Scriptures: Clipart
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Scriptures: Songs
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Friend October 2024 “Liken the Scriptures” I Can Play It!
I may not be asked to build a great big ship, Or sail my family ’cross the ocean blue, But if I had the faith and courage Nephi did, Imagine all the great things I could go and do!
Chorus: The Lord has a special message for me In every scripture story I read, And I can become who I’m striving to be When I liken the scriptures to me.
I won’t raise a tent to hear the prophet speak, But I can listen when he speaks today. And I don’t have a sword to bury ten feet deep, But I can cast my selfish words and deeds away. Chorus
Bridge: Like Enos I will fervently pray. Like the stripling warriors, I will obey. Like Abish I will share what I know, And like Ammon I’ll go where I’m called to go. Chorus
Search, Ponder, and Pray
As I Search the Holy Scriptures
Scripture Power
Teaching Scripture Power Verse one and chorus
Teaching Scripture Power Verse 2
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.
If I Listen with My Heart
If I Listen with My Heart Song Teaching Ideas
Creation
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The Earth was Created so We Could Become Like Our Heavenly Father
Jesus Christ Created the Earth Under the Direction of Heavenly Father.
Creation Lesson for Little Ones – Teaching the creation story using flannel figures.
Friend November 1996 “For Little Friends: Window Picture” (Print the picture of the earth and the picture of Jesus back to back.) Show the picture of the earth and ask who created it. Have the children hold it up to a light or window to check their answer or find the answer. Explain that the earth was created by Jesus under the direction of Heavenly Father. Question: Why did Heavenly Father want the earth created? (See Abraham 3:24-26 – For us to gain a body and be tried and tested to see if we would learn to exercise control over our bodies and keep the commandments.)
Friend June 2003 “Sharing Time.” Discuss how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created the earth and all forms of life. Assign each class a scripture about something the Lord created: Gen. 1:11 (grass, herb, tree), Gen. 1:16 (sun, moon, stars), Gen. 1:21 (everything that lives in water and in air), Gen. 1:25 (animals on the earth, everything that creeps on the earth), Gen. 1:26–27 (man, male and female), Amos 4:13 (mountains, wind), John 1:3 (all things), Mosiah 2:23 (you). Have the children locate the scriptures, then take turns reading them aloud while you list the creations on the chalkboard. (Could do a game were the children name as many things as they can think of under each category, like different animals and insects.)
Weather permitting, and if safety is not an issue, have the children take a walk around the church to look for other creations. Or sing “All Things Bright and Beautiful” (p. 231) or “The World Is So Big” (p. 235).
Give each child paper and a pencil to draw something that the Lord created. Show and discuss the pictures by collecting them from the children and using a pretend fishing pond. Have the children take turns “fishing” out each other’s pictures. As a picture is drawn out, invite the child to tell something that he or she could do to treat that creation with respect. Invite the children to share their drawings with family members and discuss ways they can show respect for all of God’s creations.
Friend September 1999 “The World Jesus Made” Poem about appreciating the wonderful things in the world
Friend January 2018 “Old Testament Card: Jehovah Helped Create the Earth“
Friend September 1999 “The World Jesus Made” Poem about appreciating the wonderful things in the world
- Take the children for a walk outside. Let the children take turns describing a creation they see, and ask the class to guess what they are describing.
- Friend January 2023 Take your little ones for a walk outdoors. Look at the amazing things in nature—like the trees, birds, wind, or sky. Let your children pick up rocks or smell flowers. Tell them, “Jesus loves you and created this beautiful world for you.”
If the weather is not conducive for a walk, try showing pictures. The link below has some images that might work. Or you could bring in some items they could smell and touch.
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?
See also https://teachldschildren.com/2022/01/genesis-1-2-moses-2-3-abraham-4-5/
Jesus created the earth.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026
- How will you make learning about the Creation fun for your children? You could take them on a search outside for the kinds of things that were made during each period of Creation. Your children might also look at pictures of things Jesus created (see “The Creation of the Earth” in Old Testament Stories, 8–12). Then you and your children could talk about how you feel about Jesus Christ after reading about the Creation.
Old Testament Stories “The Creation of the Earth” Images and Video
- Consider singing a song together about our beautiful world, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Maybe your children could add to the song other things God has created that help them feel His love.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5”
- Show the children pictures of things that represent different periods of the Creation (as described in Moses 2; see also “The Creation of the Earth” in Old Testament Stories), and help the children think of actions to go along with the pictures. For instance, they could make a fist to represent dry land or wave their arms like waves of water (see Moses 2:9–10). Share your testimony that Jesus Christ made these things because He and Heavenly Father love us.
How can you make learning about the Creation fun for your family? You could take your family on a search outside for the kinds of things that were made during each period of the Creation story, such as stars, trees, or animals. You might also show pictures of things created in each period and invite family members to put the pictures in order after reading one of the accounts of the Creation together. What do these creations teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?Genesis 1; Moses 2; Abraham 4.
- Sing a song about things Jesus Christ created for us, such as “The World Is So Lovely” (Children’s Songbook, 233). Ask the children to draw pictures of the creations described in the song.
- Help the children think of times when they made something by following another person’s directions. For example, maybe they have made a recipe with a parent or sibling guiding them. Write Who created the earth? on the board, and invite the children to find the answer in Moses 2:1. Testify that Jesus Christ created the earth under the direction of Heavenly Father.
- Assign each child verses in Moses 2 related to one of the days of creation, and ask him or her to draw a picture of the things Heavenly Father and Jesus created on that day. Ask the children to hold their pictures and stand in the order of the days of Creation, and then invite each child to teach the rest of the children what happened on the day they were assigned. What do we learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ from the story of the Creation?
Latter Day Kids “The Creation” Lesson ideas
Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Creation” Lesson ideas
Creation Lesson for Little Ones – Teaching the creation story using flannel figures.
Friend March 2002 “For Little Friends” Place the correct picture and label on the chart according to which “day” it took place in the creation (one square will get two pictures). Check your answers in Genesis 1:1-27, and move pieces to their correct position as needed (Visuals: Black and white game board. Note: Color cardstock can be used for the game boards.)
Liahona January 2022 “The Creation”
The earth was created by Jesus Christ under Heavenly Father’s direction so that we could have a place to live, learn, and use our agency to make good choices (see Abraham 3:24–26).
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that to “create … does not mean to create out of nothing; it means to organize, the same as a man would organize materials and build a ship.”1 The Hebrew word for “create” means to shape, fashion, organize, and form (see Genesis 1:1; Abraham 3:24).
President Russell M. Nelson explained that “the physical Creation itself was staged through ordered periods of time,” not calendar days. “Whether termed a day, a time, or an age, each phase [of the Creation] was a period between two identifiable events—a division of eternity.”2
While there’s a lot we don’t know about exactly how the world was created, ponder what you learn about the Creation from what God has revealed in Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; and Abraham 4:1–25. What do you notice in these accounts that is similar? What do you notice that is different?
One way to approach the Creation story is to invite your family to find how many times in Genesis 1 or Moses 2 God calls the things that he made “good.” What does this suggest about how we should treat God’s creations—including ourselves? What do we learn from the way these events are worded in Abraham 4?
Genesis 1:28; Moses 2:28; Abraham 4:28. What does it mean to “have dominion … over every living thing that moveth upon the earth”? (see also Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–21). How can our family fulfill our responsibility to care for the earth?
Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Thankful Memory Game
Story: Heavenly Father told Jesus Christ to create the earth for us to live on (see Genesis 1–2). Jesus created plants and animals for us to take care of. We can be thankful for the earth.
Song: “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook,228–29)
Activity: Now play a game! The first person says, “I am thankful for …” and then says something Heavenly Father and Jesus created. The next person repeats it and then adds something new. Keep going around in a circle as long as you can.
Liahona January 2022 “God’s Plan Is for You: Come, Follow Me Family Fun”
Stewards over the Earth: Moses 2:28 explains that humankind was given dominion over all living things. President Russell M. Nelson said, “We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations” (“The Creation,” Liahona, July 2000, 104).
- Go on a short walk around the area you live in or look at pictures and videos of beautiful landscapes.
- Point out different parts of the environment that you notice. This could be plants, animals, or landforms.
- Notice each living thing and discuss specific ways we can take care of them and the environment around them.
Discussion: In what ways do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ take care of us? How can we follow Their examples as we take care of the living things around us? In what ways can our actions show our gratitude for God’s creations? (Submitted by Mitzi Schoneman)
Creation Charades: President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Grand as it is, planet Earth is part of something even grander—that great plan of God. Simply summarized, the earth was created that families might be” (“The Creation,” Liahona, July 2000, 104).
- Study the days of Creation with your family (found in Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; or Abraham 4–5). See “The Creation” from this issue for a summary.
- Each person can take a turn acting out a day or part of the Creation.
- The rest of the family members guess the day or the part of Creation that was chosen.
Discussion: Follow up by reading Abraham 3:22–27 together. How can knowing God’s purpose for creating the earth affect our daily lives? How can we better show appreciation for God’s creations?(Submitted by Brenda Slade)
Additional Resources
- Teaching Children the Gospel: Creation & Resources for Teaching Children “Creation”
- Lesson 3: The Creation,” Primary 6: Old Testament Pg 9–12
- Primary 1 Manual This manual breaks up each day of the creation into lessons for little ones.
- Seminary Old Testament Student Manual “Lesson 10: Moses 2 (Genesis 1; Abraham 4)”
- Behold Your Little Ones: Nursery Manual “Jesus Christ Created the World for Me”
Days of the Creation
Friend February 2018 “Funstuff: The Earth was Created for You” Find the words of each day of the creation in the word search.
Creation Game: Place the correct picture and label on the chart according to which “day” it took place in the creation.
Pictionary Game: Divide the chalkboard into seven sections and number them 1 through 7. Have the children draw cards labeled with the day number and the creation event that happened on that day. Going in order, have the child with number one draw their item and have the other children guess what it is. Read the scripture to the children after the children guess what it is.
Friend August 1999 “Days of Creation” Trying to pull creation cards from a bag in the right order.
Friend May 1986 “Bobby’s Creations” This story has a Family Home Evening idea a child could do.
Individual Days
Day 1: Light and Dark
Day 2: Clouds and Sky
Friend March 2017 “Raining!” Rain makes the earth clean and beautiful. Water helps us in many ways.
Day 3: Oceans, Rivers, Land, Plants
Friend August 2017 “My Favorite Tree” Action Rhyme about a favorite tree. (Could be used in Sunbeams Lesson 10: I Am Thankful for Trees, Plants, and Flowers)
Friend June 2025 “For Little Ones” Heavenly Father gave us a beautiful world with many kinds of plants. How many cactus flowers can you count?
Day 4: Stars, Moon, Sun
Friend May 2025 “For Little Ones” Jesus Christ created our beautiful sky. Trace the lines around the moon and stars.
Friend February 2026 “Activity Time”
- 1. Play tic-tac-toe using stars and moons instead of X’s and O’s!
- 2. Connect the dots to make a starry constellation.
- 3. How many of each item can you find? Write the number in the box!
- 4. Find your way through the star maze.
Friend February 2018 “Day and Night” Reese is is grateful for day and night.
Day 5: Fish, Whales, Birds
Friend October 2021 “Find It” Jesus Christ created amazing animals that live underwater (see Genesis 1:20–21). Can you find these things in the Caribbean Sea?
Friend September 2020 “Find It” These kids love watching birds with their aunt! Find 15 birds and 10 eggs. Then find the other objects. Bonus: How many times are birds (or “fowls”) mentioned during the Creation, in Genesis 1? ______. (6)
Friend January 2026 “Activity Time” Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created the earth and all our amazing animals.
Day 6: Insects, Animals
Friend June 2018 “Family Night Fun” Making insects with fruit.
Friend August 2022 “Miguel and the Worm” As Miguel helped his mother with the garden he found a worm. He didn’t want to hurt it but he didn’t want it to hurt the plants. His mother explained that worms were helpful to gardens because they beak up the dirt. Miguel liked the worms. He wanted to treat all of Heavenly Father’s creatures with respect.
Friend July 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Animal Actions” Under God’s direction, Jesus Christ created every creature on earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 77:2). Play an animal guessing game! One person pretends to be a certain animal. Everyone else tries to guess what animal they are. Once you guess it right, say something you like about that animal.
For younger children: Go on a walk with your little ones and point out animals you see. Or look at pictures of animals. Teach them that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created every creature on earth.
Friend July 2025 “God Created Every Creature on Earth” Coloring Page
Friend November 2025 “For Little Ones” God created all living things! Which picture comes first? What comes next? What happens last?
Day 6: God Made People
I Was Created in God’s Image.
Genesis 1:26–27; Moses 2:26–27; Abraham 4:26–27
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026
- Your children can develop a sense of reverence and respect for their own and others’ bodies as they learn that we were all created in God’s image. To help them understand what this means, you could let your children look at their image in a mirror or picture while you read Moses 2:26–27 to them.
- You could also show them how baby animals are often in the “likeness” of their parents (see the picture in this outline, for example). This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to you to know that you are created in your Heavenly Father’s image.
- You and your children might enjoy drawing a human body and cutting the drawings into puzzles. As your children put their puzzles together, they could talk about ways they can show Heavenly Father that they are thankful for their bodies. (or invite the children to choose a part of the body and write next to it why they are thankful for it.) Express your gratitude for your body, and testify that we were created in God’s image.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; braham 4–5”
- Help the children repeat “I, God, created man in mine own image” several times (Moses 2:27).
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”
- [Using the picture below, invite the children] to point to His eyes, mouth, and other parts of His body. Then invite them to stand and point to those same parts of their own bodies. Read from Doctrine and Covenants 130:22: “The Father has a body of flesh and bones … ; the Son also.” Testify that our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s bodies.
Friend November 2020 “Like Him”
LessonPix “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” Song idea. Print the pictures, cut them apart into cards, and then use them to sing the song. To make the song more interesting, have the children mix up the pictures on the top two rows and/or the bottom two rows and then have them do the actions and sing the words in their mixed up order.
Visual support to sing Head Shoulders Knees & Toes.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” The world will give children many false messages about their bodies. The doctrine in Moses 2:26–27 is powerful motivation to respect and care for our bodies.
- Read together Moses 2:26–27. What do these verses teach us about our bodies? Show the video “God’s Greatest Creation” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or play the game “Your Body Is a Temple” (Friend, Aug. 2019, 24–25). You could also read together related quotations from President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Your Body: A Magnificent Gift to Cherish” (New Era, Aug. 2019, 2–7) that will help the children feel gratitude to Heavenly Father for their bodies.
Friend August 2019 “Your Body is a Temple” Activity comparing how the body is like a temple.
For the Strength of Youth “Your Body: A Priceless Gift”
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are Creators. They can transform us into the beautiful creations we were meant to be. That’s part of what it means to be created in God’s image, after His likeness (see Genesis 1:26). We have the potential to become like Him: exalted, glorified, celestial beings.
For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Body” and Resources for Teaching Children “Body”
I Was Created in the Image of God.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 1–5: “Rend That Veil of Unbelief”
- Show a picture of the Savior, and invite the children to point to various parts of His body. Read Ether 3:13 and 15, and explain that when the brother of Jared saw Jesus Christ, he learned that we all look like Jesus. As you point to a body part in the picture, invite them to point to the same part of their own bodies. Testify that we were created to look like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
- Sing together a song related to our bodies, such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” (Children’s Songbook, 275). Help the children talk about why they are grateful for different parts of their bodies.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”
When we understand that God the Father and Jesus Christ have bodies like ours, we feel closer to Them, and our relationship with Them is strengthened.
- Show the children a picture of Jesus Christ, and invite them to point to His eyes, mouth, and other parts of His body. Then invite them to stand and point to those same parts of their own bodies. Read from Doctrine and Covenants 130:22: “The Father has a body of flesh and bones … ; the Son also.” Testify that our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s bodies.
- Sing together a song about our bodies, such as “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” (Children’s Songbook, 275), and invite the children to do actions that go along with the words. Ask the children to tell you some things they can do with their bodies. Express your gratitude for the body God has given you. How can we show we are thankful for this special gift?
- Invite the children to draw pictures of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and themselves. Help them see how our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s.
Friend August 2016 “God is Our Father” God our Father has ears with which to hear our prayers. He has eyes with which to see our actions. He has a mouth with which to speak to us. He has a heart with which to feel compassion and love. He is real. He is living. We are his children made in His image. We look like Him and He looks like us.
Liahona March 2021 “Family Study Fun”
Beautiful Creations of God: Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:17–19 about how God created “heaven and earth, and all things which are in them.”
- Take a moment to look out a window or go on a walk.
- Point out the creations of God that you see.
- Verse 18 tells us that God “created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them.” We are some of God’s creations too! Take a moment to admire all the things your body can do. What are your talents?
- In verse 19 we are commanded to “love and serve him, the only living and true God.” How can you use your talents to serve Him?
Discussion: How can we worship God?
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?
God Made This Beautiful World for Us Because He Loves Us
Friend July 2021 “Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness” Coloring page: What a beautiful world Heavenly Father gave us to live in!
Friend June 2021 “A Day at the Beach” Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ made a beautiful world for us to enjoy. When we look around, we can remember how much They love us!
Friend November 2021 “Find It! These children like to find fun shapes in the clouds! The beautiful world reminds them how much Heavenly Father loves them. Find the hidden items.
Friend March 2023 “Margo and Paolo” Seeing Heavenly Father’s amazing creations (such as a meteor shower) helps Margo and Paulo feel God’s love.
- Sing with the children a song about God’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook,228–29). Ask the children how the things they are singing about help them feel God’s love.
- See the below visuals here.
Friend June 2023 “Have You Seen Jesus?”
“The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”
PSALM 8 A messianic psalm of David—He says that babes and children praise the Lord—He asks, What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?
Reading Psalms 8; 19; and 33 may inspire you to consider the Lord’s many wonderful creations. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings as you do. How do the Lord’s creations “declare the glory of God” to you? (Psalm 19:1).
“The heavens declare the glory of God.”
PSALM 19 David testifies, The heavens declare the glory of God, the law of the Lord is perfect, and the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46”
Psalms 19 and 33 teach that we can find evidence of the glory and goodness of God all around us in His beautiful creations. Help the children learn to see God’s hand in the world around them.
- Show the children some pictures of beautiful things God has created, or look out a window together to see these things. Ask the children what they love about Heavenly Father’s creations. Read either Psalm 19:1 or 33:5, and ask the children how they feel about Heavenly Father when they see His creations.
Media Library Images “Nature and Creation”
- Sing together a song about God’s creations, such as “The World Is So Lovely” (Children’s Songbook, 233). Invite the children to pick something God has created (such as something mentioned in the song) and draw a picture of it to share with their families
Appreciating God’s Beautiful Creations
Friend June 2020 “Want to Go on a Walk?” As Abby and her little sister, Sophie, go on a walk, Sophie sees many pretty things. Abby begins to realize how many wonderful creations there are just in their yard.
Friend September 2019 “A Beautiful World for Mason” Mason draws pictures of wonderful things he sees on his nature walk. Mason is glad Jesus made such a beautiful world for him. Can you find the things he saw in the picture below?
Friend April 2019 “The Creations” Poem written by a child about his love of the the wonderful creations.
Go for a nature walk. Wrap a section of duct tape, inside out, around your child’s wrist. Let her collect little treasures along your walk and stick them to her nature bracelet. At home, you can cut off the bracelet and discuss them further.
Friend July 2016 “A Beautiful World” Go for a walk and fill this booklet with the things you see, touch, smell, and hear.
Printable version
Friend September 2017 “Snacks and Crafts” Pick some flowers and make a stain glass window display.
Friend January 2018 “The Creation”
Friend June 2020 “Thankful for Jesus” Brynn loves to draw. One day her art teacher tells the class that she wants them to draw something they are grateful for. Brynn decides to draw Jesus because he created the earth and all the wonderful things in it.
Friend October 2019 “Beautiful World” Action Rhyme: Gratitude for this beautiful world that Heavenly Father made for us.
Friend June 2022 “For Little Friends” Heavenly Father created a beautiful world for us! What do you like to do outside?
Friend July 2025 “Our Beautiful World” Bishop Gérald Caussé (Presiding Bishop) tells about visiting a beautiful garden that once belonged to Claude Monet the artist. He created hundreds of paintings that were inspired by his garden. Our Heavenly Father also invites us to join in His creative work. We can create art, music, and other things to brighten our lives and bless others.
Torn-Paper Art: Bishop Caussé taught that we can become creators too! Here’s a craft you can make to remind you of Heavenly Father’s beautiful creations.
Taking Care of the Earth
Friend May 2021 “Jesus Helped Create the Earth” Jesus Christ helped Heavenly Father create the world we live in. They told Adam and Eve and their children to take good care of the earth. We should also treat all of Their creations with kindness and respect.
Friend July 2025 “Margo and Paulo: Animal Service” Margo and Paulo’s family volunteer at an animal shelter.
Friend April 2024 “Bottles of Love” Isabela helped with a project at school to make “bottles of love,” which are plastic bottles filled with single-use plastics. The bottles were sent to an organization that made them into plastic bricks. The bricks could be used to build outdoor benches and houses for people in need.
Friend January 2019 “Food and Fun” Make paper using paper scraps -how recycling works.
Friend February 2018 “Caring for the Earth”
Ensign March 2004 Read the section “Attendant Responsibilities.” Discuss ways we can care for our beautiful home on earth. Plan an activity, such as cleaning up a nearby park, that helps preserve the earth’s beauty.
3. Have family members take turns describing something in nature while the others try to guess what it is. Example: It falls from the sky and makes plants grow. Answer: Rain. Read and discuss Doctrine and Covenants 59:20–21 [D&C 59:20–21]. How can we show our appreciation for the beauty of nature?
Friend March 2021 “Adventures in the UAE” Victoria wants to help people have clean water. You can help too by not wasting water. And you can help keep it clean.
Challenge: Look for living things in a pond, river, or ocean near you. You can help protect them by picking up trash near water and not putting harmful chemicals down drains.
Friend June 2024 “Planting Trees” Falefatu’s Primary got to do community service to help the environment by planting trees. They also learned why trees are so important. Trees help protect the earth. They give us fruits, medicine, and wood. They also give us oxygen to breathe. Falefatu wants everyone to plant more trees.
Friend June 2024 “What We Can Give” Aliya’s class went on a school trip to a nature preserve. She was excited to learn about the animals, but she was new and didn’t know how to make a friend. The class helped clean the ponds because they learned It’s about what we can give. She remembered that saying and met a girl named Zoe by complimenting her shirt. They became friends and had lots of fun together. She was thankful to Heavenly Father for the beautiful world and for her new friend.
Yard Work
Friend November 2024 “Gardening with Mum” Emily wants to help with the garden, but then she gets tired of pulling weeds. It’s hard work taking care of a flower garden and Emily wants to know why they planted so many flowers. Her mom explains that Heavenly Father created flowers so we could have joy, and that it makes her happy when she sees them. They remind her of Heavenly Father’s love.
Being Kind to Animals and Insects
Friend September 2018 “Cole Helps the Baby Birds” When a wind storm knocks a blows a bird nest out of the tree, Cole helps put it back in.
Additional Resources
- ChurchofJesusChrist.org: Resources For Teaching Children “Creation“
- Lesson 3: The Creation,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 9–12 Purpose: To increase each child’s appreciation for the earth that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created for us.
- ChurchofJesusChrist.org: Topics “Creation” Includes pictures, videos, articles, lessons, songs, etc.
- How long did the Creation take?
- What is the Church’s position on evolution?
- Was Eve really created from Adam’s rib?
Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas
The Red Crystal Lesson ideas
Activities & Games
Friend January 2025 “For Little Ones”
Friend July 2025 “For Older Kids” God’s Colorful World: Heavenly Father gave us a beautiful world full of colors. Color the picture using the key below. Look up each scripture to know which number the color goes to.
Friend October 2025 “For Little Ones” Spot the Differences: What can you find in the top picture that’s missing from the bottom picture?
Old Testament Coloring Book “The Creation”
Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “The Creation”
Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Planning the Creation”
Friend January 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun”
Stories and Poems
Friend January 2022 “The Rainbow Hello” Darcy had a fun day playing in the rain and watching the sunset. Her mom said Heavenly Father could see her so she waved at the sky. The rainbow they saw was like a wave back from Him.
Songs
Ideas: Have children each hold one of the song pictures (in random order). Have the children guess what song it is based on the pictures. Ask: Looking at these pictures, why do you think this song is called “My Heavenly Father Loves Me”? Play a recording of the song. Afterwards, have the other children place the children holding the pictures in the correct order. Play the recording again and see if they got it right.
Friend April 2018 “With Priesthood Power” First verse is about the creation. Sing-Along Video
Clipart
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 30-31” Coloring Page
Christ Creating the Earth image found in Friend Feb 1999 back cover
3 Nephi 20-26
Posted onTable of Contents
3 Nephi CHAPTER 20 Jesus provides bread and wine miraculously and again administers the sacrament unto the people—The remnant of Jacob will come to the knowledge of the Lord their God and will inherit the Americas—Jesus is the prophet like unto Moses, and the Nephites are children of the prophets—Others of the Lord’s people will be gathered to Jerusalem. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 21 Israel will be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth—The Gentiles will be established as a free people in America—They will be saved if they believe and obey; otherwise, they will be cut off and destroyed—Israel will build the New Jerusalem, and the lost tribes will return. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 22 In the last days, Zion and her stakes will be established, and Israel will be gathered in mercy and tenderness—They will triumph—Compare Isaiah 54. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 23 Jesus approves the words of Isaiah—He commands the people to search the prophets—The words of Samuel the Lamanite concerning the Resurrection are added to their records. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 24 The Lord’s messenger will prepare the way for the Second Coming—Christ will sit in judgment—Israel is commanded to pay tithes and offerings—A book of remembrance is kept—Compare Malachi 3. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 25 At the Second Coming, the proud and wicked will be burned as stubble—Elijah will return before that great and dreadful day—Compare Malachi 4. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 26 Jesus expounds all things from the beginning to the end—Babes and children utter marvelous things that cannot be written—Those in the Church of Christ have all things in common among them. About A.D. 34.
Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 46: Jesus Christ Teaches and Prays with the Nephites” Images and Video (Start video at the first image below.)
3 Nephi 20
I can pray in my heart.
Friend April 2024 “Christ Praying with the Nephites” The Things Which He Prayed Cannot Be Written by Casey Childs
- Ask the children to show you what they do when they pray. What do they do with their arms? their heads? their eyes? Explain that sometimes we want to talk to Heavenly Father, but we can’t kneel or close our eyes. What can we do? Read to the children from 3 Nephi 20:1: “[Jesus] commanded them that they should not cease to pray in their hearts.” Tell the children how you pray in your heart.
- Draw a mouth and a heart on the board. Ask the children to point to the mouth and tell you some things they say when they pray. Then ask them to point to the heart, and explain that we can say those same things in our hearts. Testify that Heavenly Father knows our feelings and thoughts.
Friend October 2024 “Learning to Pray” You can pray anytime, anywhere, and Heavenly Father will always listen. Follow the prompts to draw and write about how praying helps you. Where do you like to pray? How do you feel when you pray?
To help family members understand that we can “pray always,” you could make a list of circumstances in which we could pray (or draw pictures to represent them). Then your family could sing a song that teaches about prayer, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymns, no. 140), replacing some of the words in the song with the words from their lists. How does the Lord bless us when we pray always? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 )
Hey, you left your room this morning
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior
Did you sooth for loving favor as a shield today?
When you’ve met with great temptation
Did you think to pray?
By his dying love and merit
Did you claim the Holy Spirit as your guide today?
When your heart was filled with anger
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace my brother
That you might forgive another who had crossed your way
Oh, how praying rests the weary
Prayer will change the night to day
So when life seems dark and dreary
Don’t forget to pray, don’t forget to pray
3 Nephi 22
Gathering Israel
- After reading this verse, maybe you could make a homemade tent and talk about how the Church is like a tent in a wilderness. What might it mean to “lengthen [its] cords” and “strengthen [its] stakes”? How do we invite others to find “shelter” in the Church? (see the video “Welcome”onComeuntoChrist.org)
Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun” Paper Name Gathering Game
We “gather Israel” when we help other people learn about the gospel. Jesus taught about this gathering in 3 Nephi 20–22.
- Give each person a piece of paper and ask them to write down any name that comes to mind.
- Everyone should close their eyes while one person hides the papers.
- Read 3 Nephi 20:18 and 39–40 out loud. How can you help other people learn about Jesus?
- While listening to a song about Jesus, invite everyone to help find the names and put them by a picture of the Savior.
Discussion: How does it make you feel to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know each person by name?
More Missionary Ideas Here
3 Nephi 23
I can search the scriptures diligently.
The Savior told the multitude to search the scriptures, and He wanted to make sure they recorded the words of the prophets (see 3 Nephi 23:1, 5–13; 26:2).
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 20-26”
- The Savior’s instructions in 3 Nephi 23 show how important the scriptures are to Him. To help your children discover this, you could read 3 Nephi 23:1, 5 aloud and ask them to listen for a word that is repeated three times. How is searching different from just reading?
President Marion G. Romney taught that the word search “means to inquire into, study, and examine for the purpose of discovering the meaning of. How can we search the scriptures? Tell the children how you search the scriptures and what you find there.
“How can I learn more when I read the scriptures?”(April 2009 Friend)
Elder David A. Bednar shares five principles for reading the scriptures.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant” and 2024 Come Follow Me
- Give each child a small card or piece of paper, and invite them to write the reference to a favorite scripture. (Give them suggestions if needed.) Let them take turns hiding their card in the room while the rest of the children cover their eyes. Ask the children to search for the scripture, and when they find it, read it together. What do we find in this scripture that is important to us (and meaningful)?
More Scripture Study Ideas Here
Family Records of Spiritual Experiences
- 3 Nephi 23:6–13 If the Savior were to examine the records our family has kept, what questions might He ask us? Are there any important events or spiritual experiences that we should record? Now might be a good time to create or add to a family record and counsel together about what to include. Younger family members might enjoy decorating your record with photographs or drawings. Why is it important to record our family’s spiritual experiences?
Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Keeping a Record”
The Savior told the Nephites to keep a record of what He taught them and the things that happened to them (see 3 Nephi 23:4, 7–13). Draw or write about something good that happened to you this week. How has Heavenly Father blessed you?
3 Nephi 24
Paying tithing opens the windows of heaven.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 20-26”
- Help your children search 3 Nephi 24:8–12 to find ways to complete this sentence: If I pay tithing, the Lord will … . You could also share an experience in which you were blessed because you paid tithing. If it would be helpful, consider writing a few amounts of money and helping your children calculate how much tithing (10 percent) to give for each amount.
- If your classroom has a window, invite the children to look at it. What can come into the room when the window is open? Read 3 Nephi 24:10, and explain that when we pay tithing, the “windows of heaven” open, and blessings can come into our lives.
I’m Glad to Pay a Tithing Song: Part One and Part Two
- This week’s activity page can help your children talk about some of the ways the Lord uses tithing to bless the members of His Church. Maybe they could draw pictures (or find pictures in Church magazines) of ways tithing blesses them.
Color the pictures, then cut out the circle and the spinner. Attach the spinner to the center of the circle, and rotate it to see some ways your tithing helps the Lord’s work.
Ensign October 2018 “Where Tithing Money Goes”
- Junior Primay: Show the children 10 coins (or other small objects). Invite them to count the coins with you. Testify that everything we have is a blessing from Heavenly Father. Separate one coin, and explain that when we pay tithing, we give back to Heavenly Father one-tenth of what we earn. Show pictures that represent how tithing is used to bless the Lord’s Church (such as building temples, spreading the gospel, and so on; see Gospel Art Book, nos. 109–10, 118–19).
Friend October 2020 “Funstuff: Tithing Time”Count the coins. For every 10 that you count, color one.
- Senior Primary: Write a few money amounts on the board, and help the children calculate how much tithing (10 percent) we should give for each amount. Show them how to fill out a tithing donation slip.
Friend September 2017 “Blessings of Tithing” Paying tithing means giving 10 percent of what we earn to the Lord. Move the decimal one spot to the left to find out how much these kids would pay for tithing.
- Sing together a song about tithing, like “I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth” (Children’s Songbook, 150). Point out phrases that teach why we pay tithing.
Friend October 2024 “What is Tithing”
Media Library “Come Create with Me | Games | Tithing”
Come Follow Me Kid has a tithing game, visual aids, a printable to make a tithing box, and lesson ideas.
Latter Day Kids lesson ideas
More ideas for what tithing is used for can be found here
3 Nephi 25
Heavenly Father wants me to learn about my ancestors.
As prophesied in these verses, Elijah has restored the sealing keys that let us be with our families for eternity. How will you inspire your children to search for and learn about their ancestors? How can you encourage your children to perform (temple) ordinances for their ancestors when they are older?
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 20-26”
- (Tell the children that 3 Nephi 25:5–6 contains a prophecy about an event that would happen in the latter days. Invite them to read these verses to find out what it was. Testify that this prophecy has been fulfilled, and invite the children to read about it in Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16(see also Gospel Art Book, no. 95). Explain that when we learn about our ancestors and do temple work for them, our hearts are turning to our fathers.)
- Younger children could put their hand on their heart every time they hear the word “heart” as you read these verses. 3 Nephi 25:5–6 (Explain that Heavenly Father wants “the children”—all of us—to learn about and feel love for “the fathers”—our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.)
Friend August 2002 “The Heart of the Children” Fold the hearts in half, and glue each half to a half of a different heart (see illustration).
- Sing together “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26:)
- Help your children fill out a family tree with names of their parents and grandparents. (Encourage them to ask their parents to help them add more names.) What stories could you share about one of your ancestors? Show pictures if possible. You could also sing together “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188) and talk with your children about why families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “3 Nephi 25”
Friend July 2023 “My Family Tree”
- Tell the children about one of your ancestors who died without the opportunity to be baptized. Show a picture if possible. Bear your testimony that Heavenly Father loves this person, so He prepared a way for him or her to receive baptism through the work done in temples. Ask the children to find a phrase in 3 Nephi 25:6 that might describe how you feel about your ancestor.. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant” )
Friend September 2019 “Family History, Step by Step” Mei finds a photo of her great-great grandmother and learns more about her. Then she and her mom put the information she had learned onto familysearch.org. Finally, Mei went to the temple as was baptized for her.
- How will you help your family members turn their hearts to their fathers? Maybe you could assign family members to learn about one of your ancestors and share with the rest of the family what they learn (see FamilySearch.org). Or you could work together to find an ancestor who needs temple ordinances and plan a temple trip to perform those ordinances.
Friend October 2024 “5 Ways to Do Family History”
Ensign October 2022 “Turning Our Hearts Here are some fun ideas that can help even the youngest members of your family learn about your heritage—all from the comfort of your home.
More Family History Ideas Here
Additional Resources
Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers “Faithful People Followed Jesus”
Tithing: Activities & Games
Posted onBlessings of Paying Tithing
Friend September 2017 “Blessings of Tithing” To discover the special promise Heavenly Father made to those who pay tithing, answer the questions and then use those answers to solve the code.
Friend November 2025 “Tithing Blessings” In Panama in the 1980s, a young couple didn’t have any food but still paid their tithing. As they walked home from church, people they knew gave them fish, rice, beans, and tortillas. By the time they got home, they had plenty of food! Can you find the hidden items?
Tithing is Ten Percent
Friend June 2024 “Tithing Math” Count the coins. For every 10 that you count, color one. That’s how much you would pay as tithing! Want to try a harder one? Add the money to the right. Then color the coins you would pay as tithing. (Remember, for every 10, you give one.)
Friend October 2020 “Funstuff: Tithing Time”Count the coins. For every 10 that you count, color one.
Friend April 2018 “Tithing from Around the World” Paying tithing on coins from around the world.
Friend September 2017 “Blessings of Tithing” Paying tithing means giving 10 percent of what we earn to the Lord. Move the decimal one spot to the left to find out how much these kids would pay for tithing.
We give our tithing envelope to a member of the Bishopric
Friend June 2024 “Tithing Maze” Help Sam find his way to the bishop to deliver his tithing.
Friend November 2025 “For Older Kids” Crack the code: Figure out what each coin is worth. Then solve the final problem. How much tithing should you pay? (Hint: tithing is 10 percent.) (Answers at link.)
How is Tithing Used
Friend August 2011 “How is Tithing Used” Look at the drawings of some of the things tithing pays for. Circle the drawing in each column that is different from the others.
Sabbath Day: Songs
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The Sabbath Day
Friend August 2017 “The Sabbath Day: I Can Play It” Words and sheet music
- Hands are still, heart is full, as I think about what I hear. When I take the sacrament, I can feel the Savior near.
- I prepare long before Sunday morning comes once again. I am confident and clean; I’ve repented of my sins.
- In my home, I’ll be kind and invite the Spirit to stay, Making Sunday a delight, not like any other day.
- On this day I’ll choose the right And remember Jesus Christ, Serve my Savior by the way That I keep the Sabbath day.
Saturday is a Special Day
Remember the Sabbath
Sabbath Day Holy Lesson “Item 5” Song teaching ideas
3 Nephi 17-19
Posted on3 Nephi CHAPTER 17 Jesus directs the people to ponder His words and pray for understanding—He heals their sick—He prays for the people, using language that cannot be written—Angels minister to and fire encircles their little ones. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 18 Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites—They are commanded to pray always in His name—Those who eat His flesh and drink His blood unworthily are damned—The disciples are given power to confer the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 19 The twelve disciples minister unto the people and pray for the Holy Ghost—The disciples are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost and the ministering of angels—Jesus prays using words that cannot be written—He attests to the exceedingly great faith of these Nephites. About A.D. 34.
Jesus Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children
3 Nephi 17
Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children” Because the Nephite people who gathered at Bountiful were not sufficiently prepared, the Savior could not tell them everything that Heavenly Father wanted them to know. What did Jesus ask the people to do? (Have the children fill in the blanks from 3 Nephi 17:3.) Following a conference, sacrament meeting, or Primary, what should you do to help you understand what you have heard?
The Savior loves each of Heavenly Father’s children.
Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 44: Jesus Christ Blesses the Children” Video and Images
Friend October 2024 “Jesus Blessed One by One”
Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 17-19”
- You could use a picture like those in this outline or the video “Jesus Christ Prays and Angels Minister to the Children” (Gospel Library) to help your children visualize the account in 3 Nephi 17. Consider reading phrases or verses from 3 Nephi 17 that emphasize the Savior’s love for the people (such as verses 7 and 20–25). Your children could then draw a picture of themselves with Jesus. As they do, help them think of ways that Jesus has shown His love for them.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19: “Behold, My Joy Is Full” Have the children draw a picture of themselves with Jesus on the last square.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19:
- Testify that Jesus loves children very much, and this is why He blessed them and prayed for them.
- Invite the children to share how they might have felt if they were among the children whom the Savior blessed. If possible, show the video “My Joy Is Full” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to help them imagine this event. What did the Savior do to show His love? What can we do to prepare ourselves to be with Him when He comes again?
“Jesus Christ Blesses the Children” (June 2009 Friend)
A rebus story
Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Jesus Blessed the Children”
Friend September 2020 “Coloring Page”
Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun”
Read 3 Nephi 17:21–25 with your family, which describes the Savior ministering to people after His Resurrection. Talk about what it might have felt like to be there.
- Draw or write these body parts on pieces of paper: hands, feet, knees, arms, eyes, and mouth. Pass them out to different family members.
- Listen to “Had I Been a Child” from pages 80–81 of the Children’s Songbook
- Whenever a body part is mentioned in the song, have the family member holding that paper lift it up for everyone to see.
“Had I Been A Child” Lyrics
- 1. Had I been a child when Jesus came Unto the Nephites that blessed day And showed them the wounds in his hands and his feet And knelt with them to pray.
- 2. Then he might have held me safe in his arms; He might have looked in my eyes and said A word, with his blessing of kindness and love, His hands placed upon my head.
- 3. Someday, when the Savior comes again, Oh, how I hope that my heart will be As pure as the hearts of the children that day Who gathered around his knee.
Discussion: Talk about how Jesus has a resurrected body and how one day we’ll have a resurrected body too. Jesus used His body to serve others. How can we serve others and show them love?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17-19”
- As you read this chapter as a family, consider pausing from time to time to invite your family to imagine experiencing these events firsthand. For example, you might ask questions like “What afflictions would you bring to the Savior to be healed?” “What would you want Him to pray for in your behalf?” or “What loved ones would you want Him to bless?” Reading this chapter may also inspire you to pray for your family members, one by one, as Jesus did.
More Ideas for “Jesus Loves Us” Here
Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites
3 Nephi 18-19
I can think about Jesus when I take the sacrament. As I take the sacrament, I can be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 45: Jesus Christ Teaches about the Sacrament and Prayer” Video and Images
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 17-19”
- Perhaps you could invite your children to tell you what happens during the sacrament. Then you could read 3 Nephi 18:1–12 and ask your children to raise a hand (or stand up) when they hear something that is similar to what we do today. What does Jesus Christ want us to remember or think about during the sacrament? (see 3 Nephi 18:7, 11).
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19:
- Hum, sing, or play a hymn or Primary song while the children color pictures that can help them remember the Savior during the sacrament (see this week’s activity page). Encourage them to look at these pictures to help them remember Jesus when they partake of the sacrament.
- Sing together a song about reverence, such as “Reverently, Quietly” (Children’s Songbook, 26). How can reverently taking the sacrament help us feel the Spirit? How does it help us make righteous choices?
Friend May 2024 “Jesus Christ Blesses the Sacrament” In Remembrance of Him (Jesus Institutes the Sacrament) by Casey Childs
Lesson 36: Jesus Christ Gives the Sacrament to the Nephites
Friend October 2024 “A Reminder to Remember” Make this craft to help you remember Jesus Christ! In the white box, write some things you can do during the week to think of the Savior. Then cut on the dotted lines. Hang your goals on a doorknob where you’ll see them often to help you remember Him.
Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” For younger children: Read the scripture 3 Nephi 18:7 out loud to your little ones. Tell them to put their hand on their heart every time you hear the word “remember.” Talk about how you can remember Jesus Christ.
Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Jesus Introduced the Sacrament to the Nephites”
Latter Day Kids “Come Follow Me: Renewing Our Covenants” Video and lesson ideas
Friend October 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” Read 3 Nephi 18:6 together and help your little ones say, “The sacrament helps me remember Jesus.” Then help them make a booklet to remember Jesus during church. Staple folded pieces of paper together and fill them with gospel pictures or drawings. You could cut out pictures from Church magazines or print coloring pages at lessonhelps.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17-19”
- What does it mean to be “filled” by partaking of the sacrament, and how do we experience it? What do we learn from verses 5–7 about why Jesus gave us the ordinance of the sacrament?
More Sacrament Ideas Here
Jesus teaches me how to pray. Praying will help me be close to Heavenly Father.
3 Nephi 18:15–24; 19:6–9, 15–36
Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 46: Jesus Christ Teaches and Prays with the Nephites” Video and Images
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 17-19”
- Singing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13), is a good way to help your children think about why we pray. (Invite the children to share what they learn about prayer from the song. Share your testimony of prayer.)
- You and your children could then read 3 Nephi 18:18–21 and talk about what Jesus taught about prayer. (What do we learn from these verses about the purposes of prayer?) Inviting your children to tell you how they feel when they pray could help them share their testimony of prayer.
- It may be fun for children to go on a hunt for some of the treasured blessings of prayer. You could write the following scripture references on pieces of paper and hide them: 3 Nephi 18:15; 3 Nephi 18:20; 3 Nephi 18:21; 3 Nephi 19:9; and 3 Nephi 19:23. Your children could then find the papers and read the verses, looking for things Jesus Christ or His disciples taught about prayer.
Friend October 2020 “Jesus Taught Us How to Pray”
Lesson 37: Jesus Christ Teaches the Nephites to Pray Lesson ideas
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19: “Behold, My Joy Is Full”
On the board, write I thank thee for _______. Give the children one minute to think of as many things as they can to fill in the blank. Why is it good for us to express gratitude to Heavenly Father? Then write I ask thee for on the board, and read together 3 Nephi 18:18–21 and 19:9, 23, looking for ideas about what we should pray for.
Ensign October 2020 “How can I pray as the Savior taught?” Christ visited the Nephites, He prayed with them 11 times. Through word and example, He taught them how they should pray.
More Prayer Ideas Here
Additional Resources
Friend September 2016 “Jesus Visits the Nephites” & “Book of Mormon Stories for Young Readers” Video
Friend August 1988 “The Book of Mormon: Jesus in America”
Additional Resources: Resources by Topic ” Jesus Christ Visits the Americas“
Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children” Questions to ask for each verse as you read 3 Nephi 17 together as a family.
Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 36: Jesus Christ Gives the Sacrament to the Nephites” Questions to ask for each verse as you read 3 Nephi 18: 1-14 together as a family.
Book of Mormon Scripture Figures: “Jesus Heals the Sick and Blesses Children” (September 2012 Liahona and Friend)
Coloring page: “Jesus Christ Blesses the Little Children” (January 2013 Friend)
Come Follow Me Kid lesson ideas
Self Control: Lesson Ideas
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Emotions
Friend June 2018 “For Parents of Little Ones” Helping little ones understand and talk about their feelings.
Ensign February 2018 “ Dealing with Strong Emotions” Anger, anxiety, fear–children often need help understanding and dealing with strong emotions. For example, when children express anger, they may actually be feeling afraid or hungry or have some other unmet need. We can help our children understand that difficult feelings are not wrong or bad. While strong feelings are normal, sometimes they also give clues to help us identify problems that we can help children resolve.
Talk about what helps your child feel calm, and make a “calm-down plan” ahead of time. This could include taking deep breaths, asking for help, or finding a quiet place.
When children are angry or upset, try to empathize and let your children know they’re heard. Try to stay calm, even if they aren’t.
When children are anxious, help them name their feelings. Try, “You look like you might be feeling scared. Can you tell me how you’re feeling right now?” Reassure them that you are there, that they are safe, and that their anxious feelings will pass.
If your child is angry, teach correct behavior without punishing for strong emotions. Try, “You don’t have to be happy, but we don’t hit.”
Friend September 2020 “What’s on Your Mind?” A child asks the Friend Magazine the following question: Sometimes I get really upset. One minute I feel fine, and the next I feel like everything is not fine! What can I do? The Friend responds with some ideas on how to deal with those emotions.
Anger
Friend February 2022 “For Older Kids” Calming Down “Sometimes I have a hard time calming down when I’m mad or sad. Some things that help me are listening to music, reading the Friend, telling someone how I feel, or resting in bed. You can try them too!” Mercedes F., age 10, Oxfordshire, England
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.
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.
Story Ideas
- “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 September 1986 “Flora” A girl who struggles to keep her anger under control gains a friend who helps her learn ways to deal with her anger.
Friend September 2024 “Patrik’s Boring Day” Patrick was bored and wants to play with his older brothers. He gets mad because they’re always too busy for him. His teacher at school had taught him to take deep breaths to calm himself. “It’s hard to fix anything when you feel angry,” she had said. After he calmed down he was able to think more clearly and figure out what do about the problem. He said a prayer and got an idea on how to fix the problem, and he and his brother were able to play during a break.
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
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).
3 Nephi 12-16
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3 Nephi CHAPTER 12 Jesus calls and commissions the twelve disciples—He delivers to the Nephites a discourse similar to the Sermon on the Mount—He speaks the Beatitudes—His teachings transcend and take precedence over the law of Moses—Men are commanded to be perfect even as He and His Father are perfect—Compare Matthew 5. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 13 Jesus teaches the Nephites the Lord’s Prayer—They are to lay up treasures in heaven—The twelve disciples in their ministry are commanded to take no thought for temporal things—Compare Matthew 6. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 14 Jesus commands: Judge not; ask of God; beware of false prophets—He promises salvation to those who do the will of the Father—Compare Matthew 7. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 15 Jesus announces that the law of Moses is fulfilled in Him—The Nephites are the other sheep of whom He spoke in Jerusalem—Because of iniquity, the Lord’s people in Jerusalem do not know of the scattered sheep of Israel. About A.D. 34.
3 Nephi CHAPTER 16 Jesus will visit others of the lost sheep of Israel—In the latter days the gospel will go to the Gentiles and then to the house of Israel—The Lord’s people will see eye to eye when He brings again Zion. About A.D. 34.
Friend October 2024 “I Can Read the Book of Mormon” After you read, color part of the picture. You can read these scriptures that go along with each week’s reading from Come, Follow Me.
3 Nephi 12
Jesus Called Twelve Apostles
Who did Jesus Christ say the Nephites should listen to and obey? (3 Nephi 12:1.) Why is it important that we listen to and obey our Church leaders today?
Jesus Teaches the Beatitudes
Lesson 34: Jesus Teaches the Beatitudes
I should hunger and thirst after righteousness.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16:
- Without letting the other children hear, ask one child to pretend to eat or drink, and let the other children guess what he or she is doing. How does it feel to eat good food or drink clean water? How do we nourish our spirits? Invite the children to read 3 Nephi 12:6 to find out what the Savior wants us to “hunger and thirst after.” How do we show that we want righteousness as much as we want food and drink?
- Have pictures of food and drink with scriptures printed on them. Cut off a little piece like a bite and see what the children can learn from that piece. Give them the rest of the that item and ask what they learn from the whole scripture. Explain that a little nibble here and there isn’t enough to keep us spiritually fed and strong.
See more ideas here Feast Upon the Words of Christ
Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
- Jesus Christ taught the twelve Nephite disciples that they would be blessed as they followed His commandments. Our Heavenly Father knows that we need certain things, and He promises that we will receive them as we seek His kingdom first in our lives. (See 3 Nephi 13:31–33.)
I can be a good example by following Jesus.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”
- Sometimes children might not realize how much their examples can bless others. Use 3 Nephi 12:14–16 to encourage them to let their light shine. For example, when you read “you” or “your” in these verses, ask your children to point to themselves. Tell the children about the light you see in them when they follow Jesus Christ and how it inspires you to follow Him too. You could also sing together a song that encourages the children to shine like a light, such as “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163).
- To encourage your children not to hide their light (see 3 Nephi 12:15), let them take turns hiding or covering a lamp or other light. They could uncover the light each time they name something they can do to be a good example to others.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light” Tell the children about the light you see in them when they do “good works,” and explain how their light and examples help others and inspire you to do good works too.
Latter Day Kids “Let Your Light So Shine”- Come Follow Me” Video and lesson ideas to go along with it.
Video: The moose gets lost at sea and he doesn’t know which way to go. A lighthouse light guides him back home.
More ideas for being a good Example
3 Nephi 13
I should do good things for the right reasons.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”
- Ask each child to search 3 Nephi 13:1–4, 5–8, or 16–18 and identify the good works mentioned in these verses (explain that doing “alms” means giving to the poor). Why did the Savior say not to be like some of the people doing these things?
New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 6:1–18”
Think about the following statement: Gustavo fixed his neighbor’s fence.
- What do you think about Gustavo?
Would your opinion change if Gustavo fixed the fence because he broke it in a fit of rage? What if he fixed it as part of a service project that his mom made him attend? What if he fixed it because he didn’t want his neighbor’s dog coming into his yard or because he was trying to impress his neighbor’s daughter? Or what if he simply wanted to be kind?
- Why are our motives important?
We read in Matthew 6 that the Savior continued His Sermon on the Mount and taught about motives for doing good works. To help you think about the reasons you do good works such as ministering, serving others, praying, and attending [church], do the following activity.
Create a three-column chart in your study journal. Fill out the top of the chart as follows:
| What are three good works you have done in the past week? (List one per row.) | What were your reasons for doing them? | How did you feel after you did these good works? |
- Give each child a slip of paper with a righteous act written on it (or let them think of their own examples). Ask them to think of good reasons and bad reasons for doing those things. Encourage them to always do good things for the right reasons.
“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”
- Reading these verses could prompt a discussion about the things we treasure. Maybe you could lead your children on a treasure hunt to find things that remind them of treasures with eternal value.
- Are there some treasures on earth that are keeping you from laying up treasures in heaven?
Friend January 2017 “The Next Level” Max takes a week off from playing games and he learns new things, spends time with his family, serves, and feels the Spirit.
Friend October 2016 Which is laying up treasures in heaven.
Ensign September 2020 “Family Study Fun”
Read 3 Nephi 13:19–21 together and talk about what it means to focus on heavenly treasure.
- Decorate or label a box as a “treasure chest.” Invite each family member to put a gospel item inside (Book of Mormon, picture of ancestor, temple recommend, etc.).
- Tell everyone to close their eyes while one person hides the treasure chest nearby. Then everyone should try to find it.
- When someone finds the treasure, they should take their item out of the box and share why it is special to them.
- Take turns hiding and sharing until all the treasure is gone.
Discussion: Why is spiritual treasure more valuable than earthly treasure? What can our family do to focus on spiritual instead of earthly treasure this week?
Friend October 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Treasure Box” Jesus Christ said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (3 Nephi 13:21). Decorate a box with hearts and pictures of the Savior. Then write or draw things that you can do to be like Him and put them in your new treasure box. You can look through your box each Sunday to remind you to follow Jesus that week!
For younger children: Help your child find their heartbeat or your heartbeat. Talk about how we can’t see our hearts but we can feel them. Similarly, we can’t see God but we can feel His love.
3 Nephi 14
Heavenly Father answers my prayers.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”
- As you read 3 Nephi 14:7, your children could do actions that represent each of the Savior’s invitations in this verse. For example, they could raise their hands (ask), make binoculars with their hands (seek), or pretend to knock on a door (knock). Help your children think of things they can say and ask for in their prayers.
Friend January 2021 “Jaechan’s First Day” Jaechan was excited to start school. But after his mom dropped him off at the gate, he got lost in the school halls and couldn’t find his classroom. He was scared and said a prayer asking for his mom to come find him. A few minutes later his mom came around the corner. She had a feeling she should check to make sure he made it to class okay.
- Your children might enjoy a game in which they ask for something and receive something entirely different. In 3 Nephi 14:7–11, what did the Savior want us to know about our Father in Heaven?
Friend September 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”
- Read 3 Nephi 13:9–13 together and help your little ones say, “Heavenly Father wants me to pray to Him.” Collect pictures of people doing different gospel activities, including praying, from Church magazines or at medialibrary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Turn all the pictures upside-down, then take turns flipping them over. Whenever you see someone praying, help everyone practice folding their arms, bowing their heads, and closing their eyes.
- President Russell M. Nelson said: “Does God really want to speak to you? Yes! … Oh, there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95).
The Savior wants me to hear and do what He teaches.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”
- Think of ways you could help your children visualize the parable in these verses. Perhaps they could draw pictures, do actions, or build things on solid and sandy foundations. They could also substitute their names for “wise man” as they read 3 Nephi 14:24–27 or sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281). Or they could stand up every time they hear the word “doeth” in 3 Nephi 14:21–27 and 15:1.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”
- As a class, read 3 Nephi 14:21–27 and 15:1, and ask the children to stand up every time you read the word “doeth.” Why does the Savior emphasize doing His sayings, not just hearing or remembering? Invite the children to draw a picture of verses 24–25 and write on the rock “Jesus” and something Jesus taught us to do.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “3 Nephi 12-16”
- Here’s an object lesson you could try: ask your children to imagine that one of their legs represents hearing the Savior’s words and the other represents doing what the Savior taught. Invite your children to try to balance only on their “hearing” leg. What would happen if a strong wind blew through the room? Then you and your children could look for specific things the Savior taught us to do: see 3 Nephi 12:3–12, 21–26; 13:5–8.
Use this example to illustrate why it is safer to do what the Savior says and not just hear His words.
Spiritual safety comes from hearing and doing what the Savior teaches.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 12–16: “I Am the Law, and the Light”
- Show the children a rock and some sand. Ask them to point to the rock when you describe a choice to follow the Savior and point to the sand when you describe a choice not to follow Him. Testify that when we do what the Savior says, we are strong like a house built on a rock.
Some possible choices:
Sleeping during scripture study time.
Sharing your favorite treat with a friend.
Listening carefully to the scriptures.
Telling someone thank you.
Hurting someone because you’re mad at them.
Sitting in sacrament meeting reverently.
Saying meaningful prayers.
Telling Mom/Dad “no” when they ask you to help them clear the table.
Giving your sibling a hug.
Saying nice words to other people.
Sing together “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281), or read 3 Nephi 14:24–27. Help the children substitute their names for “the wise man” as they sing. Why did the wise man’s house stay standing during the storm? Review verse 24 to emphasize that he both heard and did what the Savior said.
3 Nephi 15-16
Jesus is the Good Shepherd
Book of Mormon Stories “The Good Shepherd” Images and Video
Friend September 2020 “Family Night Fun”
See more about Jesus being the Good Shepherd here.
Additional Resources
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “3 Nephi 12:1-16”
The Beatitudes
| Reference | Attribute |
|---|---|
| 3 Nephi 12:3 | Poor in spirit. To be humble, or “to recognize gratefully [one’s] dependence on the Lord—to understand that [one has] constant need for His support. Humility is an acknowledgment that [one’s] talents and abilities are gifts from God” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 86). |
| 3 Nephi 12:4 | Mourn. To feel and express sorrow about something. A person may mourn for the trials of mortality that they and others experience. A person may also mourn because of sorrow for sin. |
| 3 Nephi 12:5 | Meek. To be “Godfearing, righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Meek, Meekness,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). |
| 3 Nephi 12:6 | Hunger and thirst after righteousness. To have a great desire to know and do the will of God. |
| 3 Nephi 12:7 | Merciful. To be “compassionate, respectful, forgiving, gentle, and patient, even when you are aware of others’ shortcomings” (True to the Faith, 103). |
| 3 Nephi 12:8 | Pure in heart. To be counted among those who “love the Lord, who seek to follow Him and keep His commandments, who are striving to live virtuous lives and endure faithfully to the end. The pure in heart are those who control their thoughts to keep themselves free from immoral fantasies and deeds” (Sheldon F. Child, “Words of Jesus: Chastity,” Ensign or Liahona, Jan. 2003, 44). |
| 3 Nephi 12:9 | Peacemaker. “To help people find common ground when others are seeing differences” (Henry B. Eyring, “Learning in the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 63). |
| 3 Nephi 12:10–12 | Persecuted for Christ’s name’s sake. To be willing to obey and defend Jesus Christ and His teachings, even when one may be mocked or mistreated for doing so. |
Uncover things that we should treasure in our hearts.” Give your child the paintbrush and have them slowly brush away the rice or sand to uncover the gold coins. Discuss these pictures with your child and describe their importance. On the coins are images of things that we should value. If they get a blank coin, have them share something important to them.