Category Archives: Book of Mormon Lessons

Aug 18 2020

Helaman 1-6

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Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1–6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

Here we read about political intrigue, bands of robbers, rejection of the prophets, and pride and disbelief throughout the land. But we also find examples like Nephi and Lehi and “the more humble part of the people,” who not only survived but thrived spiritually (Helaman 3:34). How did they do it? How did they stay strong while their civilization began to decline and fall apart? The same way any of us stay strong in the “mighty storm” the devil sends to “beat upon [us]”—by building our lives “upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, … a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12).

I can build my foundation on Jesus Christ.

Helaman 5:12

Primary 4: Book of Mormon“Lesson 28: Nephi and Lehi in Prison,”  Explain that before a building is built, the workers make a strong foundation for the building to rest on for support. Have the children compare the stability of a rock and sand as foundations to build on. Put a medium-sized rock and a box lid or shallow pan with sand or salt in it on the table. Blow on the rock and then blow on the sand or salt.

Friend August 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Helaman 5:12 together and help your little ones say, “Jesus Christ can help me be strong.” Make two piles on a table—a pile of torn pieces of paper, and a pile of small stones. Let your children try to blow the paper and stones away. Testify that Jesus is strong, like the stones. He can help us be strong too.

Ask the children if they were building a home why they would choose rock rather than sand for a foundation. Explain that the scriptures compare Jesus Christ to the rock as being a strong foundation on which to build our lives. We build our lives on the rock foundation of Christ when we choose to live his teachings.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

Bring to class a few kinds of materials that can represent weak or strong foundations (such as cotton balls or a flat stone or tile). Invite the children to build a tower using blocks or other materials on the different kinds of foundations. What makes some foundations stronger than others? Read together Helaman 5:12, and ask the children why they think Jesus Christ is “a sure foundation” for our lives. How can we build our lives on Him? Invite them to search Helaman 3:27–29 and 35 and Articles of Faith 1:4 to find ideas.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1–6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

To help your family visualize what it means to have “a sure foundation,” perhaps you could build a small structure together and place it on different kinds of foundations. You could then create a “mighty storm” by spraying water on it and using a fan or hair dryer to create wind. What happened to the structure when it was on the different foundations? How is Jesus Christ like “a sure foundation” in our lives?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

  • Read the first few lines of Helaman 5:12, and ask the children to raise their hands when they hear who the “rock” is that should be our foundation.
  • Invite the children to do actions as you read Helaman 5:12. For example, they could wave their arms when you read about the devil’s “mighty storm” and stand in one place when you read about the “rock of our Redeemer.”
  • Talk to [the children] about how Jesus Christ should be the foundation of our lives. Ask the children to share things they can do to follow Jesus Christ, and let them add a block to the structure’s foundation for each thing they share.

Friend August 2020 “Family Night Fun”

  • The prophet Helaman taught that we need to build our foundation on Jesus Christ. That way when the storms of life come, we can stand strong. (See Helaman 5:12.)
  • Now build two different kinds of houses, one out of paper or cards and the other with building blocks.
  • Next blow on both houses as hard as you can. Do both houses stand strong against the wind? How does building your life on Jesus Christ make you strong?

Friend August 2020 “Bright Idea” When I build my foundation on Jesus Christ, I can stand strong! (See Helaman 5:12.)

Invite the children to scan Helaman 5:5–14 and count how many times the word “remember” is mentioned. What did Helaman teach his sons that they should remember? How can remembering these things help us make Jesus Christ the foundation of our lives?

Ensign August 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read Helaman 5:6–7 together and talk about how Nephi and Lehi were named after righteous ancestors.

  1. Invite a family member to say the first letter of their first name.
  2. Each person in the family then tries to name a righteous person in the scriptures, or an ancestor, whose name also starts with that letter.
  3. Play again until everyone has had a chance to use their first initial.

Discussion: How can remembering examples from the scriptures and our righteous ancestors help us make good choices?

Ensign August 2020 “Do You Remember to Remember?”

Friend August 2020 “A Strong Foundation” Helaman taught that we need to build our foundation on Jesus Christ (see Helaman 5:12). That means doing things that will bring us closer to Him. When we do, we will be able to withstand hard things in life.

  1. Choose a rock and read the scripture on it. How does doing that thing make you strong and bring you closer to Christ?
  2. Put the rock under the temple to build a strong foundation. Keep playing until all the rocks are in place.

Song Idea

Sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281) See here for teaching ideas, sing-along videos, and visual aid ideas.

The Holy Ghost whispers with a still, small voice.

Helaman 5:21–52

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 37: Nephi and Lehi in Prison” Images and Video.

Lesson

Lesson 28 – Nephi and Lehi in Prison

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

Read Helaman 5:30, and sing with the children a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7). Point out words in the scripture verse and the song that describe how the Holy Ghost speaks to us (see also Helaman 5:45–47). Use Helaman 5:29and your own experiences to share with the children a few examples of good things the Holy Ghost can inspire us to do.

Repentance replaces spiritual darkness with light.

Helaman 5:20–52

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

The Lamanites who went to the prison to kill Nephi and Lehi were surrounded by literal darkness. When we sin, we are in spiritual darkness. Helaman 5:20–52 teaches us how our spiritual “cloud of darkness” can be lifted (verse 41).

Make the classroom as dark as possible; then read or summarize the account in Helaman 5:20–40 using a small flashlight. How might the Lamanites have felt while in the dark? Invite the children to listen for what Aminadab taught the people to do so that the darkness would be lifted, and then read verse 41. Then turn the lights on, and read verses 42–48 together. What do these verses teach us about the blessings that repentance brings to our lives?

When I am humble, Heavenly Father will bless me.

Helaman 1–6

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1–6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

As you read Helaman 1–6—and throughout the Book of Mormon—you may notice a pattern in the behavior of the Nephites: When the Nephites are righteous, God blesses them and they prosper. After a time, they become prideful and wicked, making choices that lead to destruction and suffering. Then they are humbled and inspired to repent, and God blesses them once again. The pattern repeats itself so often that some people call it the “pride cycle.”

In Helaman 3, Mormon described a time when the Church was so prosperous and blessed that even the leaders were surprised (see verses 24–32). Eventually some people became prideful, while others grew “stronger and stronger in their humility, … even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts” (Helaman 3:35). Notice what the more humble people did to become sanctified. The Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) defines sanctification as “the process of becoming free from sin, pure, clean, and holy through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Helaman 1-6: The Rock of Our Redeemer”

  • Let the children help you draw on the board the following diagram of the “pride cycle.” Read together Helaman 3:24, 33–34 and 4:11–15, and invite the children to point to the parts of the cycle these verses describe.
  • Write the words Humble and Prideful on the board. Write a few examples of humble or prideful actions on slips of paper, and invite the children to take turns selecting a paper and putting it next to the word on the board that describes that action. What are some of the ways we can choose to be humble?

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Pride Cycle”

Helaman 3:27–30

As the prophet Mormon abridged the sacred records, he occasionally used the phrase “thus we see” to emphasize important truths. What did he want us to see in Helaman 3:27–30? Throughout your study this week, you might pause occasionally to ask family members how they would complete the phrase “and thus we see” regarding what they have read. What truths do they want to emphasize?

Aug 10 2020

Alma 53-63

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Story

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 34: Helaman and the 2,000 Young Warriors” Video and Images

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “The Stripling Warriors” Video and Images

The Book of Mormon tells about some young men who had to go to battle to protect their people and their families. They are called the stripling warriors. The word “stripling” means “young.”
Friend August 2020

Friend May 1986

Lesson

Lesson 27: Helaman and the Stripling Warriors

Lesson Ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63” When compared with the Lamanite armies, Helaman’s “little army” (Alma 56:33) of 2,000 young Nephites shouldn’t have stood a chance. Besides being few in number, Helaman’s soldiers “were all … very young,” and “they never had fought” (Alma 56:46–47). In some ways, their situation might seem familiar to those of us who sometimes feel outnumbered and overwhelmed in our latter-day battle against Satan and the forces of evil in the world.

But the army of Helaman had some advantages over the Lamanites that had nothing to do with numbers or military skill. They chose Helaman, a prophet, to lead them (Alma 53:19); “they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:47); and they had “exceeding faith in that which they had been taught.” As a result, they were protected by “the miraculous power of God” (Alma 57:26). Even though they were all wounded in battle, “there was not one soul of them who did perish” (Alma 57:25). So when life inflicts spiritual wounds on each of us, we can take courage—the message of Helaman’s army is that “there [is] a just God, and whosoever [does] not doubt, [will] be preserved by his marvelous power” (Alma 57:26).

Ensign August 2020

Latter Day Kids “The Valiant Fox- Come Follow Me: August 10th-16th” Video, lesson and activity ideas. Helping children to understand what valiant means.

I can be faithful to God like the stripling warriors.

Alma 53:20–21; 56:27, 47–48

Ensign August 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read Alma 57:19–27 together and talk about how the stripling warriors were protected when they obeyed “with exactness” (verse 21).

  1. Blindfold one family member and have them stand against a wall.
  2. Place an object anywhere along the opposite wall and have the blindfolded person try to find the object in one minute without any help.
  3. After the time is up, have the person try again, except this time give them instructions to follow “with exactness.”

Discussion: How do God’s “instructions” help us stay safe and reach our goals?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63”

Friend August 2020 “Cover”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “The Stripling Warriors”

Friend August 2020 “The Stripling Warriors Were Brave” Coloring page

Friend August 2020 “Stripling Warrior Challenge” The stripling warriors kept their bodies and spirits strong. Set this page on the floor. Close your eyes and drop a pebble or button onto the page. Then do the challenge for the box it lands closest to.

Primary 4 Book of Mormon “Lesson 27: Helaman and the Two Thousand Warriors”

Let children volunteer to complete the following statements:

I can be like the young warriors by how I ______________.

I can be like the young warriors by remembering that my parents taught me to____________ .

I most admire_____________about the young warriors.

My favorite part of the account of the two thousand young warriors is______________

When I am worried, I can trust God.

Alma 58:32–41

Helaman was worried because his army didn’t have enough food or enough men to keep fighting (see Alma 58:32–41). Ask the children to share times when they were worried. Read Alma 58:37

I can keep my covenants.

Alma 53:10–17; 56:27

Song Ideas

Friend August 2020 “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” I Can Play It version, and Sing-Along Video.

I can choose to not be angry.

I can choose to think the best of others and not be offended.

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 35: Captain Moroni and Pahoran” Video and Images

Alma 61:3–14

Both Helaman and Pahoran had good reasons to be offended. Helaman was not receiving sufficient support for his armies, and Pahoran was falsely accused by Moroni of withholding that support. Instead of getting angry, Pahoran said, “I … rejoice in the greatness of your heart” (Alma 61:9).

Story Ideas

For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “When You’re Judged Unfairly”

  • “Bugs and Brothers.” In this Friend story, Lacey learns that she doesn’t have to be angry at her brother Zach.
  • “The Right Reply.” Emily wants to write a mean reply when her friend sends her a mean email, but then she thinks of what Jesus would do and responds kindly. (From the Friend.)

Friend October 2015 “How Are You Feeling” Tips for dealing with emotions.

Friend October 2015
Friend October 2015

Anger

Friend February 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” Ways to calm yourself when angry.

New Era June 2018 “Stopping Anger in Its Tracks.” This object lesson from the New Era helps us learn about anger and how we can control our tempers.

Possible Activities

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 53-63”Here’s an object lesson that can help your family understand that we can choose to be either “hardened” or “softened” by our trials: Place a raw potato and a raw egg in a pot of boiling water. The potato and the egg represent us, and the water represents the trials we face. As the potato and egg boil, you could talk about some of the trials your family faces. What are some different ways to react to trials like these? According to Alma 62:41, how do our reactions to trials affect us? After the potato and egg are fully cooked, cut open the potato and crack open the egg to show that the same “trial” softened the potato and hardened the egg. What can our family do to be sure that our trials humble us and bring us closer to God?

Aug 2 2020

Alma 43-52

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Lessons

Lesson 25: Captain Moroni Defeats Zerahemnah

Story

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 31: Captain Moroni Defeats Zerahemnah” Images and Video

I can find spiritual protection in the gospel.

Alma 43:17–21; 48:7–8; 49:1–5; 50:1–6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52”

Help the children make a shield out of a large piece of paper or cardboard, and ask them to write on it things that protect us spiritually. Give each child a piece of paper, and invite the children to write something bad that Satan might tempt us to do (such as lie, steal, or be unkind). Ask them to crumple their papers into balls and throw them at the shield to illustrate how the gospel can keep us safe from Satan (see also Ephesians 6:16).

Draw a child on the board, and help the children think of things that protect us spiritually as armor protects our bodies (for example, prayer, scripture reading, or keeping the commandments). Each time something is mentioned, draw a piece of armor on the child on the board.

Friend August 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 49:28 together and help your little ones say, “The gospel helps protect us.” Cut out or draw pictures to represent parts of the gospel—like scriptures, a temple, etc. Tape them to a plastic lid, piece of cardboard, or pillow. Then use it as a shield! One person could throw crumpled balls of paper while the other person blocks the attack.

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 25: Captain Moroni Defeats Zerahemnah” 

  1. Play a matching game (see “Teaching from the Scriptures,”p. vii. Write the names of the following pieces of armor on six cards and what they symbolize on another set of six cards. Have the children match the name of the piece of armor to what it symbolizes in our armor of God.

Using Ephesians 6:13–18, help the children memorize what each piece of the armor of God symbolizes. Name a piece of armor as you toss a beanbag or ball to a child. Have the child give the meaning of that piece of armor and then name a different piece of armor while tossing the ball to another child, who will give the meaning and choose a new piece of armor, and so on.

Ask the children what types of things Satan uses today to try to wound or kill us spiritually. They may mention such things as certain movies, television programs, videos, books, or magazines; temptations to break the Word of Wisdom; temptations to not go to church; and so on. Discuss what the children are doing to strengthen their spiritual armor, such as having personal and family prayers, having personal and family scripture study, having family home evenings, attending church, and so on.

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 26: Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty”

Discuss how Captain Moroni tricked the Lamanite army, as told in Alma 43:31–42. Use the chalkboard to illustrate the position of the Nephite and Lamanite armies.

More Armor of God ideas (stories, songs, etc.)

Friend August 2020 “Happiness and Obedience” Captain Moroni gave the Nephites shields to help keep them safe. On each shield, write a gospel standard from the list below that can help you stay safe and strong.

I can be faithful like Captain Moroni.

Alma 46:11–16; 48:11–13, 16–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52” Ask the children to tell you about some people they want to be like and why they want to be like them. Read Alma 48:11–13, 16 then share with them some words from Alma 48:11–13 that describe Moroni. Encourage the children to think of specific things they can do to be more like Moroni.

New Era August 2020

Friend August 2020 “What is Your Focus” Moroni’s focus was “inspired by a better cause” (Alma 43:45). Where do you place the focus in your life?

Lesson

Lesson 26 – Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty

Story Ideas

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 32: Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty” Video and Images

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “Captain Moroni’s Flag” Video and Images

Latter Day Kids “Spiritual Battles” Video and lesson ideas.

Lesson Ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52” Read together Alma 46:11–16. What did Moroni want the Nephites to remember? (see verse 12). How did he help them remember these things? Ask the children to list some things Heavenly Father wants us to remember. Let the children design their own “titles of liberty” with phrases or pictures that will help them remember these things.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52” The title of liberty inspired the Nephites to keep the commandments of God and defend their faith. What inspires us to do the same? Perhaps your family could create your own title of liberty—a flag or banner with words or images that remind you to keep the commandments of God each day.

Friend August 2020 “Family Night Fun”

  • Captain Moroni made a flag out of his coat to remind his army that they were fighting for their families, their faith, and their freedom (see Alma 46:12). This flag was called the title of liberty.
  • Make your own flag! On a piece of paper, draw pictures of what’s important to you and your family, such as who they are, what they enjoy, who they hope to be, and what they stand for. You might share some symbols that represent these things. Hang it up as a reminder.

Friend July 1988 “Follow Righteous Leaders”

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As your family reads about the Nephites’ fortifications, you could discuss how you are fortifying your home against the adversary. Children might enjoy building a fort out of objects like chairs and blankets, or they could draw what they imagine the Nephite fortifications looked like.

Ensign August 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Alma 50 describes how Captain Moroni protected his people against their enemies.

  1. Read Alma 50:1–6 and make a list of what the Nephites did to defend themselves: dig up heaps of earth, build a timber wall, and so on.
  2. Come up with an action to represent each defense. For example, pretend to shovel dirt for “digging up heaps of earth.”
  3. Now play a Book of Mormon version of Simon Says. One family member starts by saying “Captain Moroni says to …” and then picks one of the defenses. The rest of the group should quickly do the corresponding action. Then Captain Moroni gives a new command.
  4. If Captain Moroni gives a command without first saying “Captain Moroni says,” anyone who does the action is out.

Discussion: What spiritual dangers exist in the world? What can we do to protect ourselves and our homes from the adversary? For further insights, read and discuss Alma 43:19, 23–24.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52”

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Moroni’s Title of Liberty”

Activity Ideas

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Moroni’s Title of Liberty” Coloring Page

Friend July 1987
Friend July 1987

Satan tempts and deceives us little by little.

Alma 47

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52” Read together selected verses from Alma 47:4–19, and explain to the children how Amalickiah gained control of Lehonti’s army, even though the members of the army were “fixed in their minds” that they would not be forced to fight the Nephites. What would have happened if Amalickiah had told Lehonti what he planned to do from the beginning? What do these verses teach us about how Satan tries to deceive us?

Satan knows that most of us aren’t willing to commit big sins or believe big lies. Therefore, he uses subtle lies and temptations to lead us into seemingly small sins—as many as he thinks we will accept. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52”

He wishes to destroy our lives and bring us into captivity through getting us to sin. Demonstrate how Satan takes away our freedom through sin by doing the following object lesson.

Object Lesson
Ask for a volunteer. Have the volunteer put their hands together. Wrap one layer of the masking tape around their fingers and thumbs. Ask them if they can break free. Explain that when we first make a mistake or sin we are easily able to break free of its grasp and repent. But Satan knows that if he continue to gets us to sin, little by little, eventually the sin will become accepted and then we become bound in captivity to the sin because it becomes a habit or an addiction. (Wrap the tape around the child’s hands several times, layering one area around the fingers and thumbs.) Ask the child to try and break free from the bindings. They shouldn’t be able to. Satan wants us to be miserable like he is, and he knows that sin binds us in captivity and destroys lives.

“The traitorous Amalickiah urged Lehonti to ‘come down’ and meet him in the valley. But when Lehonti left the high ground, he was poisoned ‘by degrees’ until he died, and his army fell into Amalickiah’s hands (see Alma 47). By arguments and accusations, some people bait us to leave the high ground. The high ground is where the light is. … It is the safe ground” (“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship,”Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 74).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52” Show a picture of a house that is well maintained and a house that has been neglected, or show a picture of a healthy garden and a garden full of weeds. Let the children talk about what they see in the pictures and how these changes might have happened over time. What could the owner of the house or garden have done to prevent this? Explain that people can gradually become sinful if they do not resist Satan’s temptations to commit small sins (such as being dishonest or looking at pornography) and then bigger sins. What are some bad things that we need to resist doing in our lives?

Unity brings safety.

Alma 50–51

In the circumstances recorded at the beginning of Alma 50, it looked like the Lamanites had no chance against the Nephites. The armor, fortifications, and unified efforts of the Nephites made them seem unconquerable (see Alma 49:28–30and 50:17–20). But the Lamanites soon captured many of their cities—including those that Moroni had fortified (see Alma 51:26–27). How did that happen? Look for answers as you read these chapters (see particularly Alma 51:1–12). Ponder what warnings this account may have for you and your family. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 43-52”

Book of Mormon Stories “King-Men Verses Freemen” Images and Video

Friend May 1988 “Scriptural Giants: Teancum, Fighter for Freedom”

Jul 29 2020

Alma 39-42

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Lesson

Lesson 24: Alma Counsels His Son Corianton

Story

Book of Mormon Stories “Alma Counsels His Sons” Video and Images

Start in the middle the video at the part where Alma is counseling Corianton.

I can be a good example.

Alma 39:1, 10–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 39-42”

Explain that Shiblon and Corianton were brothers and that Shiblon was a good example for Corianton. Read together Alma 39:1. How was Corianton’s brother Shiblon a good example?

Bring a flashlight or a picture of the sun, and compare light to the power of a righteous example. Just as the light from a flashlight or the sun can help us see a path we need to follow, a righteous example shows us what to do in order to follow Heavenly Father. Share an experience when someone’s good example helped you. Ask the children to talk about someone who is a good example for them. What can the children do to be a good example to others? Testify that Jesus Christ is our perfect example.

Play a game or sing a song in which the children follow or imitate you, such as “Do as I’m Doing” (Children’s Songbook, 276). Let each child have a turn being the leader or example. Ask the children how they can be a good example to someone.

To avoid temptation we must follow righteous counsel and examples.

Who were Corianton’s righteous examples? His father and older brothers. Alma told Corianton to counsel with his brothers. (Alma 39:10)

How can counseling with righteous family members help strengthen our resistance to temptation? They love us and want what is best for us, and being experienced in righteous living, they can help give advice on how to avoid temptation and difficulty.

Not only can we receive direction from righteous family members, but there may be other people around us who are also righteous examples.

  • From what other sources can you receive righteous counsel and examples?

Object Lesson
Demonstrate how it helps to have advice and counsel from someone who knows what is right by doing the following object lesson.

Show the children the two bags or boxes, and explain that one has something undesirable in it and the other has something desirable in it. Show one of the children what is in the boxes. Tell the other children that they can ask the child yes or no questions about the items (with the exception of directly asking which is the good or bad container) until they can decide which is the good choice. Ask the children if it helped to talk to someone who was informed about which was the bad choice and which was the good choice. Point out that it also helps to counsel with those who are experienced in righteous living in order to get help and direction in making good choices in life.

More Example teaching ideas.

I can repent when I make mistakes.

Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”

Alma 42:4 

Ensign August 2020 “Family Study Fun” Flip a Choice: Read Alma 42:4 together and talk about how this life is a time for us “to repent and serve God.”

  1. Sit in a circle and give each family member three index cards.
  2. On two of the cards, write good choices. On the third card, write a bad choice.
  3. Turn the cards face down and mix them up in the middle of the circle.
  4. Take turns flipping over one card at a time. When someone reads a good choice, give the person a high-five (or another gesture that means “Good job!” in your culture).
  5. When someone reads a bad choice, the person shares something they could do to repent and serve God instead.

Discussion: Testify that Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to change and become better people. How can we use our time this week to follow Him and serve God?

More Repentance teaching ideas.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can help me correct my mistakes.

Alma 39:9, 13

Ask the children to share an experience when they got hurt. What did they do to help their injury heal? Explain that sin injures our spirits, but the Savior can heal us when we repent.

Friend July 2020

I will be resurrected.

Alma 40:23

Latter Day Kids: Lesson Ideas

Alma 40:6–7, 11–14, 21–23

After death, our spirits go to the spirit world until the Resurrection and Judgment.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 39-42”

  • Write death, spirit world, resurrection, and judgment on separate pieces of paper, and place them on the board in random order. Help the children understand what these terms mean. Read Alma 40:6–7, 11–14, and 21–23 with the children, and ask them to put the words on the board in the order in which they occur.
  • Write on the board a list of questions that can be answered by Alma 40:6–7, 11–14, and 21–23, and invite the children to match each question with the verses that answer it. For example, “What will my body be like when I am resurrected?” can be answered by Alma 40:23. If necessary, explain difficult words to the children while they read. Encourage the children to share why they are grateful for Heavenly Father’s plan.

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 40:23 together and help your little ones say, “Because of Jesus, we will live again.” Look at pictures of family members who have died. Help your children learn their names and faces. Testify that they can meet their family members someday.

More Resurrection teaching ideas.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 39-42”

Alma 42:4

You could play a game in which pieces of paper with Christlike attributes or gospel principles written on them are scattered around the room. You could see how many pieces of paper family members can gather in a certain amount of time, then discuss how the things written on the papers can help us become more like God. How is the “time granted” to us on earth like the time allotted in this game? How can we use our “probationary time” on earth to become more like the Savior?

Alma 42:12–15, 22–24

Perhaps you could illustrate the relationship between justice and mercy by using a drawing of a simple scale to discuss questions like these: What happens to the scale when we sin? What does justice require for the scale to be balanced? How does the Savior meet the demands of justice and make mercy possible?

Ensign August 2020 “How is God Both Just and Merciful”

Jul 14 2020

Alma 32-35

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If I am humble, the Lord can teach me.

Alma 32:1–13, 27–28 Alma 31:8–35

Ask the children what they remember learning last week about the Zoramites (see Alma 31:8–24). Remind them that one reason Alma was worried about them was their pride (see Alma 31:24–28).

Definition of Pride: A inflated, high opinion of one’s own importance, merit, or superiority.

The Zoramites were trying to elevate themselves above others and declare that they were better than everyone else.

In what ways might people think they are better than others and become lifted up in pride? Answers might include the following: people may think they are better than others because of how smart,  pretty or handsome, athletic, wealthy, or talented they are. (Have the children build with blocks or draw a part of the Rameumptom tower on the board as each answer is given.)

Ask the children how they would feel if they were being made fun of for not being as smart, good looking, athletic, talented, or rich as someone else.

Read together Alma 32:1–5, and ask the children to summarize what had happened to the Zoramites who were poor. Then invite the children to read verses 12–13 to find out why Alma felt that being cast out of their synagogues (or churches) was a good thing for these Zoramites. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

What is humility? A modest opinion of one’s own importance, rank, etc.  Guide to the Scriptures: The condition of being meek and teachable. Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to His will.

What are some of the blessings that come from being humble? Teachable, turn heart to the Lord, etc.

Display a hard, solid object (like a stone) to represent a hard or prideful heart and something soft (like soil) to represent a soft or humble heart. Let the children feel both objects. Then show the children a seed to represent the word of God. Invite them to try to push the seed into the hard object and the soft object. Read together Alma 32:27–28, and talk about what it might mean to “give place” (verse 27) for the word of God in our hearts. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

How can we humble ourselves so we are not lifted up in pride? (Have the children take off or erase a level of the Rameumpton tower for every answer they give.) Answers may include the following: by remembering that our gifts, talents, and abilities come from the Lord, by praying for humility, by looking for the good in others, by building love for others by praying for them and serving  them.

The following video about pride and humility is from Latterdaykids.com.

My testimony of Jesus Christ grows as I nourish it.

Show the children the soft dirt and ask what we need to do to help the seed grow?

Book of Mormon Stories “Alma Teaches about Faith and the Word of God” Video and Images

Lesson

Lesson 22: Alma Teaches Faith

Visual Aids

Friend January 2019 “Testimony Plants” In Primary, the children were supposed to draw a plant that represented their testimony, but Elisa wasn’t sure what that meant or if she had a testimony. She learns that a testimony is the things she believes in like Heavenly Father and Jesus. She also learns that testimonies grow and need to be nourished.

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 32:41 together and help your little ones say, “My faith grows when I do good things.” Help your children learn about seeds and plants by picking seeds out of a piece of fruit or caring for a houseplant. Explain that our testimonies grow little by little, like a seed grows into a plant.

Activity Ideas

As you read Alma 32:26–43 together, stop occasionally and invite the children to draw a picture of the seed or plant being described—for example, a seed and a seedling (verse 28), a growing plant (verse 30), and a mature plant bearing fruit (verse 37). Encourage them to label their pictures with references from Alma 32. How is nourishing a seed like nourishing our testimonies of Jesus Christ? How do we nourish our testimonies? Invite the children to silently think about how their testimonies are growing and what they will do to nourish them. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

If possible, give each of the children seeds to take home and plant to remind them to help their testimonies of Jesus Christ to grow.

Show pictures of a plant in various stages of growth, and ask the children to help you put the pictures in the correct order (see the pictures in this week’s activity page). Explain that as we live the gospel, our testimony grows—it starts small like a seed but can become big like a tree. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

Draw a tree on the board, and let the children add a leaf or a fruit every time they think of something they can do to help their faith in Jesus Christ grow. Invite them to do simple actions to represent the things they thought of. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”

  • Sing “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97).
  • The prophet Alma taught us that faith grows like a seed (see Alma 32:28–30). Faith starts small, but as we work to help it grow, it can become strong!
  • Color the pages for the booklet on page 24 with your family. How can you help your faith grow?

Friend January 2019 “Seeds of Faith” 

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Friend July 2018 Coloring page: Faith is like a seed. When planted it will grow.

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Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “Alma Compared the Word to a Seed”

Song Ideas

Friend January 2019 “Faith” The song “Faith,” simplified for beginning pianists. Also, Sing-along video.

Heavenly Father hears me when I pray.

Alma 33:2–11; 34:17–27

(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 32-35”)

  • Read phrases you have selected from Alma 33:4–11 that describe places we can pray, and help the children think of places they can pray. Then invite them to draw pictures of themselves praying in those places. Testify that they can pray anywhere, even if they are praying silently.
  • Select phrases from Alma 34:17–27 that describe things we can pray about, and read them to the children. Help them think of things they can say to Heavenly Father when they pray, and invite them to draw pictures of these things. Testify that they can talk to Heavenly Father about anything they are thinking or feeling. Share an experience in which Heavenly Father heard your prayers.

Sing a song that teaches the children about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” or “We Bow Our Heads” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13, 25). Help them notice what the song teaches about prayer.

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 21: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom,” Write the following scripture references on the chalkboard. Ask the children to match the verses that describe the Zoramites’ erroneous beliefs with the verses that contain the correct teachings of Alma and Amulek:

Alma 31:16 (The Zoramites believed there would be no Christ.)
Alma 31:20–23 (All the Zoramites gave the same prayer and then never worshiped again all week.)
Alma 31:24 (The Zoramites’ hearts were set upon riches.)
Alma 34:8 (Amulek testified of Christ.)
Alma 34:19–27 (Amulek taught that we should pray always and about everything.)
Alma 34:28–29 (Amulek taught that we should give of our riches to the poor.)

Additional Prayer Ideas

Jul 6 2020

Alma 30-31

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Korihor

The Book of Mormon warns me against false teachings.

Alma 30

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 27: Korihor” Images and Video

Lesson 20: Korihor, an Anti-Christ

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 30-31” Display some items (such as money or food) and toy imitations of these items. Which would the children rather have?

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 20: Korihor, the Anti-Christ,”  Write the first word of each pair below on slips of paper and hand them out to the children. Ask each child to think of a word that means the opposite of the word on his or her paper. Let each child say the opposite word he or she has thought of while the rest of the class tries to guess the positive word on the child’s paper.

Word Examples: light/dark, life/death, good/bad, love/hate, success/failure, right/wrong, true/false, peace/war, truth/lie, pure/impure, clean/dirty, happy/sad, healthy/sick, kind/mean, joy/sorrow

When everyone has had a turn, explain that just as every word in this activity has an opposite, Satan has a counterfeit or opposite teaching for every teaching of Jesus Christ. Following Heavenly Father brings us happiness; following Satan brings us unhappiness. Ask the children the difference between how people feel when they tell lies and how they feel when they tell the truth.

Teach the children that the more we learn about something, the more we can tell the difference between that thing and its opposite. The more we learn about and follow Jesus Christ’s teachings, the more we will be able to resist the temptations and deception of Satan..

• Why do you suppose the people of Ammon would not listen to Korihor? The people of Ammon had lived most of their lives following Korihor-like-beliefs, and they knew the heartache, the misery, and the destruction it can cause in people’s lives.

Ammon’s people provide good examples of how we should respond when we are confronted with people like Korihor. We should not listen to those who would tear down our faith.

All things testify of God.

Alma 30:44

Korihor said he did not believe there was a God, and that there was no such thing as sin.

Why would Satan want people to believe there is no God? One reason is that when a belief in God and his teachings are taken away, Satan can destroy people’s lives through getting them to sin.

Korihor said that we can’t know of things we have not seen. He argued that a person who had not seen God could not know of his existence.

• Ask the children to think of a place they have never visited that exists. Why do you believe that place exists? Just as we have other’s accounts to help us know of places we have not seen, we have the testimonies of prophets, the scriptures, and the Holy Ghost to help us know that God exists.

Also, Alma pointed to things in the sky and on the earth to testify that God lives and directs the universe.

Ensign July 2020 “Family Study Fun” Read Alma 30:44 and talk about how God created this beautiful world for us. Then play this game to continue thinking about God’s creations.

  • Have each family member write the letters of the alphabet in a list down one side of a paper.
  • For two minutes, everyone should try to write a creation that begins with each letter. For example, you could write “Trees” for the letter T.
  • When time runs out, have everyone share their list.

Discussion: How do these blessings from God make you feel? What can we do to take care of God’s creations?

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 30:44 together and help your little ones say, “God made this beautiful world.” Look out a window or go on a walk and help your children name the beautiful things you see—clouds, sky, dirt, bugs, and plants. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created all of these things!

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 30-31”Ask the children to sit in a circle and sing together a song about God’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). While the children sing, invite them to pass around an object such as a ball. When the music stops, ask the child holding the object to share one thing Heavenly Father created that he or she is grateful for.

Sing-Along Video Ideas

Lesson Ideas

Latter Day Kids “All Things Denote there is a God” Video and Lesson Ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 30-31” Coloring Page

The Zoramites and the Rameumpton

Introduction Ideas

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 21: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom”  Have a make-believe dinner. Have two plates, two glasses, and two sets of utensils, but no food. Pretend to eat, and act enthusiastic about the delicious food. Invite a child to join you. Eating off empty dishes could be compared to the emptiness of the false and insincere worship of the Zoramites that is described in this lesson. Such empty worship does no more good for our spiritual nourishment than not eating does for our physical strength. In this lesson the children will learn about appropriate and sincere ways to worship God.

Teaching Children the Gospel: Put the bowl, spoon, and measuring items on the table and explain to the children that you are going to make some peanut butter candy for them. Show them the recipe, but then toss it aside. Tell the children that you have decided not to follow the recipe because you want to try some different ingredients. Show the children the substitute ingredients you brought, and then mix together various amounts of those ingredients. (Be sure to mention the correct recipe ingredients as you do this. For example: “The recipe calls for peanut butter, but I want the candy to be really crunchy so I think I will add whole peanuts.”)

After combining the substitute ingredients show the children the results. Ask them if they think the mixture looks like peanut butter candy.

Ask the children what the results would be if someone tried to make up their own ingredients for gaining salvation instead of following Heavenly Father’s plan. Would they get the desired results? Tell the children that in today’s lesson they will be learning about a group of people who tried to do just that.

Story Ideas

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 28: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom” Video and Images

Lessons

Lesson 21 – Zoramite’s Prayers on a Rameumptom

The word of God is more powerful than anything else.

Alma 31:5

The problem of the Zoramites separating from the Nephites may have seemed to some like it needed a political or military solution (see Alma 31:1–4). But Alma said that the Word of God is more powerful than the sword.

Invite the children to think of something or someone powerful, or show pictures of a few powerful things. What makes these things powerful?

When children think of power, they may think of things like superheroes, queens, or kings. You can help them understand that the word of God is more powerful than “anything else” What does God’s word have the power to do? Change hearts to good

Repeat the phrase “The word of God is more powerful than …” several times, and ask the children to help you complete the phrase.

Song Ideas

Sing together a song about the scriptures, such as “Scripture Power” (music.ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and ask the children to listen for how the scriptures help us.

Prayer

Alma 31:8–35

Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “Alma Teaches How to Pray” Video and story pictures

Friend June 2016

See PRAYER for activity, stories, a lesson ideas about prayer.

Why did the Zoramites choose to believe in incorrect principles about God, and why did they not want to believe in Christ? One possible reason may have been to deny the doctrine of the plan of salvation – of coming to earth to get a body and be tested. They wanted to think they were elected (chosen) to be saved regardless of what they did. They did not want to believe in sin or the need for a Savior.

Alma showed faith in God and Jesus Christ
Alma petitioned the Lord for blessings in his prayer. He had faith that the Lord would bless and help him.

The Zoramites Prayers were Repetitious: Said same thing every time. They also only prayed once a week.

What happens if we don’t pray daily and sincerely? We tend to lose the guidance of the Spirit, which is essential for managing the challenges and temptations of life. What was the result of the Zoramites not praying daily? They succumbed to Satan’s temptations.

I can be humble.

Alma 31:8–35

The Zoramites were trying to elevate themselves above others and declare that they were better than everyone else.

• In what ways might people think they are better than others and become lifted up in pride? Answers might include the following: people may think they are better than others because of how smart,  pretty or handsome, athletic, wealthy, or talented they are. (Have the children build with blocks or draw a part of the Rameumptom tower on the board as each answer is given.)

What did the Zoramites set their hearts on? (see Alma 31:24, 28). What are some worldly things that people set their hearts on today?

Alma was humble and not selfish.
Alma prayed for others.

How can we humble ourselves so we are not lifted up in pride? (Have the children take off or erase a level of the Rameumpton tower for every answer they give.) Answers may include the following: by remembering that our gifts, talents, and abilities come from the Lord, by praying for humility, by looking for the good in others, by building love for others by praying for them and serving  them.

The following video about pride and humility is from Latterdaykids.com.

Write the following scripture references on the chalkboard. Ask the children to match the verses that describe the Zoramites’ erroneous beliefs with the verses that contain the correct teachings of Alma and Amulek:

Alma 31:16 (The Zoramites believed there would be no Christ.)
Alma 31:20–23 (All the Zoramites gave the same prayer and then never worshiped again all week.)
Alma 31:24 (The Zoramites’ hearts were set upon riches.)
Alma 34:8 (Amulek testified of Christ.)
Alma 34:19–27 (Amulek taught that we should pray always and about everything.)
Alma 34:28–29 (Amulek taught that we should give of our riches to the poor.)

  1. Ask the children how they would feel if they were being made fun of. Discuss ways people are prideful. Remind the children that the great and spacious building in Lehi’s dream represented the pride of the world. Explain that being humble is the opposite of being proud. Have each child write on a paper one way they will try to become more humble.
Jun 28 2020

Alma 23-29

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Lessons

Lesson 19: The Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s Covenant

Teaching the Scripture Readers: Book of Mormon “The People of Ammon”

Story

Book of Mormon Stories “The People of Ammon” Images

Lesson Ideas

Because Heavenly Father is merciful, we can repent and change.

Alma 24:7–10; 26:23–34; 27:27–30

Friend August 2015 “You Can Repent and Forgive”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29” Write Before and After on the board. Ask some of the children to read the following verses to find out what the Lamanites were like before Ammon and his brothers taught them: Alma 17:14–15; 26:23–24. Ask other children to read the following verses to find out how the Lamanites changed: Alma 26:31–34; 27:27–30. Invite the children to list under the headings what they found. Then invite them to discover, in Alma 24:7–10, how these Lamanites were able to change so completely. Bear your testimony of God’s power to forgive us and help us repent and change.

I am blessed when I keep my promises.

Alma 24:6–24

Friend May 2017 ” Conference Notes” Sister Jones told the story of five-year-old Lizzie and her big brother, Kevin. Kevin’s dad asked him if he would promise not to tease Lizzie for one day. Kevin agreed. He kept his promise! Then his mom asked him to try not teasing Lizzie for two days. He kept his promise again! Sister Jones said that when we keep our promises, we are learning to make and keep sacred covenants.

Covenants are promises I make with God and He makes with me.

Alma 24

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

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Gospel Media “The Anti-Nephi-Lehies Burying Their Swords”

Show the picture of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies burying their swords. Ask the children if they would want to bury their weapons if they knew they were in danger of attack. The people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi knew their enemies were planning to kill them, but they had made a solemn covenant with Heavenly Father that they would not fight. 

Give all the children small rocks, and invite them to write the word covenant on their rock. Explain that a covenant is a promise between Heavenly Father and His children. How do our covenants make us strong or “firm” like a rock? What covenants have the children made?Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “The Anti-Nephi-Lehies Buried Their Weapons”

Friend July 2020 “Funstuff: Find It!” The Anti-Nephi-Lehies promised God they would never use weapons to hurt people again. They buried their weapons in the ground as part of their promise. Find 23 weapons in the ground and 30 hearts above the ground.

Friend August 2018 “Family Night Fun” Write a bad habit on a piece of paper. “Bury” the bad habit! Tear up the paper, or bury it outside. You could even plant a flower to represent replacing a bad habit with a good one.

Invite the children to draw pictures of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies’ weapons. Then invite them to write, on the back of the weapons, something they feel they should change in order to follow Jesus Christ more fully. Let them pretend to bury their weapons and make a plan to act on what they wrote. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”

Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 23:7 together and talk about how the Anti-Nephi-Lehies promised never to hurt people ever again. Draw weapons on pieces of paper. As you bury each one under a rug or towel, help your littles ones say, “I will be a peacemaker.”

Friend August 2018 “The No-Fighting Promise” After a few days of staying at cousin Timmy’s house, Madi and Timmy start to fight. Timmy suggests they be like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and make some toy swords and bury them and promise they won’t fight each other anymore. After that they found ways to compromise so they didn’t fight.

The gospel brings me joy, and I can share this joy with others.

Alma 26; 29

Friend March 2011 “How can the gospel help me be happy?” Elder David A. Bednar shares how to have happiness in life: “The source and cause of true happiness are gospel truth and obedience to eternal law. Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness is designed to provide direction for His children, to help them become happy, and to bring them safely home to Him. For your happiness and protection, I invite you to study and live more diligently the Savior’s gospel.”

As you read Alma 26:11, 13 or Alma 29:13–14 invite the children to stand every time they hear the words “joy” or “rejoice.” Help the children understand that sharing the gospel made Alma and Ammon happy.

Invite the children to draw pictures of things that bring them joy. Invite each child to give his or her drawing to another classmate and explain it. Point out that when something brings us joy—such as the gospel—our joy grows when we share it. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”

Ensign July 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Read Alma 27:17–19 and Alma 29:13–14 together, paying special attention to the word joy. Ammon and Alma found great joy in serving other people and the Lord.

  1. Invite one or two people to act out helping someone else—no speaking allowed! Examples could include opening the door for someone, helping a person in their yard, helping fix dinner, and so on.
  2. While the scene is being acted out, other family members guess what the service is.
  3. Take turns until everyone has had a chance to act.

Discussion: Why is it important to help other people? When have you felt joy after helping someone? What could our family do to help someone this week?

Additional Missionary Ideas

I can help my friends live the gospel.

Alma 27:20–30

  • Tell the children the story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies making a promise not to fight anymore (see Alma 27:20–30). Explain that because of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies’ promise, they could not defend themselves from their enemies. Read Alma 27:23, and explain that their friends among the Nephites chose to protect the Anti-Nephi-Lehies so they could keep their promise. How can we help our friends keep their promises? Tell about a time when a friend helped you keep your promises with God.
  • Role-play with the children situations in which they can, in a kind way, help others choose the right. For example, what can we say to a friend who wants to lie or be mean?Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 23-29”

Friend May 2016 Matt’s friend accidently damages his father’s car. Matt encourages his friend to choose the right and be honest.

Friend May 2016
Jun 21 2020

Alma 17-22

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Lesson

Lesson 17 Ammon: A Mighty Missionary

Story Ideas

Book of Mormon Stories “Ammon a Great Servant” Images

Friend May 2016 “Ammon’s Good Example” Video

  • Ammon and his brothers were missionaries. Sometimes they were hungry and tired, but they kept teaching about Jesus.
  • Ammon and his brothers went to a land far away to teach their enemies about Jesus.
  • Some men captured Ammon and took him to King Lamoni. Ammon told the king he wanted to serve him.
  • Ammon worked hard. He protected the king’s sheep from robbers. The king was grateful. He listened to Ammon.
  • Ammon taught the king about God and the scriptures. The king believed him. Many people were baptized because of Ammon’s good example. We can help others by being a good example like Ammon!

Lesson Ideas

My testimony grows when I read the scriptures, pray, and fast.

Alma 17:1–4

Mosiah’s sons grew strong in the gospel and became mighty missionaries because they diligently studied the scriptures, prayed, and fasted.

( Alma 17:1–2). What do you learn from the sons of Mosiah about how to keep your faith in the gospel and commitment to it strong?

(Alma 17:3). How did the spiritual preparation of the sons of Mosiah affect their work with the Lamanites?

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon Chapter 17 Show the children a few tools or instruments used by builders, doctors, gardeners, painters, and so forth. Ask the children to tell what they know about each one, who uses it, and how it is used.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 What other tools do the children know of? Invite them to pretend to use a tool. Explain that just as we use instruments or tools to get things done, Heavenly Father can use us to do His work. Read Alma 17:11, and explain that Ammon and his brothers were Heavenly Father’s instruments to help the Lamanites learn the gospel. How can you be an instrument in God’s hands to bless others? President Thomas S. Monson said, “I always want the Lord to know that if He needs an errand run, Tom Monson will run that errand for Him” (“On the Lord’s Errand: The Life of Thomas S. Monson,”

I Can Share the Gospel with Others.

Alma 17–19

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 17-22” Think of all of the reasons people might give for not sharing the gospel: “I don’t know enough” or “I’m don’t know if they would be interested.” The Nephites had an additional reason for not sharing the gospel with the Lamanites: they were “a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites” (Alma 17:14; Alma 26:23–25). But the sons of Mosiah had an even stronger reason why they felt they must share the gospel with the Lamanites: “They were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish” (Mosiah 28:3). This love that inspired Ammon and his brothers can also inspire you to share the gospel with your family, friends, and acquaintances—even those who may not seem likely to accept it.

Friend May 2016
Friend May 2016

Ensign June 2020″ Family Study Fun” Read Alma 17:27–39 together. Talk about how Ammon agreed to serve King Lamoni and saved the king’s flocks that had been scattered.

  1. Sit around a table or in a circle on the floor. Put 5–10 cotton balls in the center to represent flocks, such as sheep.
  2. On the count of three, everyone tries to “scatter” the sheep by blowing on the cotton balls for about 10 seconds.
  3. To “gather” the sheep, go around the circle and have each person put the cotton ball nearest to them back in the center. As they do, ask them to share one act of service they could do for someone this week. Keep going until all the cotton balls are returned.

Discussion: What can we learn from Ammon’s example of humility? What blessings can we experience as we serve others?

Friend January 2020 “Find It” For family night, Maria hid stuffed animals around the room to represent the animals that Ammon helped find and protect (see Alma 17:27–33). Can you find all 12 stuffed animals? Then find the other hidden objects.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “Ammon and the King’s Sheep”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves sharing the gospel with someone. Help them think of specific things they can share.

Show the below pictures representing some of the truths Ammon shared with King Lamoni. Play the game or invite the children to pretend to be missionaries and share what they know about these truths with one another.

Abish

Lamanites. In gathering the people together to witness the power of God and reaching out her hand to the queen, she played a crucial role in the conversion of many of King Lamoni’s people.

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “Abish Gathered the People”

Invite the children to run in place and pretend to knock on doors as you tell the story of Abish going from house to house telling people about God’s power (see Alma 19:16–34). Help the children think of ways they can be like Abish and share the gospel with others.

Friend June 2020 “Abish Shared the Gospel”

  • A woman named Abish worked for the king and queen. She believed in God. Most people around her did not believe in God. One day she saw a missionary named Ammon teaching the king and queen about God and Jesus Christ.
  • When the king and queen learned about the gospel, they were so happy! They fell down and didn’t move. Abish knew that they were feeling the power of God.
  • Abish wanted everyone to learn about God. So she ran from house to house and told people to come and see what had happened.
  • After the crowd gathered, Abish helped the queen stand up. Then the queen helped the king stand up. They started teaching people about the gospel.
  • I can be like Abish. I can help other people learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Friend February 1988 “Abish, Lamanite Woman of God”

Friend June 2020 “Abish had Faith in God” Coloring page

Friend November 2016  “Abish and Abby” Abby, like Abish, knows when it is time to share the gospel with her neighbors.

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Friend June 2016 Abish
Friend June 2016 Abish
Friend June 2018 Abish

I can help others come unto Christ by showing my love for them.

Lesson 18 – King Lamoni’s Father

Alma 17:21–25; 20:9–27; 22:1–3

Ammon’s love and service softened the hearts of King Lamoni and his father.

Alma 20:8–27

Book of Mormon Stories: Ammon Meets King Lamoni’s Father Images

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 Point out that one reason the heart of Lamoni’s father changed was because Ammon loved Lamoni so much. Invite the children to draw a picture of something they can do to show love for someone.

Book of Mormon Stories: Aaron Teaches King Lamoni’s Father” Images

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020  Alma 20:23  Review to see what Lamoni’s father was willing to give up in order to save his life. Then review Alma 22:15 to see what he was willing to give up in order to receive the joy of the gospel. What was he willing to give up in order to know God? (see verse 18). Perhaps family members could each write a plan to give up something in order to know God more fully.

Song Ideas

Missionary: Songs “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” and other songs.

Review Ideas

Friend June 1988
Friend June 1988

Jun 14 2020

Alma 13-16

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The Priesthood Helps Me Come Unto Christ.

Alma 13: 1-19

Game: On pieces of paper, write some statements from Alma 13 about the priesthood. Let the children guess what these statements refer to.

Explain that all priesthood ordinances point us to Jesus Christ. (See “Ordinances” in True to the Faith, 109–10.)

New Era July 2014 “What Do You See?” This New Era article explains how priesthood ordinances are full of signs and symbols that can point us to Jesus Christ.

Friend October 2012 “Coloring Page: We receive the ordinances of salvation through the priesthood.”

Song Idea


Friend April 2018 “With Priesthood Power”  Sing-Along Video

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. The sun and glittering stars and moon shone bright. With priesthood power, He made the earth and sea. And with His power, He blesses you and me.

Our Savior raised a young maiden from the dead. He spoke, and thousands of hungry souls were fed. With priesthood power, He made the blind man see. And with His power, He blesses you and me. God shares His power with us in latter days. To guide, to lift, and to heal in wondrous ways.

Each priesthood ordinance helps me clearly see, That with His power, He blesses you and me. The God who created the universe and ev’ry tiny flow’ Delights to bless me lovingly through sacred priesthood pow’r.

Alma 14

Lesson 15 – Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah Lesson ideas

Heavenly Father Strengthens Me According to My Faith.

Lesson

Lesson 16 “Anguish in Ammonihah”

Watch from point 2:49 in the below video. Or use the images that portray the story.

Alma, Amulek, and the people who believed on their words all faced terrible trials. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be given strength to endure opposition and adversity.

Alma and Amulek were given strength to escape the prison “according to [their] faith which is in Christ” (Alma 14:26). Alma and Amulek were in prison for many days before the Lord freed them. This story can help the children learn that their trials may not have quick or easy solutions, but the Lord will strengthen them “according to [their] faith” (Alma 14:26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020

Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Book of Mormon

Ensign June 2020″Family Study Fun” Read Alma 14:17–18, 26–28 together. After Alma and Amulek were wrongly imprisoned, God gave them strength to break free.

  1. Build a pretend prison with blankets, cushions, or pillows.
  2. Let each family member take a turn acting out the scripture story by being in prison and breaking free.
  3. After each person breaks free, have them share one way God has helped them in real life.

Discussion: Alma and Amulek used their freedom to continue teaching people about the gospel. How can we help others with what God has given us?

The Gospel Can Change Hearts.

Alma 15:3–12

Zeezrom actively opposed Alma and Amulek at first, but their testimonies touched his heart and inspired him to repent.

Book of Mormon Stories: Alma’s Mission to Ammonihah

  • The Lord told Alma and Amulek to go to Sidom. There they found the righteous people. Zeezrom was also there and was very sick.
  • Zeezrom was glad to see Alma and Amulek. He worried that they had been killed because of what he had done. He asked them to heal him.
  • Zeezrom believed in Jesus Christ and had repented of his sins. When Alma prayed for him, Zeezrom was immediately healed.
  • Zeezrom was baptized and began to preach the gospel. Many others were also baptized.

We are Blessed When We Follow the Prophet

Alma 16

  • What had Alma previously prophesied would happen to the people of Ammonihah if they did not repent? (God would “utterly destroy [them] from off the face of the earth” [Alma 9:12].)
  • What happened to the people of Ammonihah?  Alma 16:1–3 
Book of Mormon Stories: Alma’s Mission to Ammonihah

Zoram was captain of the Nephite army. He asked the prophet how to rescue some people who had been captured. Because he listened to the prophet Alma, he was able to rescue the people! (See Alma 16:2–8.)

Friend June 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Game: Follow the Leader

Review Questions

Primary 4 Book of Mormon: Lesson 16

  • How did Zeezrom feel when he realized he had blinded the minds of the people? (Alma 14:6.)
  • How did Zeezrom show he was sorry for his sins? (Alma 14:7.) How did the people treat him?
  • What did the people of Ammonihah do to Zeezrom and those who believed Alma and Amulek? (Alma 14:7, 9.)
  • As the sorrowing Alma and Amulek watched the scriptures and the innocent wives and children burning, what did the Holy Ghost tell Alma? (Alma 14:11.)
  • Why didn’t Heavenly Father allow Alma to save the people from the fire?
  • What happens to righteous people who die in defense of the truth? (Alma 60:13.)
  • While Alma and Amulek were in prison, what were they given the power to do? (Alma 14:25–28.) Who gave them this power? Why do you think the people of the city ran away from Alma and Amulek? (Alma 14:29.)
  • Why was Zeezrom sick with a burning fever? (Alma 15:3.)
  • What made it possible for Zeezrom to be healed both physically and spiritually? (Alma 15:6–8.)
  • After he was healed and baptized, what did Zeezrom do? (Alma 15:12.) What are you doing now to share the gospel with others?
  • What happened to Amulek because he was a missionary? (Alma 15:16.)
  • What did Alma prophesy would happen to the people of Ammonihah if they refused to repent? (Alma 9:18.) How was this prophecy fulfilled? (Alma 15:15; 16:2–3, 9–10.)

Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 13-16”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 13-16”

May 19 2020

Mosiah 25-28

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Alma the Younger Repents

Lessons

Teaching Children the Gospel “Lesson 14: Alma the Younger Repents”

Introduction Ideas

Friend May 1988

Friend May 1988

Story Ideas

Friend July 2020 “Alma the Younger Repents”

Repentance

More Repentance Ideas (lesson, activity, story, and song ideas)

Scripture Stories Coloring Book—Book of Mormon “Alma the Younger”

Friend July 2020 ” Alma Repented and Followed Jesus” Coloring Page

The gospel helps people change and become more like Jesus.

Help the children see the differences between what Alma and the sons of Mosiah were like before they repented and afterward. Invite the children to make a list of words from Mosiah 27:8–10 that describe what Alma and the sons of Mosiah were like before their conversion. Then ask them to make another list from Mosiah 27:32–37 that describe what they were like afterward. According to verses 24–29, what caused this great change in Alma?

Friend July 2020

To be forgiven, I must forgive.

Friend May 2020 “Family Night Fun” Family Love Notes”

Mosiah 26:30–31 Mosiah 26:22–23, 29–30; 27:8–37

Ask a child to draw a bridge on the board, and share this statement quoted by President Thomas S. Monson: “He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven, for everyone has need of forgiveness” (George Herbert, quoted in “Hidden Wedges,” Ensign, May 2002, 19). Erase part of the bridge, and ask the children to help you rebuild it, piece by piece, as they share ways they can extend forgiveness to others. Invite them to think of someone they need to forgive.

More Forgiveness Ideas (lesson, activity, story, and song ideas)

I can pray and fast for God to bless those I love.

Mosiah 28:1–8

Share an experience in which you fasted and prayed for someone, and encourage the children to share their own experiences.

More Fasting Ideas (stories, lesson ideas, & activities)

I can share the gospel.

Mosiah 27:8–24

Sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168). Point out phrases in the song that suggest how we can share the gospel with others.

More Missionary Ideas (stories, lesson ideas, activities, and song ideas)