piece of art.
The Power of Words and Images
Visual Learning
Children often learn best through visual and hands-on activities. Giant coloring pages provide a way to visually represent the words of the prophets and the teachings of the Church. As children color images related to the talks, they can better understand and remember the messages.
Connecting with the Words of the Lord
Coloring pages that feature scriptures or quotes from General Conference talks can help children connect with the words of the Lord. Reading the quotes aloud while they color can reinforce the teachings and make them more meaningful.
Expanding Beyond Conference Weekend
Continuing the Tradition
Giant coloring pages can become a cherished tradition that extends beyond General Conference weekend. Here are some ways to incorporate this activity into your regular family routine:
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Family Home Evening: Use giant coloring pages as part of your Family Home Evening activities. Select pages that correspond with the lesson topic and let the children color while you discuss the lesson.
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Holiday and Special Occasions: Incorporate giant coloring pages into holiday celebrations and special occasions. For example, you can use pages with Christmas or Easter themes to create a festive and spiritual atmosphere.
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Church Activities: Bring giant coloring pages to church activities, such as Primary classes or youth group meetings. They can be a fun and engaging way to reinforce lessons and encourage participation.
Sharing with Others
Consider sharing the joy of giant coloring pages with others in your community:
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Church Groups: Donate giant coloring pages to your church group or Sunday School class. They can be a great addition to class activities and help keep children engaged.
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Senior Centers: Share the pages with senior centers in your area. Coloring can be a therapeutic and enjoyable activity for seniors, providing them with a creative outlet and a way to stay connected with the Church's teachings.
Conclusion
Giant coloring pages are a fantastic way to keep kids busy and engaged during General Conference. They offer endless fun and creative expression while helping children connect with the spiritual messages of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By incorporating these activities into your General Conference weekend and beyond, you can create meaningful and memorable experiences for your family. Whether you're coloring images of the prophets, Book of Mormon stories, or other church-related themes, these large coloring sheets provide a great way to enhance your family's spiritual growth and togetherness. So, gather your coloring supplies, set up a cozy coloring space, and get ready to enjoy a fun and spiritually enriching General Conference with your kids.