I include this history of the CTR ring and the emblem as yet another way to introduce an experience with the song Choose the Right. Show a cutout of the shield shape and an evergreen branch (visual and nature intelligences). Ask the children what they have to do with this song? Sing the song using Action Word Actions, then receive the children’s answers. Sing the song again, stopping at each phrase to give a snippet of this story. (Don’t go into a lot of detail.) Show a large picture of the ring. Ask the children to draw and color a picture of the ring as you sing the song again. (You will have put paper, pencils, and green crayons under each teacher’s chair before this point.)
You are not asking the children to sing with you, but instead, following the principle of hearing the Whole Song while being engaged in actively doing something related to the song. It allows the experience and feelings about the song to deepen, lets the words and melody to slip in the backdoor, and gives yet another “hook” for the brain to remember and imbue meaning to this song.
A History of the CTR Ring
By Brandon Young
What is a CTR ring?
A CTR ring is a special ring that bears the CTR shield. The letters CTR stand for “Choose The Right” and are placed inside a shield. The most well-known CTR ring features a green shield. Since it was created, the CTR shield has not only been placed on rings but in teaching manuals, posters, and other pieces of jewelry. It is not only a fashion statement but an outward expression of faith. Members wear CTR rings to remind them to make good choices and follow Jesus Christ.
How was the CTR ring created?
The CTR ring was first created in the 1970s by a Church committee of eight women. The committee was designed to help serve the children and youth of the Church.
Head of the committee, Noami W. Randall recommended that the Church incorporate some kind of “badge of belief” into the doctrinal teachings for the boys and girls of the Church. Norma Nichols, also a member of the committee said, “Back then boys didn’t wear necklaces and earrings, so a ring seemed like a good idea.”
Each part of the ring stands for something. The shield is a reminder that making good choices helps shield us from temptation and the green background is used to symbolize the evergreen tree – a tree that stays true to its appearance as the seasons change. Once the design was finalized, Coy Miles – then president of a Salt Lake City jewelry company was contracted to design the actual ring, while Joel Izatt was asked to create the artwork for the teaching materials.
In 1970, Gordon B. Hinckley, who was then serving as an Apostle for the Church, officially announced the new “CTR” curriculum in a Church-wide conference. It was to be implemented as a part of the doctrine being taught to children ages 6 and 7. As part of the new program, each child was given one of the new CTR rings, taught its symbolic meaning, and how it can help them make the right decisions in life. Since then, the saying “Choose the Right” and its concepts have been taught to all the LDS primary aged children.
The CTR ring today
Since its humble beginnings, the CTR symbol has been spread across the world. Not only has the CTR ring been translated into over 30 languages, but the symbol has been placed on more than just rings. Earrings, stationary, ties, bracelets, t-shirts and more that all bear the CTR shield have now become popular, especially amongst the youth of the Church. Companies pay the LDS Church royalties in exchange for rights to use the symbol on their own memorabilia. Thousands of CTR rings are sold through online retailers like CTRRingShop.com as well as actual brick and mortar stores, even Walmart. Members of the Church throughout the world proudly wear their rings, shirts, and necklaces to show their commitment and devotion to the church, and to remind themselves to stand up for what is right.
Note: publication of this article without express written permission of the author, and/or citing the source is prohibited. Copyright © 2008 Latter Day Products & CTRRingShop.com
Susan
Thank you for posting ideas. Many of us are back to in-person primary. Though it’s a relief to not have to edit videos anymore, I’m panicking because I watched your videos for ideas! “Now what am I going to do?” I asked myself when it looked like you are back to in-person primary too. This is my second time in this calling, but I’ve switched to your methodology because it’s so much more effective. But I have a lot to learn. I would seriously pay a subscription fee to get more instruction from your videos if you want to go that route.
Sharla Dance
Dear Susan,
You are making me grin! We are only back once a month. Last week was Stake Conference, but I will be posting one this week and next week. I’ll bet you start having some great ideas after watching a few of these!
Susan Barnson Hayward
Your videos did give me some great ideas! Thanks!