I used this activity to review the primary program songs. It was meant to emphasize that we were working on getting the bugs out of the songs (getting rid of and fixing any problems).
Preparation
Items needed: 1 poster board, eleven sheets of cardstock, plastic bugs (spiders, flies, and beetles), double-sided removable tape, magnets, eight wide mouth jars, Metamucil, food coloring, a cookie sheet, a container of soapy water, and a towel.
Using a black marker, divide a poster into squares – nine squares across and seven down. Each square should be a little under three and an eighth inches on each side.
Print and cut out the bug squares. Glue the bugs onto the poster, making sure to put each set of three bugs in a row. (Here is a copy of Microsoft Word bug squares in case you need to change the bug types.)
Print the cover squares onto cardstock and cut them out. Using double-sided removable tape, place each cover square on a poster square. Put the letters spelling “Get the Bugs Out” in the middle of the poster.
Change the song titles to whatever songs you are working on and then print and cut them out.
Make some colored jars of slime – red, yellow, dark blue, light blue, green, purple, pink, and orange. The recipe can be found here. Put three bugs in each wide mouth jar – a spider, fly, and beetle. Put a different colored slime in each a jar and tape the matching colored song titles to the jar lids. (The slime will stay good for several weeks if stored in the fridge.)
Presentation
Put the poster on the board using strong magnets.
To play this game the children take turns taking off the top cover cards on the poster. When a child finds a bug, that child gets to judge whatever the bug represents such as: Spiders – Words, Beetles – Projection, Flies – Presentation. The color of the bug on the poster determines what song they are judging. When the child thinks the song is free of problems in the area they are judging they get to reach into the song jar and pull out the bug they uncovered on the poster. Afterwards they wash their hands in the soapy water and dry them on the towel.
Be sure to place a cookie sheet under the jar to catch any drips as the bug is removed. Also push up the sleeves on the child if needed.
When the children find three bugs in a row they get to do a fun activity song as a reward. We did the song “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” with these visual aids. I put magnets on the back of each picture and put the pictures on a metal cookie sheet. The child who pulled the third bug out of the jar got to mix up the pictures in each column. The children had a blast trying to do the new order. They sang the song one time for every three in a row they got. I started off with the pictures in two columns, the first part of the song in one column and the second in the other column. After doing the song a few times that way, I then let the children take pictures from either column and mix them.
I did this activity for primary music time for four weeks (until we had finished reviewing all the songs) and the kids never got tired of it. They loved it!
Note: The inspiration for this idea came from other music websites that posted ideas for the theme of getting the bugs out of the songs. Thank you for sharing your ideas!
Lesson 40: The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land
Preparation
• Items needed: a cellphone GPS (or print the clipart picture of a GPS device), chalk and eraser, tape or sticky tack, pencils.
• Print the scripture story visual aids, and cut them in half so one picture is on each half. Number the back of the pictures in the order they were printed. (Scripture story pictures are from chapters 50 & 51 of Book of Mormon Stories.)
• Print the activity visual aids and the French and English instruction cards. (Optional: Print the pages on colored paper.) Cut out the individual signs and cards.
• Make enough copies of the game handout for each child to have one. (Half a page is one handout.)
• Pre-class prep: Draw the timeline on the board using the provided timeline as the example (do not include the events or names). Tape the “Jaredite’s Journey” activity pages on a side wall (or on the chalkboard) in the order shown in the above picture. Tape the sign “Jaredite’s Journey” above the pages. Tape each of the individual signs under the classroom chairs (except for the Tower of Babel sign).
Attention Activity
Show the children the cellphone GPS (or the picture of a GPS). Explain that a GPS is a device that helps a person get to a place they wish to go to. It gives voice directions and diagram directions on the screen. (Demonstrate this if possible by entering a location so they can hear the voice and see the screen.)
• What would happen if you desired to get to a certain destination and you needed help to get there but you didn’t use your GPS to get directions–or you used your GPS but you didn’t follow the directions it gave? You might not find your desired destination.
• Explain that in life we have been given a spiritual GPS to help us reach a wonderful destination called eternal life. What is this spiritual GPS we have been given? The guidance of the Lord throughly the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can show us the way to eternal life but we must seek for, listen to, and follow the guidance given.
Tell the children that in today’s lesson they will learn of a group of people who followed the guidance of the Lord and were led to a promised land.
Chalkboard Presentation
Remind the children that the Book of Mormon tells of three separate groups of people who were led by the Lord to the Americas. Remind the children that Lehi and his family were one group, and they left Jerusalem at approximately 600 BC. (Write in Lehi by the date 600 B.C. on the timeline.) A group of people called the Mulekites were another group. Mulek and his people escaped the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem at approximately 587 BC. (Write in Mulekites next to Lehi.) Mulek was the son of King Zedekiah. The Nephites eventually found and joined with the Mulekites. (Omni 1:14-19)
The final group that came to the Americas was called the Jaredites. This group actually came to the continent many years before Lehi and his family, sometime between 2500 BC and 2200 BC. (Write in Jaredites between the date 2500 BC and 2200 BC.) The Jaredites eventually completely destroyed themselves sometime around 580 BC during a bloody civil war. (Point out when this happened on the timeline.) The Nephites discovered the ruins of the Jaredite civilization and also found some of the Jaredite records amongst the ruins. (Mosiah 21:25-28) Moroni included an abridged portion of the Jaredite records at the end of the Book of Mormon. This abridged section includes the story of the Jaredite’s journey to the Americas.
The Jaredite’s story begins at the Tower of Babel. (Put the Tower of Babel sign on the first page of the activity “Jaredite’s Journey.”) Ask if any of the children knows and can tell the story of the Tower of Babel. (Following the Flood in Noah’s day, many descendants of those who had been spared became wicked. One group of people attempted to build a tower “whose top may reach unto heaven” (Genesis 11:4). The Lord dealt with the widespread wickedness by confounding (meaning changed or confused).the common language and by scattering the people across the face of the earth. (Ether 1:33; Genesis 11:5–8)
Object Lesson
Have a volunteer stand in front of the class. Give the child the card with the French words on it. Tell the other children that there are directions on the card. Explain that when the volunteer reads the directions, the class needs to follow them. After the child reads the card, give the class a few moments and then ask the children why they didn’t follow the directions. Have the child then read the card with the directions written in English. After the children follow the directions, ask what it would be like if they weren’t able to understand the people around them. Tell the children to hold onto the card the found under their chair. Explain that they will use them later on in the lesson.
Scripture Story
(Show the scripture story visual aids as you tell the following story.)
Explain that a man named Jared and his family lived during the time period when the languages were confounded (meaning changed or confused). Jared had a brother who was highly favored of the Lord. Jared asked his brother to cry unto the Lord to beg of him not to confound the language of their family and friends.
• What is the difference between “crying unto the Lord” and merely saying your prayers? When you cry unto the Lord you are praying with deep feelings and emotions. Sometimes our prayers can become repetitive, where we are just repeating a list and we don’t have strong feelings concerning what we are praying about. When we “cry unto the Lord” our emotions and needs are strong, and we may put more effort into trying to communicate with the Lord and into hearing his responses.
1) The brother of Jared pled with the Lord to preserve the language of his friends and family, and the Lord had compassion upon them, and their language was not confounded.
Jared asked his brother to cry unto the Lord again concerning whether they should leave the land, and if so where should they go. The Lord told them to gather their family, friends, flocks, and seeds and he would lead them to a land choice about all others.
Activity
Point out the pages on the wall and explain that they represent the Jaredite’s journey. Explain that the children are going to fill in the spaces with the things the brother of Jared did to help receive the guidance of the Lord. Point out the first space of the journey and ask the following question:
• If you were starting a journey and needed direction and had access to a GPS, what would you need to do first in order to access the help and information that is available through the GPS? (You would first have to input and communicate with the device the direction information that is needed.)
Similarly, when we are need of help and direction in order to find our way through the wilderness of life, we must communicate our needs to Heavenly Father.
•What was the first thing the Brother of Jared did to get help and direction from the Lord? (He prayed.)
Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the first step to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. Have the child with the sign “Sincere Prayer” put it on the first space.
• Why did you think the Lord promised the brother of Jared to lead him, his family, and friends to a promised land? (See the last line in the scripture Ether 1:43. “Because this long time ye have cried unto me.”) Explain that the brother of Jared had turned to the Lord regularly and consistently in his life. He was steadfast in his devotion to the Lord.
Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the next item to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. (“Regular and Consistent Prayers” )
• If you don’t use the GPS often, can it be difficult to remember how to operate it when you need it? Explain that just like a GPS, if a person were to turn to the Lord only during times of dire need, they may become unfamiliar with the ways of the Lord and the workings of the Spirit. It may take time and effort before answers come.
• After the brother of Jared was told to prepare for the journey to the promised land what did he, his friends, and his family do?
2) They went to the valley called Nimrod and did gather and prepare supplies for the journey as the Lord had instructed. (Read Ether 2:1-3)
• What would happen if we inputted our info into the GPS and directions were then supplied, but then we didn’t follow the directions that were given?
If we don’t listen to and follow the direction the Lord gives, we may face great difficulty as we try to go our own way.
• Would the Lord continue to provide direction and help through the Holy Ghost if we do not listen to and obey the direction he gives?
Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the next item to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. (“Follow the Lord’s Directions”)
After the Jaredites had prepared food and supplies, they began their journey to the promised land.
3) The Lord went before them and talked to them in a cloud and gave them directions where they should go.
4) They were guided to the great sea where they dwelt in tents on the seashore for four years.
5) At the end of four years the Lord did appear to the brother of Jared in a cloud and did talk with him and chasten him because he remembered not to call upon the name of the Lord. (We don’t know how long the brother of Jared was negligent in calling upon the Lord. Sometimes people forget to turn to the Lord when things become nice and easy, and then their progression towards eternal life may become stalled.)
6) The Lord told the brother of Jared that the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man unless he continues to petition the Lord in righteousness.
•What happens to a GPS if we don’t maintain it and make sure its battery is charged? We may lose access to the valuable direction and help it could provide in our travels.
• What other things could cause the loss of a GPS signal? Tall buildings, forests, and mountains could block the satellite signal.
Just as certain things can cause interfere with a GPS signal, so does disobedience and sin cause us to lose the guidance of the Holy Ghost. But just as a GPS will recalculate and provide ways to get back on track when mistakes are made (or after wandering into areas that can block the signal), so does the Lord provide a way for us to get back on track if we wander into sinful paths.
• What way has the Lord provided for us to get back on track? (Repentance) Part of the repentance process involves moving away from the thing that is causing interference in living a righteous life (just as a person must move away from the item that is blocking the GPS signal in order to get back on track).
• What did the brother of Jared do after the Lord chastised him? (See Ether 2:15.) The brother of Jared did repent.
Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the next item to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. (“Repent of Wrong Doings”)
The Lord forgave the brother of Jared and told him to sin no more.
7) The Lord then commanded Jared and his brethren to build barges according to His instructions.
The barges were small–the length of a tree– and the top, bottom, and sides were tight like a dish that could hold water. When the door was shut, it was also tight like a dish.
8) When the barges were complete, the brother of Jared talked to the Lord and reported that they had finished the work according to His command, but he also expressed some concerns he had about the barges.
• What concerns do you think the brother of Jared had regarding the barges? (Remind the children that the barges were tight like a dish.) (See Ether 2:19 for the answer) Write the problems on the left side of the board. Then have the children read Ether 2:20–25 to find the Lord’s solutions to the problems. Summarize them on the right side of the board.
Problems
1. When the door was closed tight, no air could get in, so how would they breathe?
2. There was no light in the barges, so how would they be able to see and function in the dark?
Solutions
9) 1. The Lord instructs the brother of Jared to make holes with removable plugs in the top and bottom of the barges to allow air in. (Ether 2:20)
2. It was left up to the brother of Jared to decide what to do about the light problem, but the Lord reminded the brother of Jared that they couldn’t have fire in the barges, and they couldn’t have windows because the barges would be like whales in the midst of the sea, and waves would dash upon them and break the windows.
• Why do you think the Lord revealed solutions for one of the problems but left the brother of Jared to resolve the problem of not having light? The Lord wants us to grow and learn in life, and we can learn many things in life as we strive to figure out solutions to our problems. (Have the children listen for the things the brother of Jared learned as he worked to resolve the problem of no light.)
10) The brother of Jared went up into the mountain and did molten out of rock sixteen small stones. They were white and transparent like glass.
11) He did cry unto the Lord and asked the Lord to touch the stones. He had faith that if the Lord touched them, the Lord could prepare them with His power to shine forth in the darkness.
12) When the brother of Jared told the Lord of his proposed solution to the problem and of his faith in the Lord’s power, the Lord stretched forth his hand and did touch the stones one by one with his finger. The veil was taken from the eyes of the brother of Jared and he did see the finger of the Lord. He saw that it was the finger of a man, and he fell down in fear. The Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen and he said unto him, “Arise, why has though fallen?”
• Point out that the Lord knows all things, and yet he still asked the brother of Jared this question and other questions. How might the questions have helped the brother of Jared? The questions might have helped him think about, sort out, comprehend, and respond to the things he was seeing and experiencing.
The brother of Jared told the Lord that he fell to the earth in fear because he saw the finger of the Lord, and he feared lest the Lord would smite him, for he knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood.
The Lord had always been hidden by a veil or cloud as they spoke, so the brother of Jared had not seen the true form of the Lord.
• Why was the brother of Jared able to see the finger of the Lord? (See Ether 3:9-10) Because of the brother of Jared’s exceeding faith.
• What did the brother of Jared ask the Lord to do? (The brother of Jared desired of the Lord to show himself fully and completely.)
Before showing himself, the Lord asked the brother of Jared, “Believest thou the words which I shall speak?”
He answered saying, “Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie.” The brother of Jared expressed and confirmed his faith in the Lord’s words.
13) When the brother of Jared said these words, the Lord showed himself unto him. The Lord explained that he was Jesus Christ who was prepared from the beginning to redeem the people from their sins so they might gain eternal life if they would believe on his name.
Have the children look up and read Ether 3:15-16 to find out what the brother of Jared learned about the body of Jesus Christ. Help the children understand that the brother of Jared saw the spirit body of Jesus Christ which looked very much like the physical body Jesus would receive when he came to earth. He also learned that men are created in the image of God.
Also point out that the Lord told the brother of Jared, “Never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast.” (Ether 3:15)
• The scriptures tell us that Adam and Noah walked and talked with God face to face (Moses 7:4 & Genesis 6:8, 9), so why would this scripture say the Lord had never showed himself to man before? There are several possible explanations including the following from Jeffery R. Holland:
An “explanation—and in terms of the brother of Jared’s faith, the most persuasive one—is that Christ was saying to the brother of Jared, ‘Never have I showed myself unto man in this manner, without my volition, driven solely by the faith of the beholder.’ As a rule, prophets are invited into the presence of the Lord, are bidden to enter his presence by him and only with his sanction. Obviously the Lord himself was linking unprecedented faith with this unprecedented vision.” (Christ and the New Covenant, 21–23). Jeffrey R. Holland
The brother of Jared had great faith in the Lord, and his actions throughout his life demonstrated that faith.
• What things had the brother of Jared done that demonstrated his faith in the Lord? (He had consistently turned to the Lord in prayer. He had obeyed the Lord and left the tower of Babel and travelled across the wilderness. He built the barges the Lord commanded him to build. He made stones, having faith that the Lord’s touch would give them light.)
Call attention to the GPS once again and ask the children if they believe–if everything is in proper working order–that it can provide directions.
• How does someone gain that faith in the GPS’s ability to provide directions? Explain that other’s testimonials of its abilities can lead us to try it out, and then our own experiences using the device also builds that trust. Faith in God works in similar ways: as we listen to the testimonies and teachings concerning God, and as we act on those things, our faith grows. Explain that exercising faith in God and acting upon his words is a necessary part of receiving the Lord’s help and guidance.
Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the next item to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. (“Exercise Faith”)
After the brother of Jared talked with the Lord, he took the stones which the Lord had touched and he put two in each barge, and they gave light to the vessels.
The Jaredites prepared all manner of food for their voyage, and then they commended themselves to the Lord their God and got aboard the barges and set forth into the sea. By commending themselves to the Lord, they exercised their faith. They had done all the Lord had directed, and then they entrusted their lives into his hands.
14) The Lord God caused a furious wind to blow upon the face of the waters. The wind blew towards the promised land. The barges were tossed upon the waves of the sea, and at times they were buried in the deep from the mighty waves breaking over them, but the water could not hurt the Jaredites because their vessels were tight like a dish.
15) As they journeyed, the Jaredites did sing praises to the Lord.
• Why is expressing gratitude to the Lord important? (One reason is that our faith in the Lord grows as we think about and focus on all he does for us, which also provides peace and courage to our souls. The Lord is also more likely to provide help to those who appreciate it and value it.)
Ask the children which one of them thinks they have the next item to receiving the Lord’s help and guidance. (“Express Gratitude”)
• How long did you think it took for the Jaredites to cross the ocean? (Almost a year.) (See Ether 6:11) They were three hundred and forty four days upon the water.
Have the child with the sign “Promised Land” put it on the last spot on the activity board.
Ask the children what they think the Jaredites did first when they arrived at the promised land.
16) They did bow down and give thanks to the Lord.
Conclusion
The Lord knew the Jaredite’s journey to the promised land would be difficult and dangerous, so he provided guidance and help. Our journey towards eternal life can also be difficult and filled with many dangers that can harm us spiritually. Just as the Lord gave the Jaredites guidance and direction in their journey, he also blesses us with guidance and direction in our lives through the Holy Ghost.
Remind them that we learn important lessons from the Jaredite story concerning the things we need to do in order to receive the help and guidance of the Lord in our lives.
Review Game
Take the signs off the activity board pages. Explain to the children that they are going to do a memory game to see if they can remember the things they need to do in order to receive the guidance of the Lord in their lives. Give each child a pencil and a copy of the paper labeled “Life’s Journey.” Have the children write down the missing items from the activity board onto their blank spaces. (They don’t have to be in the correct order.) Once they are finished, show the signs one at a time and have them check the item off, or add it to their list if it was missed. Ask the children if any of them remembered all the items. Explain that their game paper will help them remember all the items talked about in the lesson. Have them take it home and post it somewhere visible in their rooms. Bear testimony of the importance of doing those things that help us receive the guidance of the Lord in our lives. Remind them that receiving and following the Lord’s guidance in their life will help lead them to a wonderful place called Eternal Life.
Weekly Reading Assignment
Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: Ether 1:1–4, 33–43; 2:1-25; 3:1-16; 6:1–13
Friend February 2022 “Helping and the Holy Ghost” Mateo really wanted to be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, but it seemed like it would never happen because of Covid. His father explained that he can feel the Holy Ghost before being baptized, such as a warm feeling when he helps others.
Gift of the Holy Ghost
Friend February 2021 “Wrapped Up in Love” Abby received a soft white blanket from her grandparents at her baptism to remind her of how the Holy Ghost feels. After her baptism she felt warm and happy and knew she had made the right decision. She knew it must be the Holy Ghost.
Choosing the Right Helps Us Feel Holy Ghost
Friend April 2017 “Game Changer” Caleb feels like it is hard to have to make different choices than his friends, but the Holy Ghost comforts him and and helps him.
Friend March 2017 “A Great Feeling” Paulo didn’t want the feeling he had when he was baptized to go away, but the next day he yelled at his brother. Through repentance and the sacrament he was able to get the feeling of the Holy Ghost back.
Friend March 2025 “Hearing the Holy Ghost” Chim’s mother had to work a lot to provide for him and his brothers. He and his brothers helped by doing most of chores including cleaning and cooking. In Primary Chim learned that the Holy Ghost brings us messages from Heavenly Father. Kind of like a radio. To hear the Holy Ghost, we need to set our hearts and minds to the right channel too. Chim knew that by serving his family, he was setting his heart to the right channel to feel the Holy Ghost.
Hearing the Still, Small Voice
Friend March 2025 “Searching for Monkeys” Boston’s family was visiting a rainforest to see wild monkeys. They were seeing lots of them, but Boston didn’t see any because he was blind. He could only see things very close to him. Usually, he didn’t mind being blind. He could still do lots of cool things. But today was hard being blind. He said a prayer that a monkey would come close enough for him to see it. He realized he was able to hear the monkeys and began pointing out to his family where they were. He realized it was kind of like the Holy Ghost. He could hear the Holy Ghost when he listened. Suddenly a monkey ran out right in front of him. He got to see one after all!
Friend August 2023 “A Special Gift” The missionaries teach Mehrimah’s family that the Holy Ghost helps us feel peace and comfort from Heavenly Father. He also encourages us to do good things, and He helps us know what is true. They invited the family to pay close attention to their thoughts and feelings that week, and look for times when when the Holy Ghost is speaking to them. Mehrimah notices that she felt felt calm and peaceful when they said family prayer. When she listened to a song about Jesus Christ she felt happy. It made her want to help other people. She felt warm and happy when she repented of a wrong doing. And when she was baptized she felt peaceful, like someone was telling her to live a good life, to help people, and to keep the commandments. She knew she all those feelings were from the Holy Ghost.
Friend January 2021 “The Bread Loaf Prayer” “How do you know when the Holy Ghost is talking to you?” Carver asked his parents. They decide to practice listening for the Holy Ghost. Carver’s mom bakes some bread and each person prays to know who to take it to. Carver thought of Sister Smith and he even listened and said the words to her that popped into his mind when he gave her the bread. He knew it was from the Holy Ghost.
Friend August 2016 “The Little Bottle of Silence” Gage’s grandfather gives him a empty bottle of “silence” at his baptism to remind Gage that quietness helps you hear the Holy Ghost. He feels the Holy Ghost comforting him during a sad time when he seeks quiet time.
Friend June 2015 stories of when Elder Curtis felt Holy Ghost as a child
Friend September 2015 “Sister Pettigrew’s Lesson” Child learns to listen to the still, small voice
Friend April 2019 “ A Comforting Song “ Mia is feeling sad, so she sings a Primary song, and she feels the comforting influence of the Holy Ghost.
Friend August 2016 “Show and Tell” After arguing, two sisters can’t feel the Holy Ghost, so they sing Primary songs so they can feel that peace again.
Friend August 2021 “The Important Guest” Ammon mother told him to tidy his room and she told him, “We want to invite someone important to be our guest. So we want our house to be clean and neat.” That night Ammon found out that the special guest was the Holy Ghost. The family also discussed additional ways to help the Holy Ghost feel welcome in their home.
Act on the Promptings
Friend October 2020 “Call Dad” Yu felt the prompting to call his dad to give him a ride home from school during a big storm, but he ignored it because he had argued with his dad the night before. But after becoming soaked, cold, exhausted, and afraid while riding and pushing his bike in the storm with the streets flooded, he wished he had acted on the prompting.
Friend March 2020 “Check the Kittens” After everyone has gone to bed, a girl kept having the thought to go and check on their kittens. She acted on the prompting and found that a warming light had fallen over onto the kittens cardboard box and would have caught on fire. The Holy Ghost helped keep their family and kittens safe.
Friend October 2017 “Guided by the Holy Ghost” Elder Robert D. Hales learned to follow the Holy Ghost to help others.
I read the “Let Your Light Shine” article (Jan. 2018) and had a chance to let my light shine with my friend. I had a feeling that I should grab a bag of my favorite chips before school. After lunch my friend looked sad, and I asked him what was wrong. He said he had forgotten his lunch. I remembered my chips, so I gave them to him. After school he came up to me and said, “That was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me at school.”Durham M., age 11, Utah, USA
Friend September 2017 “Don’t Play With Fire” When Jean was a little girl her job was to burn the garbage, but one day it was too windy to light with a match so she tried a different method, even though she felt a prompting not to do it. She ended up burn off her eyebrows and eyelashes. She relates this to being obedient and listening to the Holy Ghost.
Friend October 2016 “Searching for Church” President Eyring’s father searched for a ward to attend when he was visiting Australia. He prayed and followed the promptings and he found a church.
To Help Others
Friend November 2023 “More than a Good Practice Day” Ismael saw a woman weeding the whole time he and his dad were playing soccer. He felt strongly that he should go over and tell her she was doing a good job. She seemed unhappy and tired until Ismael told her thank you for taking care of the park, and then she got a big smile and thanked him.
Friend April 2022 “Go Sit by Him” The Holy Ghost tells Sierra to go sit by a boy who had been bullied and was sad and alone. She felt peaceful all day after she listened to the Holy Ghost.
To Repent
Friend January 2021 “Courage from the Holy Ghost” Parker felt guilty about some things he had done. When he prayed, the Holy Ghost told him to tell his mom. When he got the courage to do that, he was surprised at how well it went. He was glad he listened to the Holy Ghost and repented.
The Holy Ghost Guides
Friend February 2016 “Savannah the Engineer” Savannah needs to decide whether or not to join an after school science team.
Listen to the Holy Ghost
Friend September 2021 “The Mushroom Lesson” Annie got to go with her mom and older siblings to pick mushrooms because she was a good listener. They needed to be good listeners because many of the mushrooms were poisonous to touch. An expert showed them which were good mushrooms and which were poisonous. Annie thought that listening to the guide was kind of like listening to the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost can warn us of the bad and help us know what is right and good.
Warns of Physical Danger
Friend January 2024 “The Potato Chip Prompting” Maya had a lot of food allergies. She had to be careful because eating the wrong food could make her really sick. At a dinner with family and friends, she started to eat some potato chips but felt a prompting to check the ingredients. They had milk in them which could cause her to not be able to breathe.
Friend August 2023 “Hearing the Holy Ghost” Rowen and her siblings went for a hike and waded in a stream. Her older sister wanted to go in a deeper part where some kids were playing, but a little voice in her head told her she and her younger brother shouldn’t go. She knew it was the Holy Ghost. When her sister got back, she said the water was really rough and hard to walk in. Rowen was glad she listened and they were safe.
Friend October 2018 “Shining Bright in the Czech Republic” “My friends and I were going downstairs. When we got to the elevator, I had an uncomfortable feeling and asked my friends not to use it. They decided to do it anyway. I took the stairs. When I got downstairs, my friends weren’t there. The elevator had gotten stuck! It was a while before they got out. I was happy that nothing serious happened. I also felt good that I followed the Holy Ghost.” Amalie N., age 10
Friend August 2018 “Show and Tell” “I was racing my sister on our bikes when I felt the urge to stop and pull over on the grass. Then a huge truck came speeding by. I’m grateful I listened to the promptings from the Holy Ghost” John H., age 9, Suffolk, England
Friend May 2018 “Bullfight” Two fighting bulls bust through a gate where Brody had been standing. The Holy Ghost had prompted him to move to keep him safe from being trampled or even killed.
Friend March 2018 “Show and Tell” “ I was swinging on the new saucer swing at school when I flew off. I immediately felt prompted to stay low. I am thankful that I listened to the prompting because if I hadn’t, I would have been hit in the head and hurt. The Holy Ghost protects us when we follow His promptings.” Anastasia C., age 10,
Friend May 2017 “A Quiet Warning” The Holy Ghost warns Rykin about the presence of a snake.
Friend Aug/Sept 1985 – Wilford Woodruff listens to the warning of the spirit and was kept safe from a steamer ship fire.
Friend August 2016 “Show and Tell” Personal story of a boy who is protected because his mother listened to the Holy Ghost.
Friend October 2016 “Show and Tell” A girl is protected because she listened to the Holy Ghost and went inside right before a car crashed into their trampoline.
Friend July 1987 “Whisperings” A skit about boys being warned by the Spirit to not go into a gully after a rain storm.
Friend February 2021 “Pioneers in Every Land: Vicky Tadić” Vicky was curious why the family next door was different. The mom invited her to church in their home (because there wasn’t a church building in Bosnia). Vicky learned about the Holy Ghost. The next day a voice in her mind told her to stay away from some trash cans. Suddenly a car crashed into them. She was glad she listened. Soon her whole family was learning about the gospel and was baptized.
Warns of Spiritual Danger
Friend February 2019 “Yo-Yo Decision” While shopping with her mom, Lea found a yo-yo. Oscar had brought one to school and had impressed everyone with tricks. Lea wanted to do that too, but she didn’t have enough money to buy the yo-yo. A thought came into her mind that she could just put it in her pocket, but then she had a bad feeling. She realized it was the Holy Ghost warning her, so she put it back and felt peaceful and happy.
Friend July 2017 “Friends and Faith” Gary had fun playing with some new friends until one of them started showing inappropriate videos on his phone. Gary had a bad feeling as he watched, but it was replaced by a good feeling when he was courageous and left.
Friend June 2023 “Margo and Paolo” When Paulo began to read his library book, he didn’t feel good because it had some bad parts in it, so he stopped reading it. The Holy Ghost was warning him of spiritual danger.
Helps Us Choose the Right
Friend August 2017 “The Rocket Fiasco” Andrew’s friends convince him to try out his birthday rocket that he’s supposed to wait and do with his dad’s supervision. He has a bad feeling about the choice but does it anyway. The rocket lands in the neighbors car and starts a fire.
Gift of the Holy Ghost– The Holy Ghost helps a newly baptized girl to choose the right and be honest. Friend April 1984
Winnie Wins – A girl is tempted to cheat in a geography test to beat a boy who teases her. Friend May 1984
A Gift From Heaven – A boy, who is about to break a promise, listens to the still small voice and chooses the right. Friend March 1985
Friend February 2016 “The Trouble with Recess” Jason feels bad when the kids says mean things about the grumpy playground helper. He figures out a way to make things better.
Testifies of Truth
Friend January 2022 “Dinis Finds an Answer” Dinis and his family had joined the church, but a couple of years afterwards Dinis was questioning that decision. He knew he needed to ask God if the Church was true. He prayed harder than he ever had before. Then Dinis felt something. The feeling was strong and warm. It grew until he felt it all over his body. He knew it was the Holy Ghost telling him that the church was true.
Testifies of the Savior
Friend May 2018 “Conference Notes” President Eyring remembers a sacrament meeting when he was young. They sang “Abide with Me; ’Tis Eventide” (Hymns,165). Even though he had heard the words of that song before, he felt something special that night. He felt closer to the Savior. A memory of the Holy Ghost touching our hearts is the most precious thing we can have.
Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading about Jesus in the scriptures
Comforter
Friend February 2021 “A Warm Feeling” After his baptism and his confirmation, Joshua’s dad said, “The Holy Ghost can always be with you. You’ll never really be alone.” A few months later, Joshua had to go to the doctor because his stomach hurt so bad. When he found out he had to have surgery and his parents couldn’t come in with him, he was scared. He then remembered what his father had said about the Holy Ghost, and he had a warm feeling in his heart. He woke up feeling better, and he knew he was going to be okay.
Friend August 2020 “The Mooncake Festival” Vincent was excited to explore at the mooncake festival, but while exploring he fell and hit his chin. He had to go to the hospital and he was scared, so he prayed and felt the comfort of the Holy Ghost. He knew that everything would be okay.
Friend March 2020 “Hayfields and Priesthood Blessings” When Elder Gerard was a boy he lived on a farm. The dust from the hay sometimes made him sick because of his allergies. One windy summer day there was a lot of dust in the air and he was having a hard time breathing. His mother brought him in and had two farmers who were members of church give him a priesthood blessing because his father wasn’t a member. As they blessed him, he felt warm, peaceful, and calm. He realized later that it was the Holy Ghost comforting him. (Maze Activity: There are many ways you can feel comfort from the Holy Ghost. Find a path through the maze to see just a few.)
Friend February 2020 “Show and Tell” On our way driving home from a swim meet, it was dark and snowing. My mom was worried and asked us to pray. I remembered how Jesus taught us to pray when we need help. So I bowed my head and closed my eyes to pray to get home safely. After I prayed and opened my eyes, I felt a warm feeling in my heart. Then I heard a still, small voice whisper, “Everything will be all right.” Peichi C., age 10, Massachusetts, USA
Friend June 2019 “Praying for Leif” Magnus’s brother got sick with leukemia. When Magnus went to the hospital to see his brother, he could feel the Spirit comforting him. The Spirit also inspired many people with ways to help him and his family.
Friend September 2018 “A Voice of Peace” Grace Vlam was a nine-year-old girl living in Holland in 1940, during World War II. Nazi Germany had just begun attacking Holland. When Holland was taken over by the Nazis, Grace’s Father was taken prisoner. Grace was comforted by the Holy Ghost .
Friend March 2018 “Conference Blessings” When Sierra’s little Sister was sick in the hospital, Sierra was comforted by the Holy Ghost. She knew her sister would be okay.
Friend October 2017 “Sarah and the MRI” Sarah had to have another scary MRI where she was all alone in a tube. Her mother reminder her that there was someone who could be with her to comfort her—the Holy Ghost. Her dad blessed her that she would feel the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and she did.
Friend June 2023 “The Dance Choice” Maddie didn’t feel good about a song that her dance class was going to dance to. She remembered that her mom had said music with bad words could make it harder to feel the Spirit. Maybe the Holy Ghost was telling her the song wasn’t good. Maddie’s teacher said she could sit out during the song. Even though it was scary to sit out alone, she chose to do that and felt good that she had listened to the Holy Ghost.
Items needed: Pencils, white cardstock, yarn or string, tape.
Activity assembly instructions: Print one of the visual aid pages (girl or boy) per child onto white cardstock. Cut the stringboard out by cutting on the dotted line, and then cut out the child figure on each page. Cut out small pieces of yarn and tape a small loop onto the back of each child figure. Cut out one piece of yarn, 12 inches long, per each stringboard. Put the yarn through the loop on the back of the child figure and then tape each end to the back sides of the stringboard, making sure the string goes across the string mark on the church and that the string is pulled tightly in place so that it doesn’t sag. Move the child figure to the far left-hand side of the stringboard. (Resource for Stringboard: Star B Manual, pg. 82)
Presentation
Give each child a stringboard and a pencil. Have the children name some things they could do on Saturday to help prepare for Sunday. (See ideas below. Parents may want to think ahead of things they would like each child to do so they can help direct the answers.)
Have the children write each idea on one of the pathway stones (for little ones, draw some simple pictures on the stones). Tell the children that on each Saturday they can move their figures across their stringboard as they accomplish each item. Tell them that their Saturday preparation for Sunday will help them have a peaceful, holy Sabbath day.
Alternate Idea: Cut out the stones and church. Glue the church building to the far upper-right edge of a half sheet of light blue cardstock. Write the children’s ideas on the stones and give the stones to the children to put on their stringboards with sticky tack. Tell the children that on Saturdays they can put their stones on their stringboard as they accomplish each item. They can move their figures forward on the stones as they do the things that help prepare them for Sunday. (This allows children to choose the order in which they do the tasks.)
Family Saturday Preparation Ideas:
Get Sunday clothes out and check to make sure they are clean and ironed.
House cleaning chores (including washing and ironing clothes if needed), yard chores and clean room.
Find and put out clean shoes, clean socks (or tights), ties, belts, and scriptures.
Finish weekend homework.
If church is early in the morning, finish working on talks, lessons, and other church assignments.
Prepare or buy cookies or flowers to take to someone who is sick or in need of a visit–a family member, widow, shut-in, etc.
Do any other shopping that needs done.
Prepare meals to eat on the Sabbath, or plan light meals.
Get gas in the car and check to make sure the car is clean.
Optional Idea: Some families put up shelves or make a special place in each room to place Sunday items as they are collected on Saturday. Or they put up a long family shelf with hooks below it to collect items on. Shelves can be painted and decorated as part of FHE. The children could post their stringboard reminders by the shelf.
Friend December 2024 “Tying Hallacas” Ivette’s family gathering together to make hallacas, a Venezuelan holiday food. This year, Abuela had promised Ivette that she could help make them. When she found out that her job was to put her finger on the string to help finish the knot, she was disappointed and didn’t think her job was needed. Her Abuela said, “We all play a special part in making hallacas—just like we all play a special part in Heavenly Father’s family.”“We are all needed in this family,” Mom added. “It’s how we stay strong.” As she looked around at her family she realized that everyone was different. Her aunt told the best jokes. Her mom gave amazing hugs. And Abuela always knew what to say to make things better. Heavenly Father had given them all different gifts, but that was what made them special.
Friend July 2020 “Helping a Sleepy Sister” Berrett noticed his sister was tired from studying late and he decided to be like Jesus and help her. He made her breakfast and lunch and wrote her a note saying he loved her.
Friend February 2020 “Free Dinosaur Hugs” After David’s grandma moved in with David’s family she became sad because she was missing her friends. David loves his grandma and wants her to be happy, so he made a card for her that said “Free hugs every day.”
Friend October 2024 “Macy’s Loving Songs” Macy’s grandfather was in the hospital and she wanted to do something to help him. She prayed to know what to do. The next morning she had an idea. She went and sang “I am a child of God” with him and prayed with him. He said she helped him feel better.
Friend December 2019 “The Red Paper Bird” Eve got sick and was very sad when she couldn’t go to the school Christmas party. Her teacher sent home a red bird Christmas craft the kids made during the party, and Eve’s brother and sister helped her make it. Whenever she looked at the red bird, she felt very loved. (Make the craft. Have a family member do a secret act of service for someone and leave the bird. Then that person does an act of service and leaves the bird. How many times can you pass the bird?)
Friend June 2018 “Bedtime For Felix” Anton can’t wait to get back to his game, but he has to put his baby brother to bed first. As he snuggled with his brother he realized he felt the happiest he had been all day.
Service Super Hero
Friend March 2018 “Matt and Mandy” Matt makes a super hero costume and secretly helps his mom.
Families Listen to and Respect Each Other
Friend June 2017 “Tickling Trouble” Lizzie and Max learn that we should listen to and respect each other. Pillow fights and tickling is only fun when everyone is having fun.
Family Discord
Friend September 2021 “Saying the Nice Things” Jonathon wasn’t looking forward to the weekend because lately there had been more bickering and teasing in the family. He prayed for help figuring out a way to make things better. Then he had an idea for home evening. When he conducted, he started a new thing where whoever conducts says a nice thing about each family member. Everyone felt warm and happy after Jonathon said nice things about them.
Family Council
Friend February 2017 “Matt and Mandy” Matt and Mandy decide they need a family council because they are disagreeing about chores.
Friend February 2022 “Matt and Mandy” Matt is disappointed that he didn’t make the soccer team, but he likes soccer, so he and Mandy play it together.
Friend April 2021 “The Sister Solo” Sophie loved to sing and wanted to take a singing class, but she had hearing problems and was afraid. Her sister volunteered to take the choir class too. Sophie was getting comfortable and having fun, but then she had problems with one of her solos. She prayed for help and the teacher suggested she sing the solo with her sister.
Friend January 2021 “Our Book of Mormon Goal” At Christmas, Mattea’s family all wrote down things that we were going to give Christ for the next year. Mattea’s grandma said she was going to read the Book of Mormon in four months. She had not gone to church since she was nine. All of Mattea’s aunts, uncles, and most of her cousins decided to read the Book of Mormon with her.
Friend March 2019 “Show and Tell” My sister has cerebral palsy and can’t talk or walk. I serve her each day by feeding her, playing with her, and making her laugh. I know when I serve her, I’m serving Heavenly Father. Ensign T., age 10, Utah, USA
Friend August 2018 “Matt and Mandy” Matt promised to help Mandy with her campaign to run for student council. He’s been busy but he keeps his promise.
Friend May 2021 “Our Family Move” Boston and his family were having a hard time adjusting to their move, so Boston started thinking of ways to help his family.
Friend October 2021 “Meet Nathan from the Republic of the Congo” Nathan likes to help his younger siblings Stephy and Aaron learn to read. He helps them with their homework and reads Book of Mormon stories with them. Nathan also helps his siblings make their beds and get ready for school with their snacks and backpacks. (see photo)
Friend June 2017 “Little Builders” Siblings build a blanket fort together.
Families Spend Time Together
Family Dinners
Friend March 2019 “The No-Phone Zone” At a family reunion, Tyler’s grandmother has everyone put their phones in a basket before dinner. At dinner (and after dinner), Tyler listened to all the family stories. He learned more about his dad as a child. He didn’t think about his phone at all. He told his grandma it was the best dinner ever.
Family Time Together
“Matt and Mandy” Each family member wants to do something different on their last Saturday before school starts, but they compromise and spend time together doing those things.
Friend December 2019 “The Bike Monster” April wanted a bike for Christmas so she could fit in at school. At Christmas she got an old used bike with big fat tires. Some kids at school said that if her family wasn’t so big they could afford a new bike for her. April thought about that and realized she wouldn’t trade a bike for any of her brothers or sisters.
Gifts of Love
Friend January 2017 “An Extra Special Present” Hadley is too young to earn money, but she wants to give her mom a birthday present, so she writes her mom a special poem of love.
Friend February 2016 Poem about the strange and annoying things a child’s family members does, but also realizing the wonderful things about them.
Friend June 1987 “Leaving Home” Three boys decide to live in their fort so they won’t have anybody telling them what to do. They encounter difficulties and realize their homes are wonderful.
Friend August 1988 “She’s Some Sister” Jason’s sister is getting married and he realizes he’s going to miss her.
Friend July 2018 “A Forever Feeling” Mia wants a forever family like her friend Zoey’s. Zoey’s home feels warm and happy. Mia and her family learn about the gospel and are baptized and sealed in the temple.
Friend March 2018 “Always Brothers” Luis is sad and mad that his new baby brother is going to die, but he is glad to learn that they will be brothers in heaven.
Friend February 2017 “Forever Family” Poem a girl created after her grandma passed away.
Friend October 2015 – Elder Oaks didn’t think of his mother as a widow because his mother taught him he had a father and they would always be a family.
Friend September 1988 “Mrs. Brocklebank” (Part Two) Kenneth’s grandmother joins the church and they are sealed as a family in the temple.
Friend July 2021 “A Postponed Trip” Freddie’s dad is going to South Korea because Freddie’s grandfather needs surgery. Freddie is sad that he doesn’t get to go because he is afraid his grandfather will die and he won’t get to see him again. His dad reminds him that families are forever and he will get to see his grandfather again.
You are a child of heavenly parents. Even before you came to this earth, you were part of Their family. And that will never change! So no matter what, you will always be part of a forever family!
Heavenly Father loves you and your parents very much. He wants you all to return to Him. He will keep blessing and guiding you and your family. Pray to Him about your worries, and He will comfort you.
Family Prayer
Friend July 2018 “Arturo’s Family Prayer” Arturo’s dad asks the family members what they need help with before saying the family prayer. He then prays for those things.
Friend June 2021 “A Prayer for Papi” Danna was worried about her Papi; he looked tired and sad. Her mom suggested she say a prayer for him. She asked Heavenly Father how she could help him. After her prayer, she had an idea. She wrote a letter to him telling him thank you for everything he does and reminding him that Heavenly Father loves him. It helped her father feel happy.
Friend July 2017 “Prayers and Butterflies” Sarah’s grandma hurt her leg. Sarah’s family discuss ways to help her. Sarah suggests saying a prayer that she’ll feel better. Afterwards the kids are inspired to draw pictures for her which makes her feel better.
Friend September 2016 “Heavenly Father Hears Your Prayers” Small stories. One about a brother praying for another brother because he knew the brother was worried about soccer. Also a story about a mother praying for her son to find a friend.
Friend September 2016Friend September 2016
Friend January 2017 “Don’t Forget to Pray for Erik” Kari doesn’t understand why Heavenly Father hasn’t answered their many family prayers for Erik to come back to the gospel.
Family Members Teach Each Other
Friend June 1987 “Harold Gets a Job” Susan teaches her little brother many things.
Family Influence & Example
Friend April 2021 “Braden Leads the Way” When Braden and his family had started taking missionary lessons, Braden was very interested and read all the assignments and wanted to get baptized. His father was a member but hadn’t been going to church and his mother wasn’t sure about joining the church. He kept encouraging his family to read and pray and eventually everyone was ready to join the gospel.
Friend November 2019 “Being an Example” Ivy is a good example for her brother. When she prays or reads her scriptures, he wants to do it too. Ivy is trying to follow her older brother’s example too (Jesus) by being kind. Activity Included: Draw a line to match the pictures of Jesus with ways you can be kind too.
Friend June 2018 “Show and Tell” “My younger brother and sister were fighting. I reminded them that Jesus taught us not to fight. It felt good to be a good example.” Tequan K., age 10, Lusaka, Zambia
Friend May 2018 “Finding Floppy” Sam’s big sister helps him look for his lost stuffed elephant, Floppy. When they can’t find Floppy, she suggests they say a prayer. After finding Floppy she suggests they say a prayer of thanks.
“I choose not to go to friends’ birthday parties when they are on Sundays. My younger brother was invited to his first friend party and was sad that it was on Sunday. He told me that he followed my example of keeping the Sabbath day holy, even though it was a hard choice.” John M., age 9, Texas, USA
Jalen is helping Nia pick up crayons that spilled. How many crayons can you count?
Friend June 2024 “Elise the Engineer” Elise wants to be an engineer when she grows up, but one day at school she couldn’t figure out how to do a math problem. She began to think she wasn’t smart enough to be an engineer, but her sister said, “When something is hard, that doesn’t mean you aren’t smart. It just means you need more practice.” With her sister’s help she was able to learn how to do the math problem, and her confidence returned. She was grateful for an older sister who loved her and wanted to help her..
Being Kind & Considerate of Each Other
Friend February 2021 “The Play” James set a goal to put on a scripture story play each week with his brother. Their little brother wanted be in it too. James was kind and gave him the part of playing a lion.
Friend August 2020 “As Different as Pythons and Peacocks” Siblings, Andrea and Michael both like the zoo, but they like very different things at the zoo. Even though they are different, they are kind and considerate of each other. (How many animals can you count in this story?)
Disagreements
“Babysitting Blues”- Friend July 2015– Girl learns that spending time with siblings while babysitting them helps her and them be happy. Link includes some babysitting tips.
Baby Sibling
Friend June 2018 “Funny Faces for Nathan” Cameron and his mom did everything together—until his new baby brother, Nathan, was born. Now his mom is always busy with Nathan. One day his mother asked him to help with the baby. Cameron helped him stop crying and made him laugh. He liked helping his brother. It felt good. He decides he likes having a baby brother.
Friend August 2019 “Brownies and a Big Sister” Molly isn’t sure if she wants a baby sister. Grandma asks for her help making a surprise treat for her parents for when they get home from the hospital. Grandma also tells her that her mom and dad will need her help by being a kind big sister. Molly decides to make a welcome home sign for her mom, dad, and new sister.
Friend March 2016 “Finally a Big Brother” Nolan is excited to have a new baby sister and to be a big brother.
Baby Blessing
Friend June 2019 “Baby’s Blessing Day” Kate learns that a baby blessing is special when her baby sister gets blessed.
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Parents
Having Parents that don’t go to Church
Friend February 2025 “Cole’s Answer” Cole’s father didn’t go to church anymore. Cole prayed for his Dad every day. But months went on, and nothing changed. Cole worried that his family wouldn’t be together forever. One Sunday, while he and his mom watched conference, he was surprised to learn that President Nelson’s parents didn’t go to church either when he was young. President Nelson had to wait many years for his family to be sealed. Cole felt the Holy Ghost whisper to him that things with Dad would be OK too. Cole would have to be patient. But Heavenly Father would help his family, just like He had helped President Nelson’s family.
Friend July 2020 “A Sunbeam for Mommy” McKay was sad that his mom didn’t go to church with them. In Primary, they sang his favorite song “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam.” They also made sun necklaces. He made his bright yellow and with a happy face for his mom because he wanted her to feel as happy as he did.
Friend June 2019 “Grateful for Parents” President Nelson’s parents didn’t attend church when he was young, and he wanted them to. The thing he wanted for Christmas every year was to be sealed to his parents. (Story includes a handout quote: “Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.” —President Russell M. Nelson)
Friend July 2023 “Magnolia’s Amazing Dad” Some kids in Primary weren’t kind to Magnolia. They told her that her family wasn’t a good family because her Dad wasn’t a member of the church, but he went to church with them and he did scripture study and prayer with the family. It made her want to cry because her father was an amazing dad. Magnolia talked to her parents and said. “Jesus taught us to be kind to everyone. Saying mean things doesn’t seem like following Jesus.” “You’re right,” said Dad. “Maybe when you feel like saying something mean, you can remember how you felt when others were unkind to you. Then you can say something kind instead.”
Friend March 2019 “A Lesson from My Parents” Elder Massimo De Feo‘s Parents never joined the church, but they supported him and his brother taking the missionary lessons, and later they supported him going on a mission. They showed Christ like love for him and we’re good examples throughout his life.
Friend October 2016 “Lessons From Mother” Elder Mazaggardi’s mother wasn’t LDS but she taught him many important things such as honesty and giving tithes to the Lord.
Friend April 2023 “A Sunday Surprise” Janarthn was sad his father didn’t go to church with him and his mom. He prayed that his father would have time to come with them to church. One Sunday his mom was too sick to go to church. Janarthen was sad to miss church, but he decided to read stories in the Friend to keep the Sabbath Day holy. Then he got a surprise when his father said he would go with him to church. Janarthn felt so happy to be with his dad at church!
You are a child of heavenly parents. Even before you came to this earth, you were part of Their family. And that will never change! So no matter what, you will always be part of a forever family!
Heavenly Father loves you and your parents very much. He wants you all to return to Him. He will keep blessing and guiding you and your family. Pray to Him about your worries, and He will comfort you.
Grandparents
Friend October 2022 “Find It” This family is talking with grandparents who live far away! Can you find the items hidden below?
Friend January 2020 “Gracie’s Goal” Gracie got a set of scriptures from her grandparents at her baptism. She set a goal to read the Book of Mormon by her next birthday, but she is struggling with the goal because some of the words and chapters are hard to understand. She told her grandma that she was having a problem keeping up with her goal. Her grandma suggested that they read the Book of Mormon together every night on the phone. Gracie was able to accomplish her goal and understand the Book of Mormon better with her grandma’s help.
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Friend June 2017 “Welcome to Cousin Camp” Carson’s grandma has cousin camp every year. This year’s theme is on service. They do many service projects together.
Friend June 2017Friend June 2017Friend June 2017
Family Service for Grandparents
Friend September 2020 “The Most Important Job” Amelia’s family was going to help clean grandma’s house. Amelia’s mom wanted her to do the special job of just listening to grandma while the rest of them cleaned. Amelia’s grandma told her lots of stories from her childhood. Amelia gave grandma a big hug before leaving. Grandma had tears in her eyes and told Amelia she loved her. Amelia felt warm inside. It had been cool learning so much about her grandma.
Grandparent with Alzheimers
Friend January 2023 “Remembering with Grandma” Mari was frustrated when her grandmother told her the same story over and over again. Her dad explained that grandma has a sickness in her brain that makes her forget things, and her stories are her way of trying to remember who she is. Mari remembered how her grandmother had always treated her with love. Mari decided to do the same for her grandma.
Friend November 2021 “Let’s Invite Everyone” Most of Jarom’s family were not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They did not know much about baptism. But they knew it was a special day for Jarom, so when he invited all his aunts, uncles, and cousins to his baptism they said, “We will be there!” A special saying that the Maori love is, “What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, the people, the people.”
Family Sacrifice
Friend January 1987 “The rush-rush Day” Jarod sacrificed what he wanted to do so his family members could get the things done they needed to.
Family Members Help Each Other
Friend May 2019 “Kindness at the Carnival” A boy is looking forward to playing with his friends, but then his sister comes home upset because she doesn’t have any real friends and nobody will go with her to school carnival. The brother wants to help, so he volunteers to go with her, and tells her that she is his friend too.
Friend June 2018 “Showing Her Love” A girl named Love from Nigeria helps her family in many ways. (Link includes photos.)
Friend April 2018 “Prayer in the Checkout Line” Eli helps his mom with his fussy siblings at the store. He also says a prayer for her when he sees how their fussiness is making things hard for her
Friend January 2018 “Adam’s Big Green Cast” Matthew’s little brother broke his leg and has to wear a cast that doesn’t let him move. Matthew helps his brother feel better by playing with him and finding things Adam can do without moving.
Friend October 2017 “Helping Mrs. Brewster” Ryan helps his brother Jackson rake the neighbor’s leaves.
Friend October 2017 “I Like to Help” Poem – A boy helps his family members during the week.
Friend May 2017 “That’s My Brother” Eric doesn’t have any friends yet and doesn’t like going to recess, but his brother comes and helps him find a friend during recess.
Friend May 2017 “The Gecko Rescue” Andrea sews up a hole in her mom’s gecko beanbag so her mom wouldn’t be sad.
Story Activiy: Children can draw a line to a number on the gecko for every way they mention that they can help and serve family members.
Friend February 2017 “Double Happy” Lily helps her little brother, Sam, feel comfortable in Primary, but her parents want her to let Sam’s teacher do that now so Lily can go to her class. Lily obeys even though she’s worried about Sam, and they both have a great time in Primary.
Friend Novepmber 2016 “Big Sister Madelyn” Madelyn’s mother is sick, so Madelyn helps with the baby. Also an activity to find what toys are okay for the baby.
Friend October 2016 “Brave Enough” Christine asks her brother for help when she gets scared of a noise at her window.
Friend June 2015 “The Funny Face Fix” Ben helps his sister feel happy by making funny faces.
Friend June 2015 – Girl feels sad aunt is sick and can’t go to beach, so she brings aunt something from the beach.
Things are Better when You Work Together
Friend October 2019 “Frowns, Smiles, and Leaf Piles” Siblings, Tony and Erin fight over a cookie. Their mother has them rake and bag the leaves without helping each other. They soon realize that it is hard to do alone and would be easier working together. They also realize that things are easier and better when they work together as a team.
Families Come in a Variety of Ways
Friend February 2019 “My Eternal Family” Addie was born in South Korea and adopted by a family in Washington USA. She was then sealed to her new family. (Also how to make Addie’s favorite food and craft.)
Friend July 2018 “Goodly Grandparents” Andrew lives with his grandparents, so when his class has a Bring-a-Parent-to-School Day so he doesn’t know what to do. But then he realizes his grandparents do all the kind, loving things parents do.
Friend January 2018 “Am I a Child of God?” Chloe hears the song “I am a Child of God”in Primary and wonders why she wasn’t born to “parents kind and dear,” and wonders if she is a child of God, but she has an adopted family who loves her.
Friend July 2020 “Different but Together” Ellie and her family went on a trip to visit their cousins. The cousins didn’t want Ellie’s family to talk about church things while they were there so that they wouldn’t have disagreements. Ellie had had a lot of fun visiting with her cousins. She realized that even if they believed in different things, they could still be a happy family.
Friend October 2021 “Peace and Primary Songs” Max loved Primary because he felt safe and loved there. His family wasn’t like the happy families they sang about in Primary. One Sunday, the chorister asked them to imagine being grown up with a family. Max imagined praying with his family and having family home evening and playing with them. It made Max feel happy and peaceful to know that someday he could have a family like that.
Divorce
Friend May 2021 “Charlotte’s Family” In Primary, Charlotte didn’t want to hear the song “Families are Forever” so she sat in the hall. Her parents were getting a divorce and it made her feel sick. Sister Henry came and talked to her about what made her feel better when her parents got a divorce, such as remembering that her parents loved her and also thinking about her perfect family in heaven. Charlotte decided to think about her heavenly family when they sang the song “Families are Forever.”
Friend December 2018 “Prophecies of Jesus Christ” Match the prophecies with the picture. Also includes a coloring page.
December 2024 For the Strength of Youth “Fun Stop” In the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, angels testify of the Christmas story: the Savior’s birth and other connected events, like the birth of John the Baptist. Match what the angel said with the person it was declared to and then with what the person said or did.
Friend December 2018 “A Special Night” Action rhyme about the story of Jesus’s birth.
[unitegallery December2018]
Wisemen Follow the Star
Friend January 2023 “Journey to Egypt” After the Wise Men saw Jesus, an angel came to Joseph in a dream. The angel said that Jesus was in danger. He said they should go to Egypt, where they would be safe (see Matthew 2:13–14). Follow the maze to help Mary, Joseph, and Jesus find their way to Egypt.
Friend December 2019 “Light of the World” Color the stars below to help the Wise Men find Jesus (or follow the star path).
December 2024 For the Strength of Youth “Fun Stop” The Wise Men are following the star to worship Jesus Christ. Without looking too closely, guess which path will lead them to the star. Avoid the path that leads them back to Herod! Then follow the lines to see if you guessed right. (For the scripture story, see Matthew 2:1–12.)
Friend December 2020 “Light the World” Jesus brought light and love to the whole world. Here are some activities to help you feel and share His light. Color the numbered areas after you do each activity.
Friend December 2019 “The Living Christ” Like light shining through a window, the Savior brings light and hope to a world that sometimes seems dark. Color this stained-glass window, then visit ComeUntoChrist.org/Christmas to learn how you can share Christ’s light!
Friend December 2017 “Christmas Workshop” Make nativity figures such as this clothespin shepherd to tell the story of Jesus birth, or use it as an ornament for the tree.
Friend December 1986. Lace up ornaments. Print onto card stock. Punch holes in indicated spots. Lace up and tie ends together.
Christmas Riddles – Each riddle gives clues about a person or place related to the story of Jesus’ birth. (Friend December 1984)
The inn was full in this small town, So in a manger they laid Him down. They’d come to this City of David to pay Their taxes, Herod’s law to obey. What city was this? ____________________
In Swaddling clothes, asleep, He lay On that first, wondrous Christmas day. His mother, Mary, sat nearby, Singing Him a lullaby. Who was He? ___________________________
While they watched o’er their flocks one night, An angel came in heavenly light And gave them “tidings of great joy”— They left in haste to see the Boy. Who were they? ________________________
They traveled from the east afar, Following a bright, bright star; Many precious gifts they brought To give the newborn King they sought. Who were they? ________________________
Friend December 1981 Turn advent calendar into a game. See game pieces in “advent calendars”
Friend December 1981Make a Manger: Think of ways you can be helpful to those around you. Then during the month of December, each time you do something without being asked lay a piece of straw in the manger. If you can help someone without being discovered, add two pieces of straw. Soon the manger will be ready for Christmas—and so will your heart!
Friend December 1986 Find the words to fill the blanks by reading Luke 2:1–14. Then find the same words in the letter square by reading forward, backward, up, down, and diagonally. The unused letters, reading left to right, form a message that is important to remember.
Friend December 1987 To help you remember the story of Jesus’ early life, answer the questions and/or follow the instructions for each day in December, using the Bible references.
Friend December 2015 Primary children collected food for a local food bank for the holidays. For each item donated, the children put a picture on the wall in the Primary room to build a Nativity scene.
Friend December 2015 Activity- Hide baby Jesus Statue and tell children they are warm when they get close. Explain that the more we look for Jesus in our lives and do the things to get nearer to Him, the warmer we feel inside and the happier we are.”
Crossword puzzle song review idea– make a crossword puzzle with sentences from the song being reviewed. The missing word in the sentenc will be on the crossword puzzle. Going in numerical order, have the classes take turns telling what word is missing. If they don’t know what the word is, have everyone sing the song and have the class listen carefully for the word. Have a child from the class fill in the word on the puzzle.
Attach a ribbon to a stick. Have the children sing louder when the stick is waved high and quieter when the stick is waved low.
Friend May 2016 Freeze Dance. Pick one person to be the music master. That person picks songs to play, and everyone else dances to the music. When the music master pauses the song, everyone else freezes! Anyone who moves is out. The last person dancing becomes the new music master, or you can take turns if there is a tie. (Or make it non-competitive and no one gets out. After the song is done a new music master is chosen according to who froze or sang the best.) Download free, fun music at lds.org/youth/music. (Could also be used as an activity sing idea to get wiggles out.)
Friend November 2017 “For Little Ones” Activity ideas for using music in the home.
Just for Fun
For the Strength of Youth March 2025 “Fun Stop” The Lord loves “the song of the heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:__). Find the verse number for this scripture by figuring out what the symbols represent in the math puzzle and then solving the final equation. The numbers are even and the largest number is 8.
This is a punch board activity. I placed ingredients for making rice Krispy treats in each hole. I had a teacher and a child determine how well the children sang each song. When the children got the presentation, projection, and knowledge of the words perfect, a child got to punch out the tissue covering the hole and get an ingredient out. When all the ingredients were collected the treat was made and distributed.
Preparation
Items needed: a large foam board-32X40 (these can be found at Hobby Lobby), double-sided permanent and non-permanent tape, bright yellow gift tissue paper, paper lunch bags, clear packaging tape, ingredients for rice Krispy treats (recipe found below), small Ziploc baggies, and an exacto knife.
Print the target halves. You will need to print two halves for each target needed. Cut out the yellow part and one line of the red on the targets. Tape or glue each half of the targets together. Type, print, and cut out song labels for each song you are reviewing. Place the targets and song labels on the foam board to see placement. Trace the middle holes of each target onto the foam board. Cut out each hole on the foam board with an exacto knife.
Cut a couple of inches off the top of each paper lunch bag. Cut each corner about two inches straight down. Crease and fold the four flaps out so each bag will sit on a hole. Tape the flaps down with the clear packaging tape.
Put a rice crispy treat ingredient in each hole. Cut squares of yellow tissue a little bigger than each hole. Tape each tissue to the front of a hole. I used the double-sided permanent tape for this part.
Place the targets over the holes and tape them to the punch board with double sided tape. (Tape them lightly so you can reuse this activity and remove the targets to put new tissue on the holes.) Tape the song titles above each target.
Print the remaining target punch board visual aids. Cut out the “Right on Target” title and the target grading scale labels. You will also need to print a half a target for the grading scale. Attach each item to its place on the foam board. Cut out the arrows. Attach non-permanent double sided tape to the back of each arrow.
You may wish to make two punch boards – one for junior primary and one for senior.
Presentation
I showed the punch board to the children and explained that there was an ingredient in each hole to make something. I told them they had to guess what we were making as each ingredient was revealed. I explained that in order to get the ingredients out of the holes they had to sing each song perfect and get a bullseye. I showed them the arrows marked presentation, words, and projection and explained that I was going to have a teacher judge them on projection (how loudly they sang, but not yelling) how well they knew the words to the song. I also explained that I was going to have a child judge them on presentation. The child would be watching to make sure everyone was singing, that the children were all watching me while singing, and also watching to see if the children were sitting up in their chairs and not fidgeting or playing around while singing.
After singing the song, the teacher and child put their arrows on the target according to the scale of ok, good, great, or perfect. We sang the song again if all the arrows weren’t on a the bullseye. When all three arrows were on the bullseye, then the child judge got to punch out the middle of the target and take out the item in the hole. When all the ingredients were collected, we made rice krispy treats. The following is the recipe I used. I had the ingredients pre-measured in baggies, except for the vanilla. I included a measuring spoon in vanilla hole. I asked a member of the primary presidency to go and melt the marshmallows and butter on the the church kitchen stove when we were about done singing.
Rice Krispie Treat Recipe:
3 Tbsp. butter, 1/2 tsp. salt, 12 oz. marshmallows, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, 6 cups of rice krispies, 1 bag of mini M&M’s
Place a large sauce pan over medium/low heat. Melt the butter and marshmallows. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour mixture into a buttered 9×13 inch pan. Using a buttered spatula, press the mixture down until it is a consistent height. Spread frosting on top and top with sprinkles. (If you are reviewing less than eight songs, some of the non-vital ingredients can be eliminated.)
The children loved this activity and sang their hearts out in an effort to do their best and get the ingredients from each hole. I couldn’t have asked for better motivation. The children that were judges were very thorough. They loved the responsibility and took it very seriously. When I asked the child judge what the children needed to do better in order to get a bullseye, they had very helpful suggestions.
Preparation • Items needed: a small paper bag, a flashlight or a candle, a black marker, a general conference CD, a CD player, tape, magnets, pencils, sticky tack, ten sheets of cardstock or construction paper. Recommended: the items to make a roller box: a large empty cereal box, two long metal skewers or dowel rods, wrapping paper or scrapbook paper. • Print the game pictures. Cut out the two titles and the scriptures. Attach each scripture to its matching drawing from lesson thirty-one. • Print the worksheet. Each half of the page is one worksheet. Make one copy of the page per every two children, and then cut the pages in half. • Print the scripture story pictures. (Do not print the pictures onto heavy paper, and do not laminate them if you are making a roller box.) It is recommended that you make a roller box with the pictures, but the pictures can also be used individually. Note: The scripture story pictures are from chapters forty-two and forty-three of Book of Mormon Stories. • Roller Box Instructions: Lay the scripture story pictures face down in a vertical row in the order they were printed. Cut a sheet of plain paper in half vertically. Put one half at the top of the row and the other half at the bottom. Butt together the edges and tape them so they form one long row of pictures. Tape the open end of the cereal box closed with packaging tape. With an exacto knife, cut an 8 ½ x 5 inch hole in the front of the box. Cover the box with wrapping paper or scrapbook paper. Be sure to cut out any paper covering the opening in the front of the box. Poke a metal skewer through the top side of the box about one inch down from the top and one inch from the front of the box. Then poke the end of the skewer going out through the other side of the box. Do the same with the other skewer on the bottom of the box. Roll the pictures into a roll, starting at the bottom. Put the roll through the front window of the box. Line the top edge of the roll with tape and then attach it to the top skewer. Roll all the scroll onto the skewer by turning the handle on the skewer. Put a row of tape onto the bottom edge of the roll and attach it to the bottom skewer. • Print the 4th Article of Faith chart. Tape the edges of the two pieces together so it forms one complete chart. Cut out the scriptures and attach them to the chart according to where they go using sticky tack. (See the picture above to see where each one should be placed.) • Classroom Prep: 1) Put the flashlight (or candle) into the paper bag. 2) Tape the drawings from lesson thirty-one (of the signs of Jesus’ death) on the left side of the board. Put the title “Samuel’s Prophecy” above the drawings. On the right side of the board put the pictures of the destructions that occurred at Jesus’ death. Put the title “Prophecy Fulfilled” above those pictures. Attach a cover sheet (cardstock or construction paper) over the top of each of the ten pictures using magnets. 3) Play one of the conference talks on the CD as the children enter the classroom.
Attention Activity Show the children the bag. Ask a child to reach into the bag without looking and feel the item that is in there. Have the child tell the other children what the item is. Ask another child to do the same.
Ask the children that haven’t felt the item if they know what is in the bag. Ask how they know. (Because the other children who had personal contact with the item told them what was in the bag.) Show the children the flashlight. Ask if the children remember who the light of the world is. (Jesus Christ)
• How can we know of Jesus and that he was resurrected and lives today if we haven’t had personal contact with him? Explain that the experiences recorded in the scriptures are meant to help us know of know of things we have not witnessed for ourselves. As we read the scriptures about Jesus we can gain a witness of their truth through the Holy Ghost. In today’s lesson we learn of an important event recorded in the Book of Mormon concerning Jesus that occurred a long time ago.
Scripture Account After Jesus’ birth the Nephite people shifted back and forth from righteousness to wickedness. Eventually the people became in such an awful state of wickedness that the more righteous part of the people had nearly all become wicked. The prophets were killed who were sent to testify against the people’s sins. The government was destroyed because of the secret combinations of those who slew the prophets. The people divided up into tribes ruled by their individual leaders. (3 Nephi 6:23 & 3 Nephi 7:6-7)
On the thirty-third year from the birth of Jesus, the people began looking for the sign of Jesus’ death. There was much doubting and disputations concerning the sign even though they had witnessed many other signs come to pass. On the first month of the thirty-fourth year, the signs of Jesus’ death that Samuel the Lamanite had prophesied began to occur.
Game Point out the two columns of papers on the board and the column titles. Explain that under each paper is a picture. The children will try to find matches by taking turns turning over two pictures, one from the column labeled “Samuel’s Prophecy” and another from the column labeled “Prophecy Fulfilled.” When a match is found, have the children look up and read both scriptures.
After the matches have all been made, explain that the destructive forces lasted for the space of three hours, and after that the three days of darkness began. (3 Nephi 8:19)
Scripture Story Activity Teach the following scripture story using the roller box. Have the children take turns rolling the pictures down. Read the below numbered captions after a picture is rolled down. Also do any discussion listed below each caption.
1. In the darkness there was great moaning, howling, and weeping. Many were heard to say: “O that we had repented before this great and terrible day”
• Why did the people wish they had repented before the time of destruction? Friends and family who had been lost in the destruction might have been spared if the people had repented and been righteous. (See 3 Nephi 8:25)
• A voice was heard in the darkness among all the inhabitants in the land. What do you think the voice said?
2. The voice said, “Wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent;”
• What does this mean for us and everyone on the earth? We are all spiritually and physically at risk if we do not repent.
• The voice then told of all the destructions that had occurred to the various Nephite cities and the reason for the destructions. What do you think the reason was for the destructions?
3. “And many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness and their abominations.”
• The voice then explained why those who were left were spared. Why do you think they were spared?
4. “All ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they.”
(Read 3 Nephi 12:10) “And it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared.”
• The voice then invites the people to come unto him and repent and be healed. The voice then declares who he is. Who do you think it was that was speaking?
5. He said, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God.”
• What does it mean to come unto Christ? The word “come” means to draw close to. How do we draw close to the Savior? By learning of him and by seeking to follow his example and teachings.
6. The Lord then said, “How oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, but you would not.”
The Lord yearns to gather his people into the safety and protection of the gospel. He sought to nourish them and teach them the way of salvation, but on many occasions they chose to forsake him. The Lord lamented (grieved or mourned) for those who were lost because they refused to be gathered.
After the people heard these words, they began to weep and howl again because of the loss of their kindred and friends. Possibly they also grieved for those who could have been gathered and thus spared but had refused to do so.
7. After three days passed, the darkness dispersed and the earth did cease to quake. The mourning, weeping, and wailing did cease and they did give thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ their redeemer. (3 Nephi 10:9-10)
• How difficult would it be to function properly without any light for three days? • Why was darkness one of the signs of Jesus’ death? The darkness reminds us that we can not function properly on the earth without the light of the world (Jesus Christ). Without Jesus Christ we would be without hope or direction. He makes it possible for us to repent and progress. • How long did Jesus’ body lay in the tomb? (Three days) On the third day, the day of his resurrection, light came again to the people of America. (Helaman 14:20)
Worksheet Give each child a worksheet and a pencil. Explain that you want them to listen carefully for the answers to the worksheet questions as you tell the rest of the scripture story. Tell them to write down the answers when they hear them.
8. Sometime after the three days of darkness ended, a great multitude of the people of Nephi gathered around the temple in the land of Bountiful. They were conversing and marveling about all that had occurred. As they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven. They cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard.
Have the children look up 3 Nephi 11:3 and describe the voice the Nephites heard. (It was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.)
9. And they did hear the voice again and they understood it not. And again the third time they did hear the voice and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came. And the third time they did understand the voice which they heard. The voice said “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.”
10. The people cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them.
11. He stretched forth his hand and said, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.” When they heard these words, the multitude fell to the earth.
12. Jesus Christ told them to arise and come forth and thrust their hands into his side and also feel the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. The multitude went forth one by one and did feel and see the wounds in his body. They did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets that should come.
Worksheet Answers Discuss the worksheet questions and answers.
1. Where did a large group of people gather? The temple in the land of Bountiful.
2. How many times did the voice speak before the people understood it? Three times
3. How were the people finally able to understand the voice? “They did open their ears to hear it”
• Ask the children if they remember the general conference talk that was playing when they entered the classroom. Ask if any of them knows what topic the speaker was talking about. Ask what they would need to do in order to know what the speaker was saying. (They would have to focus, pay attention, and listen.)
• What can we do to better hear and understand God’s words to us? We need to focus and listen so we might feel or hear the gentle promptings of the Spirit. God speaks to our spirits. The Nephite’s spirits burned when they heard the voice.
4. Whose voice did the people hear speaking to them from heaven? Heavenly Father’s
• Very few people in all of history of the world have heard the actual voice of God the Father. Why did you think the Father addressed the Nephites in this instance? To testify to the world and call attention to the significance of who Jesus Christ is– he is the son of God, and he performed the atonement that was necessary for the plan of salvation. Heavenly Father also tells us that we need to listen to and obey Jesus’ words. • How do we know the Father’s words were meant for the world? They are available for all to read in the scriptures.
5. After Jesus declared who he was, what was the first thing he did? He had the people feel the wounds he bore from hanging on the cross.
• Why did the Savior have the people feel his wounds? So they might know he was the one whom the prophets testified would come into the world to sacrifice and die for their sins.
Show the final picture on the roller box and read the below caption.
13. And when they had all gone forth and had seen the evidence of his sacrifice for them, they did cry out with one accord saying, “Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God!” and they did fall at his feet and did worship him.
Chart Activity The word Hosanna means in essence “Oh grant salvation.” The people remembered that only through Jesus Christ could salvation be granted, and they desired the Savior to show them the way to salvation.
• What do you think the Savior taught first concerning gaining salvation? Show the chart with the missing words and explain that each spot where there are scriptures is one of the things Jesus taught. Explain that they are going to look up the scriptures and try and figure out what goes in each spot.
The first thing the Savior did before beginning to teach about salvation was to call his representative amongst the Nephites to come forth– Nephi the prophet.
Have the children look up the chart scripture 3 Nephi 11:21, 33 to discover what the Savior gave to Nephi, and to discover one of the things that is necessary for gaining salvation. (Nephi was given the power to baptize. Baptism is necessary for gaining salvation.) (Have a child take the scripture off the chart and write the word baptism in the spot.)
The Savior also called others and gave them power to baptize. And he gave them specific instructions concerning how to baptize.
• Note: Nephi already had the power to baptize and had performed baptisms earlier. (3 Nephi 7:23-26) What power did Jesus give him? Nephi had lived through a change of dispensations. The Lord gave Nephi the priesthood keys for the new dispensation. A dispensation is when the gospel is revealed anew. In this new dispensation, Jesus had wrought the atonement, and in D&C 22:1-3 it says old things were done away and all things became new (including baptism). The old covenants were done away and the people were given the new and everlasting covenant (the fullness of the gospel). (Robert J Matthews. Religion A 122 BYU study manual – T. Parker )
Have the children look up 3 Nephi 11:37 to find another of the things Jesus taught the people they must do in order to gain salvation. (Repent) Explain that Jesus repeated these words two times to emphasize their importance. “And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.” (Have a child take the scripture off the chart and write in the word repentance.)
• Do active members of the church have need of repentance? We all need to repent daily, even if we have not committed serious sins. We need to repent of such things as losing our temper, being selfish, being slothful, etc.
Have the children look up the scripture 3 Nephi 11:32 to find another of the things Jesus told the people they must do in order to gain salvation. (Believe in Jesus, which is the same thing as “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Have a child take the scripture off the chart and write in the words “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ”.)
Have the children look up and read 3 Nephi 11:35 and see if they know what goes on the last line. (Holy Ghost) See if the children can tell you what the rest of the missing words are on the chart. (They should recite to you the fourth Article of Faith.)
• What does 3 Nephi 11:35 say the Holy Ghost will bear record of? The Father sends the Holy Ghost to bear record of Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost bears record that Jesus lives, that He is the Son of God, and that through His atonement we can repent and be forgiven of our sins.
Remind the children of the bag at the beginning of the lesson and how they knew what was in the bag (because of others personal contact and declarations concerning what was in the bag). Remind the children that we can each gain a personal testimony of Jesus Christ even though we have not seen or talked to him in person. We can gain that testimony through reading the testimony of others in the scriptures and by seeking for the witness of the Holy Ghost concerning Jesus Christ.
Weekly Reading Assignment Remind the children to do their scripture reading assignment for this week: 3 Nephi 8:1-25, 3 Nephi 9:1-2 & 12-22, 3 Nephi 10:1-13, 3 Nephi 11:1-22
Items needed: several large popsicle sticks, magnets, tape.
Select and print the verse lines you wish to review. Also print the large pictures that go with that verse. Cut out the large pictures.
Cut the verse lines into strips so that a few words and a picture is on each strip. Line up the strips in order, and tape together the ends so you have one long strip. (In order to fit the strip on the board, divide each verse into three parts so you end up with three strips.)
Tape the end of one strip onto a popsicle stick. Glue or tape strong magnets to each side of the popsicle stick on the top and bottom. Roll up the strip onto the popsicle stick. Tape another popsicle stick to the start of the roll. Attach magnets to the ends of that stick. Do the same process with the other two strips.
Presentation
Put the first part of the verse on the far left side of the board. The magnets on the popsicle sticks should hold the rolled up strip in place. Unroll the first few words, but not the picture that goes with the words. Put the pictures in random order on the bottom of the board.
Explain to the children that each of the pictures goes with two or three words in the verse. Point out the words you have showing on the strip. See if the children can pick out the picture that goes with those words. Have a child put the picture above the words and then unroll the strip a little to see if the pictures match.
Senior Primary: Explain that you aren’t going to show them the words that come next. They have to try and think of the words in their mind, and then pick out a picture and unroll the strip to see if they are right.
Junior Primary: Show the children a set of words, and tell them what they say. Have them pick out a picture that goes with those words and then unroll the strip to see if they are right.
Every time the children complete a sentence, have them sing that sentence. Then roll up the previous sentence, and see if they can sing the previous sentences using only the pictures as reference.
When one roll is done, put up the next roll and do the same activity with it.
Note: You may wish to discuss some of the pictures, such as the person climbing a mountain for the words “I’m trying”. Explain that it takes effort to climb a mountain, and the words “I’m trying” indicate putting effort into something.
