Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon

Lessons

Teaching Children the Gospel “Alma Baptizes at Waters of Mormon”

Introduction Ideas

There is a saying that you can count the seeds in an apple, but you can’t count the apples that come from one seed. Only one person was receptive to Abinadi’s testimony, but that one person—Alma—influenced generations of Nephites. Perhaps you could use a fruit with seeds to demonstrate this principle. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24”)

Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 12: Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon” Display a key. Ask the children what a key is used for. You might have a child use the key to open a lock. Hold the paper key so the children cannot see the word Covenant, and tear it in half. Explain that a key would not work if you had only half of it. Turn the pieces of the key over to show the word Covenant. Ask the children if they know what this word means. Explain that in the gospel a covenant is a sacred agreement or promise between Heavenly Father and his children. When we keep our covenants with Heavenly Father, he will always fulfill his part. But if we do not keep our covenant promises, the covenant is broken. Keeping our baptismal covenants is a key to blessings and eternal life. Explain that eternal life is becoming like Heavenly Father and living with him forever. 

Story Ideas

Book of Mormon Stories “Alma Teaches and Baptizes” Images and Video

Friend April 2016 “Alma Baptizes Many People” For Young Readers VIDEO

When I am baptized, I make a covenant with God.

Friend May 2020 “Alma’s Baptismal Talk” Wouldn’t it be amazing if a prophet gave a talk at your baptism? In Mosiah 18:7–11, Alma talked to a group of people who wanted to be baptized. Here’s what he taught them.

Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 12: Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24”

Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.

Bear One Another’s Burdens

Comfort those that stand in need of comfort

Primary 4 Manual “Lesson 12: Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon” Ask a child to hold on one hand a moderately heavy book with his or her arm straight out while you talk to the class about the baptismal covenants. Ask the child holding the book if his or her arm is getting tired. Have another child help hold the book. Explain that one of the promises we make when we are baptized is to “bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light.” Discuss some burdens children their age might feel, such as being made fun of, being sick, having problems with family members, wanting to belong, or having difficulties in school. Ask the children how they can help make each other’s burdens lighter.

Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Care Package

Friend May 2020 “Doing What Jesus Would Do” When Julia heard that her friend’s beloved dog had died, she was sad. She wanted to do something to help her friend feel better, so she made her a care package. (Article also includes ideas for care packages.)

Friend February 2019 “Promise to Try” Tatsuki‘s teacher came to his house to talk to him about his upcoming baptism. He became concened when he learned about the covenants he would be making. He didn’t think he would be like Jesus every day. Then his mom reminded him of the kind things he had done and told him that he was following Jesus by doing those things. He also learned that he could repent and be forgiven if he made mistakes. He was then happy that he could be baptized and try to be like Jesus.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon: Alma Baptized at the Waters of Mormon

Friend May 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones: Joy in Baptism” Read Mosiah 18:10–11 about how Alma’s people clapped for joy when they learned about baptism. Find a picture of someone being baptized and point out what is happening in the scene. Then take turns hiding the picture and finding it. Whenever your child finds it, help them say, “I’m happy I can be baptized” and clap together for joy!

When I am baptized, I become a member of Jesus Christ’s Church.

• Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24” Invite the children to read Mosiah 18:17–28, looking for teachings of Christ’s Church in Alma’s day that are the same in our day. Write their answers on blocks or cups, and let the children use them to build a structure that represents the Church of Jesus Christ. (Could tape pictures to the cups for little ones.)

Song Idea

Church of Jesus Christ.org “Sing-along-video-The Church of Jesus Christ”

• Invite the children to listen for things that we promise to do as members of the Church. Help them think of ways they can keep these promises.

The People of Alma and the People of Limhi

God can make my burdens light. Mosiah 24:8–17

Story Ideas

Book of Mormon Stories “King Limhi and his People Escape” Video and Images

Book of Mormon Stories “Alma and His People Escape” Video and Images

Friend August 1988 “Scriptural Giants: Gideon” part two

Lessons

Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 13 – The People of Alma and the People of King Limhi”

Lesson Ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 18-24” The story of Alma’s people can show the children that sometimes God helps by strengthening us to endure our trials instead of taking them away.

Read Mosiah 24:14–15 to the children. Fill a bag with heavy objects (to represent burdens), and invite a child to hold the bag. Explain that when we are sad, sick, or have other troubles, it can feel like carrying something heavy. Invite the children to take turns helping the child carry the bag so that it becomes lighter. Explain that Heavenly Father can make our burdens lighter when we seek His help through prayer, serving others, and so on.