Dec 25 2022

We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning

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Jesus Christ wants me to follow Him.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning” You and the children will read many stories from the life of Jesus Christ this year. Help the children understand that the reason we are learning these stories is so that we can better follow Jesus Christ’s perfect example.

  • Tell the children about the Savior’s invitation, “Follow me,” found in Matthew 4:18–22 or Luke 18:22. Do an activity where one child does an action and then tells the other children, “Follow me.” Invite the other children to repeat the action.
  • Show pictures of people following the Savior in different ways, both during His mortal ministry and in our day. You can find pictures in the Gospel Art Book or in Church magazines. You can also show the video “Light the World” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Let the children identify how the people are following the Savior.

Help the children think of things they are doing to follow the Savior. Singing “Seek the Lord Early” (Children’s Songbook, 108) could give them some ideas. Let them draw pictures of themselves doing these things.

Friend June 2022 “Jesus Said”

Jesus Christ wants me to learn about Him and follow Him.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning” Think about how you have come to know Jesus Christ. What can you do to help the children learn about and follow Him?

  • Invite the children to talk about a close friend they know and describe how this person became a friend. Read and discuss John 5:39 and John 14:15 to find ways we can feel close to Jesus. Ask the children to share times when they felt close to Him.

Friend October 2019 Color the picture of Jesus. 

  • Take your class on a walk around the meetinghouse. Invite the children to raise their hands when they see something on the walk that reminds them of a way they can follow the Savior (such as the baptismal font or a picture). (song books, sacrament table,
  • Sing with the children a song about following Jesus Christ, such as “Come, Follow Me” (Hymns, no. 116). Invite the children to share times when they have followed the Savior’s example.

The scriptures are true stories

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning” Children can gain a testimony that the scriptures are true even before they are able to read them. As you study the scriptures with the children this year, you can help them know for themselves that the scriptures are true.

  • Invite the children to tell about favorite gifts they have received for birthdays or other occasions. Bring a gift-wrapped copy of the scriptures, let a child open it, and testify that the scriptures are a gift to us from Heavenly Father.
  • Show the children some books containing fictional stories, and ask them about their favorite stories. Show them the scriptures, and testify that the scriptures contain the word of God for us. They tell of people who really lived and things that really happened.
  • Share the messages found in 2 Timothy 3:15 and Moroni 10:3–5, helping the children to repeat a few phrases. Help them understand that they can know the scriptures are true for themselves.

Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading the scriptures

Friend September 2015
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  • Hide a picture of the Savior, and give the children clues to help them find it. Help the children understand how searching the scriptures can help us know Jesus Christ. Let the children take turns hiding the picture and giving clues to other children.

Friend October 2019 Color the picture of Jesus. 

  • Sing together a song about learning the gospel, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109), and help the children make up actions to go with the words. Share with the children one or two of your favorite scriptures, and tell them how you came to know the scriptures are true. If the children have favorite scriptures or scripture stories, invite them to share.

I can study the scriptures for myself.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning” As you read the scriptures with the children and ask them questions, you can build their confidence that they can learn from the scriptures and find valuable treasures of knowledge.

  • Read together John 5:39 and Acts 17:10–11, and ask the children what they learn about how to study the scriptures.
  • Select a few simple, powerful scriptures from the New Testament, write each on a piece of paper, and hide the papers. Create clues that will lead the children on a “treasure hunt” within the classroom or church building to find these scriptures. After they find each scripture, discuss what the scripture means and why it is such a treasure.

Scripture Treasure Hunt Paul taught that scriptures bless us with wisdom, doctrine, correction, instruction, and faith. On separate pieces of paper, write “wisdom (Acts 18:28)”; “doctrine (Titus 1:9)”; “correction (Matthew 4:3–10)”; “instruction (Acts 17:2–3)”; and “faith (Romans 10:17).” Read aloud the scripture on each found paper and discuss how it’s an example of that blessing. 

  • Share a few scriptures you treasure and explain why they are meaningful to you. As a class, keep a list of treasured scriptures the children find in the New Testament this year—at home or during Primary.
  • “Scripture Treasures” (January 2015 Friend)
    This poem tells of treasures you can find as you read the scriptures daily.
  • Have a discussion with the children about why it is sometimes hard to read the scriptures. Ask the children to share advice with each other about studying the scriptures. Ask them also to share any positive experiences they have had with the scriptures.
  • Help the children make simple calendars that they can use to mark how often they read the scriptures. These calendars could remind them to read the scriptures every day.

Friend January 2023 “I Can Read the New Testament”

I need my own testimony.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning” The children you teach will need their own testimonies of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ [if they are to keep their faith strong when adversity comes]. What can you do to inspire them to learn the truth for themselves?

  • Share the story of the ten virgins (see Matthew 25:1–13; see also “Chapter 47: The Ten Virgins,” in New Testament Stories, 118–20, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children questions like these: How are our testimonies like the lamps? Why is it important to have our own testimonies?
  • Discuss what we can do to strengthen our testimonies. For ideas, invite the children to search John 7:17 and Moroni 10:3–5. Invite them to share things they know are true.

Friend January 2013 “How can I get a testimony?”

  • Ask the children to help you label building blocks with truths that form our testimonies (see Gospel Topics, “Testimony,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Let the children use the blocks to build a structure representing a testimony.

Friend November 2018 “Building Blocks of Testimony” Use the four words on the right to fill in the blanks in the four building blocks of testimony.

Friend July 2015
Friend July 2015 lesson ideas too

Additional Resources

Latter Day Kids “Personal Revelation” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal “We are responsible for our own learning.” Lesson aids

“Lesson 1: Becoming Familiar with the New Testament,” Primary 7: New Testament 

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Become a Little Better” Lesson ideas

Dec 19 2022

Christmas: Old Testament

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The Old Testament teaches me about Jesus.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Christmas” Help the children focus on the Savior Jesus Christ as the reason we celebrate Christmas. You can do this using scriptures from the Old Testament that testify of Him.

  • Display a picture of the nativity (such as Gospel Art Book, no. 30, or one of the pictures in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Read Isaiah 9:6, giving each child a turn to point to the baby Jesus when they hear the phrase “a child is born.” Share your testimony that prophets in the Old Testament knew that Jesus would be born.
Friend December 2016
Friend December 2016
  • Invite each child to say his or her name, and point out that in addition to our names, we can be called other things, like sister or brother or friend. Invite the children to think of other examples. Read Isaiah 9:6 to the children, emphasizing the names that refer to Jesus Christ: “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Help the children understand what these names tell us about Jesus.

New Era December 2009 “Unto Us a Child Is Born” Explanation for each of the names for Jesus in Isaiah 9:6

  • Give each child a paper star, and invite the children to hold their stars up when you read the following phrase from Numbers 24:17: “there shall come a Star out of Jacob.” Invite the children to share how Jesus is like a bright star that shines to all the world. Sing together a song about the star that appeared when Jesus was born, such as “Stars Were Gleaming” (Children’s Songbook, 37) or “The First Noel” (Hymns, no. 213). (Jesus is our source of light to guide us in the paths we should follow.)

Little LDS Ideas

The Old Testament teaches me about Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Christmas The Old Testament is more than just a collection of interesting stories and writings; its purpose, like all scripture, is to testify of Jesus Christ. Help the children learn how to find Him in the Old Testament.

  • Invite the children to make a list of all the names and titles of Jesus Christ they can find in Moses 7:53; Psalm 23:1; Job 19:25; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 12:2; Amos 4:13; and Zechariah 14:16. Let them work in pairs if they would like. Invite them to share their lists with each other. What do we learn about the Savior from each of these names and titles?
Friend February 2019
Friend April 2017

Answers: Savior, Messiah, Jehovah, Shepherd, Mediator, Creator, Prince of Peace

Friend December 2022 “The Many Names of Jesus”

  • Show the children a few Christmas decorations (or pictures of some), such as a star, lights, or a gift. Ask the children how each of these things might remind us of the Savior. Explain that the scriptures often use symbols to teach us about Jesus Christ. Invite the children to look in one or more of the following verses for something that could symbolize Jesus Christ: Genesis 22:8; Exodus 17:6; Psalms 18:2; 27:1 (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families for additional examples). How is Jesus like a lamb, water, rock, a fortress, or light?
Friend December 2009

Friend December 2022 “The Symbols of Christmas”

Friend December 2012 “Jesus Christ Is the Son of God”

Liahona December 2022 “How Do These Symbols Testify of Jesus Christ?”

For the Strength of Youth August 2021 “The Light of Christ”

Liahona December 2022 “Acting on Faith in Jesus Christ” Come, Follow Me Family Fun: Reminders of Christ

The Old Testament includes symbols of the Savior and His Atonement that help us learn about Him.

  1. Have each person choose one of the following symbols of Christ used in the Old Testament:
  2. Using paper or other supplies, create an ornament shaped like the chosen symbol and display it in a special place to remember the Savior.
  3. Study the scripture references listed with each symbol above.

Discussion: What does each symbol teach about the Savior? What does Jesus Christ mean in your life?

  • At the end of studying the Old Testament this year, invite the children to share their favorite stories or scriptures from the Old Testament. What do these stories or scriptures teach us about Jesus Christ? Why are we grateful to have the Old Testament?

Jesus Christ is my Savior.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Christmas Christmas is a time to celebrate not only Jesus’s birth but also His life and mission as Savior of the world. How can you help the children feel joy and gratitude for Jesus Christ’s Atonement?

  • Ask the children to think of something that they are looking forward to. Explain that faithful people in Old Testament times looked forward to Jesus Christ’s birth. Read Isaiah 25:9 to the children, and have them repeat the phrase “We have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Share with them why you are glad and rejoice that Christ was born. Invite the children to share their feelings about the Savior.

Friend December 2022 “Jesus Said”

  • Sing together a song about Jesus’s birth, such as “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Songbook, 42–43) or “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (Hymns, no. 209). Help the children discover phrases in these songs that teach us about our Savior and the blessings we have because of Him.

Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Christmas As we celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth, we can also rejoice in His life and atoning sacrifice. How might you use scriptures from the Old Testament to help the children build their faith in their Savior and Redeemer?

  • Read together Isaiah 7:14; then invite the children to share what they know about Christ’s birth. Or show the video “The Nativity” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and invite each child to choose a person from the video and share how that person may have felt. Share your testimony about the Savior, and invite the children to do the same.
  • To help the children better understand Jesus Christ’s role as our Savior, invite them to read Isaiah 25:8–9; 53:3–5; and Hosea 13:14. What do these scriptures teach us about how the Lord saves us? How can we “rejoice in his salvation”? (Isaiah 25:9).
  • Sing a song together about Jesus Christ’s love for us, such as “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Songbook, 42–43) or “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns, no. 193). Invite the children to share phrases that help them feel the Savior’s love.

“The Christ Child: A Nativity Story”

Latter Day Kids “The Birth of Jesus Christ (The Nativity Story)” Lesson ideas

Dec 18 2022

Love for God

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Deuteronomy CHAPTER 6

Moses proclaims, The Lord our God is one Lord, and, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God—The children of Israel are commanded to teach their children—Moses exhorts them to keep the commandments, testimonies, and statutes of the Lord that they may prosper.

Engaging in his work shows God that you care about Him, His family, and His purposes.

I can love the Lord with all my heart.

Deuteronomy 6:5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Deuteronomy 6–8; 15; 18; 29–30; 34” Moses taught the children of Israel that they should love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and might. Think of ways you can help the children you teach increase their love for Heavenly Father and the Savior.

  • Draw on the board a heart, an outline of a body, and a strong arm. Read Deuteronomy 6:5, and point to the pictures as you read the words “heart,” “soul,” and “might.” Invite the children to take turns pointing to the pictures as the class repeats the scripture passage with you.
  • Sing a song that teaches about God’s love, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Help the children find words in the song that show that Heavenly Father loves us. Help them think of ways we can show Him we love Him too.

Ensign September “What Does it Mean to Love God with All Your Heart?” As we love someone else with all our hearts, we make them a priority in our lives. We give them our time, energy, talent, and resources.

Jesus Christ taught: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

To love God with all of our hearts, we use our time, energy, talents and resources to keep His commandments.

Book of Mormon Central “What Does It Mean to Love God with “All Thy Mind”?” In a world that is constantly competing for our attention, we are asked by God to choose Him by giving of our entire mind—our will, intelligence, talents, gratitude, trust, humility, and loyalty—to Him. God loves us perfectly, and our eternal welfare is at the top of His agenda.19 If we are His priority, why shouldn’t He also be ours?

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Inspiring Words” Lesson ideas

Friend February 2023 “What Does the Gospel Teach about Love?”

Latter Day Kids “Love God with All Thine Heart” Lesson ideas

Friend December 2022 “I Love Jesus Christ”

To “fear God” means to love and obey Him.

Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 15:33; 16:6; Ecclesiastes 12:13

“Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022” One of the important messages in Proverbs and Ecclesiastes is to “fear God, and keep his commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Ponder how you can help the children understand what it means to fear God.

  • Invite the children to list some things that people might fear. Then ask them to read Proverbs 1:7 and Ecclesiastes 12:13. What does it mean to fear God? To help answer this question, ask a child to read the verses again, replacing the word “fear” with the word “reverence.” Repeat this activity with words like “love,” “obedience,” or “obey.” How does this change our understanding of what it means to fear God?

As used in this verse, fear means reverence, or “profound respect mingled with love. … Reverence embraces regard, deference [respect], honor, and esteem” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 30).

  • Invite each child to choose one of the following verses to read, looking for the word “fear”: Proverbs 1:7; 2:5; 15:33; 16:6. Ask the children to share what their verse teaches about blessings that come when we fear the Lord, which means that we show reverence and respect toward Him (see also Proverbs 14:26–27). How can we show the Lord that we love and respect Him?

Friend June 2021 “Respect for Sacred Things”

Friend October 2016
Friend October 2016

Friend June 1999 “Keep the Commandments”

Friend September 2023 “Love for Heavenly Father” Draw a picture of something you can do this week to show your love for Heavenly Father!

I show my love for God when I show love to others. (Jr)

1 John 4:10–11, 20–21

Read 1 John 4:11 to the children, and sing a song about God’s love, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228). Ask a few children to share how they know that Heavenly Father loves them. After each answer, invite the children to hug themselves and say, “God is love, and God loves me.”(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Friend November 2023 “Bright Idea”

Read 1 John 4:21 to the children. Invite them to talk about or act out various ways they could show love toward a friend, such as giving a hug or making a card. How do these things make our friends feel? How does Heavenly Father feel when we do kind things for others?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Friend March 2021 “For Little Friends” Circle the ways you can show kindness!


Friend February 2017 “Sharing Love with Friends” Rentalyn tells how she shares love.

Friend January 2017

I show my love for God when I show love to others. (Sr)

1 John 2:8–11; 4:7–8, 20–21

Ask the children to imagine that someone new has begun attending their school or ward and does not yet know anyone there. How might this person feel? Invite a child to read 1 John 4:7–8. What does this verse suggest about how we should treat this person? Share similar scenarios, or ask the children to think of situations in which they might have opportunities to show love.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Friend February 2023 “How Can I Help Everyone Feel Welcome?”

Friend June 2021 “Be Kind”

Friend September 2020 “Friends By Mail” A family came up with some kindness tips: “If there’s a new kid at school, offer to show them around and introduce them to your other friends. Share things about yourself so they get to know you, and ask questions about them.”

Ask the children to read 1 John 4:7–8, 20–21, and invite them to each write one sentence to summarize what they think is the most important lesson in these verses. After they share their sentences, share a story from your life or from a Friend or Liahona magazine that you feel illustrates what these verses teach (see, for example, “Say Hello to Halim,” Friend, June 2019, 8–9; or Liahona, June 2019, F18–F19). Invite the children to share their own examples. How can we show love to those around us? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Friend June 2019 “Say Hello to Halim! Marcus puts a kind note in the new boy’s bucket to help him feel welcome because it looked like Halim was struggling with moving to a new country and a new school. Marcus’s class has buckets on their desks because their teacher wants them to write kind notes to each other to help fill the imaginary buckets inside of them.

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.

Friend October 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Mandy befriends a girl who is being made fun of because of the religious clothing (hijab) she wears. She shows respect for the girl’s faith and beliefs and invites her to meet her friends.

I show my love for God when I keep His commandments. (Jr)

1 John 2:3–5; 5:3

Read 1 John 5:3, and ask the children to listen for what this verse says about how we can show that we love God. Invite the children to name as many commandments as they can. How do we feel when we obey Heavenly Father’s commandments? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 14–17”

Invite the children to draw a picture showing one way they can show Heavenly Father that they love Him. For example, they could draw a picture of themselves keeping one of the commandments.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Sing together a song about obedience, such as “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 160–61). How do we feel when we obey? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

I show my love for God when I keep His commandments. (Sr)

1 John 2:3–6; 4:17–18; 5:2–5

Invite the children to list on the board ways they can show God that they love Him. Then read together 1 John 2:5–6; 5:2–5 for additional ideas. How does obeying the commandments show that we love Heavenly Father? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1–3 John; Jude” Are there any commandments that we consider “grievous” or difficult to follow? How does our love for God change the way we feel about His commandments?

Latter Day Kids “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments” Lesson ideas

Read 1 John 4:17, and explain to the children that to “have boldness in the day of judgment” means having confidence and peace when they stand before God to be judged. What does this verse teach that we need to do to have this confidence? What are some things we can do now to be confident before God? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

The Red Crystal

Dec 12 2022

Malachi

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Heavenly Father will bless me when I pay tithing.

Malachi 3:10–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Malachi” Even if the young children you teach don’t earn money yet, they can still learn about the blessings of paying tithing.

  • Help the children count 10 small objects, such as the coins on this week’s activity page. Invite them to separate one of the objects from the rest, and explain that this is like the tithing we give to the Lord. We give Him one-tenth of what we receive. Share your testimony of how the Lord blesses us as we pay tithing. Sing with the children a song about tithing, such as “I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth” (Children’s Songbook, 150).

Launch Presentation

Friend December 2022 “Tithing Pie” A bishop explains tithing by drawing a pretend peach pie and then asking if any of the children would want some. He then says he will give the whole pie to them, but he just wants one piece back.

Friend October 2020 “Funstuff: Tithing Time”Count the coins. For every 10 that you count, color one.

  • Draw a window on the board, and read Malachi 3:10 to the children. Invite them to point to the window when you read the phrase “windows of heaven.” Explain that this means that Heavenly Father gives us great blessings when we pay tithing. As the children color this week’s activity page, talk about some of the reasons why we pay tithing.
  • Share a story from the Friend magazine or from your own life about paying tithing. Invite the children to listen for blessings that can come from paying tithing.

Friend April 2018 “An Amazing Lesson”When Elder Cordon was a child he learned that the Lord blesses us when we pay our tithing. His parents had to choose between paying for food or paying tithing. They paid their tithing and later his father received work and a prepayment for that work.

Friend April 2016 “Pesos for Heavenly Father” Ana’s grandmother has faith to pay tithing even though there is no food, and she is blessed.

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Family members might enjoy drawing pictures to represent these blessings and hanging the pictures on a window.

“Lesson 44: Malachi Teaches about Tithes and Offerings,” Primary 6: Old Testament

Heavenly Father will bless me when I pay tithing.

Malachi 3:8–12

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 ” Paying tithing is more about having faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ than it is about finances. What do the children you teach understand about tithing? How will you help them have the faith to pay tithing?

  • Write on the board questions about tithing like the following: What is tithing? How do I pay tithing? What is tithing for? What are the blessings of paying tithing? Invite the children to search Malachi 3:8–12 and “Tithes, Tithing” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and write down answers they find. Invite them to share their answers with each other. What kind of people do we become by paying tithing?
  • Show the video “Jesus Teaches about the Widow’s Mite” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or read together Mark 12:41–44. What does this story teach us about how the Lord feels about our offerings?
  • Draw a window on the board, and invite the children to write inside the window blessings that someone might receive for paying tithing (for ideas, see Malachi 3:10–12). Invite the children to share a personal example of how they or their families have been blessed by faithfully paying tithing. Or you could share an example from your own life of how paying tithing has increased your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Latter Day Kids “The Law of Tithing” Lesson ideas

We are sealed as families in the temple.

Malachi 4:5–6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 ” Because of the priesthood keys of sealing that Elijah gave Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple, families can be united for eternity. As you teach this truth, be sensitive to the feelings of children whose families have not been sealed in the temple.

  • Read Malachi 4:5 to the children. Then tell them that this promise was fulfilled when Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple (see “Chapter 40: Visions in the Kirtland Temple,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 157). Show a picture of this event (see Gospel Art Book, no. 95), and invite the children to point to Elijah and to Joseph Smith. Explain that because Elijah came, we can be sealed as families in the temple. Share your testimony of the importance of being sealed as families.
  • Tell the children about your love for your family; show a picture, if possible. Invite a few children to share their feelings for their family. Sing together a song about families, such as “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Hymns, no. 300), and testify that Heavenly Father wants families to be sealed together and that this is one reason we have temples. Help children understand that because of Jesus Christ, we can even be sealed to family members who were not able to go to the temple in this life. Invite the children to draw a picture of their family together in heaven.

“I will send you Elijah the prophet.”

Malachi 4:5–6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 ” Malachi’s prophecy about Elijah the prophet was fulfilled when Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple and gave him the priesthood keys that allow families to be sealed together forever. You might consider inviting someone in the ward who has responsibility for temple and family history work (such as a member of the elders quorum presidency or Relief Society presidency) to help you teach this doctrine to the children. Remember to be sensitive to the feelings of children whose families have not been sealed.

  • Write each phrase from Malachi 4:5–6 on a separate slip of paper. Give the slips of paper to the children, and ask them to put the phrases in the correct order. Read the verses together, and discuss questions like these: Who did the Lord promise to send? When did He say this person would come? What did the Lord say that this person would do? Why would this person need to come? Where was this prophecy fulfilled? (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16).
  • Write on the board a question like What does it mean for the hearts of the children to turn to their fathers? (see Malachi 4:6). Invite the children to ponder this question as they watch the video “Their Hearts Are Bound to You” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Then invite the children to share their thoughts about the question on the board. Discuss together experiences you or the children have had learning about family history.
  • Show the picture of Elijah from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me–For Individuals and Families. Invite the children to share what they know about the event this picture depicts (see also Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–16). Testify that the sealing power Elijah restored allows families to be united eternally—including families who didn’t have that opportunity in mortality. If you have participated in a sealing, either for yourself or for a deceased person, talk about what you felt during that ordinance. Ask the children to share their feelings about their families and about God’s plan to help families be together forever.
 Gospel Art Book, no. 95

Explain that when we learn about our ancestors and do temple work for them, our hearts are turning to our fathers.

Friend August 2002 “The Heart of the Children” Fold the hearts in half, and glue each half to a half of a different heart (see illustration).

Friend October 2019 “The Temple Challenge” Temple Scramble: This girl has taken a family name to the temple. Can you put the pictures in order?

The Red Crystal

Dec 6 2022

Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14

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Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” After decades of captivity, a group of Israelites, probably including the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, were allowed to return to Jerusalem. Some in this group remembered what Jerusalem looked like before it was destroyed. Imagine their feelings as they saw the rubble that had once been their homes, their places of worship, and their temple. To those who wondered whether the temple would ever again resemble the Lord’s “house in her first glory” (Haggai 2:3), the prophet Haggai spoke the Lord’s words of encouragement: “Be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you, … fear ye not.” “I will fill this house with glory, … and in this place will I give peace.” (Haggai 2:4–5, 7, 9.)

But it wasn’t just the holy temple that needed rebuilding. In many ways, God’s people were spiritually in ruins. And rebuilding a holy people takes more than hewing stones and aligning them to build a temple wall. Today, temples bear the inscription “Holiness to the Lord,” and those words apply not just to a building but to a way of life. Engraving these words on “the bells of the horses” and “every pot in Jerusalem” (Zechariah 14:20–21) is helpful only if they are also engraved on every heart. True holiness requires that the Lord’s words and laws “take hold” (Zechariah 1:6) in us, allowing His power to change our natures so that we become holy like Him (see Leviticus 19:2).

“Consider your ways.”

Haggai 1:2–8

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” There were many important things to do to rebuild Jerusalem. But after roughly 15 years had passed since the Israelites’ return, the Lord was displeased that the rebuilding of the temple had not been given higher priority (see Haggai 1:2–5; see also Ezra 4:24).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” It is important for all of us to be aware of our priorities and take time to “consider [our] ways.” How can you inspire the children to make time in their lives for the things of God?

  • Invite the children to read Haggai 1:2–5 to find out why the Lord was not pleased with the Israelites. Ask the children to pick a phrase from verse 6 and draw a picture of it. Let the class guess what phrase each drawing represents. Talk about how spending time on things other than what the Lord wants is like eating but not being filled, dressing but not being warm, and so on. Why is it important to make time for the things that are important to the Lord?
  • Write “Consider your ways” on the board (verse 7). Invite each child to make a list of things he or she might do in a typical day, including things the Lord has asked us to do. Ask the children to “consider [their] ways” by circling what the Lord might say are the most important things on their list. How can we make sure we give time each day for the things the Lord wants us to do?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14”

As you read Haggai 1; 2:1–9, consider questions like these: What consequences did the Israelites face because they had not finished the temple? What blessings did the Lord promise them if they finished building His house? You might take this opportunity to “consider your ways”—to think about your priorities and how you could align them with the Lord’s.

These verses may prompt your family to “consider your ways.” Maybe family members could act out the phrases in verse 6. What does this verse teach about valuing the things of the world over the things of God? You might counsel together about your family’s priorities. Singing a song like “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79) could help your family evaluate what you are doing well and areas in which you can improve.

Latter Day Kids “Consider Your Ways” Lesson ideas

I can put God first in my life.

Haggai 1:6–8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” Learning about the Lord’s counsel to “consider your ways” is an opportunity for the children to make sure they are doing the important things God has asked us to do.

  • Explain to the children that the Lord wanted the Israelites to build the temple, but they were doing other things instead. Read aloud Haggai 1:7, and explain that “consider your ways” means that the Lord wanted the Israelites to think about whether they were doing the most important things. Read verse 8 to the children, and invite them to pretend to “go up to the mountain,” “bring down wood,” and “build the house [of the Lord].” What important things does God want us to do?
  • Put pictures face down on a table that represent some of the things that are important to God, such as the scriptures, prayer, and the temple. Allow the children to take turns choosing a picture and showing it to the class. Help them understand why it is important to ensure that we make time for each of the things in the pictures.

Haggai 2:1–9.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” To introduce these verses, you could share the story of the Provo City Center Temple, which was rebuilt from a beloved tabernacle that had burned down (see the video “Provo City Center Temple Completed,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). As your family reads Haggai 2:1–9, you might ask family members to think of something in our lives that might be like the work of rebuilding the temple that had been destroyed. How does the Lord rebuild us after tragedy or adversity?

Jesus Christ can make my spirit clean.

Zechariah 3:1–7

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

  • Let the children pass around a dirty shirt, and read Zechariah 3:3. Then pass around a clean shirt, and read verse 4. Talk with the children about how making wrong choices is like becoming dirty spiritually, but the Savior can make us clean again. How do we feel when we are clean? Share your testimony that because Jesus Christ suffered and died for us, we will be clean from our sins as we repent.
  • If possible, show the children a picture of someone they know dressed in white at his or her baptism (or see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103, 104). Why do we wear white at our baptisms? Sing a song about baptism, such as “When I Am Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 103). Invite the children to draw themselves being baptized and share how they feel about being baptized someday.
Media Library “Boy Being Baptized”

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

Friend December 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

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

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

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

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

Zechariah 3:1–7

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

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

Prophets teach us about Jesus Christ.

Zechariah 2:10; 9:9; 14:3–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14” Like other Old Testament prophets, Zechariah prophesied of Jesus Christ. What can the prophecies in Zechariah 2:10; 9:9; 14:3–9 teach the children about Him?

  • Display a picture of Jesus Christ entering Jerusalem on a donkey (see Gospel Art Book, no. 50). Tell the children that many years before Jesus came to earth, Zechariah prophesied that Jesus Christ would ride a donkey into Jerusalem before He died for us. As you read Zechariah 9:9, ask the children to point to people in the picture who “rejoice greatly” and also point to the “King.” Who is the King? Ask the children to share why they are thankful for Jesus.
  • Read to the children some of the prophecies Zechariah made about the Savior’s Second Coming, such as those in Zechariah 2:10; 14:9. Ask the children to draw pictures of what they think it will be like when Jesus comes again, or sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83).

Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah.

Zechariah 9:9–11; 11:12; 13:6–7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Haggai; Zechariah 1–3; 7–14”What can the children learn from Zechariah’s prophecies about Jesus Christ?

The Red Crystal Lesson aids

Nov 14 2022

 Jonah; Micah

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The Lord blesses me when I obey Him.

Jonah 1:4–17; 3:3–5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jonah; Micah” When the Lord asked Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh, Jonah did not obey. Help the children understand that we are blessed when we obey the Lord.

  • Show pictures of the story of Jonah, and invite the children to tell what they know about the story (see “Jonah the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories; this week’s activity page; or this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Ask questions like these: What happened when Jonah didn’t obey the Lord? (see Jonah 1:4–17). What happened when he did obey? (see Jonah 3:3–5). Share your testimony that the Lord will bless us when we obey Him.

Old Testament Stories “Jonah the Prophet” Images

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Jonah; Micah”Your children might enjoy doing actions that tell the story of Jonah, like pretending to run away, making sounds like a stormy sea, or pretending to get swallowed by a big fish (see “Jonah the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories). Ask family members what they learn from Jonah’s experience. For one example of a lesson from Jonah, see verse 7 of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11).

Sing together a song about obeying the Lord, such as “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Songbook, 197). Talk about how it would have been best for Jonah to obey the first time. Help the children think of things God wants them to do and then act out how they can obey quickly.

The gospel is for everyone.

Jonah 3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jonah; Micah” The people of Nineveh repented when Jonah shared the Lord’s message with them. What opportunities do the children have to share the gospel?

  • Act out parts of Jonah 3:3–8 with the children, such as walking to the city of Nineveh, sharing the Lord’s message, and writing a decree from the king to his people. Show a picture of missionaries (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 109, 110). What do missionaries do? How was Jonah a missionary? Help the children think of ways they can share the gospel with others, such as sharing an article of faith or bearing their testimony of Jesus Christ.
  • Tell of an experience when you shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. Or, a few days before class, invite someone to visit your class and tell the children about a time when he or she shared the gospel or when someone shared the gospel with him or her. Encourage the person to show pictures, if possible. Help the children think of ways they can be missionaries now.

Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.

Micah 5:2

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jonah; Micah” Micah prophesied that a future “ruler in Israel” would be born in Bethlehem. You can help the children know that the birth of Jesus Christ fulfilled this prophecy.

  • Display pictures of events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 28, 29, 30, 31). Invite the children to talk about what is happening in each picture. Read Micah 5:2, and invite the children to stand up when they hear the word “Beth-lehem.” Testify that Jesus’s birth was so important that prophets knew about it before He was born.
  • Invite the children to draw a picture of Jesus’s birth. As they show their pictures, ask them to share why they are thankful for Jesus Christ.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Jonah; Micah” You could display a picture of Jesus as a child with His mother (see Gospel Art Book, no. 33) on one side of the room and a picture of the Wise Men on another. Read together Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:1–6. How did Micah’s prophecy help the Wise Men find Jesus? Family members could move the picture of the Wise Men next to the picture of Jesus. Your family might also enjoy watching the video “The Christ Child: A Nativity Story” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Repentance includes recognizing my sins and asking for forgiveness.

Jonah 1:10–12; 2:1–4, 9; 3:1–5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jonah; Micah” Jonah’s example can inspire the children to turn to the Lord when they have sinned.

  • Help the children make a list on the board of some of the basic elements of repentance (see Guide to the Scriptures, “Repent, Repentance,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Review together the story of Jonah, and invite the children to identify evidence that Jonah was repenting (see, for example, Jonah 1:10–12; 2:1–4, 9; 3:1–5). How can we show the Lord that our repentance is sincere?
  • Sing a song about repentance, such as “Repentance” (Children’s Songbook, 98). Ask the children what words or phrases from the song they would share with Jonah to help him repent.
  • “McKay and the Whale” (January 2006 Friend)
    McKay tries to hide something from his parents. He hears the story of Jonah and the whale and decides to tell the truth. Includes figures to tell the story of Jonah.

The Lord is merciful to all who turn to Him.

Jonah 2:7–10; 3:10; 4:2; Micah 7:18–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jonah; Micah” When the children understand that the Lord is merciful and kind, they will turn to Him when they need mercy.

  • Invite the children to find a definition of the word mercy in a dictionary or in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Why did Jonah need mercy? Why did the people of Nineveh need mercy? (see Jonah 1:1–3). Ask the children to imagine that they could interview Jonah. What evidence might Jonah give to show that the Lord is merciful? (see, for example, Jonah 2:7–10; 3:10; 4:2). How has the Lord shown us mercy?
  • Ask the children to make a list on the board of things that they “delight” in, such as hobbies, blessings from the Lord, and so on. Invite them to read Micah 7:18–19 to discover one thing the Lord delights in. What truths in these verses would help a person who is afraid to repent?
  • Help the children think of examples when the Savior showed mercy to others, such as Mark 2:3–12; Luke 23:33–34; and John 8:1–11. Show pictures of these events, if possible. Help the children think of opportunities they have to be merciful and kind to others.

The Lord wants me to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.

Micah 6:8

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Jonah; Micah” Micah 6:8 provides a pattern for living righteously. How can you help the children discover and live the teachings in this verse?

  • Read together Micah 6:8, and help the children understand what these phrases mean: “do justly,” “love mercy,” and “walk humbly with thy God.” Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves doing something related to one of the phrases.
  • Write on the board “What doth the Lord require of thee?” Invite them to find the answer in Micah 6:8. How does obeying the Lord’s commandments help us fulfill what the Lord requires of us in this verse?

Additional Resources

“Lesson 43: Jonah and the People of Nineveh,” Primary 6: Old Testament  Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “Jonah and the Whale” Lesson ideas

Friend November 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Jonah and the Big Fish Activity: Go outside and find some rocks, leaves, or sticks. Use them to make a picture about Jonah and the big fish!

Friend December 2018 “Jonah and the Whale”

[unitegallery Decem2018]

Friend December 2018 “Jonah Repented” Story and goal card.

Old Testament Coloring Book “Jonah”

“Jonah and the Big Fish” (October 1990 Friend)

  • “Jonah Repents” (July 2005 Liahona and Friend)
    This retelling includes an illustration to color

Coloring page: “Jonah and the Great Fish” (October 2010 Friend)

Gospel Art Picture: “Jonah”

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “God is Merciful” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Come Follow Me Lesson Helps

Music: “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110)

Jonah was a prophet, tried to run away,But he later learned to listen and obey.When we really try, the Lord won’t let us fail:That’s what Jonah learned deep down inside the whale.

Nov 8 2022

Hosea 1-6; 10-14; Joel

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I can faithfully keep my covenants.

Hosea 2:19–20

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Hosea 1–6; 10–14, Joel” In the book of Hosea, the Lord compared His covenants with the Israelites to a marriage. Despite the Israelites’ unfaithfulness, He still loved them and wanted them to return. This comparison can help you teach the children about the importance of keeping our covenants with the Lord.

  • Tell the children that in the book of Hosea, the Lord compared His covenants with Israel to a marriage. Show the children a picture of a bride and groom. How does Heavenly Father want a husband and wife to treat each other? How can we show the Lord that we love Him and will be faithful to Him?

Media Library “Young Couple Going to the Temple”

  • Help the children understand that the covenants we make with the Lord are meant to last forever. Invite one of the children to read Hosea 2:19–20, looking for words that describe how the Lord feels about His covenants with us. What do we covenant to do when we are baptized? How can we keep this covenant we have made with the Lord?

See also Covenants and Resources for Teaching Children: Covenants

I can seek the Lord.

Hosea 10:12

Hosea 10:12 uses the images of sowing, reaping, time, and rain to invite us to seek the Lord. As you read this verse, what creative ideas come to mind that could inspire the children to seek Him?

  • Read Hosea 10:12 to the children, and invite them to do simple actions to help them understand the verse, such as pretending to plant seeds, pick vegetables from a plant, or stand in the rain. Or show pictures of seeds, plants, and rain. Help the children compare planting a seed and reaping good food to living righteously and receiving the Lord’s blessings. Testify of the blessings the Lord has rained upon you as you have tried to seek Him.

Print and cut out the below visual aids.

Friend September 2016
Friend September 2016

Latter Day Kids “Law of the Harvest”

  • Draw a clock on the board, and ask the children to share ways we can seek the Lord at different times of the day. Invite the children to repeat with you the phrase “It is time to seek the Lord” (Hosea 10:12). Help them understand that it is always time to seek the Lord. Share what you do to remember Him all the time.

Printable clock with movable arms

Children might enjoy drawing a clock and planning ways they can seek the Lord at different times throughout the day.

Friend February 2012 Some images of times to remember the Lord

Jesus Christ is my Savior.


Hosea 13:4, 14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Hosea 1–6; 10–14, Joel” As you teach about the Savior and His Atonement, bear testimony of His love for each of the children.

  • Show pictures of several people, including Jesus, and ask the children to find which of these people is our Savior. Read Hosea 13:4, and emphasize that there is no Savior except Jesus Christ. Testify that because of Jesus Christ’s Atonement, we can return to live with Heavenly Father again.
  • Let the children take turns holding a picture of Jesus on the cross or in the tomb and a picture of Jesus outside the empty tomb. Invite the children to talk about what the pictures show. Read from Hosea 13:14 the phrase “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death.” Testify that Jesus Christ saved us from death and that we can be resurrected.
  • Sing together a song about the Resurrection, such as “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook, 64). Help the children recognize the Spirit as they sing.

Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.

Hosea 13:4, 14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Hosea 1–6; 10–14, Joel” How can you use Hosea’s words to strengthen the children’s testimonies of their Savior and Redeemer? As you teach, help the children feel the joy and love of Jesus Christ’s Atonement.

  • Invite the children to read Hosea 13:4, 14, looking for words or phrases that describe Jesus Christ. What do these words teach us about Him? Invite the children to use the Topical Guide or Guide to the Scriptures to find and share other scriptures that teach about Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer. Share your testimony of the Savior, and give the children the opportunity to do the same.
  • To help the children understand how the Savior ransoms or redeems us from death, show the video “Handel’s Messiah: Debtor’s Prison” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn from this video that helps us understand what the Savior has done for us?

Friend November 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities:Jesus was Resurrected”

Story: Hosea was a prophet. He taught that Jesus Christ would die and be resurrected. This made it so we could live again. (See Hosea 13:14.)

Song: “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook, 64)

Activity: Because Jesus Christ was resurrected, we will all live again someday. Find pictures of family members who have died. Share stories about them.

Joel 2:12–13.

To help your family talk about Joel 2:12–13, you could place a picture of the Savior on one side of a room and the word sin on the opposite side. Invite family members to take turns facing the sign and then turning toward the Savior as they share things that can help us turn to Him “with all [our] heart.” Encourage family members to think about all aspects of their lives, including activities, work, school, and relationships. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Hosea 1–6; 10–14 Joel”

The Holy Ghost can guide me.

Joel Chapter 1 Call a solemn assembly and gather to the house of the Lord, for the day of the Lord is at hand.

Joel CHAPTER 2 War and desolation will precede the Second Coming—The sun and the moon will be darkened—The Lord will pour out His Spirit upon all flesh—There will be dreams and visions.

Joel Chapter 3 All nations will be at war—Multitudes will stand in the valley of decision as the Second Coming draws near—The Lord will dwell in Zion.

Joel 2:28

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Hosea 1–6; 10–14, Joel” As you teach about Joel’s prophecy in Joel 2:28, consider how you can help the children prepare to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost after they are baptized.

  • Read Joel 2:28 to the children, and explain that the words “all flesh” mean everyone, including “sons” and “daughters” like them. Invite the children to draw pictures of the people referred to in this verse (sons and daughters, old and young men, old and young women), including themselves. Explain that one way Heavenly Father pours out His Spirit is by giving us the gift of the Holy Ghost when we are baptized.

What could it mean for the Spirit to be “poured out” upon us? Maybe you could demonstrate this by pouring a liquid and then contrasting it with a drip or a trickle.

  • Invite the children to share what they know about the Holy Ghost. Help them understand that the Holy Ghost can teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and can help us to know what is true (see John 14:26; Doctrine and Covenants 42:17). Share experiences to help the children understand the ways the Spirit can help us.

Friend June 2019 “The Holy Ghost is…”  The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, a gift that comes with baptism, and a promise from Heavenly Father. He is a comforter, warning, teacher, messenger, friend.

The Holy Ghost can guide me.

Joel 2:28–29

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Hosea 1–6; 10–14, Joel” Many of the children you teach have likely been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. How can you use these scriptures to help them understand the power and blessings that come from hearing the voice of the Spirit?

  • Invite the children to read together Joel 2:28–29, inserting each other’s names in place of the phrases “your sons” and “your daughters.” Write on the board a sentence like The Holy Ghost can … and invite the children to take turns completing the sentence. Encourage them to include things they learn from John 14:16; Moroni 10:5; Doctrine and Covenants 42:17, and other scriptures.
  • Place an object in a bowl, and let the children take turns pouring water over it. Explain that the object represents us, and the water represents the Holy Ghost. When we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is one way the Lord fulfills His promise to “pour out [His] spirit.” What must we do to receive the Holy Ghost? Invite the children to share times when they have felt the influence of the Spirit.

What could it mean for the Spirit to be “poured out” upon us? Maybe you could demonstrate this by pouring a liquid and then contrasting it with a drip or a trickle.

Friend February 2018 “Funstuff: The Holy Ghost” Fill in the blank with some things you can do to feel the Holy Ghost.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal

Oct 30 2022

Daniel 1–6

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Heavenly Father wants me to take care of my body.

DANIEL CHAPTER 1 Daniel and certain Hebrews are trained in the court of Nebuchadnezzar—They eat plain food and drink no wine—God gives them knowledge and wisdom beyond all others.

Daniel 1:1–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Daniel 1–6” Daniel and his friends refused the meat and wine the king offered them because they wanted to follow God’s commandments and avoid harming their bodies. Today the Word of Wisdom helps us avoid substances that would harm our bodies.

  • Share with the children “Daniel and His Friends” (in Old Testament Stories), or summarize Daniel 1:1–17. Invite the children to act out the story. Help them understand how the Lord blessed Daniel and his friends for choosing to obey Him (see verse 17). What blessings do we receive from God when we choose the right?

Old Testament Scripture Readers “Daniel and His Friends”

Show the children pictures of things the Word of Wisdom teaches us to eat or use and things it tells us not to eat or use (see Doctrine and Covenants 89). Invite the children to pretend to eat the good things and say no to the bad things. Testify that the Lord blesses us when we care for our bodies. Sing together a song about caring for our bodies, such as “The Lord Gave Me a Temple” or “The Word of Wisdom” (Children’s Songbook, 153, 154–55). What does this song teach us?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 89-92” Your family members might enjoy drawing or finding pictures of foods and other substances mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Then you could play a game—family members could take turns selecting pictures at random, putting the things we shouldn’t use in the trash and the things we should use on a plate. How have the promises in verses 18–21 been fulfilled in our lives?

What does the Word of Wisdom say is good for our bodies? – Game

What does the Word of Wisdom say is bad for our bodies? – Game

Old Testament Coloring Book “Daniel and His Friends”
  • “Daniel Obeys the Lord” (June 1998 Friend)
    A retelling of the story of Daniel and his friends refusing to eat the king’s food. Includes flannel board figures.
Media Library: Daniel Refusing the King’s Meat and Wine

See also “Lesson 40: Daniel and the King’s Food,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 176–79

See more at Word of Wisdom

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth.

Daniel Chapter 2 Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is revealed to Daniel—The king saw a great image, a stone cut from the mountain without hands destroyed the image, and the stone grew and filled the whole earth—The stone is the latter-day kingdom of God.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Daniel 1–6” When Daniel gave his inspired interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he saw a stone “cut out of the mountain without hands” (Daniel 2:45). This stone represents The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is destined to fill the earth.

  • Read Daniel 2:31–35, 44–45 with the children, and invite them to draw a picture of what Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. Ask the children what they learn from these verses about the stone in the dream.
Media Library “Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream”

“Lesson 146: Daniel 1–2,” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Material
 (2018) Who did Daniel say the head represented? (Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire.) What else did Daniel reveal about the king’s dream? (The other sections of the image represented kingdoms that would rise after Babylon fell.)

Media Library: Nebuchadnezzar’s dream

“Lesson 146: Daniel 1–2,” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Material
 (2018)

Many kingdoms” next to verses 41–43. Point out that the time of many kingdoms includes the latter days (see verse 44, footnote a).

  • What might the phrase “cut out of the mountain without hands” in verse 45 mean? (The kingdom was established by God, not by man.)

Explain that this stone represents The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ask the children to name some things Heavenly Father did to set up His Church in the latter days. To give them ideas, show pictures of events in the Restoration of the Church (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 90–95).

  • Why is it important for you to understand that the Church was established by God and not by man?
  • What does Daniel’s prophecy teach us about the Church? (After students respond, write the following truth on the board: The Lord established His Church—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and it will continue to grow until it fills the whole earth.)
  • Give each child a crumpled-up piece of paper to represent the stone in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Ask each child to share how he or she knows that the Church was restored by God. As the children share, invite them to give their “stones” to you. Wrap the stones together using tape or string to form a large stone. Testify that as we strengthen our testimonies and share the gospel with others, we unite our faith to help the kingdom of God “[fill] the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35).

Old Testament Coloring Book “Daniel and the King’s Dream”

Invite a student to read Daniel 2:46–49 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for King Nebuchadnezzar’s response to the interpretation of his dream.

  • What did Nebuchadnezzar do for Daniel and his friends?

God will bless me as I choose to follow Jesus Christ.

Daniel CHAPTER 3 Nebuchadnezzar creates a golden image and commands all men to worship it—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refuse and are cast into the fiery furnace—They are preserved and come out unharmed.

  • Show a picture of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the fiery furnace (see Gospel Art Book, no. 25), and ask the children to count the people in the furnace. Read Daniel 3:24–25 to find out who else was in the furnace. Share your testimony that the Lord is with us as we follow Him.
Media Library: Three Men in the Fiery Furnace (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace)

Friend November 2022 “Saved from the Fire”

“Lesson 41: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 180–84 Lesson ideas

Daniel CHAPTER 4 Daniel interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great tree, describing the king’s fall and madness—The king learns that the Most High rules and sets the basest of men over earthly kingdoms.

The below video is not produced by the church or its members but it has a good overview of Daniel 3-5.

Daniel CHAPTER 5 Belshazzar and his revelers drink from the vessels of the temple—A hand writes upon the wall, telling of Belshazzar’s downfall—Daniel interprets the words and reproves the king for pride and idolatry—That night Babylon is conquered.

Heavenly Father wants me to pray often.

Daniel CHAPTER 6 Darius makes Daniel the first of his presidents—Daniel worships the Lord in defiance of a decree of Darius—He is cast into the den of lions—His faith saves him, and Darius decrees that all people are to revere the God of Daniel.

Old Testament Stories “Daniel and the Lion’s Den”

Friend November 2018 “Daniel and the Lions”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Daniel 1–6” Daniel was willing to risk his life so he could pray to Heavenly Father each day. How can you help the children develop a similar desire to pray?

  • Tell the story in Daniel 6 (see “Daniel and the Lions’ Den” in Old Testament Stories), and invite the children to draw a picture of the story. Ask them to use their pictures to tell the story to each other. Why does Heavenly Father want us to pray to Him? Share why prayer is important to you.
Friend August 2018
Friend February 2017
  • Talk with the children about times when they can pray, such as when they are scared, when they make mistakes, or when they need help in school. Why is it good to pray in these situations? Teach the children that no matter where they are, they can always pray in their hearts.
Friend January 2019
  • Sing together a song about prayer, such as “We Bow Our Heads” (Children’s Songbook, 25). Talk with the children about things we can pray for.

“Daniel and the Lions’ Den” (October 2005 Friend)
A retelling of the story of Daniel and the lions’ den told with pictures. Includes an activity.

Latter Day Kids “Daniel and the Lion’s Den” Lesson ideas

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Daniel 1-6”

Daniel 6:25–27.

According to these verses, how was King Darius affected when the Lord delivered Daniel from the lions? You could also read in Daniel 2:47; 3:28–29 about how King Nebuchadnezzar was affected in a similar way. What opportunities do we have to influence others? Discuss examples you have seen of how the faith of other people, including family members, has influenced others for good.

“Lesson 42: Daniel in the Lions’ Den,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 185–88 To help each child understand the value of daily prayer.

I can do what is right even when it’s hard.

Daniel 1; 3; 6

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Daniel 1–6” The book of Daniel contains stories of people who chose to follow God’s commandments even when doing so was hard. How will you help the children learn from these examples?

  • Find pictures of the stories in Daniel 1, 3, and 6 (see this week’s activity page, this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, or Gospel Art Book, nos. 23, 25, 26). Place the pictures facedown on the board or on the floor. Invite a child to turn over one of the pictures, and help him or her tell the story it represents. (For help, see “Daniel and His Friends,” “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego,” and “Daniel and the Lions’ Den” in Old Testament Stories.) After each story, discuss questions like these: What did the people do to follow the Lord? How did the Lord bless them? Share how you have been blessed for choosing to follow Jesus Christ. Ask the children to share their experiences.
  • Invite the children to act out situations where they can show their faith in God by keeping His commandments. These could include being kind to a sibling, telling someone about the Savior, or praying each night.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23”

Friend November 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Daniel and the Lion’s Den”

Story: The prophet Daniel prayed each day. Some jealous men tricked the king into making a bad law. Anyone who prayed to God would be thrown into a den of lions! Daniel prayed anyway. He was thrown into the lions’ den, but God sent an angel to protect him. (See Daniel 6.)

Song: “I Want to Live the Gospel” (Children’s Songbook, 148)

Activity: Cut out the finger puppets on page 17 and use them to tell the story of Daniel and the lions’ den. Why is it good to pray?

Friend October 2018 “The T-E-S-T”  One day, when Sharon’s father was reading to her the Bible story about Daniel in the lion’s den, he traced the word “test” on her forehead. He told her she would have tests like Daniel, but she should follow Heavenly Father’s commandments and not give into fear. (Also includes a lion activity of ways Heavenly Father helps us with challenges. )

Coloring page: “Daniel Chooses the Right” (September 2010 Friend)

The stories in Daniel 1, 3, and 6 can give the children you teach courage and faith to make good choices, even when they feel alone.

  • Draw on the board several arrows all pointing in the same direction and then one arrow pointing in the opposite direction. How are Daniel and his friends like this one arrow? Invite the children to give examples from the stories in Daniel 1, 3, and 6 (see “Daniel and His Friends,” “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego,” and “Daniel and the Lions’ Den” in Old Testament Stories). Ask the children why they think it might have been hard for Daniel and his friends to make good choices. How did the Lord bless them for choosing the right?
  • Help the children think of situations when they might be pressured to make a wrong choice. Invite them to share experiences when they were blessed for choosing the right even when it was hard. Sing together a song related to this topic, such as “Choose the Right” (Hymns, no. 239).
  • “The Rule Review” (May 2014 Friend)
    Joseph keeps the family rules instead of giving in to peer pressure.
  • “Luke the Leader” (July 2014 Friend)
    When Luke’s friends want him to say a bad word, he makes up silly words instead.
  • “Matt and Mandy” (March 2011 Friend)
    Matt chooses the right even when his friend pressures him to do something bad.
  • “The Bad Movie” (June 2013 Liahona and Friend)
    When her class chooses a movie, Evelyn decides to watch only things that would be pleasing to Heavenly Father.

Friend November 2018 “Daniel Bravely Followed God” Story and goal card. (I can stand up for what I believe)

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Trust in God” Lesson ideas

Red Crystal

“Daniel, Lions, and Me” (October 2005 Friend) Color and cutout a lion that will remind you to have faith and courage like Daniel.

Friend January 1983 “Strolling Puppeteer”

Friend Jan 1983

“Daniel in the Lions’ Den” (September 2007 Friend)
Find the hidden objects and then color this illustration of Daniel praying in the lions’ den.

Friend November 2018 “Coloring Page: I Love Scripture Stories”  Children acting out story of Daniel in lion’s den.