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Thursday, 19 June 2008 00:15 | 
Written by Melanie | 
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Teach the children about the importance of honesty. For example, when we lie or deceive others, we will get caught in a web which is difficult to get out of. Also to help them understand, being honest is a commandment.
Opening Song: I Believe in Being Honest (Children's Song Book p. 149)
Opening Prayer: Whomever you have assigned to pray
Scripture: 13th Article of Faith - “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
Attention Getter: “How many of you are afraid of monsters?” Listen to all of the answers, then ask, “Why? Why are you afraid?”
Story: Tell the story, “The Lie Monster”. Post the pictures where indicated.
Discussion: Why did Tommy tell his first lie?
Do you think his mommy would have been as mad as he thought? Or would she have forgiven him?
Do you think his mommy was happy Tommy lied?
Was it fair to Jimmy to blame it on him?
How do you think this made Jimmy feel?
What other things did Tommy lie about? Why?
What began to happen to Tommy as he lied?
Was the monster easy to get rid of?
Scripture: Go back to the 13th Article of Faith. Read it aloud and really review first part, “We believe in being honest, true.....”
(God, Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties [1974], 178). Opening Song: Families Can Be Together Forever (PCS #188)
Lesson:
- How many people are in our family?
- Where does our family live?
- What do you like doing with our family?
- How do you feel about our family?
(show GAK 520: Gordon B. Hinckley)
In 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley was the Prophet of our church. He introduced a special message called “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”.
(show a copy of The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
The Proclamation on the family teaches us about our life before we came to earth. It tells us more about our Heavenly Father's plan for us and how we can be truly happy. I wanted to share a very important part of the Proclamation. It says that “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” Heavenly Father planned for you to come to earth and belong to a family. He knew that you needed a loving family to help you grow and learn how to return to Him someday.
We want our family to be strong so we can grow together, help and love each other and so we can live together someday with Heavenly Father.
In our activity today we are going to talk about ways that we can work together to strengthen our family.
Bear your testimony about the truthfulness of the Proclamation to the World and the importance of families. Express your love for each member of your family and testify that each of them has special talents that contribute to your family and makes it strong.
http://theerrandofangelsblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/preach-my-gospel-fhe-lesson.html
http://ayearoffhe.blogspot.com/
The Lie Monster
Thursday, 19 June 2008 00:15 | Written by Melanie | | | Teach the children about the importance of honesty. For example, when we lie or deceive others, we will get caught in a web which is difficult to get out of. Also to help them understand, being honest is a commandment.Opening Song: I Believe in Being Honest (Children's Song Book p. 149)
Opening Prayer: Whomever you have assigned to pray
Scripture: 13th Article of Faith - “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
Attention Getter: “How many of you are afraid of monsters?” Listen to all of the answers, then ask, “Why? Why are you afraid?”
Story: Tell the story, “The Lie Monster”. Post the pictures where indicated.
Discussion: Why did Tommy tell his first lie?
Do you think his mommy would have been as mad as he thought? Or would she have forgiven him?
Do you think his mommy was happy Tommy lied?
Was it fair to Jimmy to blame it on him?
How do you think this made Jimmy feel?
What other things did Tommy lie about? Why?
What began to happen to Tommy as he lied?
Was the monster easy to get rid of?
Scripture: Go back to the 13th Article of Faith. Read it aloud and really review first part, “We believe in being honest, true.....”
Discussion:
Why would Joseph Smith feel it important to include this phrase in the 13th AOF?
Do you think it is important to be honest? Why?
Do you know that Heavenly Father knows when you lie? How do you think it makes Him feel?
Do you ever want to make Him feel sad?
Do you realize being honest is a commandment? Heavenly Father wants us to be happy, and we can’t be happy when we lie.
Activity:1. Honesty Questions (see below) – give the older people participating, or anyone who can write, a small slip of paper and something to write with. Younger children can use little signs with yes (green) on one side and no (red) on the other. These should be in your FHE supply kit. Ask all of the questions on the hand out titled “Honesty Quotient” and have everyone write down their answer (or have the little ones look at the appropriate side). Their answers are secret, they do not have to disclose. This activity just makes us think. Hopefully, all the answers are no!
2. Coloring activity for smaller children – Have everyone start by making an outline of a monster's head. Have them make their own "lie monster." Put out crayons, pencils, markers, glue and "glue items" (noodles, felt, sponge shapes etc,), and pipe cleaners. Believe me, they will get creative – and the more creative, the better. After everyone is done, enjoy each others “monsters” and have a good laugh. Now, explain that they started with only a clean outline. Ask how to change their "monsters" back into a plain piece of paper. Usually, that will really stump them. Show them with your (which I did mainly with glue items and pencils). Pulling the noodles off was hard, and tore the paper a little in places. I erased, but you could always see a little marking. Show them that not only is getting rid of the lies difficult, but sometimes the lies left scars. Yes, we could repent and be clean with our Father in Heaven, but we would remember our lies and how yucky we felt when we told them. Also discuss what happens to our "reputation" after they lie. Even if we apologized and tell the truth, those around would have a hard time believing us for a while. Those were the scars.
3. Lie vs. Truth - To help younger children understand a lie versus the truth, here is a simple game. Everyone sit in a circle. Give everyone a signal which means lie (we did stomping our feet and hissing) and a signal which means truth (clapping and cheering). After they get this part, then you show them the difference between a truth and a lie. For instance say "the sun is yellow or orange." Then have them do the signal for truth. Then say "The sun is purple." They do the signal for lie. Then you go around the circle and let everyone say both a "lie" and a "truth". Once you have gotten all the way around, go around as many times as you want, letting people do one or the other, but not both. Each time, reply the appropriate signal!
4. Fishing game – using the question strips from the Honesty Questions, cut the questions or situations out and put them on the fish with paper clips. Then play the fishing game, with the child answering each one as they catch it!
Why would Joseph Smith feel it important to include this phrase in the 13th AOF?
Do you think it is important to be honest? Why?
Do you know that Heavenly Father knows when you lie? How do you think it makes Him feel?
Do you ever want to make Him feel sad?
Do you realize being honest is a commandment? Heavenly Father wants us to be happy, and we can’t be happy when we lie.
Activity:1. Honesty Questions (see below) – give the older people participating, or anyone who can write, a small slip of paper and something to write with. Younger children can use little signs with yes (green) on one side and no (red) on the other. These should be in your FHE supply kit. Ask all of the questions on the hand out titled “Honesty Quotient” and have everyone write down their answer (or have the little ones look at the appropriate side). Their answers are secret, they do not have to disclose. This activity just makes us think. Hopefully, all the answers are no!
2. Coloring activity for smaller children – Have everyone start by making an outline of a monster's head. Have them make their own "lie monster." Put out crayons, pencils, markers, glue and "glue items" (noodles, felt, sponge shapes etc,), and pipe cleaners. Believe me, they will get creative – and the more creative, the better. After everyone is done, enjoy each others “monsters” and have a good laugh. Now, explain that they started with only a clean outline. Ask how to change their "monsters" back into a plain piece of paper. Usually, that will really stump them. Show them with your (which I did mainly with glue items and pencils). Pulling the noodles off was hard, and tore the paper a little in places. I erased, but you could always see a little marking. Show them that not only is getting rid of the lies difficult, but sometimes the lies left scars. Yes, we could repent and be clean with our Father in Heaven, but we would remember our lies and how yucky we felt when we told them. Also discuss what happens to our "reputation" after they lie. Even if we apologized and tell the truth, those around would have a hard time believing us for a while. Those were the scars.
3. Lie vs. Truth - To help younger children understand a lie versus the truth, here is a simple game. Everyone sit in a circle. Give everyone a signal which means lie (we did stomping our feet and hissing) and a signal which means truth (clapping and cheering). After they get this part, then you show them the difference between a truth and a lie. For instance say "the sun is yellow or orange." Then have them do the signal for truth. Then say "The sun is purple." They do the signal for lie. Then you go around the circle and let everyone say both a "lie" and a "truth". Once you have gotten all the way around, go around as many times as you want, letting people do one or the other, but not both. Each time, reply the appropriate signal!
4. Fishing game – using the question strips from the Honesty Questions, cut the questions or situations out and put them on the fish with paper clips. Then play the fishing game, with the child answering each one as they catch it!
Closing Song: Keep the commandments (Children's Song Book p. 146)
Treat: Cookies
Reminder Activity: Place the reminder card in a place where everyone can see it.
Honesty Questions
Treat: Cookies
Reminder Activity: Place the reminder card in a place where everyone can see it.
Honesty Questions
- The telephone rings; Kian says, “If that’s Aidan, tell him I’m not home!” Have you ever acted like Kian?
- Dad overslept. He was fifteen minutes late for work. “I got caught in a traffic jam,” he explained to his boss. Have you ever acted that way?
- Amalie spilled the cocoa. “Who did that?” asked Mom. “I don’t know!” said Amalie. Did you ever do something like this?
- Dad overslept. He was fifteen minutes late for work. “I got caught in a traffic jam,” he explained to his boss. Have you ever acted that way?
- Amalie spilled the cocoa. “Who did that?” asked Mom. “I don’t know!” said Amalie. Did you ever do something like this?
- “Callum flipped me with an elastic!” cried MaKenna. “I did not!” lied Callum. Have you ever lied to avoid trouble?
- “I certainly don’t want this to go any further,” Sister McKnight confided to mother. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul,” said mother. Mother could hardly wait to hang up and tell Sister Bates! Have you ever betrayed a confidence?
- Cassie got to school bright and early on Monday. As she sat down, her teacher started to hand out a spelling test. Uh oh!! Cassie forgot about the test. She decided to look over Raylynn's shoulder. Have you ever done something like this because you weren’t prepared? Is it okay to do this since you forgot about the test?
- Dad and Jennie went to the store to buy her some gum. Dad let Jennie pay for it. The gum cost 50¢. Jennie gave the cashier a dollar, but the cashier accidentally gave her 60¢ instead of 50¢. Jenny decided to keep the extra dime. Have you ever done something like this?
- “I certainly don’t want this to go any further,” Sister McKnight confided to mother. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul,” said mother. Mother could hardly wait to hang up and tell Sister Bates! Have you ever betrayed a confidence?
- Cassie got to school bright and early on Monday. As she sat down, her teacher started to hand out a spelling test. Uh oh!! Cassie forgot about the test. She decided to look over Raylynn's shoulder. Have you ever done something like this because you weren’t prepared? Is it okay to do this since you forgot about the test?
- Dad and Jennie went to the store to buy her some gum. Dad let Jennie pay for it. The gum cost 50¢. Jennie gave the cashier a dollar, but the cashier accidentally gave her 60¢ instead of 50¢. Jenny decided to keep the extra dime. Have you ever done something like this?
2011 - Week 14: A Proclamation to the World
4.02.2011
What You'll Need: scriptures, enough pencils as there are members of your family plus one extra, GAK 520: Gordon B. Hinckley, a copy of The Family: A Proclamation to the World, (you can print one here), printed activity, scissors, glue stick, pen, coloring tools.Quote: Ezra Taft Benson - “Thank God for the joys of family life. I have often said there can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from a good home. The sweetest influences and associations of life are there”
You can CLICK HERE to download the pdf of this lesson for easy printing. If you download, please leave a comment here on what you like about this lesson.
(God, Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties [1974], 178). Opening Song: Families Can Be Together Forever (PCS #188)
Lesson:
- How many people are in our family?
- Where does our family live?
- What do you like doing with our family?
- How do you feel about our family?
(show GAK 520: Gordon B. Hinckley)
In 1995, President Gordon B. Hinckley was the Prophet of our church. He introduced a special message called “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”.
(show a copy of The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
We want our family to be strong so we can grow together, help and love each other and so we can live together someday with Heavenly Father.
Object Lesson: Hold up one pencil. Ask your oldest child to break it. (They should be able to snap it in two. If your oldest child is not strong enough you might want to ask an adult to do it.)
Now hand the same person the bundle of pencils and ask them to break them, holding them all together in a bundle. (It cannot be broken).
We are just like these pencils. When one person stands alone, they are not very strong. But when we all stick together we are very strong and nothing can break us apart.
In our activity today we are going to talk about ways that we can work together to strengthen our family.
Bear your testimony about the truthfulness of the Proclamation to the World and the importance of families. Express your love for each member of your family and testify that each of them has special talents that contribute to your family and makes it strong.
(For tips on sharing your testimony please click here.)
Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the APRIL Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.
Activity: Choose from the following activities as they best suit your family.
1. Building a Successful Family goal chart
CLICK HERE to download pdf with full instructions.
2. Coloring Page
Click to enlarge. Then right click and select "Print".
Practice Song: If you are teaching your family the APRIL Song of the Month, go over the words and music with your family.
Activity: Choose from the following activities as they best suit your family.
1. Building a Successful Family goal chart
CLICK HERE to download pdf with full instructions.
2. Coloring Page
Click to enlarge. Then right click and select "Print".
This 9 week series is based on the song "Follow the Prophet" from the Children's Songbook. Each week you will teach a different verse from the song and do an activity based on that prophet.
Learn the Song
Learn the melody and verses of the song "Follow the Prophet" in the Children's Songbook, page 110. Click here to access the sheet music, lyrics and an mp3 of the song. (Scroll down the page and find the song in the Alphabetical listing. Click on the title to find the sheet music, or on the mp3 logo to access the recording).
The most effective way to teach music is in repetition. The easiest way for children to learn the song is by simply hearing you sing it over and over again. No need to speak the words or involve complicated actions or visual aids.
Sing the verse and chorus of the week together. Then allow each member of the family to be the "prophet" and lead the rest of the family marching around the house. Make sure Mom and Dad also get a turn! Your kids may all want to go first, but you'll be surprised at how willing they are to let everyone have a turn. Plus this means you'll sing the song at least two or three times.
For the second week, teach the new verse, repeating it two or three times. Then sing the first and second verses. As you add verses, you might lose the attention of your kids. We sometimes skipped the chorus between the verses, especially as we reached week 6-9. When you come to the end of a verse, simply call out the next prophet's name to cue your kids straight to the next verse rather than the chorus:
"Adam was a prophet, first one that we know
In a place called Eden, he helped things to grow
Adam served the Lord by following His ways
We are his descendants in the latter days.
Enoch!
Enoch was a prophet, he taught what was good... (etc)
You can change the leader for each verse. Your kids will quickly learn the pace of the song and how to march and sing simultaneously. If you find there is a verse they keep forgetting, you can sing that one a couple of times in a row.
Don't forget to periodically sing the song throughout the week. I have used it to keep my kids all in a row while on a walk. (They have adapted it to their own names at times like these: "Follow the Mommy, follow the Mommy.." or "Follow the Colin, Follow the Colin..." etc.)
The most effective way to teach music is in repetition. The easiest way for children to learn the song is by simply hearing you sing it over and over again. No need to speak the words or involve complicated actions or visual aids.
Sing the verse and chorus of the week together. Then allow each member of the family to be the "prophet" and lead the rest of the family marching around the house. Make sure Mom and Dad also get a turn! Your kids may all want to go first, but you'll be surprised at how willing they are to let everyone have a turn. Plus this means you'll sing the song at least two or three times.
For the second week, teach the new verse, repeating it two or three times. Then sing the first and second verses. As you add verses, you might lose the attention of your kids. We sometimes skipped the chorus between the verses, especially as we reached week 6-9. When you come to the end of a verse, simply call out the next prophet's name to cue your kids straight to the next verse rather than the chorus:
"Adam was a prophet, first one that we know
In a place called Eden, he helped things to grow
Adam served the Lord by following His ways
We are his descendants in the latter days.
Enoch!
Enoch was a prophet, he taught what was good... (etc)
You can change the leader for each verse. Your kids will quickly learn the pace of the song and how to march and sing simultaneously. If you find there is a verse they keep forgetting, you can sing that one a couple of times in a row.
Don't forget to periodically sing the song throughout the week. I have used it to keep my kids all in a row while on a walk. (They have adapted it to their own names at times like these: "Follow the Mommy, follow the Mommy.." or "Follow the Colin, Follow the Colin..." etc.)
Week 1 - Adam
SONG
"Adam was a prophet, first one that we know
In a place called Eden, he helped things to grow
Adam served the Lord by following His ways
We are his descendants in the latter days.
STORY
If you have a children's book about Adam and Eve, read it with your children. Or read Genesis 1:28.
ACTIVITY
Gather a styrofoam cup, some earth, a seed, and a glass of water. Talk with your children about what is involved in "helping things to grow." Together add the earth to the cup, plant the seed, add water, and set the cup by the window for sun.
Sing the song "Follow the Prophet" verse 1, then sing it again while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
"Adam was a prophet, first one that we know
In a place called Eden, he helped things to grow
Adam served the Lord by following His ways
We are his descendants in the latter days.
STORY
If you have a children's book about Adam and Eve, read it with your children. Or read Genesis 1:28.
ACTIVITY
Gather a styrofoam cup, some earth, a seed, and a glass of water. Talk with your children about what is involved in "helping things to grow." Together add the earth to the cup, plant the seed, add water, and set the cup by the window for sun.
Sing the song "Follow the Prophet" verse 1, then sing it again while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
Week 2 - Enoch
SONG
"Enoch was a prophet, he taught what was good
People in his city did just what they should
When they were so righteous that there was no sin
Heavenly Father took them up to live with Him."
STORY
Watch the "Scripture Story Video" of Enoch, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-5,00.html Chapter 5)
ACTIVITY
Build a city out of building blocks or Lego.
Sing the song "Follow the Prophet" verse 2, then 1 and 2 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
"Enoch was a prophet, he taught what was good
People in his city did just what they should
When they were so righteous that there was no sin
Heavenly Father took them up to live with Him."
STORY
Watch the "Scripture Story Video" of Enoch, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-5,00.html Chapter 5)
ACTIVITY
Build a city out of building blocks or Lego.
Sing the song "Follow the Prophet" verse 2, then 1 and 2 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
Week 3 - Noah
SONG
"Noah was a prophet, called to preach the word
Tried to cry repentance, but nobody heard
They were busy sinning - Noah preached in vain
They wished they had listened when they saw the rain"
STORY
If you have a storybook that contains the story of Noah, read it to your children. Or read selected verses from Genesis 6-8. Or watch the scripture story video (see link above in week 2).
ACTIVITY
Go for a walk in the rain, with your umbrellas. If it is not raining, you may choose to do this activity on a different day (check the weather reports), or get creative in making your own rain! You could hook up a sprinkler or hose in the backyard.
Alternately, build and decorate an ark out of an old box. If the box is big enough, your child might be able to get into it, along with various stuffed animals. If it is a smaller box, find small animal toys to fill it with. Another variation is to find a light plastic basket that floats in the water, fill it with small animal toys (and a few people to be Noah and his family) and send it off "in the flood" in the bathtub. Who knows - the shower might even be able to act as the rain!
The story of Noah is very popular, which means you might have other activities around the home you could use. We have a magnet board with the ark and all the animals, and I have also seen a "Little People" ark. Be sure to use the resources you have at home, or have access to through friends and family.
Sing the song "Follow the Prophet" verse 3, then 1, 2 and 3 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
"Noah was a prophet, called to preach the word
Tried to cry repentance, but nobody heard
They were busy sinning - Noah preached in vain
They wished they had listened when they saw the rain"
STORY
If you have a storybook that contains the story of Noah, read it to your children. Or read selected verses from Genesis 6-8. Or watch the scripture story video (see link above in week 2).
ACTIVITY
Go for a walk in the rain, with your umbrellas. If it is not raining, you may choose to do this activity on a different day (check the weather reports), or get creative in making your own rain! You could hook up a sprinkler or hose in the backyard.
Alternately, build and decorate an ark out of an old box. If the box is big enough, your child might be able to get into it, along with various stuffed animals. If it is a smaller box, find small animal toys to fill it with. Another variation is to find a light plastic basket that floats in the water, fill it with small animal toys (and a few people to be Noah and his family) and send it off "in the flood" in the bathtub. Who knows - the shower might even be able to act as the rain!
The story of Noah is very popular, which means you might have other activities around the home you could use. We have a magnet board with the ark and all the animals, and I have also seen a "Little People" ark. Be sure to use the resources you have at home, or have access to through friends and family.
Sing the song "Follow the Prophet" verse 3, then 1, 2 and 3 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
Week 4 - Abraham
SONG
"Abraham the prophet prayed to have a son
So the Lord sent Isaac as the chosen one
Isaac begat Jacob, known as Israel
Jacob's sons were twelve tribes, so the bible tells."
STORY
Read the story of Abraham and Sarah having their son, found in Genesis 21: 1-3.ACTIVITY
Create two family trees, one for Abraham and his family, and one for your own. Gather two large pieces of chart paper, brown, green and red construction paper, and a black marker. Cut two large tree trunks with branches out of the brown construction paper, 16 wavy oval shapes (like clouds) out of the green for the leaves of the tree, and 18 red circles for apples for Abraham's tree, plus as many red circles to represent family members in your own family. (We used about 16). Glue one tree trunk to each chart paper. Write the names of Abraham's family on the 16 apples: Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Rachel, Reuban, Simeon, Levi, Napthali, Issachar, Asher, Dan, Zebulan, Gad, Benjamin, Judah, Joseph.
For the activity, have your children glue the leaves to the branches. Then, as you go over the song, glue each person to Abraham's family tree. Next, ask your children to name people in your own family. Write each name on an apple, then glue it to the tree. In the end, you will have two trees, one of Abraham's descendants and one of your own.
Sing verse 4 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-4 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
"Abraham the prophet prayed to have a son
So the Lord sent Isaac as the chosen one
Isaac begat Jacob, known as Israel
Jacob's sons were twelve tribes, so the bible tells."
STORY
Read the story of Abraham and Sarah having their son, found in Genesis 21: 1-3.ACTIVITY
Create two family trees, one for Abraham and his family, and one for your own. Gather two large pieces of chart paper, brown, green and red construction paper, and a black marker. Cut two large tree trunks with branches out of the brown construction paper, 16 wavy oval shapes (like clouds) out of the green for the leaves of the tree, and 18 red circles for apples for Abraham's tree, plus as many red circles to represent family members in your own family. (We used about 16). Glue one tree trunk to each chart paper. Write the names of Abraham's family on the 16 apples: Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Rachel, Reuban, Simeon, Levi, Napthali, Issachar, Asher, Dan, Zebulan, Gad, Benjamin, Judah, Joseph.
For the activity, have your children glue the leaves to the branches. Then, as you go over the song, glue each person to Abraham's family tree. Next, ask your children to name people in your own family. Write each name on an apple, then glue it to the tree. In the end, you will have two trees, one of Abraham's descendants and one of your own.
Sing verse 4 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-4 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
Week 5 - Moses
SONG
"Moses was a prophet sent to Israel
He would lead them to the promised land to dwell
They were slow to listen, or so it appears
They were in the wilderness for forty years."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Moses, read it with your children. If you have several books covering different parts of Moses' life (ie: as a baby in the basket, leading the people out of Egypt, the ten commandments) read several stories, or assign different family members to read/relate them. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Video" of Moses and the ten commandments, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-5,00.html Chapter 19.) The activity is based on the ten commandments, so be sure to at least include this portion.ACTIVITY
Cut out 10 pieces of construction paper like the tablets the commandments were written on. Write one commandment on each paper.
Have one adult (Dad) stand at the top of a staircase to act as God. Your children will alternately act as Moses. Send up one child at a time to receive one commandment at a time. Once they have all ten, sit as a family and read what each commandment says. Explain each one in a simple way to help your children understand what they mean:
1) Only worship God.
2) Do not make anything more important than God.
3) Do not say bad words, or say bad things about God.
4) Do reverent things on Sundays.
5) Listen to and obey your Mommy and Daddy.
6) Do not hurt people.
7) Treat your family kindly.
8) Do not take things that do not belong to you.
9) Always tell the truth.
10) Be happy with the blessings we have been given.
Sing verse 5 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-5 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
"Moses was a prophet sent to Israel
He would lead them to the promised land to dwell
They were slow to listen, or so it appears
They were in the wilderness for forty years."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Moses, read it with your children. If you have several books covering different parts of Moses' life (ie: as a baby in the basket, leading the people out of Egypt, the ten commandments) read several stories, or assign different family members to read/relate them. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Video" of Moses and the ten commandments, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-5,00.html Chapter 19.) The activity is based on the ten commandments, so be sure to at least include this portion.ACTIVITY
Cut out 10 pieces of construction paper like the tablets the commandments were written on. Write one commandment on each paper.
Have one adult (Dad) stand at the top of a staircase to act as God. Your children will alternately act as Moses. Send up one child at a time to receive one commandment at a time. Once they have all ten, sit as a family and read what each commandment says. Explain each one in a simple way to help your children understand what they mean:
1) Only worship God.
2) Do not make anything more important than God.
3) Do not say bad words, or say bad things about God.
4) Do reverent things on Sundays.
5) Listen to and obey your Mommy and Daddy.
6) Do not hurt people.
7) Treat your family kindly.
8) Do not take things that do not belong to you.
9) Always tell the truth.
10) Be happy with the blessings we have been given.
Sing verse 5 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-5 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
Week 6 - Samuel
SONG
"Samuel the prophet, chosen as a boy
Hannah promised God her son would serve with joy
In the tabernacle Samuel heard his name
He was called by God and answered "Here I am!"
STORY
If you have a children's book about Samuel, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Video" of Moses and the ten commandments, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-5,00.html Chapter 19.) Or read selected verses of the story from the bible in 1 Samuel 1-3.ACTIVITY
Depending on your level of comfort with your video camera and computer editing software, you can either make a short movie about Samuel, starring your family, or put on a play. Read the account of Samuel in the Old Testament, then write out a short script based on the abilities of your family members. Be sure that the lines you write for your children are easy, short and few. You can watch the video we made on You Tube by clicking here. Our children love to do this kind of thing, so we were able to tape the children portions twice, once with each of our boys. Conversely, you could have the youngest child/baby be given to Eli by Hannah, and an older child be Samuel in his bedroom. Write the script before Family Home Evening, and plan out your video shots, sets and props ahead of time, since this activity can be a little more time consuming. If you lose the attention span of your children, wait until the following week to pick it up again.
Sing verse 6 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-6 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
"Samuel the prophet, chosen as a boy
Hannah promised God her son would serve with joy
In the tabernacle Samuel heard his name
He was called by God and answered "Here I am!"
STORY
If you have a children's book about Samuel, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Video" of Moses and the ten commandments, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-5,00.html Chapter 19.) Or read selected verses of the story from the bible in 1 Samuel 1-3.ACTIVITY
Depending on your level of comfort with your video camera and computer editing software, you can either make a short movie about Samuel, starring your family, or put on a play. Read the account of Samuel in the Old Testament, then write out a short script based on the abilities of your family members. Be sure that the lines you write for your children are easy, short and few. You can watch the video we made on You Tube by clicking here. Our children love to do this kind of thing, so we were able to tape the children portions twice, once with each of our boys. Conversely, you could have the youngest child/baby be given to Eli by Hannah, and an older child be Samuel in his bedroom. Write the script before Family Home Evening, and plan out your video shots, sets and props ahead of time, since this activity can be a little more time consuming. If you lose the attention span of your children, wait until the following week to pick it up again.
Sing verse 6 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-6 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
Week 7 - Jonah
SONG
"Jonah was a prophet, tried to run away
But he later learned to listen and obey
When we really try, the Lord won't let us fail
That's what Jonah learned deep down inside the whale."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Jonah, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Video" (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-5,00.html Chapter 38.) Or read selected verses of the story from the bible in Jonah 1-2.ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening time, cut out the shape of two large whales from blue construction paper. (You need two whales per craft). Out of one of the whale, cut various window flaps in different places. Then glue or staple the window whale on top of the second whale. You should now have one whale that has flaps you can open to reveal an empty space inside. Next, cut from cardboard (cereal box) a small figure of a man (Jonah) that will fit inside the flaps you cut from the whale.
For the activity, play hide and seek with Jonah. Someone can place the Jonah behind one of the whale flaps, and others take turns looking for Jonah. If your children really like this activity, you may want to back the two whale cutouts onto cardboard to make it more stury.
Sing verse 7 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-7 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
"Jonah was a prophet, tried to run away
But he later learned to listen and obey
When we really try, the Lord won't let us fail
That's what Jonah learned deep down inside the whale."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Jonah, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Video" (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-5,00.html Chapter 38.) Or read selected verses of the story from the bible in Jonah 1-2.ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening time, cut out the shape of two large whales from blue construction paper. (You need two whales per craft). Out of one of the whale, cut various window flaps in different places. Then glue or staple the window whale on top of the second whale. You should now have one whale that has flaps you can open to reveal an empty space inside. Next, cut from cardboard (cereal box) a small figure of a man (Jonah) that will fit inside the flaps you cut from the whale.
For the activity, play hide and seek with Jonah. Someone can place the Jonah behind one of the whale flaps, and others take turns looking for Jonah. If your children really like this activity, you may want to back the two whale cutouts onto cardboard to make it more stury.
Sing verse 7 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-7 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
Week 8 - Daniel
SONG
"Daniel was a prophet, he refused to sin
So the King threw Daniel in the lion's den
Angels calmed the lions, and the king soon saw
Daniel's pow'r was great, for he obeyed God's law."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Jonah, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Video" (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-5,00.html Chapter 43.) Or read selected verses of the story from the bible in Daniel 6.ACTIVITY
Play a game of tag, where one person is Daniel and the others are the lions. Daniel tries to run away while the others chase him down. Be sure everyone, including Mom and Dad, get a chance to be Daniel!
Sing verse 8 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-8 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
"Daniel was a prophet, he refused to sin
So the King threw Daniel in the lion's den
Angels calmed the lions, and the king soon saw
Daniel's pow'r was great, for he obeyed God's law."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Jonah, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Video" (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-5,00.html Chapter 43.) Or read selected verses of the story from the bible in Daniel 6.ACTIVITY
Play a game of tag, where one person is Daniel and the others are the lions. Daniel tries to run away while the others chase him down. Be sure everyone, including Mom and Dad, get a chance to be Daniel!
Sing verse 8 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-8 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
Week 9 - Modern Day Prophets
SONG
"Now we have a world where people are confused
If you don't believe it, go and watch the news
We can get direction all along our way
If we heed the prophets, follow what they say."
STORY
Find a talk the prophet gave at the most recent General Conference. Summarize the message to your children, highlighting what they can do to obey the prophet's counsel in this talk.ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening time, gather all the conference talks the prophet gave over the last year (both spring and fall conferences). Cut 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of paper into 4 squares. Write out one sentence that summarizes the instructions from each talk. For example: "Share the gospel with others" or "Read your scriptures." Make two squares for each topic, for use in a matching game.
If your children are old enough to draw, let them draw something to represent that instruction. For example, a picture of the scriptures, or them talking to their friends. If they are too young, draw pictures yourself.
Play a matching game with your children. If they are older, you can turn the cards face down and have them pick two at a time, trying to find the matching cards. If they are younger, place the cards face up and have them find the matching pairs.
Sing verse 9 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-9 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
"Now we have a world where people are confused
If you don't believe it, go and watch the news
We can get direction all along our way
If we heed the prophets, follow what they say."
STORY
Find a talk the prophet gave at the most recent General Conference. Summarize the message to your children, highlighting what they can do to obey the prophet's counsel in this talk.ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening time, gather all the conference talks the prophet gave over the last year (both spring and fall conferences). Cut 8 1/2" x 11" sheets of paper into 4 squares. Write out one sentence that summarizes the instructions from each talk. For example: "Share the gospel with others" or "Read your scriptures." Make two squares for each topic, for use in a matching game.
If your children are old enough to draw, let them draw something to represent that instruction. For example, a picture of the scriptures, or them talking to their friends. If they are too young, draw pictures yourself.
Play a matching game with your children. If they are older, you can turn the cards face down and have them pick two at a time, trying to find the matching cards. If they are younger, place the cards face up and have them find the matching pairs.
Sing verse 9 of "Follow the Prophet," followed by verses 1-9 while marching around the home, taking turns at being the leader.
Book of Mormon Stories
This 8 week series is based on the song "Book of Mormon Stories" from the Children's Songbook, page 118. Each week you will teach a different verse from the song and do an activity based on that story.
Learn the Song
Learn the melody and verses of the song "Book of Mormon Stories" in the Children's Songbook, page 118. Click here to access the sheet music, lyrics and an mp3 of the song. (Scroll down the page and find the song in the Alphabetical listing. Click on the title to find the sheet music, or on the mp3 logo to access the recording).
The most effective way to teach music is in repetition. The easiest way for children to learn the song is by simply hearing you sing it over and over again. Your children may have learned simple actions in Primary for verses 1 and 2. You can teach these, plus make up actions for verses 3-8, if you wish. Keep the actions simple, and use repetition where you can.
Sing the verse of the week together. For the second week, teach the new verse, repeating it two or three times. Then sing the first and second verses. As you add verses, you might lose the attention of your kids. You may want to simply choose two or three verses to sing each week, especially as you get toward the end of the series.
The most effective way to teach music is in repetition. The easiest way for children to learn the song is by simply hearing you sing it over and over again. Your children may have learned simple actions in Primary for verses 1 and 2. You can teach these, plus make up actions for verses 3-8, if you wish. Keep the actions simple, and use repetition where you can.
Sing the verse of the week together. For the second week, teach the new verse, repeating it two or three times. Then sing the first and second verses. As you add verses, you might lose the attention of your kids. You may want to simply choose two or three verses to sing each week, especially as you get toward the end of the series.
Week 1 - Book of Mormon Stories
SONG
"Book of Mormon stories that my teacher tells to meAre about the Lamanites in ancient history
Long ago their fathers came from far across the sea
Giv’n the land if they lived righteously."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Lehi crossing the sea, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Lehi crossing the sea, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 8.) Or read selected verses from 1 Nephi 18.ACTIVITY
OPTION 1
Racing Lehi and his family across the sea. Cut out the shape of a person from a piece of paper for each person in your family. Colour and decorate each cutout as someone from Lehi’s family (Lehi, Sariah, Nephi, Laman, etc). Then gather at least two empty plastic pop bottles, or one for each person in your family if you can. Loosely roll up your cutout person and feed it into the pop bottle. (It should unroll once it is inside so you can see who it is!) Place the pop bottles in a small wading pool of water (like the one kids use in the backyard. If you do not have one and can’t borrow one, you might be able to use your bathtub.) Using two small handheld fans (can be bought at the Dollar Store), race two boats at a time from one end of the pool to the other.
If your children would rather not do a craft, you could use toy boats (like bathtoys) and toy people instead.
OPTION 2
Before Family Home Evening, make a “Book of Mormon” pop up card. Fold an 8 1/2” x 11” paper in half, so that you have a rectangle 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”. Cut a horizontal slit on the folded side that goes about 2 1/2” into the paper. Fold back the paper above the slit and below the slit into triangles. Now pop the triangles through so that they are inside the folded piece of paper. See illustrations below.
Glue paper with mouth inside another folded black sheet of construction paper. Now you should have a card that, when opened, looks like a mouth opening. Make one for each family member.
At Family Home Evening, colour/decorate it as you wish. You could also cut out feathers, eyes, hair necklace, etc out of construction paper to glue on. Be as creative as you can!
On the front of the card write with white or gold crayon or pencil crayon “Book of Mormon Stories”.
OPTION 3
The human liahona. Create two signs, one that has a happy face on it and one that has a sad face on it. Tape the signs to two opposite walls in the room. Next, create a list of situations in which someone makes a good choice, or a bad choice (see below for examples). One person stands in the middle of the room and listens to the first situation read out. Then they must spin around and point to whether the situation was a good choice, or a bad choice. Let all the family members take turns being the liahona.
Situations:
Sarah has two pieces of candy, but does not share them with her sister.
Jeremy sees a friend at school sitting by himself and goes to play with him.
Lisa plays gently with her baby brother.
Aaron breaks a toy but tells his mom he didn’t do it.
Samantha takes her sister to nursery class on Sunday.
Sing verse 1 of "Book of Mormon Stories."
"Book of Mormon stories that my teacher tells to meAre about the Lamanites in ancient history
Long ago their fathers came from far across the sea
Giv’n the land if they lived righteously."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Lehi crossing the sea, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Lehi crossing the sea, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 8.) Or read selected verses from 1 Nephi 18.ACTIVITY
OPTION 1
Racing Lehi and his family across the sea. Cut out the shape of a person from a piece of paper for each person in your family. Colour and decorate each cutout as someone from Lehi’s family (Lehi, Sariah, Nephi, Laman, etc). Then gather at least two empty plastic pop bottles, or one for each person in your family if you can. Loosely roll up your cutout person and feed it into the pop bottle. (It should unroll once it is inside so you can see who it is!) Place the pop bottles in a small wading pool of water (like the one kids use in the backyard. If you do not have one and can’t borrow one, you might be able to use your bathtub.) Using two small handheld fans (can be bought at the Dollar Store), race two boats at a time from one end of the pool to the other.
If your children would rather not do a craft, you could use toy boats (like bathtoys) and toy people instead.
OPTION 2
Before Family Home Evening, make a “Book of Mormon” pop up card. Fold an 8 1/2” x 11” paper in half, so that you have a rectangle 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”. Cut a horizontal slit on the folded side that goes about 2 1/2” into the paper. Fold back the paper above the slit and below the slit into triangles. Now pop the triangles through so that they are inside the folded piece of paper. See illustrations below.
Glue paper with mouth inside another folded black sheet of construction paper. Now you should have a card that, when opened, looks like a mouth opening. Make one for each family member.
At Family Home Evening, colour/decorate it as you wish. You could also cut out feathers, eyes, hair necklace, etc out of construction paper to glue on. Be as creative as you can!
On the front of the card write with white or gold crayon or pencil crayon “Book of Mormon Stories”.
OPTION 3
The human liahona. Create two signs, one that has a happy face on it and one that has a sad face on it. Tape the signs to two opposite walls in the room. Next, create a list of situations in which someone makes a good choice, or a bad choice (see below for examples). One person stands in the middle of the room and listens to the first situation read out. Then they must spin around and point to whether the situation was a good choice, or a bad choice. Let all the family members take turns being the liahona.
Situations:
Sarah has two pieces of candy, but does not share them with her sister.
Jeremy sees a friend at school sitting by himself and goes to play with him.
Lisa plays gently with her baby brother.
Aaron breaks a toy but tells his mom he didn’t do it.
Samantha takes her sister to nursery class on Sunday.
Sing verse 1 of "Book of Mormon Stories."
Week 2 - The Free Land Welcomes All
SONG
"Lamanites met others who were seeking liberty
And the land soon welcomed all who wanted to be free
Book of Mormon stories say that we must brothers be
Giv’n the land if we live righteously"
STORY
Read the 8th Article of Faith.ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening, get a large piece of chart paper. Do your best to draw a map of the world on it. Colour the different countries/continents different colours. Gather photos (if you can) of friends and family that have come from other countries to live here. Glue each photo onto a colour piece of construction paper, corresponding to the colour of their home country on the map. If you can’t get photos, write their names on strips of coloured paper.
At Family Home Evening, lay the map out on the floor or table. Talk about each photo/name one at a time, and what country they came from. Put their photo on their home country. Now talk about how they moved to your country to enjoy the freedom we have. Move their photo into your country. At the end, there should be a rainbow of coloured photos/names in your home country.
Sing verse 2 of "Book of Mormon Stories" then sing verses 1 and 2.
"Lamanites met others who were seeking liberty
And the land soon welcomed all who wanted to be free
Book of Mormon stories say that we must brothers be
Giv’n the land if we live righteously"
STORY
Read the 8th Article of Faith.ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening, get a large piece of chart paper. Do your best to draw a map of the world on it. Colour the different countries/continents different colours. Gather photos (if you can) of friends and family that have come from other countries to live here. Glue each photo onto a colour piece of construction paper, corresponding to the colour of their home country on the map. If you can’t get photos, write their names on strips of coloured paper.
At Family Home Evening, lay the map out on the floor or table. Talk about each photo/name one at a time, and what country they came from. Put their photo on their home country. Now talk about how they moved to your country to enjoy the freedom we have. Move their photo into your country. At the end, there should be a rainbow of coloured photos/names in your home country.
Sing verse 2 of "Book of Mormon Stories" then sing verses 1 and 2.
Week 3 - Alma the Younger
SONG
"Alma was rebellious, and he fought against the right.
Then one day an angel came to turn him to the light
Struck before his brethren, Alma learned humility
The he taught in the land righteously."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Alma the Younger repenting, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Alma the Younger repents, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 18.) Or read selected verses from Mosiah 27:8-18.
ACTIVITY
Gather a small lamp and something to use as a blindfold. Sit in a dark room and blindfold an adult first (if possible). Once the adult is blindfolded, have your child turn on the light and shine it toward the back of the adult’s head. Tell the adult to slowly turn until they can “feel” the light on their face. When they take off the blindfold, they will have “found the light.” Have all family members take turns being blindfolded. If your child does not want to be blindfolded, just have them help point the light.
Sing verse 3 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing verses 1-3.
"Alma was rebellious, and he fought against the right.
Then one day an angel came to turn him to the light
Struck before his brethren, Alma learned humility
The he taught in the land righteously."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Alma the Younger repenting, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Alma the Younger repents, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 18.) Or read selected verses from Mosiah 27:8-18.
ACTIVITY
Gather a small lamp and something to use as a blindfold. Sit in a dark room and blindfold an adult first (if possible). Once the adult is blindfolded, have your child turn on the light and shine it toward the back of the adult’s head. Tell the adult to slowly turn until they can “feel” the light on their face. When they take off the blindfold, they will have “found the light.” Have all family members take turns being blindfolded. If your child does not want to be blindfolded, just have them help point the light.
Sing verse 3 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing verses 1-3.
Week 4 - Abinidi
SONG
"Don’t forget Abinidi, who stood before the king.
All chained up from head to toe, the gospel he did bring.
If he would deny it, then the king would set him free.
He was true, and he died righteously"
STORY
If you have a children's book about Abinidi, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Abinidi and King Noah, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 14.) Or read selected verses from Mosiah 11:20, 13:1-3, 17:9-10, 17: 13-15.
ACTIVITY
Find a thick, long rope. You can also tie a bunch of winter scarves together, or improvise in another way with materials found around the home. Have all but one family member (or just your children) stand together in the centre of the room. Loosely wrap the rope around everyone, weaving it between arms and legs and around waists (be sure to avoid the head and neck area). Once the rope is completely woven, have the family members try to get themselves loose.
Sing verse 4 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing selected verses of the ones you know.
"Don’t forget Abinidi, who stood before the king.
All chained up from head to toe, the gospel he did bring.
If he would deny it, then the king would set him free.
He was true, and he died righteously"
STORY
If you have a children's book about Abinidi, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Abinidi and King Noah, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 14.) Or read selected verses from Mosiah 11:20, 13:1-3, 17:9-10, 17: 13-15.
ACTIVITY
Find a thick, long rope. You can also tie a bunch of winter scarves together, or improvise in another way with materials found around the home. Have all but one family member (or just your children) stand together in the centre of the room. Loosely wrap the rope around everyone, weaving it between arms and legs and around waists (be sure to avoid the head and neck area). Once the rope is completely woven, have the family members try to get themselves loose.
Sing verse 4 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing selected verses of the ones you know.
Week 5 - Ammon
SONG
"Ammon was a missionary serving Lamanites,
Tending King Lamoni’s sheep for several days and nights.
Robbers came; he saved the sheep by fighting fearlessly,
He had learned he could live righteously"
STORY
If you have a children's book about Ammon, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Ammon: A Great Servent, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 23.) Or read selected verses from Alma 17:25-38.
ACTIVITY
Cut out several large sheep from white construction paper (one per sheet). Hide the sheep in the yard, park, (weather permitting) or house. Go on a hunt for all the lost sheep.
Sing verse 5 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing selected verses of the ones you know.
"Ammon was a missionary serving Lamanites,
Tending King Lamoni’s sheep for several days and nights.
Robbers came; he saved the sheep by fighting fearlessly,
He had learned he could live righteously"
STORY
If you have a children's book about Ammon, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Ammon: A Great Servent, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 23.) Or read selected verses from Alma 17:25-38.
ACTIVITY
Cut out several large sheep from white construction paper (one per sheet). Hide the sheep in the yard, park, (weather permitting) or house. Go on a hunt for all the lost sheep.
Sing verse 5 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing selected verses of the ones you know.
Week 6 - Two Thousand Stripling Warriors
SONG
"Once two thousand sons of God were called to fight the foe.Marching as an army into battle they did go.
They believed that Christ the Lord their guardian would.
They had learned they should live righteously."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Helaman and the 2000 stripling warriors, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Helaman and the 2,000 Young Warriors, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 34.) Or read selected verses from Alma 53:18-21, 56:47, 57:25.
ACTIVITY
OPTION 1
Depending on the age appropriateness in your home, have a foam sword fight. (We have foam swords from the Dollar Store. They are very soft, and we have a rule that there is no hitting people, only other swords). This activity in itself can fill a good five to ten minutes with our boys!
OPTION 2
Before Family Home Evening, gather costume material from around the home for armor. (Bike helmets, aprons, rainboots, etc). Make a flag, or standard, by tying a small hand towel to a stick or pole.
At Family Home Evening, pile all the “armor” into the centre of the room. Have everyone dress themselves for battle. Then take turns being the leader, who carries the flag, and lead the troops on a march. March in the home, in the yard, or down the street, if you dare!
Sing verse 6 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing selected verses of the ones you know.
"Once two thousand sons of God were called to fight the foe.Marching as an army into battle they did go.
They believed that Christ the Lord their guardian would.
They had learned they should live righteously."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Helaman and the 2000 stripling warriors, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Helaman and the 2,000 Young Warriors, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 34.) Or read selected verses from Alma 53:18-21, 56:47, 57:25.
ACTIVITY
OPTION 1
Depending on the age appropriateness in your home, have a foam sword fight. (We have foam swords from the Dollar Store. They are very soft, and we have a rule that there is no hitting people, only other swords). This activity in itself can fill a good five to ten minutes with our boys!
OPTION 2
Before Family Home Evening, gather costume material from around the home for armor. (Bike helmets, aprons, rainboots, etc). Make a flag, or standard, by tying a small hand towel to a stick or pole.
At Family Home Evening, pile all the “armor” into the centre of the room. Have everyone dress themselves for battle. Then take turns being the leader, who carries the flag, and lead the troops on a march. March in the home, in the yard, or down the street, if you dare!
Sing verse 6 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing selected verses of the ones you know.
Week 7 - Samuel the Lamanite
SONG
"Samuel the Lamanite, high on the city wall
Came to warn the people, and repentance was his call.
Arrows could not hit him, for a man of God was he,
And he taught in the land righteously."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Samuel the Lamanite, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Samuel the Lamanite Tells of Jesus Christ, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 40.) Or read selected verses from Helaman 13:1-6, 16:2-3.
ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening, cut out a figure from paper and decorate it as Samuel the Lamanite. Back it up onto cardboard (like from a cereal box) to make it sturdy. Glue or tape it to a small stand made out of a firmer cardboard. Next make 8-10 small arrows. Cut a slit in a drinking straw about an inch down, and then cut another slit across from that one. Cut a 1 1/2” square out of red construction paper, fold it in half to make a rectangle, then feather the edges on the long sides. Wedge it into the slit of the straw and you have an arrow.
At Family Home Evening, stand Samuel the Lamanite up on a ledge of some sort. It could be the top stair of a staircase, a kneel wall, or on top of a kitchen counter. Have the children stand back, then throw arrows at the Samuel cutout and try to knock him down.
Sing verse 7 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing selected verses of the ones you know.
"Samuel the Lamanite, high on the city wall
Came to warn the people, and repentance was his call.
Arrows could not hit him, for a man of God was he,
And he taught in the land righteously."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Samuel the Lamanite, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Samuel the Lamanite Tells of Jesus Christ, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 40.) Or read selected verses from Helaman 13:1-6, 16:2-3.
ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening, cut out a figure from paper and decorate it as Samuel the Lamanite. Back it up onto cardboard (like from a cereal box) to make it sturdy. Glue or tape it to a small stand made out of a firmer cardboard. Next make 8-10 small arrows. Cut a slit in a drinking straw about an inch down, and then cut another slit across from that one. Cut a 1 1/2” square out of red construction paper, fold it in half to make a rectangle, then feather the edges on the long sides. Wedge it into the slit of the straw and you have an arrow.
At Family Home Evening, stand Samuel the Lamanite up on a ledge of some sort. It could be the top stair of a staircase, a kneel wall, or on top of a kitchen counter. Have the children stand back, then throw arrows at the Samuel cutout and try to knock him down.
Sing verse 7 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing selected verses of the ones you know.
Week 8 - Jesus Christ visits the Americas
SONG
"After Christ was crucified and died for your and me,He came forth to teach the truth to all who would be free
Hands were laid upon each child, He blessed them tenderly,
And they lived in the land righteously."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Jesus blessing the children, or coming to the Americas, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Jesus Christ blesses the children, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 44.) Or read selected verses from 3 Nephi 17:11-24.
ACTIVITY
Watch the film “My Joy is Full” about Christ visiting the people in the Americas. Click here to watch it from the Church website, or watch it on the “Book of Mormon DVD Presentations” DVD. The film is about 4 minutes in length. If your children will not sit for that long, the last 45 seconds or so is the portion where Jesus calls forth the children and blesses them; just watch that part instead. Talk with your children about how it would have been to sit and talk with Jesus. Ask them what they might tell Him if they could sit with him today.
Sing verse 8 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing verses 1-8 to end the series.
"After Christ was crucified and died for your and me,He came forth to teach the truth to all who would be free
Hands were laid upon each child, He blessed them tenderly,
And they lived in the land righteously."
STORY
If you have a children's book about Jesus blessing the children, or coming to the Americas, read it with your children. Or, watch the "Scripture Story Book of Mormon DVD" of Jesus Christ blesses the children, available on DVD or on the church website (http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,8187-1-4473-2,00.html Chapter 44.) Or read selected verses from 3 Nephi 17:11-24.
ACTIVITY
Watch the film “My Joy is Full” about Christ visiting the people in the Americas. Click here to watch it from the Church website, or watch it on the “Book of Mormon DVD Presentations” DVD. The film is about 4 minutes in length. If your children will not sit for that long, the last 45 seconds or so is the portion where Jesus calls forth the children and blesses them; just watch that part instead. Talk with your children about how it would have been to sit and talk with Jesus. Ask them what they might tell Him if they could sit with him today.
Sing verse 8 of "Book of Mormon Stories," then sing verses 1-8 to end the series.
http://fhein5.webs.com
Living the Gospel from Head to Toes
This 8 week series is teaches children how to live gospel principles, using the song "Head and Shoulders." Each week you will teach about a different principle based on a body part from this song.
Week 1 - Head
The head - obedience toward God in all our thoughts.
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
We are starting this week with "head." Inside your head is where all your thoughts are. We must think about Heavenly Father and Jesus every day. We must think about what they want us to do. We must try to have only good thoughts.
SCRIPTURE
Read Alma 37:36:
"Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever. "
ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening, prepare 10 small slips of paper. On each paper, write one thought, some good, some bad, that might occur in your children's minds. For example: "I don't want to share my toys" or "I want to sit next to my sister." Find a large jar, like a pickle jar or peanut butter jar. From construction paper, cut out the shape of a fact that will fit on the side of the jar. Cut out various features for the face, like eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and hair.
At Family Home Evening, have your children decorate the face by gluing the features on. Then glue the face to the jar.
Next, read the thoughts you prepared out one at a time. Ask your children to decide if it is a good thought, one they want in their head, or a bad thought, one they don't want in their head. Have them put the good thoughts into the jar (the head) and toss the bad ones aside.
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
We are starting this week with "head." Inside your head is where all your thoughts are. We must think about Heavenly Father and Jesus every day. We must think about what they want us to do. We must try to have only good thoughts.
SCRIPTURE
Read Alma 37:36:
"Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever. "
ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening, prepare 10 small slips of paper. On each paper, write one thought, some good, some bad, that might occur in your children's minds. For example: "I don't want to share my toys" or "I want to sit next to my sister." Find a large jar, like a pickle jar or peanut butter jar. From construction paper, cut out the shape of a fact that will fit on the side of the jar. Cut out various features for the face, like eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and hair.
At Family Home Evening, have your children decorate the face by gluing the features on. Then glue the face to the jar.
Next, read the thoughts you prepared out one at a time. Ask your children to decide if it is a good thought, one they want in their head, or a bad thought, one they don't want in their head. Have them put the good thoughts into the jar (the head) and toss the bad ones aside.
Week 2 - Shoulders
The shoulders - "Put your shoulder to the wheel" in doing the work of God, serving in the church.
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
This week are the shoulders. The expression "Put your shoulder to the wheel" means to try really hard to do something. Heavenly Father has asked us to work hard in helping to build his church. The Bishop asks us all to serve in a calling. (Explain what your callings are to your children, and the ways in which you help to build the church).
SCRIPTURE
Read Doctrine and Covenants 107:99:
ACTIVITY
Find a small piece of furniture that has some weight to it, but could be pushed with some effort by each child. Put it on one side of the room and mark a finish line on the other (keep in mind the ability of each child, and alter the distance appropriately). Have each child take a turn pushing the furniture across the room. Remind them that by pushing using their side/shoulder, they can get more strength. The other family members can cheer on the one doing the pushing.
To end the activity off, if you are feeling adventurous, find a large piece of furniture in your home that, with some effort, could be pushed by the family members combined. Work together as a family to move the object, remembering to push with your shoulders!
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
This week are the shoulders. The expression "Put your shoulder to the wheel" means to try really hard to do something. Heavenly Father has asked us to work hard in helping to build his church. The Bishop asks us all to serve in a calling. (Explain what your callings are to your children, and the ways in which you help to build the church).
SCRIPTURE
Read Doctrine and Covenants 107:99:
"Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence."
ACTIVITY
Find a small piece of furniture that has some weight to it, but could be pushed with some effort by each child. Put it on one side of the room and mark a finish line on the other (keep in mind the ability of each child, and alter the distance appropriately). Have each child take a turn pushing the furniture across the room. Remind them that by pushing using their side/shoulder, they can get more strength. The other family members can cheer on the one doing the pushing.
To end the activity off, if you are feeling adventurous, find a large piece of furniture in your home that, with some effort, could be pushed by the family members combined. Work together as a family to move the object, remembering to push with your shoulders!
Week 3 - Knees
The knees - the importance of prayer
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
The next body part are the knees. What do we do that we get down on our knees for? (Demonstrate kneeling for prayer). Prayer is the way we talk to Heavenly Father, sort of like talking on a telephone. We talk and he can hear us. He hears our prayers and answer us. Heavenly Father has told us that we should pray often. What kinds of things can we pray for? (Read scripture, then discuss).
SCRIPTURE
Read Alma 34: 17-27
Define each item of prayer in relation to your own lives. For example, "fields and flocks" would have to do with daily work, which would be Dad or Mom's job, or school for the children. "all your household" would be all your family members.
ACTIVITY
Gather two tin cans and a long piece of string. Punch a hole in the bottom of each can, then thread the string through each can. Tie a knot on the end of each string, to create a "tin can phone."
Have one parent stand at the top of the stairs, and the children at the bottom. Let each child speak through the tin can telephone and mention a few things he or she could pray for. Let Mom and Dad also take a turn saying things to pray for.
Finish the activity by saying a closing prayer, and by praying for those things that were mentioned in the tin can phone..
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
The next body part are the knees. What do we do that we get down on our knees for? (Demonstrate kneeling for prayer). Prayer is the way we talk to Heavenly Father, sort of like talking on a telephone. We talk and he can hear us. He hears our prayers and answer us. Heavenly Father has told us that we should pray often. What kinds of things can we pray for? (Read scripture, then discuss).
SCRIPTURE
Read Alma 34: 17-27
(Tell your children that the word "cry" means to pray. Substitute the word "pray" for "cry" as you read the following.)
17 Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;
Define each item of prayer in relation to your own lives. For example, "fields and flocks" would have to do with daily work, which would be Dad or Mom's job, or school for the children. "all your household" would be all your family members.
ACTIVITY
Gather two tin cans and a long piece of string. Punch a hole in the bottom of each can, then thread the string through each can. Tie a knot on the end of each string, to create a "tin can phone."
Have one parent stand at the top of the stairs, and the children at the bottom. Let each child speak through the tin can telephone and mention a few things he or she could pray for. Let Mom and Dad also take a turn saying things to pray for.
Finish the activity by saying a closing prayer, and by praying for those things that were mentioned in the tin can phone..
Week 4 - Toes
The toes - going about doing good, in service to God.
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
Our toes, on our feet, take us wherever we want to go. It is important to try and do good things to others everywhere we go. Doing good to others is called service. Heavenly Father has asked us to serve the people around us. Jesus Christ served many people while He lived here on earth. We must follow his example and go about doing good.
SCRIPTURE
Read Matthew 25:34-40:
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
ACTIVITY
Bake cookies, or some other baked good, and deliver them to a family or friend. Try to pick someone close by, if possible, so that you may walk (toes!) there
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
Our toes, on our feet, take us wherever we want to go. It is important to try and do good things to others everywhere we go. Doing good to others is called service. Heavenly Father has asked us to serve the people around us. Jesus Christ served many people while He lived here on earth. We must follow his example and go about doing good.
SCRIPTURE
Read Matthew 25:34-40:
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
ACTIVITY
Bake cookies, or some other baked good, and deliver them to a family or friend. Try to pick someone close by, if possible, so that you may walk (toes!) there
Week 5 - Eyes
The eyes - read the scriptures.
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
Heavenly Father has given us the scriptures so that we can read what he wants us to do. We can read about the commandments he gave us, the blessings he promised us, and all about Jesus while he lived here on earth. It is important to read the scriptures every day so that we can get to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ better.
SCRIPTURE
Read 2 Nephi 32:3:
3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.
ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening, obtain a small box, about the size of a shoebox. Tape black construction paper to the box, and write "Book of Mormon" or "Holy Bible" on the paper. Next gather together something that your family could eat for a treat after the lesson. Choose something that you can easily attach a slip of paper to, like a small candy bar, or a banana. Have at least one item for each member of the family (or more, if you plan on "feasting" on your treat!) Next, choose one scripture for each treat item and write that scripture down on a slip of paper. (You might use the scriptures from the previous lessons in this series, for a review). Attach each slip to a treat.
At Family Home Evening, explain to your children that to "feast" on food means to eat lots and lots of food. So, to "feast" on the words of Christ means to read them lots and lots. Now open up your scripture box and take out one treat at a time and read the attached scripture. Be sure to end the lesson by feasting on your treats!
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
Heavenly Father has given us the scriptures so that we can read what he wants us to do. We can read about the commandments he gave us, the blessings he promised us, and all about Jesus while he lived here on earth. It is important to read the scriptures every day so that we can get to know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ better.
SCRIPTURE
Read 2 Nephi 32:3:
3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.
ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening, obtain a small box, about the size of a shoebox. Tape black construction paper to the box, and write "Book of Mormon" or "Holy Bible" on the paper. Next gather together something that your family could eat for a treat after the lesson. Choose something that you can easily attach a slip of paper to, like a small candy bar, or a banana. Have at least one item for each member of the family (or more, if you plan on "feasting" on your treat!) Next, choose one scripture for each treat item and write that scripture down on a slip of paper. (You might use the scriptures from the previous lessons in this series, for a review). Attach each slip to a treat.
At Family Home Evening, explain to your children that to "feast" on food means to eat lots and lots of food. So, to "feast" on the words of Christ means to read them lots and lots. Now open up your scripture box and take out one treat at a time and read the attached scripture. Be sure to end the lesson by feasting on your treats!
Week 6 - Ears
The ears - listening to the Holy Ghost.
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
Heavenly Father has given each of us a special gift - the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can help us know what is right and what is wrong. We have to listen carefully to what he tells us. He speaks to our hearts. so to hear him we must be very still and quiet and listen carefully.
SCRIPTURE
Read Doctrine and Covenants 11:13-14:
ACTIVITY
One person (start with an adult) will act as the Holy Ghost. He will stand a short distance away from the rest of the family. Then he will whisper a direction to the family, and everyone must listen very carefully to hear him. Start with something simple, like "Touch your head" or "sit on the floor." Then you can gradually make things more active, like "jump into Mommy and Daddy's bed" or "hide under the kitchen table." Make sure everyone in the family gets a chance to act as the Holy Ghost!
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
Heavenly Father has given each of us a special gift - the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can help us know what is right and what is wrong. We have to listen carefully to what he tells us. He speaks to our hearts. so to hear him we must be very still and quiet and listen carefully.
SCRIPTURE
Read Doctrine and Covenants 11:13-14:
13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;
ACTIVITY
One person (start with an adult) will act as the Holy Ghost. He will stand a short distance away from the rest of the family. Then he will whisper a direction to the family, and everyone must listen very carefully to hear him. Start with something simple, like "Touch your head" or "sit on the floor." Then you can gradually make things more active, like "jump into Mommy and Daddy's bed" or "hide under the kitchen table." Make sure everyone in the family gets a chance to act as the Holy Ghost!
Week 7 - Mouth
The mouth - spread the word of the Gospel through missionary work
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
We are so lucky to know about the gospel, to know who Heavenly Father and Jesus are, to know there is a prophet on the earth today, and to have the scriptures. We know how happy we are because we have the gospel in our lives. Now we must tell everyone we know about the gospel and how happy it makes us!
SCRIPTURE
Read Matthew 28:19-20:
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening, cut out small black rectangles from construction paper, the size of missionary tags. Make one for each member of the family. Gather enough safety pins for each member also.
At Family Home Evening, write each family member's name on one tag. Then attach the tag to each person's shirt.
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
We are so lucky to know about the gospel, to know who Heavenly Father and Jesus are, to know there is a prophet on the earth today, and to have the scriptures. We know how happy we are because we have the gospel in our lives. Now we must tell everyone we know about the gospel and how happy it makes us!
SCRIPTURE
Read Matthew 28:19-20:
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening, cut out small black rectangles from construction paper, the size of missionary tags. Make one for each member of the family. Gather enough safety pins for each member also.
At Family Home Evening, write each family member's name on one tag. Then attach the tag to each person's shirt.
Week 8 - Nose
The nose - choosing the right (smelling out the good from the bad)
SONG
"Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders, knees and toes
Eyes, ears, mouth and nose."
We have so many choices to make in this life. Every time we have a choice to make, we can choose the right or choose the wrong. Heavenly Father wants us to choose the right, because he knows that is the way we can be happy. We must think about the choice, and then decide which one is the right choice to make.
SCRIPTURE
Read Joshua 24:15:
ACTIVITY
Before Family Home Evening, gather some strong smelling items together. Choose at least 3 nice smelling things, and three rotten smelling things. Try to get nice smelling things that are edible. Hide each item in its own bag, so that you cannot tell what it is by looking.
At Family Home Evening, put the items in pairs, one nice smelling thing with one rotten smelling thing. Ask your children to try and sniff out which is the good thing and which is the bad in each pair. If you have chosen edible good things, your family can then eat these things as a reward for finding the good.
Preach My Gospel, Lesson 1, Heading 1 “God is Our Loving Heavenly Father”
God is Our Loving Heavenly Father
Preparation:
Obtain two objects that are similar, yet different, such as different-size balls, types of shoes, pictures of baby animal and mother animal. Also locate a picture of a child and a picture of HeavenlyFather and Jesus Christ, such as The First Vision (GAK 403). Hide the objects and the pictures in the roombefore Family Home Evening. Prepare flannelboard pictures.
Opening Song: “My Heavenly Father Loves Me”
~We are God’s children (see Acts 17:29)
Who are you? Do you know? You know your name, and you know you belongto our family here on earth. We love you. You are special to us. You are alsospecial to Heavenly Father. He is the father of your spirit. You lived with Him inheaven before you came to earth. Everyone born on the earth is a child ofHeavenly Father.You do not remember living with Heavenly Father, but you are His child.Read Psalm 82:6“The most High” means Heavenly Father.Do you have the same color eyes as Mommy? Is the color of your hair likeDaddy? Children often are very much like their parents.Read Genesis 1:27.To be created in His image means that you look like your Heavenly Father. Italso means you can become like Him.Help your family members understand the qualities they have because they aresons and daughters of God. Take turns locating the objects and pictures and thenmatching them. Discuss how the balls, although different in size or color orpurpose, also have similarities. They are round, they roll, they bounce, etc.Discuss the other objects. Discuss the differences and similarities we have withHeavenly Father and the Savior.
~God loves us and will help us make right choices.
How do you know that your earthly parents love you? (They give us food, aplace to live. They teach us to choose the right.)How can you know that Heavenly Father loves you? (the beautiful earth, thescriptures, Jesus Christ, the living prophets, and our families.)How can we show Him that we love Him?President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that we can show our love to our HeavenlyFather as we speak to Him in prayer and keep His commandments. When we do
this, President Hinckley promised:
“He will watch over you and guide you and protectyou. He will bless you in your schoolwork and in your Primary. He will bless you in your home,and you will be a better boy or girl. … Never forget, my dear young friends, that you really are achild of God who has inherited something of His divine nature, one whom He loves and desiresto help and bless” (
Friend,
May 2003, 6)
.How do you think Heavenly Father feels when we are sad?How do you think He feels when we do what is right?Do you think He wants to help you? Why? (because He wants us to return hometo Him)
~Through Jesus Christ, we can live with God again (see John 3:16-17).
Tell the following story, with flannelboard pictures.One night Danny’s family went to the park to play for a while. Danny was 3years old, and really excited to ride on the swings. While he was going reallyhigh on a swing, he could see the whole playground. He could see a tall slidethat children were zooming down. It looked so fun! Danny decided to get off theswing and go see what it was like to go down the slide. As he climbed up theladder he started to feel scared about how high it was. When he got to the top ofthe slide, he felt so scared that he did not want to slide down. He was too afraidto go back down the ladder. He didn’t know what to do. Danny was stuck! Justas he was about to start crying, he saw his big brother Jacob running towardshim. Jacob had seen that Danny was stuck and came to help him. Jacob climbedup the ladder and helped Danny onto his lap, then they slid down together.Danny was so happy he had Jacob for his big brother.Everyone will die someday. But Heavenly Father sent someone to help us! Justlike Jacob helped his little brother who was stuck on the slide, Jesus Christ cameto help us get back to Heavenly Father. He made it possible for us to live again.He gave His life upon the cross for us, and three days later He was resurrected.Because He did this for us, each of us will be resurrected. He is our Savior.He also suffered to pay for the things we do wrong while we’re here on earth. Hesuffered so greatly that He bled from every pore. He suffered that punishmentfor our sins so we would not have to suffer if we will repent.Bear testimony of Heavenly Father’s love for us and plan for us to return to Hispresence.Closing Song: “A Child’s Prayer”
Sources:Sheila E. Wilson, “Sharing Time: I Am a Child of God,”
Friend
, Jan 2004, 15Vicki F. Matsumori, “Sharing Time: I Am a Child of God,”
Friend
, Mar 2003, 18Margaret Lifferth, “Sharing Time: I Am a Child of God,”
Friend
, Feb 2005, 16Sydney S. Reynolds, “Sharing Time: Savior and Redeemer,”
Friend
, Apr 1999, 13Lds.orgSugardoodle.net
Flannelboard Pictures
(note: if you ever find the original story or a good picture for frightened Danny at the top of theslide, let me know—this is one of my favorite stories for teaching young children about theAtonement)
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