Baptism: Lesson Ideas

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Table of Contents

Why Get Baptized

Friend March 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Matt invites a friend to his baptism. His friend asks why he is getting baptized. Matt explains the fourth article of faith to him.

Following Jesus

For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Our Promise to Be a Light” One day, as John baptized people in the Jordan River, Jesus Christ came and asked to be baptized. John was surprised. He knew that Jesus always obeyed God’s commandments and did not need to repent. In fact, he thought that Jesus should baptize him (see Matthew 3:14)! Jesus explained that God had commanded all people to be baptized, so He too needed to be baptized to set an example. John agreed and baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.

Friend February 2021 “Feeling Christ’s Love”

Friend February 2019 “Jesus was Baptized”

Why was the Savior baptized? 2 Nephi 31: 4-13

  • To Be Obedient to the Father & To be an Example for Us 

7) But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

  • To Show us that We Need to Enter the Gate (Baptism) that Leads to the Path Towards Eternal Life

9) And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them

Friend August 2019 “A New Path: Coloring Page” When I am baptized, I choose to walk a new path with Jesus. (See Romans 6:4.)

We Need to Follow His Example and be Baptized

5) And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

10) And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me 

Friend August 2023 “Special Issue: Baptism and Confirmation”

Friend August 2023 “Special Issue: Baptism and Confirmation”

Friend February 2024 “I Can Be Baptized Like Jesus”

Friend August 2023 “Giorgia’s Big Day” When a friend asks Giorgia about the picture of Jesus being baptized, she told her she was going to be baptized soon like Jesus because she wanted to follow him. She invited her friend to her baptism. Her baptism was a special day. She had chosen to follow Jesus. And she wanted to keep following Him every day!

I must be baptized to enter the kingdom of heaven.

CHAPTER 3

Joshua leads Israel to the Jordan—The Lord cuts off the water of the Jordan; it stands up as a heap, and Israel passes over on dry ground.

Joshua 3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Joshua 1–8; 23–24” The story of Joshua leading the Israelites through the Jordan River into the promised land provides an opportunity to teach the children that we must be baptized to enter the kingdom of heaven.

  • Review some details of the story of the children of Israel crossing the Jordan River to enter the promised land (see “Joshua the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories). Then show a picture of Jesus being baptized, and tell the children that Jesus was baptized in the same river. Invite the children to share other things they know about Jesus’s baptism.
  • Sing a song about baptism with the children, such as “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101). Help them identify what this song teaches us about why Jesus was baptized and why we should follow His example. Let the children share their feelings about being baptized. Talk about what the children can do now to prepare to be baptized when they are eight years old.

Friend February 2022 “Jesus Said”

I need to be baptized and confirmed to return to live with Heavenly Father.

John 3:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” The children you teach are preparing to take important steps to live with Heavenly Father again by being baptized (born of water) and confirmed (born of the Spirit). How can you help them understand the importance of these two ordinances?

What does it mean to be “born again into the kingdom of heaven”?

To have the Spirit of the Lord cause a mighty change in a person’s heart so that he has no more desire to do evil, but rather desires to seek the things of God. (Guide to the Scriptures, “Born Again, Born of God” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) For additional information click on link.

  • Summarize the story of Jesus teaching Nicodemus (see John 3:1–10). Promise the children that when they are baptized, Heavenly Father will give them the gift of the Holy Ghost.
  • Show the children this week’s activity page, and ask them to describe the drawings. Read John 3:5, and testify that we need to be baptized and confirmed to live with Heavenly Father again.
  • Ask the children to talk about what they do to wash their hands. Show the picture Girl Being Baptized (Gospel Art Book, no. 104), and help the children compare washing our hands with water to becoming spiritually clean through baptism.

Cleansed from Sin

Cleansing – Boy learns that through the atonement we can be cleansed of our sins. Friend January 1985  (Story also includes bleach and food coloring object lesson.)

Because of Jesus Christ, I can repent and be clean.

Isaiah 1:2–4, 16–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 1–12” Isaiah lived in a time when many of his people had turned away from the Lord. But the Lord promised them that their sins could be forgiven if they repented. He makes this promise to us as well.

  • Ask the children to read Isaiah 1:2–4 and talk about some of the reasons the Lord was not happy with the people of Judah. Then read Isaiah 1:16–19 together to learn what the Lord invited the people to do. As needed, help the children understand difficult words and phrases. To help them visualize verse 18, display something bright red and something pure white. What do we learn about Jesus Christ’s mercy from these verses? Invite the children to share how they feel about Jesus Christ’s gift of forgiveness, and share your feelings as well.

Friend February 1996 “Matt and Mandy”

Gathering Zion (Facebook)

See also: New Era February 2016 “Scarlet, Crimson, Snow, and Wool”

  • Help the children memorize Isaiah 1:18. Write the verse on the board, and invite the children to recite it several times, erasing one word each time until they can recite it from memory. You could also use paper strips with words from the verse written on them. Why is it important to always remember what this verse teaches? Discuss how being baptized and partaking of the sacrament make this promise available to us.

Have a child cover the words below with paper strips after each time the class repeats the scripture.

I can be baptized as Jesus was.

Matthew 3:13–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” How can you use the account of Jesus’s baptism to help the children prepare to be baptized?

  • Summarize the story of the Savior’s baptism (see Matthew 3:13–17; see also “Chapter 10: Jesus Is Baptized,” in New Testament Stories, 26–29, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Explain that Jesus was baptized by immersion by someone who had priesthood authority. Repeat the story several times and invite the children to share the details they remember.

Immersion means a person is “immersed” all the way under water and brought back up. Baptism by immersion is beautifully symbolic, not only of the washing away of sins, but of death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism signifies the end of your old way of life and birth to a life committed to following Jesus Christ.  (Come Unto Christ “Baptism”)

Priesthood Authority

  • What authority did John the Baptist have to baptize? (The Aaronic Priesthood.)
  • What authority must the person who is baptizing us have to baptize? (He must be a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.)
  • Show a picture of Jesus being baptized and this week’s activity page. Let the children point out similarities between the two pictures. (There’s a picture of Jesus being baptized in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families.)

Red Crystal Lesson Ideas

Latter Day Kids “Jesus was Baptized” Lesson ideas

“Lesson 6: The Baptism of Jesus Christ,” Primary 7: New Testament

Have two children come to the front of the class, face each other, and hold hands above their heads to form an area the other children can walk under. Explain that these children represent a very important gate. Tell the children that this gate is the entrance to the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life. Have a child read 2 Nephi 31:17. Explain that one of the first steps to eternal life is going through the gate (being baptized). Have the children walk through the gate.

  1. Write the following questions about baptism and their scripture references on the chalkboard or a piece of paper: Why are we baptized? (D&C 49:132 Nephi 31:18.) How are we baptized? (D&C 20:72–74.) By whom are we baptized? (D&C 20:73.) When are we baptized? (D&C 68:27.) Have the children look up the scriptures and discuss the answers.
  2. Write each of the following phrases on a separate piece of paper:
    • For the remission of our sins
    • To become members of the Church
    • So we can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost
    • To be obedient
    • To get on the strait and narrow path
    Have the children pass through the gate used at the beginning of the lesson. As each child goes through, hand him or her one of the papers. Explain that these are reasons why we must be baptized. Discuss with the children how we can keep our baptismal covenants.

Friend February 2023 “Baptism”

Friend February 2019 “Jesus was Baptized”

We Need to Follow His Example and be Baptized

5) And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfill all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

10) And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me 

Friend March 2017 “Jesus Was Baptized”

Friend February 2019 “Coloring Page”

Friend Feb 2015
Friend Feb 2015

Sing “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 102). Explain that Jesus was baptized to obey Heavenly Father. One day, your little ones can choose to be baptized too! Tell your children about your baptism. Why was it special to you? Friend January 2023

New Testament Coloring Book “Jesus’s Baptism”

  • “Baptism” (January 2003 Liahona and Friend)
    Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles tells how Jesus Christ set an example for us by being baptized.
  • “The Baptism of Jesus Christ” (August 1999 Friend)
    The story of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Includes figures to cut out and use to tell the story.
  • “Jesus Is Baptized” (February 2011 Friend)
    A retelling of the story of Jesus Christ’s baptism taken from the New Testament.

Friend February 2015 “Jesus Was Baptized” Scripture jar questions. Link also includes other lesson ideas.

Come Follow Me With Living Scriptures “Baptized Like Jesus” Lesson ideas

I can keep my baptismal covenants.

Matthew 3:13–17Mark 1:1–11Luke 3:2–18

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” Learning about the account of Jesus’s baptism provides a good opportunity to help the children review their baptismal covenants and recommit to keeping them.

  • Invite the children to take turns reading verses from Mark 1:1–11. Discuss why Heavenly Father wants us to be baptized. Why was Jesus baptized, even though He did not need to be cleansed from sin? Help the children find answers to this question in Matthew 3:13–15 and 2 Nephi 31:6–7.

Why was the Savior baptized 2 Nephi 31: 4-13

  • To Be Obedient to the Father & To be an Example for Us 

7) But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

  • To Show us that We Need to Enter the Gate (Baptism) that Leads to the Path Towards Eternal Life

9) And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3” When you were baptized, you followed the example of the Savior. Compare what you learn from the accounts of the Savior’s baptism with what happened during your baptism.

The Savior’s BaptismMy Baptism
Who baptized Jesus, and what authority did he hold?Who baptized you, and what authority did he hold?
Where was Jesus baptized?Where were you baptized?
How was Jesus baptized?How were you baptized?
Why was Jesus baptized?Why were you baptized?
How did Heavenly Father show that He was pleased with Jesus?How did Heavenly Father show that He was pleased when you were baptized? How has He shown His approval since then?

Feel sorry for our sins

Have a desire to follow Jesus (keep his commandments)

Have a desire to be baptized

Desire to help others

Willing to be a witness of Jesus Christ (Tell others of Jesus and the gospel)

  • Invite a member of the bishopric to tell the children about the baptismal interview they will have before they are baptized.

Friend August 2019 “Ready to Be Baptized” Trevan’s baptism interview with the bishop was coming up and he was worried that he might not know the answers. The missionaries came for dinner and they talk about baptism and baptismal covenants

  • Sing together a song about baptism, such as “Baptism” (Children’s Songbook, 100–101). Consider asking a child to lead the other children while they sing.
  • Use Matthew 3:11, 16 to teach the children that the Holy Ghost descended on Jesus when He was baptized (a dove appeared as a sign to show that this had happened). Show the picture The Gift of the Holy Ghost (Gospel Art Book, no. 105), and explain that we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost when we are confirmed.

I Can be Baptized When I Am Eight Years Old.

Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 67–70”

In Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28, the Lord told Joseph Smith that children should learn to have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, and be baptized when they are eight years old. He also said that they should learn to pray and keep God’s commandments.

Why age 8? Old enough to understand the doctrine of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and prepared and ready to make sacred covenants.

  • Invite the children to count to eight using their fingers. What is special about being eight years old? Help the children recognize that when they are eight years old, they can be baptized. Using words and phrases found in Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28, share with them some of the things the Lord wants them to learn about before they are eight (see also Articles of Faith 1:4). Help them understand concepts that might not be familiar to them.
  • Sing with the children a song about baptism, such as “Baptism” or “When I Am Baptized” (Children’s Songbook,100–101, 103). Ask the children to share how they feel about being baptized and what they can do to prepare.

Friend June 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Find items around your home that remind you of baptism. A cup of water could remind you of how we are baptized by immersion. A piece of white cloth could remind you of how we wear white. A blanket could remind you of the warm feeling of the Holy Ghost. What else can you think of?

Latter Day Kids “Baptism Symbols” Lesson Ideas and Videos

Preparing for Baptism

I am preparing to be baptized

Friend August 2023 “Steps to the Font” Find your way through the maze to the baptism font. Go through each picture to see what you can do to prepare.

Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 71–74

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

When the Church was organized, the Lord taught His Saints about sacred ordinances, including baptism and the sacrament.

If someone in your family is not yet baptized, these verses could lead to a discussion about how to prepare for baptism (see verse 37) and how baptisms are performed. Family members could share pictures or memories from their baptismal day.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

Show a picture of a child being baptized (see Gospel Art Book, no. 104), and ask the children to point out things they notice. Read or summarize Doctrine and Covenants 20:71–74, and help the children see how the picture matches the instructions in these verses. Testify that we should follow the Savior’s example and be baptized in the way He has commanded.

71 No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance.

 See Primary 3 “Lesson 27: The Age of Accountability,” for ideas on how to explain accountability. Includes activities, object lessons, and stories.

Why age 8? Old enough to understand the doctrine of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and prepared and ready to make sacred covenants.

72 Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent—

73 The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

  • What authority did John the Baptist have to baptize? (The Aaronic Priesthood.)
  • What authority must the person who is baptizing us have to baptize? (He must be a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.)

74 Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

Immersion means a person is “immersed” all the way under water and brought back up. Baptism by immersion is beautifully symbolic, not only of the washing away of sins, but of death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism signifies the end of your old way of life and birth to a life committed to following Jesus Christ.  (Come Unto Christ “Baptism”)

37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church.

Sing “When I Am Baptized”

Liahona February 2021 “Helping Children Prepare for Baptism”

Teaching Children the Gospel “Mosiah 18-24: Alma Baptizes at the Waters of Mormon” Lesson, story, and activity ideas about the scripture story, baptism, and baptism covenants

Friend February 2019 “Learning about Baptism” Some things to know about getting baptized.

Friend February 2021 “My Baptism Day” Make a baptism book.

Friend February 2019 “Family Night Fun” Baptism lesson ideas.

Friend February 2015 “Jesus Was Baptized” Scripture jar questions. Link also includes other lesson ideas.

Friend June 2016 “Funstuff: My Baptism Bag” When you’re baptized, you make a covenant, or promise, to always remember Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. You can remember your covenants by making a baptism bag!

Friend June 2016

Friend November 2019 “Conference News” President Nelson announced that anyone who has been baptized can be an official witness at another person’s baptism.

I can prepare to be baptized.

Moroni 6:1–3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

Read phrases from Moroni 6:1–3 that teach who can be baptized. Explain terms the children may not understand. For instance, one meaning of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” is to feel sorry for our sins (Moroni 6:2). Tell about how you prepared to be baptized, or ask someone who was recently baptized to explain how he or she prepared. Help the children think of ways they can prepare to be baptized someday.

Reading Book of Mormon before Baptism

Friend February 2019 “Ingrid’s Birthday Surprise” Ingrid gets a special present for her seventh birthday from her mom—a Book of Mormon. It was a special gift to help her prepare for her baptism. Ingrid read the entire Book of Mormon that year and prayed for and received a testimony of its truthfulness.

Friend June 2016 “Jason’s Study Buddy” Jason reads the entire Book of Mormon before his baptism. His testimony grows.

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Friend February 2022 “Goals for Baptism” After hearing about the Children and Youth program, Zoe set a goal to read the Book of Mormon before her baptism. As she read, she wanted to do more good things, so she joined the world wide fast about Covid, and she prayed and fasted for a testimony.

We need to bring forth “fruits worthy of repentance.”

Luke 3:2–14

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3”

  • In Luke 3:8, John the Baptist taught the people that before they could be baptized, they needed to show “fruits,” or evidence, of their repentance. How can you help class members recognize the evidence of their own repentance? You might ask them to search Luke 3:8–14 and look for what John considered “fruits” of repentance. They could also review Moroni 6:1–3 and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37. You might draw a fruit tree on the board and let class members label the fruit on the tree with the “fruits” of repentance they find. This could also be a good time to talk about what it means to truly repent.

Bishop Interview

Friend August 2019 “Ready to Be Baptized” Trevan’s baptism interview with the bishop was coming up and he was worried that he might not know the answers. The missionaries came for dinner and they taught a lesson about baptism. They reminded Trevan of the covenants he would be making with the acronym “take.” Each letter stands for a baptismal covenant. The missionaries also go over the baptism questions with Trevan, and he realizes he is ready to be baptized. (Also includes a bookmark with the “take” acronym on it.)

Inviting Friends and Family to Baptism

Friend August 2023 “Come to My Baptism!” Making an invitation.

Baptismal Covenants

Taking on the Name of Christ

Friend April 1988 “A Name to Live up to” Jenny is sad that she isn’t named after someone whom she could try to be like–someone who did great deeds–but she is reminded that she took on the name of Jesus when she was baptized.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 18–19: “The Worth of Souls Is Great”

Do your family members’ names have special meaning? Maybe you could talk about why names are important and what it means to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 5:7). This could be a good opportunity to help family members prepare to take Christ’s name upon themselves when they are baptized.

Friend April 1988 “A Name to Live up to” Jenny is sad that she isn’t named after someone whom she could try to be like–someone who did great deeds–but she is reminded that she took on the name of Jesus when she was baptized.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 4-6”

Talk to the children about why people put their names on things, such as school assignments, sports jerseys, and so on (see Mosiah 5:14–15). How can we show that we have Christ’s name “written always in [our] hearts”? (Mosiah 5:12).

Being baptized makes us “one in Christ.” (Sr)

Galatians 3:26–28

Invite the children to read Galatians 3:26–28 with this question in mind: What happens when I am baptized? You might want to focus on phrases like “put on Christ” or “one in Christ.” What might these phrases mean? How is “putting on Christ” similar to taking His name upon ourselves? (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79). What can we do to show others that we have taken His name upon ourselves? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians” )

Read together Galatians 3:28, and identify some of the ways people identified themselves when they were baptized in Paul’s day. Help the children name some ways they identify themselves today. What is Paul trying to teach us about how we should see each other when we are baptized? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians” )

Friend February 2021 “Your Baptism Covenant”

Friend February 2019 “Family Night Fun” The baptism covenant is a promise between two individuals: you and Heavenly Father. Here’s a recipe that needs just two ingredients! Bananut Ice Cream

Feel sorry for our sins

Have a desire to follow Jesus (keep his commandments)

Have a desire to be baptized

Desire to help others

Willing to be a witness of Jesus Christ (Tell others of Jesus and the gospel)

  • Invite a member of the bishopric to tell the children about the baptismal interview they will have before they are baptized.
  • Prepare several pairs of cards with matching phrases or pictures that represent our baptismal covenants. Place the cards facedown. Invite the children to take turns turning over two at a time, looking for a match. After a match is made, invite children to share ways they have kept that covenant.

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.

Friend March 2023 “Baptismal Covenants”

  • Share how keeping your baptismal covenants has blessed you.

Come, Follow Me—For Sunday School: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3”

Elder David A. Bednar taught: “The baptismal covenant includes three fundamental commitments: (1) to be willing to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, (2) to always remember Him, and (3) to keep His commandments. The promised blessing for honoring this covenant is ‘that [we] may always have his Spirit to be with [us]’ [Doctrine and Covenants 20:77]. Thus, baptism is the essential preparation to receive the authorized opportunity for the constant companionship of the third member of the Godhead” (“Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 60). For an example of a young boy keeping his baptismal covenants, see the story at the beginning of Sister Carole M. Stephens’s message “We Have Great Reason to Rejoice” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 115–17).

When I Am Baptized I Promise to Follow Jesus

Friend February 2021 “Bright Idea”

Friend February 2021 “The Savior and Me” Fill out the page and look at it during the sacrament to remember Jesus and the covenant you made.

Following and Standing as a Witness of Jesus Christ

Friend June 2021 “Just Like She Imagined” Kvitka was excited to be baptized, but she was sad her friends couldn’t come due to Covid. Her Grandma asks her to be a missionary (be a witness of Jesus Christ) to her aunt and cousin when they come and show them around the meeting house. She felt warm inside when she did and when told them she was getting baptized because she wants to follow Jesus.

Bear One Another’s Burdens

Galatians 6:2

Show a picture of a child being baptized (such as Gospel Art Book, no. 104). Ask the children what the child is doing. Explain that when we are baptized, we make covenants, or promises. Read Galatians 6:2 or Mosiah 18:8 to help the children learn one of the things we promise to do: bear one another’s burdens. Invite the children to draw pictures of ways they can help others who are carrying burdens. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians” )

Friend May 2020 “Ali’s Head Start” Ali learns that when she is baptized she will be covenanting (promising) to bear one another’s burdens, (or in other words, she will be promising to help those who are going through a hard time). Ali decides to get a head start on her covenants when she sees children without hair as she walked through the hospital to go visit a friend. She decides to donate some of her long hair so those children can have wigs. 

Friend August 2023 “My Baptismal Covenant”

Read to the children this phrase from Galatians 6:2: “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” To illustrate what this means, give one of the children something heavy to carry. Then ask for a volunteer to help the child carry the object. Explain to the children that many things can feel like a burden, such as being sick or feeling sad or lonely. What could we do to help a person with this kind of burden? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Galatians”)

The Red Crystal

I’ll Walk With You

Friend September 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Help your little ones say, “Jesus wants me to help those in need.” Tell them that people in need might be those who are sick, hurt, or lonely. Think of what you can do as a family to help others.

Friend January 2024 “You Can Make a Difference” President Susan H. Porter, Primary General President talks about how to keep Baptismal covenants by serving and lifting others.

Who can I help today? Write your ideas on your paper chain!

Comfort Those Who Need Comfort

Heavenly Father comforts me, and I can comfort others. (Jr)

2 Corinthians 1:3–4

Show the children some things that provide comfort, such as a blanket or bandage. Ask the children what comforts them when they are sad or afraid or have other problems. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 with the children, and explain that “tribulation” is another word for really hard problems. Share some ways Heavenly Father has comforted you, and testify that He will comfort the children as well. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

Image by Freepik

The Red Crystal

Friend March 2019 “Missing Mom and Dad” Dylan’s mom and dad were going on a trip, and he was going to stay with his grandparents. He loved staying with his grandparents, but for some reason he was scared about being away from his mom and dad for so long. He decided to pray for help, and he received comforting thoughts and feelings.

Show pictures of people being baptized (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–4) while you read 2 Corinthians 1:4 to the children. Explain that when we are baptized, we promise to comfort others. How can we follow Paul’s counsel to “comfort them which are in any trouble”? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

Friend March 2021 “Jesus Comforted Others”

Friend September 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Give each of your little ones a long hug. Help them find words to tell you how it feels to be wrapped in a long, tender hug. Teach them that God loves us and wants to show us how much He cares.

Heavenly Father comforts me, and I can comfort others. (Sr)

We all experience heartache and sorrow, setbacks and obstacles, and discomfort and sickness. When the people of Corinth experienced hardship, Paul wrote to Church members there to offer continued support and counsel. He testified of the comfort and peace available to them through Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 1:3–4). This lesson can help you to understand some of the ways God provides comfort to His children and to identify ways in which you can share His comfort with others. (New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “2 Corinthians 1; 4”)

2 Corinthians 1:3–4

As you read 2 Corinthians 1:3–4, ask the children to listen for an answer to the question “What does God do for us?” Help the children list ways in which God comforts us. Invite the children to share experiences when they were sad or worried or afraid and God comforted them. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

He gives us thoughts in our mind and feelings in our heart through the Holy Ghost.

  1. A feeling that Heavenly Father and Jesus loves us.
  2. A feeling of comfort when we are sad or lonely
  3. A good feeling when we hear beautiful music or see inspiring art
  4. A peaceful feeling that everything is going to be okay.
  • He also sends people to help and comfort us.
  • God’s words, such as in the Scriptures, can also touch our hearts and help comfort us.

Invite the children to share ways we can keep our baptismal covenant to comfort others (see Mosiah 18:9). Give them time to think of someone they know who needs comfort and make a plan to reach out to that person. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

Friend August 2022 “Jesus Promised Us Comfort”

Making and keeping covenants can help me be more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Zechariah 3:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” In a vision, Zechariah saw a high priest named Joshua, who was “clothed with filthy garments” (Zechariah 3:3). An angel gave him clean clothing and explained that this symbolized being cleansed from his sins. You could use this vision to help the children understand the covenants and blessings associated with baptism.

  • Read together Zechariah 3:1–7 and discuss questions like these: What did Joshua’s “filthy garments” represent? How do we become clean from our sins? How do our baptismal covenants help us “walk in [the Lord’s] ways”?
  • A few days before class, invite a child to come prepared to talk about his or her baptism. Review together the covenant we make at baptism (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:37). How will keeping our promises help us become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How does taking the sacrament each week help us keep our baptismal covenants?

Jesus Christ can make my spirit clean.

Zechariah 3:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” The high priest Joshua’s dirty clothes, described in Zechariah 3:1–7, symbolize what happens when we sin. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be made clean, as Joshua was made clean when he received new clothes.

  • Let the children pass around a dirty shirt, and read Zechariah 3:3. Then pass around a clean shirt, and read verse 4. Talk with the children about how making wrong choices is like becoming dirty spiritually, but the Savior can make us clean again. How do we feel when we are clean? Share your testimony that because Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, we will be clean from our sins as we repent.
  • If possible, show the children a picture of someone they know dressed in white at his or her baptism (or see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103104). Why do we wear white at our baptisms? Sing a song about baptism, such as “When I Am Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 103). Invite the children to draw themselves being baptized and share how they feel about being baptized someday.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14”As you read these verses, you could show your family some dirty clothes. How might Joshua have felt when he stood before the angel in dirty clothes? How is sin like dirty clothes? What does Zechariah 3:1–7 teach us about forgiveness? You could then clean the clothes together and talk about the cleansing power of the Savior’s Atonement.

Friend December 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Story: In a vision, Zechariah saw a man wearing dirty clothes. An angel came to the man and gave him clean clothes. (See Zechariah 3:3–5.) Putting on clean clothes can remind us of repenting. When we make a wrong choice, we can repent and be clean again.

Song: “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79)

Activity: Talk about how repenting can lighten your load. Then do the activity on page 12. How do you feel when you repent?

Being baptized is like becoming a new person. (Represents death of old sinful person and rebirth)

Romans 6:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Romans 1-6” The children you teach are preparing for baptism. What can they learn about baptism from Romans 6?

Invite the children to repeat the phrase “Walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Tell the children what this means to you. For example, you might share memories about the day you were baptized and talk about how your baptism has helped you become more like Jesus Christ. Use this week’s activity page to teach the children that baptism helps us become a new person.

Friend February 2020

Fighting with siblings/ Sharing with siblings

Doing chores when asked/ Complaining about chores

Getting angry after losing a game/ Choosing to congratulate the winner

Choosing to make fun of someone/ Choosing to be kind

Friend Jan 2015

If any of the children have attended a baptism, ask them to share their experience. Or show a picture of someone being baptized (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 35103–4). Help the children understand that at baptism we make promises to become like Jesus. Invite them to draw pictures of themselves being baptized and share what they can do to prepare for their baptisms.

Sing with the children a song about baptism, such as “When I Am Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 103). What do we learn about baptism from this song?

Being baptized is like becoming a new person. (Represents death of old sinful person and rebirth)

Romans 6:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Romans 1-6” Paul taught that baptism symbolizes the death and Resurrection of Christ. It also symbolizes being raised up to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). We renew our commitment to walk in newness of life every time we partake of the sacrament.

Invite a child to read Romans 6:3–6. What did Paul say baptism is “in the likeness of”?

  • New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Romans 6” Yielding ourselves to God is not easy. But Jesus Christ promises that as we let our old, sinful selves die, He will give us new life, changing our natures to become more like Him. Paul taught that through the ordinance of baptism, we can receive the Savior’s transforming power to help us “walk in newness of life” ( Romans 6:4).

Discuss how baptism symbolizes death and resurrection. It may help to display a picture of a baptism or show a video like “The Baptism of Jesus” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Why are death and resurrection good symbols of what happens when we are baptized?

Read together the sacrament prayers (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79). Remind the children that when we take the sacrament, we renew the commitment to follow Jesus Christ that we made when we were baptized. How does the sacrament help us “walk in newness of life”?

Invite the children to draw pictures that show what it means to them to “walk in newness of life.” The children could hang these pictures in their rooms to help them remember to make good choices.

Repentance is Part of Keeping Baptismal Covenants

Friend March 2023 “Keeping His Promise” Happiness was excited to make his baptismal covenants. After his baptism he felt so good inside! He wanted to feel this clean and happy forever. He never wanted to make a wrong choice again. But a few days later he told a lie to his father and felt bad felt bad for breaking his baptismal promise. He told his father what he had done. He father forgave him and told him, “When you were baptized, you didn’t promise to be perfect. You promised to try hard to follow Jesus. When we repent, Heavenly Father forgives us. Then we can be just as clean as we were the day we were baptized. Repenting is part of keeping your baptism promise.”

Baptism Covenants

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.

Friend December 2021 “Elder Soares Speaks to ChildrenVideo Cartoon about keeping baptismal covenants

Friend May 2020 “Ali’s Head Start” Ali learns that when she is baptized she will be covenanting (promising) to bear one another’s burdens, (or in other words, she will be promising to help those who are going through a hard time). Ali decides to get a head start on her covenants when she sees children without hair as she walked through the hospital to go visit a friend. She decides to donate some of her long hair so those children can have wigs. 

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.

How to Remember Baptismal Covenants

Friend August 2022 “Friends by Mail” My parents gave me a white blanket for my baptism like in the story “Wrapped Up in Love” (February 2021). It helps me remember my baptism covenants. (Includes photo)

Keeping Baptismal Covenants

Friend August 2023 “My Baptismal Covenant”

Baptism Concerns

Melissa’s Baptism – Girl is upset because her nonmember father isn’t coming to her baptism. Friend March 1984

Friend June 2016 “Who will Baptize Me” Margo thinks her baptism won’t be special because her father can’t baptize her, but she learns that isn’t true.

Friend June 2016

Friend August 2019 “A New Path: Coloring Page” When I am baptized, I choose to walk a new path with Jesus. (See Romans 6:4.)

Baptism Day

Friend August 2023 “My Baptism and Confirmation”

 Friend July 2015 Journaling about your baptism

Friend February 2022 “Find It” What did you like best when you got baptized? Or what are you looking forward to the most? Find the hidden items below.

Children can be Witnesses at Baptisms

Friend November 2019 “Conference News” President Nelson announced that anyone who has been baptized can be an official witness at another person’s baptism.

Friend February 2021 “Show and Tell” I was a witness at my cousin’s baptism. This experience was very powerful and special for me. I know we should follow Jesus’s example and be baptized. Liberty H. (right), age 9, Georgia, USA (Link includes photo)

Confirmation

Friend August 2023 “Confirmation and the Gift of the Holy Ghost”

Friend August 2023 “Connect the Dots” After you’re baptized, you’re confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You also receive the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide and comfort you. Connect the dots to finish the picture.

Friend July 2023 “A Member of Jesus Christ’s Church”


Baptism: Stories

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Baptism Memories

Friend March 2023 “My Baptism Day” Megan tells about her baptism day.

Friend March 2023 “Baptism Memory Book”

Waiting to Get Baptized

Friend March 2017 “Worth the Wait” Sadie’s dad won’t let her get baptized until she is older. Sadie is sad about that, but she tries to think of the things she can still do at church.

Friend June 2018 “Heavenly Father Knows You” A group of people in a small town in ArgentIna had learned the gospel and wanted to get baptized but couldn’t because they lived far away from other towns; no church leaders had come to visit their town for some time. They were able to pool their money so one man could go find the missionaries. They were eventually able to get baptized in a portable swimming pool.

Clean Again

Friend March 2017 “A Great Feeling” Paulo didn’t want the feeling he had when he was baptized to go away, but the next day he yelled at his brother. Through repentance and the sacrament he was able to get the feeling back.

Baptism Questions and Concerns

Friend June 2018 “Twin Jitters” Kaylee is nervous about getting baptized. She worries about being dropped or not being able to breath. Her twin brother is also nervous. Her grandmother suggests they get a blessing from their father. Afterwards they feel much better.

Friend July 2019 “Show and Tell” “When I was little, I was afraid of water. Even though people told me I didn’t need to worry about being baptized, I was scared. The missionaries told me that Jesus Christ was baptized to set an example, and I could feel my fear go away. When I was baptized, I felt a great joy.” Sarah T., age 11, Île de France, France

Friend February 2019 “He Calmed the Waters” Daniel lives on an island in the Pacific. He was worried about getting baptized because he had to get baptized in the ocean, and the waves can be big. The waters were rough on the day of his baptism, but during his baptism they were calm. Heavenly Father answered his prayer and helped him.

Convert Baptism

Friend July 2023 “Baptism Stories” As Mary turns 8 and prepares to get baptized she learns that her other family members got baptized at older ages because they were converts.

Friend February 2022 “Carol’s Three-Year Wait” After Carol and her friends found the church, their parents said they had to wait until they were older to get baptized. They took the bus every week to church for three years and then Carol and another friend were finally able to get baptized.

Friend February 2021 “A Big Day”

Friend February 2021 “Feeling Christ’s Love” When Elder Takashi Wada Of the Seventy was young he read the Bible in school and wanted to know more about Jesus. Then he met the missionaries and they gave him a Book of Mormon and her learned more about Jesus. He wanted to be baptized and follow Jesus.

Friend April 2019 “Feeling New” Rasmussen and his mom took the missionary lessons and read the Book of Mormon, and then Rasmussen’s mom decided to get baptized. After the baptism, Rasmussen is excited to turn eight so he can be baptized and feel new too.

Friend August 2023 “How I Got Baptized”

Inviting Others to Baptism

Friend November 2021 “Let’s Invite Everyone” Most of Jarom’s family were not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They did not know much about baptism. But they knew it was a special day for Jarom, so when he invited them to his baptism they said, “We will be there!”

Friend July 2019 “Will You Come to My Baptism” Oliver tells everyone about his upcoming baptism and invites them to it. He likes being a missionary.

Friend February 2024 “Friends Following Jesus” Saria went to a Christian school. That meant they all learned about Jesus Christ together even though not everyone went to the same church. When she invited her friends to her baptism they wanted to know why she wasn’t baptized as a baby. She didn’t know what to say. Later, Saria’s mother explained that we believe that when we’re baptized, we make a sacred covenant. And we need to be old enough to understand the promises we make. Saria realized that she and her friends had differences, but one thing was the same. They all loved Jesus and wanted to follow Him.

Receiving Holy Ghost at Baptism

Friend February 2021 “Wrapped Up in Love” Abby received a soft white blanket from her grandparents at her baptism to remind her of how the Holy Ghost feels. After her baptism she felt warm and happy and knew she had made the right decision. She knew it must be the Holy Ghost.

Who Can Baptize?

Friend June 2021 “My Brother Baptized Me” Océane’s brother holds the Aaronic priesthood and her parents asked if she would like him to baptize her. She agreed and her brother practiced with her. At her baptism, every member of her family had a part, musical numbers, talks, witnesses and her father confirmed her. (Photo at link)


Lesson 12 – Alma Baptizes at Waters of Mormon

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Lesson 12
Alma Baptizes at Waters of Mormon

Preparation

  • Print and cut out the visual aids, and the word strips and situation cards.
  • Items needed: medium size rocks (or cans of food with the labels removed), a backpack or heavy duty bag, chalk, some little pieces of wrapped candy and a candy bar for each child. Tape the burden situations to the rocks (or cans of food).
  • Print a new Scripture Reading Chart for each child.

Attention Activity
Explain that you are going to start off the lesson by giving each of them a small piece of candy. Point out that the piece of candy is small, but if they promise not to eat or open it, you promise to give them something bigger and better at the end of class. Emphasize the fact that you are both making promises.

Point out that eating candy is not a sin, but there are many things in life that give pleasure that are against the commandments of God because they are spiritually harmful. If we obey God’s commandments and avoid partaking in these spiritually harmful things, we can eventually receive the greatest gift of all, which is eternal life. Tell the children that in today’s lesson they will learn how the Lord tries to help us avoid these harmful things so that we can gain this eternal reward.

Scripture Story
Using the visual aids, tell the following story. As the story is told, background scenery such as a waterfall, a pool of water, and a grove of trees can be drawn on the chalkboard.

Remind the children that in last week’s lesson they learned about the prophet Abinadi being condemned to death by the wicked King Noah. They also learned about the repentant priest Alma who pleaded for Abinadi’s life. King Noah was angry with Alma and tried to have Alma killed, but Alma fled and hid. Alma hid in the wilderness at a place called Mormon.

  • Why was Mormon a good place to hide? (Have the children look up and read Mosiah 18:4-5 to find the answer.) It had a fountain of pure water, it was near the border of the land, it was supposed to be infested at times with wild animals, and it had a thicket of small trees that Alma hid in during the day to avoid the searches of the king–so Alma had water, food, and seclusion and cover while hiding.

At times, Alma secretly went among the people and taught the words of Abinadi to all who would listen. Many believed Alma’s words. Those who believed his words went to the place called Mormon to hear him preach.

One day Alma was teaching a large group of believers near the waters of Mormon. He taught them faith in Jesus Christ and repentance. He asked if they desired to take the next step toward becoming God’s people.

  •  What is the next step after faith and repentance? Tell the children to think of the fourth Article of Faith. (Baptism)

In order for the believers to be called God’s people they needed to covenant (promise) to serve God and keep his commandments. Sometimes when people make promises they shake hands or sign something as a symbol of their agreement. Baptism served as a witness or sign that they were willing to serve God and keep his commandments because baptism symbolizes the death of the old sinful person and the rebirth of the new spiritual person.

When the people heard they could be God’s people they clapped their hands for joy and exclaimed that it was the desire of their heart.

  • In order to be called God’s people they needed to covenant to serve God and keep His commandments. What is a covenant? A covenant is a two-way promise made between us and the Lord; both sides make promises.
  • Why does the Lord want us to make covenants? The Lord loves us and wants us to gain the blessings of eternal life, and in order to do this we must become like our Savior Jesus Christ and do the things he would do. The Lord knows that when we make bonding promises and commitments to do those things, we are more likely to do them.

Activity
Put the “Baptismal Covenants” word strip on a wall or display board. Put the word strip “We Promise” and the word strip “The Lord Promises” on each side underneath it.

We Promise
Have the children look up and read Mosiah 18:8-10 to find the covenants we make at baptism. As they find each one have them put the corresponding word strips under the “We Promise” word strip.

To come into the fold of God and be called his people.
We promise to join his church and take upon us the name of Christ. As members of his church we represent Christ and are to be examples of his teachings. (See the lesson on King Benjamin to further review this principle.)

To stand as a witness of God at all times and all places.
A witness is someone who tells others what they know and have seen; so a witness of God tells others what they know about God and His church. They state their beliefs in His commandments and try to be an example of them.

To serve God and keep his commandments.
We become more like our Savior as we obey the commandments.

To serve and help others.
We become more like our Savior as we serve and help others, which includes:

o Mourning with those that mourn.
o Comforting those that stand in need of comfort.
o Bearing one another’s burdens.

  • How do we mourn with those that are mourning? Answers might include: grieving and feeling sadness for the person’s loss and sorrow.
  • How do we bear one another’s burdens that they may be light? (Discuss this by doing the following activity.)

Activity
Show the children the rocks, and explain that you are using the rocks to represent the burdens that some people carry. Read the situation title as you put each rock into a bag.  Tell the children that life’s burdens can become heavy and difficult to carry. Let each child come up and lift the bag. Ask if they would want to carry that weight for very long. Remind the children that we covenant at baptism to help each other with our burdens. Have the children take turns reaching into the bag and taking out a rock. Have them read the situation and tell how they can help someone with that burden to make it lighter and easier to bear.

The Lord Promises
• What does the Lord promise if we keep the covenants we make? (Have the children look up and read Mosiah 18:9-10 to find the things the Lord promises. As they find each one, have them put the corresponding word strips under the “The Lord Promises” word strip.

We can be redeemed of God.
This means we can be forgiven of our sins when we repent.

We can come forth in the first resurrection.
We will be ready and spiritually prepared to come forth out of the spirit world during the first resurrection.

We can have eternal life.
Eternal life is the kind of life Heavenly Father has, which includes having a fullness of joy, love, peace, knowledge, and power.

He will pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon us.
As we keep our covenants, the Lord will bless us with his spirit more abundantly. The companionship of the Holy Ghost is a wonderful blessing because the Holy Ghost guides, teaches, protects, and comforts us.

The Lord promises to pour out wonderful blessings upon us if we keep our covenants (promises) to do the things he asks us to do.

Have the children trade their small piece of candy for a full size candy bar. Ask the children what would have happened if they hadn’t kept their promise and had instead opened and eaten the small piece of candy. They wouldn’t have received the bigger, better prize. Point out that it is the same with covenants. If we partake of unfulfilling sinful pleasures while on the earth instead of keeping our covenants (promises), we may not receive the wonderful blessing of eternal life which brings true happiness and joy. (Note: If a child has opened or eaten his or her candy, tell them they can still have another chance. Give them another piece of candy, and tell them to bring it back the following week. If they bring it back uneaten and unopened, they can still earn their reward. The Lord also gives us the opportunities in life to fix our mistakes and repent.)

Scripture Story Continued
After the people told Alma they wished to become God’s people and be baptized, Alma began to baptize them in the waters of Mormon. The first one he baptized was a man named Helam. As Alma baptized Helam, Alma submerged himself also.

  •  Why did Alma immerse himself also when he baptized Helam? In Mosiah 18:13 it says that Alma had the priesthood authority to baptize. This is evidence that he had already been baptized. Therefore when Alma immersed himself with Helam it was merely as a token to the Lord of his humility and full repentance. Alma did not immerse himself again while baptizing the others. (Joseph Fielding Smith: Answers to Gospel Questions)

Alma baptized about two hundred and four souls that day at the waters of Mormon, and anyone who was baptized from that time forward was also added to the church of Christ.

King Noah eventually discovered there was a movement among the people. He sent his servants to watch the group. When the king’s servants reported what was happening, Noah said that Alma was stirring up the people to rebellion against him. Noah ordered his army to destroy them. Alma was warned of the Lord that the king’s army was coming, so he and his people took their tents and their families and departed into the wilderness. They were in number about 450 souls.

Conclusion
As we keep our baptismal covenants, we learn to become more like our Savior Jesus Christ, and we become worthy to receive the greatest gift and reward we could ever receive, which is eternal life.

Weekly Reading Assignment

Give each child a new scripture reading chart, and remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: Mosiah 18:1-17, 30-35


When I Am Baptized – Verse Two

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 When I Am Baptized – Verse Two

Preparation

  • Print the regular visual aids or the crossword visual aids. Trim and glue together the baptismal font. Trim and glue together the arch. Trim the upper corners of the picture of heaven and glue it inside the arch.
  • Cut the arch into a puzzle, but make sure that each piece will fit behind a water drop or a picture (the water drops and matching pictures can be found in the first verse visuals). (I covered the arch with the water drops and pictures and then drew the puzzle underneath using the pictures and raindrops as guides to how big each piece should be.) After cutting the puzzle out, tape each piece to the back of its water drop or picture using removable double-sided tape. (I taped them face forward and then put a magnet on the back of the puzzle piece. That way the magnet held the water drop (or picture) on the board, and when the water drop was removed and the puzzle piece was put on the board, the magnet held the puzzle piece on the board. )

Presentation

This activity works the same as the first verse activity. The water drops go under the baptismal font with just a little showing. A child pulls down the first water drop and finds a picture to match it on the walls. When all the water drops have been pulled down, and the matching pictures found, then the children sing the song.

Optional Activity: Use the visual aids with the crossword puzzle on it. The words represent some of the blessings we enjoy after baptism: the gift of the Holy Ghost, being clean of sin, being a member of the church of Jesus Christ, and being on the path towards eternal life. The words are: Holy Ghost, Clean, Member, and Path. Laminate the font, or cover the puzzle parts with pieces of clear packaging tape, or use page protector plastic and removable double-sided tape. Have the children write in the words with a dry erase marker. If a child gets a word right they get to pull down a water drop and find the matching picture.

Memorizing

Have a child choose a water drop to take off the board. Have the children sing the verse again. If the children can remember and sing the missing words, the child can take the puzzle piece off the back of the water drop and put it on the board. (The arched entry to the path to eternal life is supposed to remind the children of the symbolism of looking for rainbows after rain, or in other words the blessings we enjoy after baptism. Remind the children that after they are baptized they have entered the gate and are on the path that leads towards eternal life. See 2 Nephi 31:17-18 )

Have another child choose a water drop to take off the board. Continue doing the above memorizing activity until each of the water drops and pictures are off the board and the arched entry path to heaven is complete.

Have the children sing the chorus with the second verse and point out that the chorus tells them that if they can keep their life clean of sin after baptism (by repenting when they make mistakes) they can one day gain eternal life and live with God again.

Note: The picture of the baptismal font comes from the May 2011 Friend. The arch comes from the Book of Mormon seminary teacher manual, and the temple picture comes from lds.org media library.


When I Am Baptized – Verse One

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Song – When I Am Baptized- Verse One (CS, pg. 103) 

  •  Print the raindrops onto blue paper and cut them out.  Also print the pictures. Cut them out and trim them so they look similar to above pictures. (The pictures are from Microsoft Word clipart)
  • Print eight clouds onto white cardstock and cut them out. Print two sets of the rainbow. Cut out the rainbow pieces. Each piece then needs to be cut into two puzzle pieces. Work on one rainbow at a time. The two end pieces need to be cut so that each piece will fit on the back of a raindrop. Each of the two middle pieces need to be cut so each piece will fit on the back of one of the pictures. (The first rainbow goes with the first verse and the second rainbow goes with the chorus.)
  • After the rainbows are cut into puzzle pieces, attach them to the back of the raindrops and pictures. I attached them face down with removable double-sided tape, and then I attached a magnet to the back of each piece. (The magnet serves a dual purpose of holding a raindrop or picture on the board, and then later to attach the rainbow piece on the board. ) I also attached a magnet to the top, back of each of the clouds for easy set up.
  • When setting up, put a raindrop under each cloud and attach them to the left side of the chalkboard (see above picture example).  Only set up four clouds and raindrops at a time. The raindrops should be sticking out of the bottom of the clouds so they children can pull them down. Tape each of the pictures on the walls around the room before primary starts.

 

Presentation

Choose a child to pull down the first raindrop. Have the child read the words and look around the room for a picture that matches it.  The other children can help by pointing to the picture if needed. Have the child put the picture under the raindrop. Choose another child to pull down the next raindrop and find its matching picture. Have junior primary sing these first two lines. After that continue with the activity until all four raindrops are pulled down and have matching pictures with them. Have junior primary sing the last two lines and then put all four together. Have senior primary sing all four lines.

Memorizing Activity

Have a child choose a raindrop to take off the board. That child will hold it so the other children can’t see the words. Have the children sing the verse again. If the children can remember and sing the missing words, the child can take the rainbow piece off the back of the raindrop and put it on the board above the clouds.

Explain to the children the following reason a rainbow is used in this activity: Remind the children that the song is about baptism, and the rain washing clean the earth in the song is used symbolically and reminds us of baptism and being washed clean of sin. And just like we enjoy rainbows after rain, there are many wonderful  things we enjoy after being baptized, such the gift of the Holy Ghost, being clean of sin (but remind them we have the sacrament and repentance to help us be clean again if we make a mistake), being members of the church of Jesus Christ, being on the path towards gaining eternal life, etc.

After explaining what the rainbow in the activity reminds us of, have another child choose a raindrop to take off the board. Continue doing the above memorizing activity until each of the raindrops and pictures are off the board and the rainbow is complete.

After the children learn the first four lines of the song, put up the clouds and raindrops for the chorus on the right side of the board, and do the same entire activity with the chorus.

Note: If the children in senior primary are already familiar with the first verse, this will just be a review. Have them tell you what the first line is. Have the child that quotes it correctly, or almost correctly, check it by pulling down the first raindrop. Have that child find the matching picture. Contiue in this manner. During the memorizing part have the children take off two raindrops at a time, and then do the same with the pictures.