Treasure Box

My responsibility in my church is to teach music to the 3-7 year olds.  As you can imagine it's quite a treat.  :) They are so much fun and definitely keep me on my toes.  It's always fun to ask for volunteers to be my helper or play a game.  You can imagine that about 90% of the 30-40 hands shoot up and nearly pull the kids up out of their seats.  I try to only pick on those who have been reverent and participating, and I TRY to not call on the same kids all of the time, but it's a lot to keep track of.

I don't remember where I got this idea, but I'm sure I read it somewhere online.  I've created a Treasure Box containing coins with the names of each sweet little child on them.  I'll use it to pick helpers whenever I need one.  However, they'll only get to help if they have been listening and participating.

I plan on introducing the box to them by talking about how treasure is something that is valuable and that is worth a lot.  I'll then talk about how they are valuable to God and how they are "treasures" to Him.  We'll read Isaiah 13:12 - "I will make a man more precious than fine gold..." and Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 - "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."  (Not familiar with the Doctrine and Covenants?  It's considered scripture for those of us that belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  You can learn more at www.mormon.org.)

This little box wasn't difficult to put together.  I was planning on building one myself and had even found a few tutorials online.  Then I found this unfinished box at Hobby Lobby for about $3.  That was a no brainer!  I used stain that was left over from my chair refinish and Pro Deo sign.  That stain is now DONE!  It was sludge at this point and I was barely able to scratch out enough for this box.  My wonderful friend cut the letting out for me on her Cricut.   For the coins I purchased 1" wood discs online, spray painted them gold, then printed out the kids names on 1" clear, round labels.  Wa-lah!  I had my treasure box complete with treasure.

Hopefully the kids like it on Sunday!