Fathers: Activities & Games

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Table of Contents

Gifts for Dad – Father’s Day

Friend June 2020 “A Rock-Solid Father’s Day Gift” “Dad Rocks” paperweight

Friend June 2019 “Father’s Day Jar of Love” Fill a jar almost to the top with pebbles or your dad’s favorite candy. Write things you love about your dad on the craft sticks and stick them in the jar. Cut out the tags and tape them to the outside of the jar.

Friend June 2016 “Funstuff” Here’s a Father’s Day gift any dad (or granddad!) will love. Fill in the blanks below, and read your very own poem.

Friend June 2016

Friend June 2017 – Origami Card

Fathers Teach their Children

Friend April 2022 “Activity Time”


Family: Resolving Discord

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Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is aangry with his brother bwithout a cause shall be cin danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, dRaca, shall be ein danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Burying Weapons of Contention

News with Naylors Lesson ideas about contention in the home and finding peace. On the swords write somethings that may be causing contention such as yelling, arguing, not sharing, etc.

Friend July 2020 “My Family Night Fun”The Anti-Nephi-Lehies made a promise with God that they wouldn’t fight again. They buried their weapons in the ground (see Alma 23:724:17). Take a small piece of paper and write down something you want to stop doing, like fighting or complaining. Share what you wrote, and promise to do your best to stop doing that thing. Then rip the paper into tiny pieces and bury it in the ground.

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

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

Come Follow Me Kid

The Red Crystal

Ways to Resolve Family Discord

Friend March 2022 “What’s on Your Mind?” Sometimes my siblings and I argue and fight. What can I do to get along with them better? (See more at link)

Friend September 2019 “3 Ways to Get Along With Others” Love them, forgive them, treat them the way you wanted to be treated. (Includes Golden Rule activity and coloring page.)

Friend May 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Ideas on how to get along with siblings.

Friend February 2017 “Question Corner” Children’s ideas in how to deal with family members who are being annoying.

Friend June 2017 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas for helping children learn how to get along with each other.

Friend February 2017 “Question Corner” Children’s ideas in how to deal with family members who are being annoying.

Friend May 2017 “Hi Friends” When my brother and I fight, I sing the Primary song “Jesus Said Love Everyone.” It helps me be more like Jesus. Nora P., age 4, Florida, USA

Remember How Special Family Relationships Are

Lesson 13: Jacob and Esau,” Primary 6: Old Testament

  1. Have the children tell about good experiences they have had with their own brothers and sisters. Remind the children that because families can be together forever, they should love and help their brothers and sisters. Share the following quotation with the children: “Your most important friendships should be with your own brothers and sisters and with your father and mother. Love your family. Be loyal to them. Have a genuine concern for your brothers and sisters. Help carry their load” (Ezra Taft Benson, in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, p. 56; or Ensign, May 1986, p. 43).
  2. Have the children discuss family situations such as the following (adapt these if needed and add others to suit the needs of your class):
    • Your younger sister wants you to play with her instead of going to your friend’s house.
    • Your older brother is preparing dinner and asks you to help even though it is not your turn.
    • Your brother is studying for a test in school. You are watching a television program that is distracting him from his studies.How many solutions can you think of for these situations? Which solutions would bring temporary pleasure? Which solutions would bring eternal happiness? Encourage the children to be forgiving and understanding at home.

 Friend February 2018 “Peter the Pest” Matthew is angry that his little brother, Peter,  always wants to do everything he does and breaks his model dinosaur. His father explains that Matthew is probably the most important person in the world to Peter, and that is why he wants to do eerything he does.  Matthew chooses to calm down and apologize to Peter, and their relationship grows stronger.(Also see Lesson Ideas on how to control anger.)

Friend September 2021 “My Side, Your Side” Megan and Mia argue about who’s mess is who’s when cleaning up their room. They want their own rooms. Their mom puts a curtain up in the room to divide it. At first they like it, but then they got lonely and bored. One of them suggested they make a mailbox to write notes to each other. They invite each other to play. Pretty soon they don’t want the curtain because it just gets in the way.

Friend October 2016 “Gone Fishing” Hayden is annoyed that his noisy little brother, Dan, has come fishing with him and his dad, but when Dan disappears Hayden is fearfully worried and realizes how much he loves his little brother.

Friend September 2020 “Loving Our Families”When President Eyring felt frustrated with one of his children for jumping on the bed and was about to get angry, the Holy Ghost reminded him of what a special person his son is. The Holy Ghost can help us too.

Treat Each Other Way You Want to Be Treated

Friend September 2019

Jesus taught the Golden Rule: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12).

It is easy to understand why we should treat others the way we would like to be treated. It is because each of God’s sons and daughters is precious (see Matthew 25:40).

Listen to Each Other

Solve the Problem Together

Try to Understand Their Feelings

Respect Each Other’s Feelings

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.

Try to Show Love (Say and Do Nice Things)

Friend August 2018 “Sisters and Turtles” Ellie’s sister has been grumpy; she got mad at Ellie for sitting on her bed. Ellie gives her sister a special turtle necklace that represents helping someone who gets turned over. Ellie tells her sister she wants to help her get back on her feet whenever she is sad or upset.

Friend February 2019 “Matt and Mandy” Matt and Mandy have a fight, but by dinner time they had forgotten what it was about. They show extra kindness to each other as a way of making amends.

Look for the Good

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.

Take Time to Calm Down

Ask Yourself “What Would Jesus Do?”

Friend May 2017 “Hi Friends” When my brother and I fight, I sing the Primary song “Jesus Said Love Everyone.” It helps me be more like Jesus. Nora P., age 4, Florida, USA

Apologize and Figure Out How to Make It Better

Friend April 2024 “We Can Solve It”

Friend August 2017 “For Parents of Little Ones” Teaching little ones empathy and how to apologize and make things right after they have hurt a sibling.

Friend June 2021 “Trying Together” Jack was mad because his mom yelled at him. He had made several wrong choices, including fighting with his brother and not cleaning up his messes. He was also sad. He wished he hadn’t made all those bad choices. He apologized to his mother, and she apologized for yelling. Jack tried to make things right with his mother’s help.

Friend April 2017 “The Blue Sunglasses” Sarah accidently breaks her big sister’s sunglasses. She does her best to make things right.

Friend May 2019 “Five-Year-Olds-Only” Kyle built a great blanket fort but didn’t want to let his little sister in it because she breaks his things. He feels bad though because it made her sad and cry, so he apologizes and invites her in. Afterwards he feels like the fort is even better.

Friend March 2023 “Carousel Kindness” Damien was excited to show his little sister the carousel and the ring game on it. But he got mad at her when she didn’t do it right. He felt bad and apologized and helped her the next time.

Pray for Help

Friend August 1988 “Raymond and the Horrible Little Pest” Raymond says some very mean things to his brother and feels terrible. He prays for help to know how to fix things.

Forgive

Genesis 33:1–4

Most children know what it’s like to be angry with a sibling. The story of how Jacob and Esau overcame their anger toward each other may be inspiring to them

  • Help the children remember why Esau was angry at Jacob (see Genesis 27:41 or “Jacob and Esau” in Old Testament Stories). Ask the children to show you what an angry face looks like. Explain that after many years, Jacob was afraid to visit Esau. Ask the children to show you what a scared face looks like. What should we do when we are afraid? Invite the children to pretend to pray while you read what Jacob said in his prayer (see Genesis 32:11). Then read in Genesis 33:4 what happened when Esau saw Jacob. Ask the children to show you how Jacob’s and Esau’s faces might have looked when they saw each other again.
  • Show the picture of Jacob and Esau found in this outline. Let the children describe what they see in the picture. Tell them that there had been bad feelings between these two brothers, but they chose to forgive each other. Help the children think of how they could show more love to someone in their family, just as Jacob and Esau showed love to each other.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 28–33” After many years of hard feelings, Jacob and Esau were reunited. If Jacob and Esau could talk to us today, what might they say to help us when there is contention in our family?

Friend May 2018 “Joseph Forgives His Brothers”

Friend May 2020 “Sister Squabble” Jaide’s little sister borrowed her tennis shoes without asking and accidentally got them muddy. Jaide was so mad that she told her sister,  “I wish you weren’t my sister.” She felt terrible about what she said.  She read a scripture about Jesus forgiving and healing someone and she realized, she needed to forgive and try and fix what she had done to her sister with her words. 

Friend June 2019 “The Slipper Slip-Up” Bailey loved playing princesses, and she loved the little glass slipper she kept on her shelf that reminded her of princesses. One evening, after reading her a story, her dad accidentally bumped into the shelf and knocked the slipper off and broke it. She was heartbroken, but she told her dad that she forgives him because she loves her dad more than any toy.

Friend March 2018 “Haircut Disaster” Max is kind to his mom and forgives her when she makes a major mistake while cutting his hair.

Friend March 2015 Boy forgives mom for breaking Lego space jet.

Friend March 2015

Pray for Help

Friend March 2016

Old Testament Stories “Jacob and His Family” images

Genesis 32:6–1133:1–4

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 28-33” Esau was mad at Jacob, and Jacob was afraid to see Esau again, even after 20 years of being apart. But Jacob prayed for help, and Esau was able to overcome his anger.

  • Ask the children what they remember about the relationship between Jacob and Esau (see Genesis 27:41 or “Jacob and Esau” in Old Testament Stories). Explain that after being away for about 20 years, Jacob was going to meet Esau again. Read together Genesis 32:6–11. How did Jacob feel? What did he do to get help? Testify that we can ask Heavenly Father for help when our family relationships are difficult. Read together Genesis 33:1–4 to discover how the Lord answered Jacob’s prayer..
  • “Jacob and Esau” (October 1994 Friend)
    Find out what happened when Esau met Jacob by matching words to the shapes in a tent.

Spend Quality Time Together

Friend November 2018 “Sister Date”  Rachel and Brianna have a bad fight over which tv show to watch. The older sister, Brianna, decides they need to go on sister date and have some fun time together, and this quality time helps them become best friends again.

Friend January 2017 “Time for Addison” Tom doesn’t want his little sister to knock over the tower he built after school, but his little sister misses him and wants to spend time with him, so he figures out something they can do together.

Friend August 2019 “The Get Along Bucket” When Amy and Garrett fight, their mom gets out the “Get-Along Bucket.” They have to choose an activity from the bucket and then  do it together, and before long, they are having fun together.

Friend July 2015 – A girl learns that she controls how she reacts to annoying brother.


Family Members Support & Help Each Other

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Friend September 2023 “Lots of Ways to Say “I Love You” “Trina’s brother had been struggling with anxiety and depression and had to come home early. She prayed about what she could do for him. She decided she would show him she cared for him and loved him. She used chalk to write a message for him on the sidewalk. She hid nice notes around the house. She helped her siblings make a sign. It said, “Welcome home, Elder Dawson! We love you!”

I can serve my family.

Esther CHAPTER 2

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Esther” Ahasuerus seeks a new queen—Mordecai presents Esther—Esther pleases the king and is chosen as queen—Mordecai exposes a plot against the king.

Esther 2:5–7

When Esther’s parents died, her cousin Mordecai took care of her. You can use their experience as an opportunity to talk about serving members of our families.

  • On the board, draw figures that represent Esther, her parents, and her cousin Mordecai. Explain that Esther’s parents died, so Esther needed someone to take care of her. Read Esther 2:7 to the children, and ask the children to listen for what Mordecai did. Help the children think of needs their family members might have that the children can help with.

What can we learn from Mordecai’s example about helping family members in times of trial? Who in our family needs our support? Make a plan to help them.

  • Invite some of the children to act out something kind they could do to serve someone in their families, and ask the other children to guess what they are doing. Invite them to talk about things they do to bless their families, and tell about some of the things you do.
  • Sing a song about helping our families, such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198). Share your testimony that helping our families makes us happy.

Friend March 2018 “Matt and Mandy” Matt makes a super hero costume and secretly helps his mom.

Friend September 2020 “Bedtime Brothers” Kyler helps his brother get to sleep.

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 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 January 2022 “Helping Like Jesus” Story about how the general primary president, Sister Johnson, helped her mother by helping with her siblings.

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 March 2022 Danial is helping his mom in the garden. Find the objects in the picture. How do you help at home?

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.

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Friend October 2016 “Brave Enough” Christine asks her brother for help when she gets scared of a noise at her window.

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Friend June 2015  “The Funny Face Fix” Ben helps his sister feel happy by making funny faces.

Friend September 2015 “Secret Helpers”

Friend September 2015

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 Love & Service

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Ruth

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3” When Ruth’s husband died, she could have stayed in her home country, but she chose to go with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, and care for her. Consider how Ruth’s Christlike example could inspire the children you teach to be kind to those around them.

  • Invite the children to represent Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, or other characters as you tell their story from the book of Ruth (see also “Ruth and Naomi” in Old Testament Stories). Invite the children to raise their hands every time they hear an act of kindness in the story. How do we feel when people are kind to us? How do we feel when we are kind to others?

Old Testament Stories “Ruth and Naomi”

Friend June 2022 “Ruth and Naomi”

Latter Day Kids “Showing Kindness to Others” Lesson ideas

For the Strength of Youth June 2022 “Fearless Together”

  • Sing together a song about being kind, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145). Help the children think of ways they can be kind to their family and friends. If they need help, show them pictures of people showing kindness. For every idea mentioned, let the children draw a heart on the board.

Liahona June 2022 “We Follow Jesus Christ and His Prophet”

Family Support Game

Ruth 1–4

After Ruth became a widow, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, instead of returning to her people, “for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God” (Ruth 1:16).

Ruth supported Naomi by staying with her. Try this activity to learn about supporting family:

  1. Choose a family member and stand back-to-back. Place any object (a small ball or a book) between each other’s backs.
  2. Working as a team, see how many steps you can take together without letting the object fall.
  3. Take turns as a family until everyone has had a chance to work as a team to help each other.

Discussion: How did Ruth and Naomi help each other? Ruth believed in Heavenly Father and had faith, so she stayed with Naomi. How was she blessed? How can we support each other and trust the Lord when we have difficulties?

Friend June 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Grains of Service

Story: Read about Ruth in the scripture story on page 8. She worked hard and gathered grain to take care of her husband’s mother. God blessed her for serving others.

Song: “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198)

Activity: Cut out pieces of paper in the shape of grain kernels. Use a stick or long piece of paper as a stem. Glue or tape your kernels to the stem to make a stalk of grain. Whenever you serve someone, pull off a kernel. Keep going until the stem is bare!

Old Testament Coloring Book “Ruth and Naomi”

Lesson 26: Ruth and Naomi,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 114–16
To help the children have the desire to follow the example of righteous people and to be good examples themselves.

Friend July 2018 “Ruth was a Loyal Friend” Link includes story and goal card ideas to learn how to be a good friend like Ruth.

Friend April 2015 “April’s New Wheelchair” April’s brother helps her see that she can learn to get around in her wheelchair.

Friend April 2015 “Cheering Up Grandpa” After Mike’s grandmother dies, his grandpa becomes very sad, even when gardening. Mike nominates his grandpa for Gardener of the Year hoping to help his grandpa feel better.

Friend April 2015
Friend April 2015

Giving Time to Those We Love

Friend April 1988 “Hero Sister” Cassie takes her sister to the bus stop and stays with her until the buss arrives, even though she needs to get to school to finish some homework. While waiting, Cassie saves her sister from a runaway car.

Service Helps Us Be Happy

Friend June 2016 Two sisters throw a bedroom sleepover party for their younger sister because she feels left out.

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Friend April 2016 “Off to Chicago” Alex is sad his brother will be gone for 3 days, but he makes a gift to help his brother not be lonely and that makes Alex feel better.

Friend April 2016 “Love Spoken”  Cassie makes a recording of her mother’s favorite story for her mom to listen to while she’s sick. She learned this from her mom.

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Friend January 2016 “The Cleanup Crew” Skit about children thinking of a way to help their mother.

Friend January 2016

Friend October 2015 “The Doll in the Green Dress” – Girl sacrifices what she wants when she chooses a doll, out of love for her sister.

Friend January 2016 Even though it is embarrassing at times, a boy helps his mother by translating for her because he loves and appreciates her,

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Friend May 2016 “A Buggy for Mom” Joseph uses all the money he had earned selling newspapers to buy a baby buggy for his mom.

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Friend September 2015

Friend September 2015

Friend Jan 2015  “Mommy’s Flower Garden

Friend November 1986 “Something Special” Lara’s mother has time to do something with Lara because Lara has helped so much.

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Friend May 2022 “For Little Friends” Ava is picking flowers to give to her grandma. How many flowers can you count?

Friend May 2022 “Juwan’s Funny Faces” Juwan helps his mom while they shop by making funny faces so his tired little sister won’t cry.

Friend August 2022 “The Cleaning Mission” Millie’s aunt is in the hospital and Millie wants to help her, so she and her mom go to her aunt’s home and clean.


Jacob 5-7

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Jacob CHAPTER 5 Jacob quotes Zenos relative to the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees—They are a likeness of Israel and the Gentiles—The scattering and gathering of Israel are prefigured—Allusions are made to the Nephites and Lamanites and all the house of Israel—The Gentiles will be grafted into Israel—Eventually the vineyard will be burned. About 544–421 B.C.

Jacob CHAPTER 6 The Lord will recover Israel in the last days—The world will be burned with fire—Men must follow Christ to avoid the lake of fire and brimstone. About 544–421 B.C.

Jacob CHAPTER 7 Sherem denies Christ, contends with Jacob, demands a sign, and is smitten of God—All of the prophets have spoken of Christ and His Atonement—The Nephites lived out their days as wanderers, born in tribulation, and hated by the Lamanites. About 544–421 B.C.

Friend April 2024 After you read, color part of the picture. You can read these scriptures that go along with each week’s reading from Come, Follow Me.

Allegory of the Olive Tree

As Jacob taught his people, he quoted an allegory given by a prophet named Zenos (see Jacob 5:1). An allegory, like a parable, is a story that uses symbolic characters, and familiar objects and actions to teach truths. This allegory is about people who have turned away from the Lord in sin and the Lord’s efforts to help them return to Him. As you study Jacob 5, consider how the Lord is always reaching out to you even when you have sinned.

Jacob 5 is a long chapter—the longest in the Book of Mormon. Perhaps it would help to divide it into the following sections, which describe periods of the world’s history:

Verses 3-14 The scattering of Israel before the time of Christ

To save the house of Israel, He plucks off the most wicked branches (people) and destroys them.“Now in that parable the olive tree is the House of Israel. … In its native land it began to die. So the Lord took branches like the Nephites, like the lost tribes, and like others that the Lord led off that we do not know anything about, to other parts of the earth. He planted them all over his vineyard, which is the world.

Verses 15–28. The ministry of Christ and the Apostles

Verses 29–49. The Great Apostasy

Verses 50–76. The gathering of Israel in the latter days

Verses 76–77. The Millennium and end of the world

The chapter ends with the Millennium and the earth’s final cleansing. The rest of Jacob 5 represents the Lord’s and His servants’ efforts to save those who live in the last days. He gathers his people and nourishes them one last time ( Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students “Unit 10”)

  • Pruning removes dead branches and bad fruit from a tree. The master cut off the dead branches and cast them into the fire (see Jacob 5:9). How does God help us “prune” our lives of sins and weaknesses?
  • Digging includes clearing away obstacles, such as weeds, from around a tree. Digging ensures nothing will hinder the tree’s ability to grow. What obstacles keep us from growing spiritually?
  • Nourishing keeps a tree healthy by providing minerals and other nutrients. Like trees, our spirits need nourishment. How can we nourish our spirits? Ensign March 2020 “What Can We Learn from the Allegory of the Olive Tree?”

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) ” Jacob 5:1-53″ After this first visit, the master of the vineyard took two other important actions to save his tame olive tree:

  1. He commanded that the main decaying branches of the olive tree be removed and that some branches from a wild olive tree be grafted to the main tree (see Jacob 5:7–10). This grafting can represent the Lord’s efforts to help Gentiles become part of His covenant people through baptism and conversion.
  2. He took young and tender branches from the main olive tree and grafted them into different portions of the vineyard (see Jacob 5:8, 13–14). This can represent the scattering of Israel to different portions of the world. Some of those who were scattered were righteous, such as Lehi’s family (see 1 Nephi 10:12–13). Others were scattered because of wickedness.
  • What did you notice about the state of the trees and the fruit during these visits?
  • What did you notice about the words and actions of the lord of the vineyard during these visits?
  • What do these words and actions teach you about Jesus Christ? (Add your insights to your journal page.)

Friend April 2024 “The Story of the Olive Trees”

The video below is great to help children understand this story. The only problem with this video is that it calls the wild branches bad. The wild branches are the Gentiles who have not made covenants with the Lord. The children should know that all can repent and join with God’s covenant people and and produce good works, but all those who do not change from their wicked ways will have God’s judgements come upon them–represented by the fire.

For additional insights about the allegory, see the diagram and charts below.

SymbolMeaning
Tame olive tree (verse 3)The house of Israel, God’s covenant people
The vineyard (verse 3)The world
Decay (verse 3)Sin and apostasy
Master of the vineyard (verse 4)Jesus Christ
Pruning, digging, and nourishing (verse 4)The Lord’s efforts to help us be righteous and produce good works
Branches (verse 6)Groups of people
Wild olive tree (verse 7)Gentiles—those who have not made covenants with the Lord. Later in the allegory, natural olive trees, representing portions of the house of Israel in apostasy, are also described as “wild.”
Plucking and grafting branches (verses 7–8)The scattering and gathering of the Lord’s covenant people. In addition, the grafting of wild olive branches into the tame olive tree represents the conversion of Gentiles who become part of the Lord’s covenant people through baptism.
Burning branches (verse 7)God’s judgments upon the wicked
Fruit (verse 8)The lives or works of people
Roots of the tame olive tree (verse 11)The covenants the Lord makes with those who follow Him. Roots may also represent individuals with whom the Lord covenanted anciently, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Jacob 6:4).

Ponder the phrase “It grieveth me that I should lose this tree.” What emotions do you think the Lord expressed here, and why?

Read the phrase again, and this time insert your name in place of “this tree”: “It grieveth me that I should lose [your name].” By inserting your name throughout Jacob 5 in places that are meaningful and appropriate, you will be able to relate the allegory to yourself and learn more about the Lord’s concern for you. You may also insert the word I or me in suitable places in the scriptures.

Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Allegory of the Olive Tree”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Jacob 5-7” Some families have found it helpful to draw the symbols from the allegory of the olive trees as they read it. Your family might enjoy that approach, or there could be another way you can help family members visualize the symbols in the allegory. Maybe you could mark an area on a table or floor to represent the vineyard (or the world) and depict the tame olive tree (or the house of Israel) with an object, such as a puzzle, that can be divided into pieces (to represent the scattering of Israel) and then brought back together (to represent the gathering of Israel). What does this allegory teach us about the Lord? about His servants?

The Red Crystal

The Lord cares for His people.

Jacob 5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 5-7”

  • How can you share the story of the olive trees in a way that your children can understand? One way is to take a walk outside to look at a tree and briefly review the main points of the story. What did the Lord of the vineyard do for His trees? How can we be like workers in the story and help others feel the Savior’s love?
  • Jacob shared the story of the olive trees to invite his people to come unto Christ. It can do the same for your children. Perhaps you could summarize the story with verses such as Jacob 5:3–4, 28–29, 47, and 70–72 (see also “Old Testament Olive Vineyard” , Gospel Library). You or your children could then read Jacob 5:11, 41, 47, and 72, looking for things that show how much the Lord of the vineyard (Jesus Christ) cared about the trees. What does the Savior do to show that He cares about us?’

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: Jacob 5-7

  • Read and explain to the children key verses summarizing the allegory of the olive trees, such as Jacob 5:3–4, 28–29, 47, and 70–72, and invite the children to draw pictures of what these verses describe. What do we learn from these verses about how the Lord feels about His people? Ask the children to pretend to take care of an olive tree as you briefly summarize verses 61–71 (they might act out digging, watering, and so on). Invite a few children to read Jacob 5:11, 41, 47, and 72, looking for things that show how much the Lord of the vineyard (Jesus Christ) cared about the trees. What does the Savior do to show He cares about us? The video “Old Testament Olive Vineyard” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) can help with this activity.
  • List some of the symbols in Jacob 5 on the board, such as the vineyard, the lord of the vineyard, the servant, and the olive trees. Then make another list, in random order, of the things these symbols might represent, such as the world, the Savior, Church leaders or missionaries, and God’s people. Read together verses from Jacob 5 that mention these symbols, and help the children draw lines on the board connecting the symbols with their possible meanings (see, for example, verses 3–4, 28–29, 47, 70–72).

God invites me to help Him gather His children.

Jacob 5:61-75

“Today Latter-day Saints are going to all parts of the world as servants in the vineyard to gather this fruit and lay it in store for the time of the coming of the Master. 

Watch this video from the church media library: The Olive Tree

The story of the Lord and his vineyard in Jacob 5 is an allegorical telling of the scattering and gathering of Israel. We are living in the time of the final gathering. The “other servants” (Jacob 5:70) who were called into the Lord’s vineyard include people like you. What can we do to help gather Israel in preparation for the Savior’s Second Coming?

Fruit Fun

  • Sing “Dare to Do Right” (Children’s Songbook, 158).
  • The prophet Jacob taught about missionary work by telling a story about trees. He compared sharing the gospel to helping trees grow good fruit (see Jacob 5).
  • Cut out paper fruit in different colors. Have everyone write one way they can share the gospel. You could even make a tasty fruit treat for dessert (see Treat Time)! Friend March 2020 “My Family Night Fun{“

Read Jacob 5:61 together and help your little ones say, “I can teach people about Jesus.” Then color nametags and dress up like missionaries! Practice talking about the scriptures and Jesus. You could sing a missionary song together, like “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168). Friend March 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

The allegory of the olive tree teaches us that we have a duty to help gather Israel, both among the living and beyond the veil.

  1. Open the Family Tree app on your phone (or go to FamilySearch.org).
  2. Select “Temple.” If you don’t already have a name prepared for the temple, select “Ordinances Ready.”
  3. Choose the ordinance you’d like to perform, and the names of any ancestors who need that ordinance will appear.
  4. Create a bar code to print the names at the temple or print them at home.
  5. Set a date in the near future to go to the temple and do the ordinances.

Discussion: How does it make you feel to know you are assisting the Lord in gathering His people? Ensign March 2020 “Family Study Fun”

Missionaries serve Heavenly Father’s children.

Jacob 5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: Jacob 5-7

  • Show a picture of a tree, or take a walk outside to look at a tree, and briefly review the main points of the allegory of the olive trees in Jacob 5. For example: the Lord of the vineyard (who could represent Jesus) worked very hard to look after his olive trees (which could represent the people on earth) because He cared so much about them. He called laborers (who could represent missionaries) to help care for the trees. Pick one or two verses from Jacob 5 to read to the children (such as verses 71–72).
  • Ask the children if they know someone who has served a mission, or talk about someone you know. Help the children locate on a map the places where those missionaries are serving. Explain that Jacob compared the world to a group of olive trees. The trees are like the people on earth, and caring for those trees is like what missionaries do for God’s children. What do missionaries do to bless Heavenly Father’s children? Look together for some answers to this question in a song such as “Called to Serve” (Children’s Songbook, 174–75). How can we be like missionaries?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: Jacob 5-7 Missionaries help God’s children like laborers who care for trees in a vineyard. Help the missionaries find their way through the maze. How do missionaries help God’s children?

See also the following files from Teachingldschildren.com: Missionary Lesson Ideas, Missionary Stories, and Missionary Games & Activities

Heavenly Father loves me and will forgive me as I repent.

Jacob 6:4–5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 5-7”

  • Jacob 6:4–5 has an important message for us when we make wrong choices. Maybe you could help your children find it. Which words in these verses give us hope in God’s redeeming love? Elder Allen D. Haynie’s story about getting dirty in a mud pit, in his message “Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 121–22), could help. What do this story and Jacob 6:4–5 teach us about what we need to do to be saved in the kingdom of God?

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: Jacob 5-7

  • Invite the children to give themselves a hug. How do we feel when someone we love gives us a hug? Read Jacob 6:5 to the children, and explain that the phrases “[God] cleaveth unto you” and “his arm of mercy is extended towards you” teach that Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to come back to Him someday.

Come Follow Me Kid “Jacob 5-7” Outstretched/Extended Arm Hugs- Jacob 6:4-5 says that God “stretches forth His hands” to us and “His arm of mercy is extended” towards us. Remind them that Heavenly Father and Jesus love us and want us to come back, to them someday. Jacob 6:5 also says, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you.” Explain what it means to cleave unto God. Take turns stretching out our arms and hands while family members run in for a hug and “cleave unto” you. Remind them of how much Heavenly Father and Jesus love us and would love to give us a hug right now.

  • Sing together a song about love, such as “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75). Invite the children to name things that help them feel the Savior’s love.
  • Make a chart on the board with two columns labeled Heavenly Father and Us. Read together Jacob 6:4–5, and ask half of the class to look for phrases that apply to God and the other half to look for phrases that apply to us. Record what they discover in the appropriate column. Help them define words they do not understand.

One meaning of the word cleave is to adhere to or stick to something firmly, closely, and unwaveringly.

Friend April 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Jacob asked us to “cleave,” or stay close, to God with all our hearts (Jacob 6:5). Play a game about staying together as a team! Choose one person to be the chaser. When the chaser tags someone, they join hands and chase the other players. When the next person gets tagged, they join hands with one of the chasers too. Keep playing until everyone joins hands.

For younger children: When we “cleave” to someone, we hold tightly to them. Have your children hug a stuffed animal or comfort toy. Talk about how we can be closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by praying and reading the scriptures.

Jacob’s Encounter with Sherem

I can stand up for what I know is true.

Jacob 7:1–23

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 5-7” How can you inspire your children to stand for truth like Jacob did? Your children could watch the video “Chapter 10: Jacob and Sherem” (Gospel Library) and act out the interaction between Jacob and Sherem, using Jacob 7:1–23 as a guide. How did Jacob stand for what he knew was right? Invite your children to share experiences when they stood for the right, or share your own.

Teaching Children the Gospel “Jacob’s Encounter with Sherem” Lesson ideas

Friend February 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Someone writes to the Friend and wants to know how to help make the bad things in life better. The Friend responds with an activity of some ways to stand for the right. Unscramble the words, then put them in the correct sentence to find ways to help.

See also the following: Stand for the Right: Stories & Stand for the Right: Lesson Ideas

Divide them into groups, and invite them to create an inspirational banner or poster that represents something that they stand for or believe in.

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 8: The Prophet Jacob Is Confronted by Sherem” Lesson ideas

  1. Write on slips of paper situations in which someone tries to convince a child to do something wrong and a reference to a corresponding commandment from the scriptures. For example, your friend goes with you into a store and tries to get you to steal some candy (Exodus 20:15 or Mosiah 13:22), someone offers you a taste of an alcoholic beverage (D&C 89:7), or you are tempted to stay home and not go to church (D&C 59:9). Have the children look up and read each scripture. Discuss how knowing what the scriptures teach strengthens our testimonies of Jesus Christ and helps us resist evil influences.You might want to have the children pantomime these situations and have the other children guess what is being pantomimed.

Stand for the Right Song: Teaching Ideas

Perhaps they could also sing a song that expresses courage like Jacob’s, such as “Stand for the Right,” Children’s Songbook, 159.

Ask them to stand whenever they sing words like right or true.

Teaching Children the Gospel “Song: Stand for the Right”

Teaching Children the Gospel “Review: Stand for the Right”

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Come Follow Me 2020

The Cozy Red Cottage “Jacob 5-7” Visual aids and lesson ideas

Friend April 2024


Jacob 1-4

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Jacob CHAPTER 1 Jacob and Joseph seek to persuade men to believe in Christ and keep His commandments—Nephi dies—Wickedness prevails among the Nephites. About 544–421 B.C.

Jacob CHAPTER 2 Jacob denounces the love of riches, pride, and unchastity—Men may seek riches to help their fellowmen—The Lord commands that no man among the Nephites may have more than one wife—The Lord delights in the chastity of women. About 544–421 B.C.

Jacob CHAPTER 3 The pure in heart receive the pleasing word of God—Lamanite righteousness exceeds that of the Nephites—Jacob warns against fornication, lasciviousness, and every sin. About 544–421 B.C.

Jacob CHAPTER 4 All the prophets worshiped the Father in the name of Christ—Abraham’s offering of Isaac was in similitude of God and His Only Begotten—Men should reconcile themselves to God through the Atonement—The Jews will reject the foundation stone. About 544–421 B.C.

God calls Church leaders to help me follow Jesus Christ

Jacob 1: 1-19

Book of Mormon Stories Before Nephi died, he gave the plates he had written on to his younger brother Jacob. This meant that Jacob would also be the spiritual leader of the people. Jacob 1:1–2, 8

Nephi told Jacob to write the things that would help the people believe in Jesus Christ. Jacob 1:4–6

Nephi gave his younger brothers Jacob and Joseph the power to be priests and teachers in the Church and to teach the Nephites the word of God. Jacob 1:18

Go through the Fifth Article of Faith and explain that Nephi would have prayed to find out who God wanted called to certain responsibilities. He then would have “consecrated” Jacob and Joseph for those responsibilities by the laying on of hands because he had the priesthood authority from God to do so.

Jacob and Joseph labored diligently among their people, that they might persuade them to come unto Christ and partake of the goodness of God Jacob 1:7

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Jacob 1-4”

Junior Primary

  • Make simple puppets to represent Jacob and Joseph, Nephi’s younger brothers, who were leaders in the Church. Share some verses from Jacob 1 and 2 to explain what Church leaders are called to do. For example, leaders persuade us to “believe in Christ” (Jacob 1:8), invite us to repent (see Jacob 2:5–6, 9–10), and “declare [God’s] word” (Jacob 2:2, 11). Let the children use the puppets to pretend to do some of these things.
  • Invite the children to name some Church leaders they know, like Primary leaders, bishopric members, and prophets and apostles. Help the children think of ways these leaders bless us.

Senior Primary

  • Read with the children Jacob 1:6–8 and 2:1–6, 11, helping them look for phrases that describe how God’s servants lead the Church. Ask them to write these phrases on pieces of paper and then display the papers on the board. Why does God call Church leaders to guide us? Ask the children to share experiences with learning or receiving guidance from a Church leader or teacher and the blessings they received.
  • Ask the children to draw a picture of a Church leader they know about, and let the rest of the class guess who they drew. What do these leaders do to help us follow Jesus Christ? Invite the children to write notes to Church leaders, thanking them for their service.
  • Invite a local Church leader to tell the children what he or she does to fulfill his or her calling. Ask the children to name some things they can do to sustain their leaders.

Nephi began to be old, and he saw that he must die soon; so he anointed a man to be a king and a ruler over his people, according to the reigns of the kings. (Jacob 1:9) Because of the great love of the people for Nephi, all kings after Nephi were called Nephi (1st Nephi, 2nd Nephi, etc.). (Jacob 1:11)

God heals the wounded soul.

Jacob 2:8

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 1-4” To help your children understand how a “wounded soul” can be healed, you could discuss together how our bodies get wounded and what helps them heal. Perhaps your children could talk about times when they got hurt and what helped them heal. You could even show them bandages or medicine as part of this conversation. Maybe you could share with them how the Savior has helped you when your spirit needed healing.

I Can Help Others in Need when I Share with Them

Jacob 2:17–19

The people began to grow wicked during the reign of the second king, wanting lots of riches.

Some of the people in Jacob’s time were very rich and prideful, and they didn’t want to share what they had with people who were poor.

Jacob taught in the temple and told the people to repent of the bad things they were doing.

Jacob taught the following: “And the hand of providence hath smiled upon you most pleasingly (this phrase means that Heavenly Father had blessed them), that you have obtained many riches; and because some of you have obtained more abundantly than that of your brethren ye are alifted up in the pride of your hearts, and wear stiff necks and high heads because of the costliness of your apparel, and persecute your brethren because ye suppose that ye are better than they.” (Jacob 2:13)

Jacob taught that we should clothe the naked, and feed the hungry, liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted. (Jacob 2:19)

Friend April 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

Jacob taught that we should be “free with [our] substance” (Jacob 2:17). That means sharing what we have with others. Make a treat to share with some neighbors or friends!

For younger children: Even small acts of service can help people feel lots of love. Help your children think of a kind thing they can do for someone else.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 1-4”

  • Some of the people in Jacob’s time were very rich, but they didn’t want to share what they had with others. As you read Jacob’s teachings to them in Jacob 2:17–19, you could give your children pictures or objects to hold that go with words or phrases in these verses. You might explain that you are sharing these objects with them; maybe you could then invite them to share the objects with you or with each other. Talk about how you feel when you share. What else could we share with others to help them feel happy?
  • After reading together Jacob 2:17, perhaps your children could name some blessings Heavenly Father has shared with them. Why does He want us to share with each other?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Jacob 1-4”

Jacob 2:12–14, 17–21

  • Invite the children to act out ways they can share what they have with someone in need. Testify that we are blessed as we share with others.
  • Bring something to class that you can share with the children. Give some of it to each child, and explain that you are sharing. Ask them how they felt when you shared with them. How do they feel when they share with others? Help them think of something they could share to help someone feel happy.
  • Tell the children that many people in Jacob’s time became prideful and unkind because they loved riches (see Jacob 2:12–14, 17–21). Invite a few children to read Jacob 2:17–19 out loud, and help them understand any difficult words. What should we seek before we seek riches? What should we seek to do with any riches we receive?
  • Read Jacob 2:17 to the children. What blessings has Heavenly Father shared with us? Why does He want us to share with each other? Invite the children to share times when they shared something with someone else, including how they felt and how the other person felt.

Story Ideas

Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!

Friend November 1987 “Hand-Me-Down Box” Leigh is fortunate to have a caring friend who shares her hand-me-down clothes with her. She wants to grow up to be someone who shares with others.

  • Was there someone in the story who was prideful and made fun of Leigh for her hand-me-down clothes?

Jacob taught the following: Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. Jacob 2:17 

  • What does it mean to think of others like unto yourselves? (Treat others like you would like to be treated, and give to others like you would give to yourself. (Think about the things you need and then help others who don’t have those types of things so they can have them too.)

Friend December 2019 “Martin’s Favorite Toys” Martin was not happy about having to move, but eventually he got used to his new home. One Sunday, he noticed a lot of new people at church. He found out that they were refugees. He wanted to help them, but he didn’t want to give them any of his toys. Then he realized that many of the children had to leave everything behind. He remembered how hard it was for him to move, but at least he got to bring his things with him. He then wanted to give them his favorite toys to help them be happier.

Friend December 2019
Friend December 2019

Invite the children to think of something they could share to help someone feel happy.

Cut out the arrow, and attach it to the center of the circle. Spin the arrow, and tell about how you can share what the arrow points to. CFM for Primary: BofM

Friend March 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Play a sharing game. Give each person a toy and set a timer. When it dings, everyone should run to someone else and say, “God is happy when I share!” and trade toys.

Friend July 2018 “Coloring Page: I Can Share with Others”

Unshaken in Their Faith

Jacob 4:4–11

I can strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ.

Jacob 4:6, 10–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 1-4”

  • Jacob’s faith in Christ was so strong it could not be shaken. To teach your children how to build faith like this, you could ask them about things we do to make our bodies stronger. What can we do to make our faith in Jesus Christ stronger? Read Jacob 4:6 together to help the children discover what Jacob and his people did to make their faith “unshaken.”
  • Another way to help your children understand what it means to be “unshaken” in their faith would be to find a large tree and ask them to shake individual branches. Then let them try to shake the trunk. Why is it harder to shake the trunk? What phrases in Jacob 4:6, 10–11 describe what we can do to make our faith in Jesus Christ unshaken?

How did Jacob and others develop faith in Christ that is “unshaken” ?

Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can ccommand in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.

Jacob studied the words of the prophets, and he received revelations from the Spirit. How can we follow his example and develop unshaken faith?

Missing the Mark

Jacob 4:14

The “Mark” is Christ

All the Prophets Taught of Christ
Jacob 4:4 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us.

Jacob taught this about the Jews: “Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall.”

The Jews misunderstood the law of Moses and its intent to lead them to the Savior. They were looking for a different kind of deliverance than the kind Jesus, the Messiah, offered them—they were looking for deliverance from foreign rule and oppression.

If we fail to keep focused on our Savior Jesus Christ, what could happen?

Activity Ideas

Ensign March 2020 “Family Study Fun” Off-Target Ball Toss

The prophet Jacob taught that the spiritual blindness of the Jews caused them to look “beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14), which resulted in their stumbling spiritually and missing many gospel truths.

  1. Place a bucket or sturdy bowl in the backyard.
  2. Take turns tossing a ball into the bucket, standing a short distance away.
  3. Now try tossing the ball into the bucket without looking at the bucket.

Discussion: Why was it harder to hit the target when we’re not looking at it? How did the Jews look “beyond the mark”? (Jacob 4:14). Read “Looking beyond the Mark” by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (Ensign, Mar. 2003, 40–44). Discuss how we might find ourselves looking beyond the mark today.

Come Follow Me Kid Blank Arrows (I Can Be Reconciled to God through the Atonement of Jesus Christ) The manual asks, “What has God provided to point you to Christ? How are you using these things to draw closer to God?” Write/draw answers on blank arrows (below) and place around the bucket pointing to it.

Book of Mormon Study Guide “for Home-Study Seminary Students” Lift your pen or pencil at least two feet or one meter above this target, and try to drop it so that it hits the center of the target—“the mark.” You may want to try this several times. Think about how less effective your efforts would be if you were looking somewhere other than the target. How well do you think people would do in archery if they never looked at the target, or mark, while they were shooting or if they looked at what was beyond the mark? Read Jacob 4:14, and identify characteristics of the people Jacob prophesied would look “beyond the mark.”

Song: Wise Man and the Foolish Man

Jacob teaches that the Jews rejected the stone upon which they might build and have safe foundation. (Jacob 4:15-17)

Sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” See here for teaching ideas, sing-along videos, and visual aid ideas.

Additional Resources

The Red Crystal


2 Nephi 31-33

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2 Nephi CHAPTER 31 Nephi tells why Christ was baptized—Men must follow Christ, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end to be saved—Repentance and baptism are the gate to the strait and narrow path—Eternal life comes to those who keep the commandments after baptism. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi CHAPTER 32 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost—Men must pray and gain knowledge for themselves from the Holy Ghost. About 559–545 B.C.

2 Nephi CHAPTER 33 Nephi’s words are true—They testify of Christ—Those who believe in Christ will believe Nephi’s words, which will stand as a witness before the judgment bar. About 559–545 B.C.

Before Nephi died, and before he passed his responsibilities on to Jacob, he wrote some final words, and they are about the first principles and ordinances of the gospel.

Nephi taught that following the Savior’s example and teachings are the only way to “be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 31:21).

Jesus Christ taught me how to return to Heavenly Father.

2 Nephi 31

We can return to God after this life by following the doctrine Jesus Christ taught: faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 31-33” To help your children visualize the teachings in 2 Nephi 31, they could draw a path with a picture of Christ at the end. You could help them find or draw pictures that represent steps on that path, such as faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. [Could also help them place some pictures along the path.] They could point to the pictures as you read 2 Nephi 31:17–20 together.

Idea for Reading and Listening to the Scriptures: Explain that the doctrine of Christ includes the things Jesus Christ taught that we need to do to return to Heavenly Father. Write on different sheets of paper faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, (or use the pictures below if you have little children, making one copy per child) and scatter them around the room. Read to the children 2 Nephi 31:11–19, and invite the children to take turns jumping from paper to paper as they hear these principles mentioned. Help them think of an experience they have had with each principle. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33: This is the Way”)

Or make these finger puppets for each child and have them put up the correct puppet as it is mentioned in the scriptures.

Friend April 2011 “Article of Faith 4” Draw a line from the principle or ordinance to the correct picture.

Friend April 2011

Friend July 2003 Fourth Article of Faith Picture Scramble. Cut out the pictures and glue them in place in the right order.

Friend July 2003

Ensign March 2020 “Family Study Fun: Spiritual Stepping Stones” Christ said, “Follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do” (2 Nephi 31:12). Place a picture of Christ on the opposite side of the room. Write on narrow pieces of paper or cards the “stepping stones” to Christ: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, The gift of the Holy Ghost, Enduring to the end. Have someone put the steps in order. Place the steps on the floor in a “strait and narrow path” (2 Nephi 31:18) to Christ.

Discussion: Which stepping stone is next for each of you? How can we honor the steps we have taken? What can we do to strengthen our resolve to stay on the path?

Friend March 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Nephi taught that we follow Jesus Christ when we have faith in Him, repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end (see 2 Nephi 31). Write each step on a different piece of paper, then spread them on the floor. One person closes their eyes and counts to 10 while everyone else stands on a paper. The person who counted then says one of the steps to follow Jesus. The person on that paper counts next.

For younger children: When we have faith in Jesus Christ, we follow what He says. Form a line and walk around. The person in front is the leader. Each person copies how the leader walks. Take turns being the leader!

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33” Explain that the doctrine of Christ includes the things Jesus Christ taught that we need to do to return to Heavenly Father. Write on different sheets of paper faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, and scatter them around the room. Read to the children 2 Nephi 31:11–19, and invite the children to take turns jumping from paper to paper as they hear these principles mentioned. Help them think of an experience they have had with each principle.

Help the children learn the fourth article of faith. Sing together a song about one of the first principles of the gospel, such as “Faith,” “When I Am Baptized,” or “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97, 103, 160–61).

Come Follow Me Kid “This is the Way” Click on the link to see lesson ideas to go with the following pictures.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Friend January 2009 “Becoming Like Jesus Christ” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explains that faith in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement means relying completely on Him—trusting in His infinite power, intelligence, and love. When we have faith in Christ, we trust the Lord enough to follow His commandments—even when we do not completely understand the reasons for them. We need to rely, through the path of true repentance, upon the merits of Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement.

Repentance

11) And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son.

Ensign January 2018 “Repentance is a Gift” Match each picture with a different step of repentance.

Baptism 

When I am baptized, I am following Jesus Christ.

2 Nephi 31:4–13

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 31-33” There’s a picture of Jesus being baptized at the end of this outline. Maybe your children could use it to tell you what they know about this event (see also Matthew 3:13–17). Why does Jesus want us to be baptized like He was? Your children could listen for reasons as you read together portions of 2 Nephi 31:4–13. It might be helpful if someone who was recently baptized could share their experience.

Why was the Savior baptized?

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

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

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

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

New Era April 2014 “The Gate and the Path”

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

We Need to Follow His Example and be Baptized

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

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

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33” Display the picture in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and ask the children to share what they know about Jesus’s baptism (see Matthew 3:13–17). Put the following words in random order on the board: Jesus witnessed unto the Father that He would be obedient unto Him. Invite the children to read 2 Nephi 31:7 as a class and put the words into the correct order.

  • Ask the children what they would say to someone preparing to be baptized, and help them compile their advice onto simple cards they could give to someone. How can we continue to follow the example of Jesus after we are baptized?

Gift of the Holy Ghost

When we repent and choose to be baptized, like Jesus, then we can be confirmed and have the gift of the Holy Ghost too.

12) And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.

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.

Friend March 2020 “How Does Heavenly Father Speak to Us?”  A feeling that Jesus loves us and that the gospel is true, A comforting feeling when we are sad or lonely, A happy feeling after we have repented, A good feeling when we hear beautiful music or see inspiring art, A peaceful feeling that something is a good choice, A warning feeling that something is wrong

Endure to the End

They [must] then endure to the end, or, in other words, they continue throughout their lives in exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, and renewing the covenants they have made. These are not just steps that they experience once in their lives; rather, when repeated throughout life these principles become an increasingly rewarding pattern of living. In fact, it is the only way of living that will bring peace of conscience and enable Heavenly Father’s children to return to live in His presence. (Preach My Gospel pg. 6)

Friend March 2020 “Come, Follow Me for Little Ones” What blessing can we receive if we endure to the end? (See 2 Nephi 31:20.)

I can feast upon the words of Christ.

2 Nephi 32:3–5

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 31-33” To teach about “feasting” on the words of Christ, you could ask your children to act out how they would feast on their favorite food. In 2 Nephi 32:3, what did Nephi say we should feast on? How is feasting on God’s word different from just reading it? Maybe your children could act out the differences. Share with them the blessings you’ve received as you’ve feasted on the scriptures.

“Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33” Ask the children to name some of their favorite foods, and invite them to act out how they would feast on them. (To feast upon something is to enjoy it or to consume a great deal of it because it brings joy. )Read 2 Nephi 32:3, and ask the children to listen for what Nephi says we should feast on. What does it mean to feast on the scriptures? Explain that the scriptures are one place where we can find the words of Christ.

Ask the children to imagine a feast. What food would they want there? What would they eat first? Then invite them to imagine what feasting on the scriptures might mean as you read 2 Nephi 32:3. Why did Nephi use the word feast to teach us how we should study God’s word? Why didn’t he just say read? What does it mean to feast on the scriptures? Share with the children the blessings you’ve received as you’ve feasted on the scriptures

Write the following words on separate pieces of paper: sample, gorge, taste, nibble, snack, and feast. Hand the papers out to six students, without letting the other students see what is written. Have the six students come to the front of the class. Give them dishes and tell them to imagine there is food in them. Invite the six students to describe or demonstrate the word on their paper, and have the class try to guess the word. Reveal the six words. (Book of Mormon Teacher Resource Manual)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33”

  • Write the words God and Lord on the board. Invite the children to open to a page of scripture and look for these words. Give them help if needed. Testify that as we read the scriptures, we can learn about God.
  • Complete the activity page with the children, and invite them to make a goal to do at least one thing to feast on the scriptures this week.

Friend March 2020 “Feasting on the Scriptures” Action Rhyme

The Wise Man and the Foolish Man Explain that “the wise man built his house upon the rock” means that wise man built his life upon the teachings of Jesus. The foolish man didn’t and his house (life) fell apart in the storms of life. Discussion Ideas: What things in our life are like the rain and wind? How does following Jesus’s teachings protect us and make our faith strong as a house built on a rock? Song: “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, 281) Scripture: Matthew 7:24–29  Sing-along video

Friend March 2015 “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man”

Rock Art: Choose a smooth rock. With a marker or paint, write “Jesus Christ” on it. Talk about why it’s so important to build our lives on His teachings. Keep the rock in a place where you can see it often.

Heavenly Father wants me to pray always.

2 Nephi 32:8–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 31-33” After reading 2 Nephi 32:8–9, talk with your children about why Satan doesn’t want us to pray. Why does God want us to “pray always”? Your children could make a list or draw pictures of situations in which they could pray. Then you could sing a song that teaches about prayer, such as “Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymns, no. 140). You could replace some of the words in the song with the words from their lists. How does God bless us when we pray always?

  • 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 October 2020 “Jesus Taught Us How to Pray”

Friend January 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Praying” When do you pray with your family? Find the items hidden below.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”

  • Read to the children the Lord’s counsel to be “faithful … in prayer always, vocally and in thy heart, in public and in private” (Doctrine and Covenants 81:3). Explain what it means to pray in our hearts, and share a personal example. Help the children think of times when they can pray “in public and in private.”
  • Invite someone to read Doctrine and Covenants 81:3, and ask the children what it means to pray “in [your] heart.” Share an experience when you prayed aloud or in your heart and the Lord helped you. Also ask the children to share their own experiences. How can prayer bring us closer to Heavenly Father?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33”

  • Ask the children when they pray. Do they pray in the morning? at night? before meals? Help the children think of actions to show when we can pray, such as when we wake up, go to bed, and eat—or any other time. Read to them the first line or two from 2 Nephi 32:9, and emphasize the phrase “pray always.”
  • Ask the children how they pray. What do they do with their head, hands, and so on? What sorts of things do they say? Ask them to imagine that you don’t know how to pray, and let them teach you. Why does Heavenly Father want us to pray?
  • The adversary tempts us not to pray. Consider how you can help the children resist this temptation and “pray always” (2 Nephi 32:9).
  • Choose a phrase about prayer from 2 Nephi 32:8–9, write it on the board, and cover each word with a piece of paper. Invite the children to take turns removing one paper at a time until they can guess what the phrase is.
  • Read 2 Nephi 32:8–9 together, and ask the children to share what they learn about prayer from these verses. What does it mean to “pray always”? (verse 9). How can we do this?
  • What might make someone not want to pray? Share an experience when you prayed even though you didn’t feel like it. How did you feel afterward? Invite a child to read the second half of 2 Nephi 32:8, and give the children time to ponder it. Why doesn’t Satan want us to pray? How can we remind ourselves to pray even when we don’t feel like it?

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33: This is the Way”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 31-33: This is the Way”

The Cozy Red Cottage

The Red Crystal

The Red Crystal

Latter Day Kids “Jesus Christ is the Way” Lesson Ideas

Fun Review Activities: Fourth Article of Faith

See more Fourth Article of Faith ideas here. 


Family: Lesson Ideas

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Family

Friend September 2020 “I Love My Family!” In Heavenly Father’s plan, we are all part of a family! We have a heavenly family and a family on earth. We can be with our families forever.

Friend July 2021 “Heavenly Father Has a Plan for Me”

Friend April 2021 Homes come in many shapes and sizes. No matter what a house is made of, it’s the people inside who are important! Trace the drawings of these homes from around the world. Then draw your own house.

Respecting and Standing Up for Family Members

Friend September 2023 “Women of Faith”

Friend September 2023 “Building Respect” When Noah’s sister and her friends walked by, a friend of Noah’s said mean things about girls, and that they didn’t want to play with them. Noah stood up for his sister and asked his friend not to say things like that.

Families are a Treasure

Ensign February 2017 President Monson tells a story about a mother who had a special treasure box. When her children opened the box, they found pictures of themselves. The mother’s treasure was her family!

True treasure isn’t gold or jewels—it’s the people you love. Whom do you love? Draw a picture of them or write their names in the treasure box.

Variety in Families

Friend June 2020 “What’s on Your Mind” Sometimes I worry about my family. How can I feel OK when my family isn’t perfect? Sometimes it might seem like other families are perfect. But every family is different, and they all have challenges. See the below pictures of families in the scriptures.

Family Happiness

Friend  November 2009 “A Happy Home.” This cut-and-paste activity reminds us of the things we can do to make our homes a happier place.

Family Proclamation

Ensign January 2017 “Teaching the Proclamation to Children”

Liahona April 2024 “A Firm Foundation: Teaching Children the Family Proclamation” Ideas for helping children learn the proclamation.

Family Prayer

Friend July 2017 “For Parents of Little Ones” The importance of family prayer and ideas on how to make family prayer more meaningful.

Family Scripture Study

Friend November 2022 “Jesus Said”

Resolving Family Discord

I Can Be Kind to My Family.

Genesis CHAPTER 37

Jacob loves and favors Joseph, who is hated by his brothers—Joseph dreams that his parents and brothers make obeisance to him—His brothers sell him into Egypt.

Old Testament Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students “Unit 7: Day 3, Genesis 33–37” It may help you to understand the following: Sheaves (see Genesis 37:7) are bundles of wheat. To make obeisance (see Genesis 37:7) means to bow down before a superior to show deep respect. To rebuke (see Genesis 37:10) is to reprimand or correct. To observe (see Genesis 37:11), in this context, means to consider and reflect.

Friend May 2018 “Jacob’s Sons: Funstuff” The prophet Jacob had 12 sons. Can you find the two sons dressed exactly the same?

Old Testament Stories “Joseph’s Inspired Dreams” Illustrations

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 37–41” Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and treated him unkindly. How can you help the children understand the importance of being kind to others, especially family members?

  • To tell the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis 37. Let the children help by sharing details they know about the story. Ask them questions such as, “How were Joseph’s brothers unkind to him?” Help the children think of things the brothers could have done to show love to Joseph. What should we do when we feel anger toward members of our family?

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.

Friend June 2019 “Family Night Fun” Ideas for a FHE lesson on family love. For example: Write on hearts things you love about each other or things you can do to show kindness in your family. Put the hearts around your house to remind you to show love this week. Also, make a strawberry heart shish-ka-bob for the refreshment

Ensign July 2017 Make a paper doll chain and on each doll write something you love about a family member.

Liahona June 2021 “The Godhead and Loving Others: Family Study Fun”

Spin It for a Minute

  1. Everyone sit in a circle. Discuss some small acts of kindness family members can do for each other.
  2. Place a pencil in the middle of the circle.
  3. Take turns spinning the pencil.
  4. Whoever the pencil points to must act out as many kindnesses as possible in one minute.
  5. Continue until each person has had at least one turn.

Friend October 2019 “Family Night Fun” Have each person write their name at the bottom of a paper and draw an outline of their head in the middle. Have everyone pass their paper to the person next to them. Add something to the head—like eyes or hair—to look like the person whose name is on the paper. Then write something nice about them on the page. Keep passing the papers, adding to the pictures and writing nice things, until everyone gets their own paper back. You can strengthen your family by being kind and seeing the best in each other!

Friend September 2016 “Family Night Fun” Musical chairs but when someone gets out have everyone say one nice thing about them. Look for the good.

Friend September 2016
Friend September 2016

Friend July 2015 – A girl learns that she controls how she reacts to annoying brother.

  • Show a picture of a family (see Gospel Art Book, no. 112), or invite the children to draw pictures of their families. Ask them to share ways they can be kind to their family members.
  • Let the children color this week’s activity page and, in the space provided, draw a picture of family members being kind.
  • Sing together a song about loving our families, such as “A Happy Family” (Children’s Songbook, 198). What can we do to help our families be happy?

Family Unity

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,” 

Write on separate pieces of paper some activities, traditions, and actions that can help develop unity within a family, such as family home evening, family prayer, family scripture study, mealtime, holiday celebrations, birthday celebrations, being kind to each other, and being unselfish.Discuss with the children what unity means and how unity can be developed within a family. To help the children identify ways that their families can develop feelings of love and unity, let each child choose a piece of paper and give clues to the other children about the activity or action described on his or her paper. Have the other children guess the activity or action. Then invite the children to tell about how that activity or action has blessed and strengthened their families.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24-25  Explain that when God says something twice in a row, it is probably something that we should pay extra attention to. What does it mean to esteem someone as yourself? We need to value others as much as we value ourselves. We need each other. We need each others strength, support, and gifts and talents. Have the children tell what different parts of the body does. Explain that each part of the body is important and needed. Just like our body parts are united and working together, we need to be united as people and learn to work together as one.

To teach children what it means to “be one,” you could help them count the members of your family and talk about why each person is important to your family. Emphasize that together you are one family. You could help your children draw a large 1 on a poster and decorate it with names and drawings or pictures of each family member. You could also write on the poster things you will do to be more united as a family. You might also watch the video “Love in Our Hearts” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) or read Moses 7:18.

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun Working Together: Jesus taught us to “be one” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). That means working together with the people around us to accomplish the same goal.

  • Choose a partner and stand next to each other, shoulder to shoulder. Use a scarf or rope to gently tie your ankle to your partner’s. Work together to practice walking. How fast can you get safely from one place to another?
  • Sing “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel” (Hymns, no. 252).

Share an object lesson that illustrates how things can be combined or united to become one, such as pieces of cloth that make one quilt or ingredients that make one loaf of bread. What do these examples teach us about becoming one as God’s people? Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”,

Sing “We Are Different” (Children’s Songbook,140–41, 263).

1. I know you, and you know me. We are as diff’rent as the sun and the sea I know you, and you know me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

2. I help you, and you help me. We learn from problems, and we’re starting to see. I help you, and you help me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

3. I love you, and you love me We reach together for the best we can be I love you, and you love me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

Ensign April 2021“Family Study Fun” United as One

In Doctrine and Covenants 38:27, the Savior says, “I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” We are encouraged to be one that we “might escape the power of the enemy” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:31).

  1. Stand together in the center of the room.
  2. Choose one person to walk through the middle of the group.
  3. Repeat the exercise but this time as a group stand closer together, linking arms and hands if possible.

Discussion: How are we more protected from outside influences as we stand stronger and closer together? How does greater unity protect us?

Ensign August 2019 “Family Study Fun: Human Knot”  (best with four-plus people) Paul tells the Saints that there should be “no divisions among” them and that they should be “perfectly joined together” in mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). Stand everyone in a circle. Have everyone reach out their right hand and take someone else’s (not next to them). Do the same with the left hand, taking a different person’s hand. Work together to untangle the knot without letting go of any hands. End up in a circle again. Discussion: What can we do as a family to be more “joined together”? How can we work together to remove divisions?

Family Council

Friend July 2017 “What is a Family Council?” A family council is a meeting on any day of the week. It can be with just you and a parent or with your whole family.

Families Work Together

Friend March 2018 “Funstuff” Have the family work together to put together the tangram puzzle of the house. Explain that when family members each help contribute to  building a strong, happy family then all the pieces of family life fit together properly and harmoniously.

Friend July 2017 “Busy Like a Bee” Elder Ballard tells how bees work together to strengthen the hive.

Friend May 2024 “Helping at Home”

Family Members Help Each Other

Friend January 2023 “How Can Your Family Help Each Other?”

I Love My Family, and I Can Help Care for My Family.

Doctrine and Covenants 126

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “The Saints in Nauvoo”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 125-128”

  • Share with the children the information about Brigham Young in “Chapter 50: The Saints in Nauvoo” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 184), or summarize Doctrine and Covenants 126 in your own words. Then read Doctrine and Covenants 126:3 to the children, emphasizing the phrase “take especial care of your family.” What does it mean to take care of our families? Help the children think of ways they can show love to their family members.
  • Before class, invite the children to bring a picture of their family (or ask them to draw pictures). Then ask them to share something they love about their family. Share a picture of your family, and do the same. Explain why Heavenly Father wants us to care for our family members. Sing a song that teaches this truth, such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198).
  • Read together Doctrine and Covenants 126:3. Why might Heavenly Father have asked Brigham Young to “take especial care of [his] family”? How can we do the same for our families? Make a list of the things we can do now to serve our families. How will doing these things help us become more like Heavenly Father?
  • Share with the children Sister Carole M. Stephens’s story about her grandson Porter (see “We Have Great Reason to Rejoice,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 115). What did Porter do to take care of his family? How can we follow his example?

Latter Day Kids “Serving in Our Families” Lesson ideas

Reading this counsel to Brigham Young might inspire your family to talk about how you might spend more time taking “especial care of” (verse 3) each other.

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Take turns saying nice things about each other. Help your little ones say, “I love my family.”

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

Friend January 2018

Helping Family Members

Friend January 2017 “Show & Tell” My three-month-old baby sister woke up crying from her nap while my mom was in the shower. I sang Primary songs to her, and she smiled at me. I kept singing to her until my mom was able to get her. Nora R., age 4, Virginia, USA

Friend November 2022 “A Happy Helper” Felix helps his mom get ready for Grandpa’s visit. Activity: Heavenly Father wants us to help others. Point to ways these children are helping.

Siblings

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

What this teaches me:

New Baby in Family

Friend November 2016 “For Parents of Little Ones” Ideas on how to help a child adjust to having a new baby brother or sister.

Friend November 2023 “Helping Baby Brother” Lashia has a new baby brother and her mom and dad are very busy and she feels lonely. Her mother suggests that she help take care of the baby. She and her younger sister found lots of ways to help. She was glad she could help her baby brother, and her mom and dad too!

Friend January 2017 “Show & Tell” At a stake conference broadcast, Elder Hales talked about not raising our voices. I am trying not to raise my voice at my brothers. Jackson P., age 7, Tennessee, USA

Friend June 2022 “The Big Brother List” Andrew’s little sister, Samantha, kept playing with his things. One day Andrew drew a picture for his grandma, but his sister drew all over it and ruined it. He was tired of being a big brother. His mom suggested he write down some things he liked doing with her. He realized that there were lots of good things about being a big brother!

Friend August 2022 “Activity Time” Jamal is learning to share his toys with his little sister. Can you find the items below?

Helping Mother

Friend October 2022 “Jesus Helped His Mother”Jesus Christ went to a wedding in Cana. His mother, Mary, was there. She told Jesus that they were out of wine. Jesus asked His mother what she wanted Him to do. He performed a miracle and turned water into wine. Jesus loved His mother and helped her.

Friend October 2022 “Jesus Helped His Mother” My mom is allergic to dogs. We went to my friend’s house, and they have a dog. When we got home, my mom had hives on her face. I gave her an ice pack, a pillow, and a blanket. Soon her hives started to clear up. I am happy I helped my mom. (see image at link) Penelope B., age 9, Utah, USA

Family Members Support & Help Each Other

Family Love

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Show your little ones how to make a heart shape with their hands while saying, “I love my family.” Look through picture books or photos and help your child practice saying names of family members.

Live Together in Love

Doctrine and Covenants 42:45

Friend September 2020 “Loving Our Families” Cut out the strips of paper and put them in a bowl. After you do one of the activities, add a link to your chain of hearts.

Friend June 2019 “Family Night Fun” Ideas for a FHE lesson on family love. For example: Write on hearts things you love about each other or things you can do to show kindness in your family. Put the hearts around your house to remind you to show love this week. Also, make a strawberry heart shish-ka-bob for the refreshment

Ensign July 2017 Make a paper doll chain and on each doll write something you love about a family member.

Friend June 2017 “Hope for My Family” Henry B. Eyring: The hope of feeling family love now and throughout eternity.

Write the name of each family member on separate pieces of paper. Pass these papers around from person to person. On each page, each person writes what they love most about the family member whose name is at the top of the paper. Ensign January 2016

Stregthening the Family

Friend November 2021 “Conference Notes”

Friend April 2017 “Be Consistent and Keep Trying” Elder Bednar persisted in having family prayer and scripture study and in trying to get his father to join the church, and his persistence paid off.

I can be a good example to my family.

1 Nephi 16:21–32

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 As you read 1 Nephi 16:21–32 together, help your children discover how Nephi’s example blessed his family (see also the video “The Lord Guides Lehi’s Journey” [Gospel Library]). This could lead to a discussion about how we could be like Nephi. Invite your children to plan one thing they can do to be a good influence on other family members.

The Cozy Red Cottage Example match game cards also include truthful, forgiving, peacemaker, kind & loving, unselfish. (The link to download the free printables is at the end of the post.)

Friend March 2011″Daniel’s Example of Prayer” Daniel sets an example for his grandparents who aren’t members of the church.

Friend March 2011 “Being a Good Example”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: 1 Nephi 11-15 Assign each child to draw a picture of something from the story of Nephi’s broken bow (see 1 Nephi 16:14–32), such as Nephi, a bow, or the Liahona. Then use the pictures to tell the story to the class, and let the children take turns doing the same. How can we be like Nephi when our families are going through hard times?

The Red Crystal How would someone with faith and hope react to the following situations? How would someone who is murmuring react?

The Cozy Red Cottage The manual states, “Perhaps your family could contrast Nephi’s account of traveling in the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 17:1-6) with his brothers’ account (1 Nephi 17:17-22). Why do you think they saw the same events differently? What can we learn from Nephi about having a faithful perspective?”
(Could write responses to the above situations on this form.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020: 1 Nephi 11-15 Invite the children to each cut out a paper circle and draw a sad face on one side and a happy face on another. As you tell the story of Nephi’s broken bow, invite them to use the faces to show how Nephi’s family was feeling during different parts of the story. How did Nephi help make his family happy? What can we do to make our families happy?

The Red Crystal

Our Homes Can Be “Holy Places.”

Doctrine and Covenants 87

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

No home is perfect, but there are things we can all do to make our homes into holy places of peace.

  • Explain to the children that Joseph Smith was worried about things that were happening in the world. Summarize the heading to section 87, or read “Chapter 30: A Revelation about War” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 117–18; see also the video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Ask the children to listen for things that might have made Joseph worried. To teach what the Lord said we should do about those problems, read Doctrine and Covenants 87:8.
  • Show a picture of a temple, and share why the temple is a holy place. Show a picture of a home, and help the children think of ways they can make their homes holy like the temple (see this week’s activity page). Why do we want to be in holy places?

Friend August 2021 “Bright Idea”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

To introduce a discussion about how to make your home a holier place, you could invite family members to design a home for someone who loves the Savior. This may lead to ideas about how to “redesign” your home to make it a place of peace amid the spiritual danger in the world. Songs like “Love at Home,” “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns,nos. 294, 298), or “Where Love Is” (Children’s Songbook, 138–39) could give you ideas.

Friend October 2016 “How can I help make my home a peaceful place?”

“Establish … a House of God.”

Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

The Lord’s instructions regarding the “house of God” can be a helpful guide for us as we build our lives and our homes.

  • Invite the children to choose seven words that describe their home or another home they’ve visited. Then ask them to read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 and find the seven words the Lord uses to describe His house. Help the children think of ways they can make their homes a “house of God.”
  • Give each child a phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–26 to draw. When they show their pictures to each other, let the children search the verses to guess what phrase each picture represents.
  • Write on the board Do and Don’t. Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–26 and list things the Lord wanted the Saints to do or not do to prepare to learn in the temple. They could look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary. Invite the children to choose something that they will start doing or something they will stop doing.

Liahona August 2021 Organize Yourselves

Our homes can follow this pattern: “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119).

Organize means to arrange things in order or to prepare an activity or event.

Organize your family in different ways:

  1. Have them stand in line from oldest to youngest.
  2. Have them stand in alphabetical order, according to their first name.
  3. Have them line up according to the month of their birth.

Discussion: How does the Savior want us to organize ourselves (1) in our household jobs, (2) in our spiritual study, (3) in our worship at church and in the temple?

What goals can your family set to create a “house of God”?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

To inspire your family to make your home like the description in verse 119, try something like this: Write phrases from this verse on strips of paper, and use them to cover a picture of the temple. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 together, and let family members remove each strip of paper as they hear the corresponding phrase in the verse. What can we do to make our home a “house of God”? (verse 119).

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Building a Happy Home”

  • Sing “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns, no. 298).
  • Heavenly Father wants us to “establish … a house of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119). He wants us to make our homes holy places like the temple, where we can feel the Holy Ghost.
  • Read “The Important Guest” on page 4. Then build a house out of blocks, sticks, or other items you can find. Every time you add a piece to the house, say something you can do to make your home a place where the Holy Ghost feels welcome.

Building our homes with the Lord

Psalms 127–28.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 What does it mean for the Lord to help us “build [our] house”? (Psalm 127:1). How can we better involve Him in our efforts to create a righteous home? To help your family answer this question, you might draw a house on a piece of paper and cut it into puzzle pieces. On the back of each piece, family members could write or draw ways to make the Lord part of your home. Then you could put the puzzle together. What else do we find in these psalms that inspires us to walk in the Lord’s ways?

Hubbard’s Cupboard Click on the link to print the 6 pieces of this house. The children (or family members) could each write a way to create a righteous home on the front of a piece and then they could build the house together. Or each child (or family member) could draw a part of the house on a paper or chalkboard as they mention ways make a righteous home.

Love, Kindness, and Looking for the Good

Liahona June 2021 “The Godhead and Loving Others: Family Study Fun”

Spin It for a Minute

Doctrine and Covenants 64:33

  1. Everyone sit in a circle. Discuss some small acts of kindness family members can do for each other.
  2. Place a pencil in the middle of the circle.
  3. Take turns spinning the pencil.
  4. Whoever the pencil points to must act out as many kindnesses as possible in one minute.
  5. Continue until each person has had at least one turn.

Discussion: What acts of kindness can we do for our neighbors, ward members, ourselves? How can even small, simple acts lead to great things?

Friend October 2019 “Family Night Fun” Have each person write their name at the bottom of a paper and draw an outline of their head in the middle. Have everyone pass their paper to the person next to them. Add something to the head—like eyes or hair—to look like the person whose name is on the paper. Then write something nice about them on the page. Keep passing the papers, adding to the pictures and writing nice things, until everyone gets their own paper back. You can strengthen your family by being kind and seeing the best in each other!

Friend September 2016 “Family Night Fun” Musical chairs but when someone gets out have everyone say one nice thing about them. Look for the good.

Friend September 2016
Friend September 2016

Families Are Forever

SECTION 131

1–4, Celestial marriage is essential to exaltation in the highest heaven; 5–6, How men are sealed up unto eternal life is explained; 7–8, All spirit is matter.

SECTION 132

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, recorded July 12, 1843, relating to the new and everlasting covenant, including the eternity of the marriage covenant and the principle of plural marriage. Although the revelation was recorded in 1843, evidence indicates that some of the principles involved in this revelation were known by the Prophet as early as 1831. See Official Declaration 1.

1–6, Exaltation is gained through the new and everlasting covenant; 7–14, The terms and conditions of that covenant are set forth; 15–20, Celestial marriage and a continuation of the family unit enable men to become gods; 21–25, The strait and narrow way leads to eternal lives; 26–27, The law is given relative to blasphemy against the Holy Ghost; 28–39, Promises of eternal increase and exaltation are made to prophets and Saints in all ages; 40–47, Joseph Smith is given the power to bind and seal on earth and in heaven; 48–50, The Lord seals upon him his exaltation; 51–57, Emma Smith is counseled to be faithful and true; 58–66, Laws governing plural marriage are set forth.

Heavenly Father Made it Possible for Families to be Together Forever.

Through Joseph Smith, the Lord restored the ordinances and authority needed to make these relationships eternal (see Doctrine and Covenants 132:7, 18–19).

Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4132:15, 19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

Through the Lord’s sealing power and the ordinances of the temple, our family relationships can last eternally if we keep our covenants.

  • Help the children think of examples of things that do not last forever—food that spoils, flowers that wither, and so on. Show a picture of your family, and share how you feel about them. Testify that the Lord has made it possible, through the ordinances of the temple, for families to last forever.
  • Open the Doctrine and Covenants to section 132, and tell the children that this is a revelation to Joseph Smith about marriage and families. Show them verse 19, and point to the words “through all eternity” as you read them. Invite the children to read these words with you.
  • Help the children make paper dolls representing members of their family (see this week’s activity page). Cut them out, and put them in an envelope or attach them together with a paper clip to represent the sealing power that can make our families eternal.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

Regardless of our current family situation, we can make choices now that will prepare us to receive the blessings of an eternal family in the future.

  • Ask some of the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4 and others to read 132:15. Help them discover what these verses teach about marriage. Select key phrases from 132:19 (such as “if a man marry a wife,” “everlasting covenant,” “sealed,” “abide in my covenant,” “through all eternity,” and “forever and ever”), and ask the children to find these phrases in the verse. What do these phrases teach us about marriage?
  • Sing “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188), or review “Chapter 55: A Revelation about Marriage” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 198). Ask the children to listen for and be prepared to share what we must do so that our families can be eternal. Testify that no matter our current family situation, we can prepare ourselves to be part of an eternal family.
  • Ask some of the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4 and others to read 132:15. Help them discover what these verses teach about marriage. Select key phrases from 132:19 (such as “if a man marry a wife,” “everlasting covenant,” “sealed,” “abide in my covenant,” “through all eternity,” and “forever and ever”), and ask the children to find these phrases in the verse. What do these phrases teach us about marriage?
  • Sing “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188), or review “Chapter 55: A Revelation about Marriage” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 198). Ask the children to listen for and be prepared to share what we must do so that our families can be eternal. Testify that no matter our current family situation, we can prepare ourselves to be part of an eternal family.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Eternal Marriage”

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

Draw a picture of a temple together. Have each person help draw one part. Help your little ones say, “Temples bless our family.”

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

  • Sing “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188).
  • Jesus taught that families are important. In the temple, we can be sealed to our families forever (see Doctrine and Covenants 132:19).
  • Make a family tree! Have each family member make a paper leaf and write their name on it. On another paper, draw a tree trunk. Then glue or tape the leaves to the top of the tree.

Friend November 2021 “Families Are Forever” Coloring Page

Additional Teaching Resources

Friend March 2018 “What’s on Your  Mind” A child wants to know how his family will be together forever if his parents are divorced.

Friend June 2017 “Hope for My Family” Henry B. Eyring: The hope of feeling family love now and throughout eternity.

Ensign August 2016 “The Hope of Eternal Family Love”  Because of Jesus Christ’s Atonement and the restoration of priesthood power to seal families, we can live with our families forever! What do you love about your family? Follow these instructions to make this paper chain to celebrate your family.
Fold a piece of paper in half twice so you have one long strip.
Draw a person with hands reaching the folded edges.
Cut the person out. Don’t cut where the hands touch the folded edges.
Unfold it. Write or draw something you love about each family member.
Tape multiple chains together if you have a larger family!

Make a family banner with the family name on it, and then draw pictures of what is important to your family, like the temple, love, Jesus, etc.

  • Sing together the second verse of “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188) or another song about families. Help the children think of ways they can prepare to be married in the temple someday and have an eternal family.

Friend October 2023 “Remembering Abuela” Lyan and her family were celebrating “Day of the Dead” . But this year was different because her grandmother was one of the family members they would remembering. Lyan missed her grandmother. But her mother helped her remember that because of Jesus Christ, they would all be resurrected. And since they were sealed in the temple, they would all be together as a family someday.

Family Adversity

Divorce

Friend August 2015 “Help! Someone’s Getting a Divorce” – responses to children’s concerns.

Parents and Family Members Help Us

Friend October 2020 “What’s on Your Mind” Ways to help children talk to parents about important things even when they are embarrassed or scared.

Friend April 2016: “I Need to Talk” Lesson on how to teach children to talk to a parent about a problem

image

Heavenly Father Wants Parents to Teach Their Children.

Moses 6:57–58

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

From the time of Adam and Eve, parents have been commanded to teach their children the gospel. How can you encourage the children to listen to and follow the righteous teachings of their parents?

  • Read Moses 6:58 to the children, and show the picture of Adam and Eve’s family in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families. Help the children repeat the phrase “teach these things freely unto your children.” Explain that God wants all parents to follow Adam and Eve’s example by teaching their children about Jesus Christ and His gospel. Ask the children what they can do when their parents or others teach them the gospel.
  • Help the children match pictures of themselves to their parents or pictures of baby animals to adult animals. How do parents help their children? What do they teach them? Ask the children to draw pictures of their families at times when parents teach children, such as reading the scriptures together, praying together, or eating together.

Parents are Responsible to Teach Their Children.

God trusts parents to be the primary gospel teachers in their families. How can you encourage the children to support their parents in this role?

  • Ask a child to read Moses 6:58. What commandment did Heavenly Father give to parents in this verse? Show a picture of Adam and Eve teaching their children (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families), and let the children talk about what they see in the picture. Encourage them to talk about important gospel truths they have learned from their families.
  • Help the children write thank-you notes to their parents or plan other simple ways to express their appreciation for their parents. Sing a song about families, such as “Love Is Spoken Here” (Children’s Songbook, 190–91). How can we help our parents create a loving atmosphere in our homes?

Latter Day Kids “Teach These Things” Lesson ideas to go with the below video.

Friend March 2019 “A Lesson From My Parents” Color the pictures and circle the things a parent or other family member has taught you. What else can you think of?

Friend February 2018 ”Adam and Eve Taught their Family”

Coloring Page: “Adam and Eve Teach Their Children” (Feb. 2010 Friend)

Obeying and Honoring Parents

Parents and Marriage

Marriage is Ordained of God

Marriage Between Man and Woman is Essential to God’s Plan.

Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 49-50”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 49–50”

What truths about marriage do you learn from Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17? Why do you feel marriage between a man and a woman is essential to Heavenly Father’s plan? Elder David A. Bednar gave two reasons: “Reason 1: The natures of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation. … Reason 2: By divine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best setting for the rearing and nurturing of children” (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign, June 2006, 83–84). See also 1 Corinthians 11:11

Ephesians 5:31, 33

 United We Stand Pair up two people of relatively equal size. Have them sit on the floor back to back, arms linked. Have them stand up by pushing off each other. Repeat, but this time have only one person push.

Discussion: Why is having two people work together easier? Read “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” (see Ensign,May 2017, 145). What roles do fathers and mothers have? How do they work together?

Friend October 2016

Friend October 2016

When One or Both Parents Don’t Attend Church

Ensign June 2019

Special

Friend July 2018 “Family Night Fun” Fill a poster with words and pictures of what your family does to make your home special.

Friend July 2018