Tag Archives: teaching children

Jan 5 2022

The First Vision

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The First Vision

Videos

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”

Latter Day Kids “If Any of You Lack Wisdom” Lesson ideas

Images

Illustrated Story

New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

“The First Vision” (March 2008 Friend)

Book of Mormon Stories: Chapter One

Friend October 2017 “Jesus Visited Joseph”

Friend April 2020 “Jesus Christ’s Church Is Restored!”

Friend November 2019 “James Taught the Gospel”

Friend November 2023 “James Says “Ask of God”

Friend April 2020 “Hello from the Sacred Grove” Photos of the sacred grove and the recreated home of the Smith family. Also tells the story about Joseph.

Flannel Board Figures

Cutout Figures: “Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (March 2008 Friend)

Friend February 2001 “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”

Shadow Box/ Diorama Figures

Friend January 2001 “The First Vision”

Friend January 2025 “First Vision Diorama”

Friend January 2025

For younger children: Go on a walk somewhere peaceful, just like Joseph Smith went to a grove of trees to pray. Tell your little ones the story of the First Vision as you walk.

Illustrations

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

Friend January 2025 “Cover”

Paintings

Gospel Art Picture: “First Vision”

Gospel Art Picture: “The First Vision”

Lesson Ideas

“Joseph Smith … had questions.”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”

  • It might be interesting to your children to explore some of the questions Joseph Smith had that led to the Restoration of the Savior’s gospel. Help them find some examples in Joseph Smith—History 1:10, 29, 68. How are we blessed today because God answered Joseph Smith’s questions?

Which Church to Join?

Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,”  (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

Ask a child to leave the room for a moment. Show the two containers to the rest of the class without letting them see inside. Divide the class into two groups and give each a container. Tell the children in each group that when the child who left the room returns, they are to try to persuade him or her to choose their container. Invite the child to return to the room and choose one of the containers. Ask the child who chose the container questions such as the following:

  • Why did you choose that container?
  • How did you feel when others were trying to tell you what to do?

Explain that when Joseph Smith was fourteen years old, he was confused about a choice he needed to make. He was trying to decide which church he should join. Other people tried to help him choose a church, but he only became more confused. He felt that he needed more information to make a wise decision: he wanted to know which church was true. Joseph’s situation was similar to that of the child who had to choose between the two containers. Everyone wanted him to choose their church, but he did not know which church was the right choice.

Why was Joseph confused about which church he should join? (JS—H 1:5–10.)

New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

God can answer my questions through the scriptures.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

  • Consider showing your children a variety of books, (like an encyclopedia or a cookbook), and help them think of questions these books could answer. Then show them a copy of the scriptures. What questions can these books answer? Then you could read together Joseph Smith—History 1:10–11 to find out what questions Joseph Smith had and what answers he found in the scriptures.
  • Your children might be able to find words in verse 12 that describe how reading James 1:5 affected Joseph. Then you could share experiences with each other in which a passage of scripture had a powerful influence on you.

Friend November 2019 “James Taught the Gospel” James, the brother of Jesus, taught the gospel and helped lead the church when he grew up. One of his teachings in James 1:5. says that if we have questions, we can ask God. Many years after James wrote this scripture, a boy named Joseph Smith read it. He prayed to know which church to join. Joseph’s prayer was answered! When I have questions, I can ask God, like James taught. (Memorize James 1:5 as a family. Talk about how this verse led Joseph Smith to receive the First Vision.)

Friend November 2023 “James Says “Ask of God”

New Era April 2009 “Line upon Line: James 1:5–6”

New Era January 2017 “Line upon Line: James 1:5–6”

Come Follow Me Kid Hop from one scripture line to another and read it out loud and then discuss what it means. For memorizing the scripture have them do it again and say the phrases, and maybe a little faster each time.

Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

To start a discussion about how we communicate with Heavenly Father, perhaps you and your children could ask each other questions using various communication methods, like a text message, a phone call, or a handwritten note.

How do we ask questions to Heavenly Father? How do we show Him that we love and honor Him in our prayers? Read together Joseph Smith—History 1:16–19 and discuss how Heavenly Father answered Joseph Smith’s prayer. You and your children could then share experiences when you asked God for help and received an answer.

New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

Read with the children Joseph Smith—History 1:10–14. Invite the children to find things Joseph Smith did to receive answers to his questions. How can we follow Joseph’s example when we have questions?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

Help the children repeat the phrase “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). How do we ask God questions? How does He answer us? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “James”)

Friend November 2023 “I Can Ask God”

Little LDS Ideas “Answers to Prayers from Heavenly Father Come in Many Ways” Includes lesson ideas

Friend January 2025 “Coloring Page: Heavenly Father Hears and Answers My Prayers”

Come Follow Me Kid “We can all receive, if not a heavenly vision, at least a clearer vision, illuminated by heavenly light.” (CFM manual) Cut apart the puzzle pieces and hide them in a dark room. Give each child a flashlight to find the hidden pieces in the dark room. Explain that Heavenly Father will always give us a clearer vision to find answers to our questions when we pray in faith.

Share your testimony that God answers prayers, and testify that the children can pray to Him when they have questions.

Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

  • Young children might enjoy standing with outstretched arms pretending to be trees in the Sacred Grove while you tell them about the First Vision. Ask the children to sway as if being blown by the wind while you talk about Joseph praying. Then ask them to stand very still and quiet when you tell them Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to Joseph.

Gospel Art Picture: “The First Vision”

  • Older children might enjoy using one or more of the pictures in this outline to tell you what they know about the First Vision. Encourage them to refer to Joseph Smith—History 1:14–17 and to share their thoughts and feelings about Joseph’s experience (see also “Chapter 2: Joseph Smith’s First Vision,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 9–12, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library).

“Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend)

Ensign January 2021 “How can I Know for Myself” What can we learn from Joseph’s example? How can we “know for ourselves” what is true? He read the scriptures. He asked God in prayer. Sometimes we have to wait for answers. He put effort into finding answers to his questions.

Friend June 2015

Friend June 2015

“Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend) Read the article by President Eyring and then do the crossword puzzle.

Sing together “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13). Youtube video

Heavenly Father and Jesus can speak to us through the Holy Ghost

Friend January 2025 “Just Like Joseph” Lhensay learns in primary that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She asked her mom how she could see them like Joseph did. Her mom explained that most of us won’t see Heavenly Father and Jesus like Joseph Smith did. But They can still speak to us through thoughts and feelings from the Holy Ghost. Then you can know They are always with you. Lhensay remembered the warm feeling she had when learned about the First Vision. That was the Holy Ghost, sending her a message from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ! They had spoken to her, just like they had to Joseph Smith!

I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.

Joseph Smith—History 1:21–26

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

  • Read together Joseph’s testimony in Joseph Smith—History 1:25. Ask the children to look for words and phrases that show Joseph’s faith. How can we remain faithful to God and our testimonies when other people disagree with us?

How can we handle disagreements without becoming contentious like the people described in this verse?

For the Strength of Youth January 2025 “The Impossible Paper” I can cut a hole in a regular piece of paper big enough to step through. Don’t believe me? Think it’s impossible? I promise, it’s no trick.

There may be times your beliefs are challenged by others, or you come across confusing questions. When this happens, think about the “impossible” paper. Decide to trust God and to turn to Him and other good sources for answers.

Friend November 2019 “Jesus is Real” Everyone at Ismay’s table at school were excitedly talking about Christmas and their favorite traditions such as going to a church service. Suddenly Charlotte spoke up and said, “Jesus isn’t even real.” Ismay was sad to hear this and she quietly bore her testimony to Charlotte that Jesus was real, and that she felt it in her heart. She was glad she had spoken up and planted a seed about Jesus.

What We Learn from the First Vision

Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,”  (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

For the Strength of Youth January 2025 “Looking for Jesus Christ”

When Heavenly Father appeared to Joseph Smith, the first thing He said was “Joseph” (see Joseph Smith History 1:17). Not “you’ve made a lot of mistakes,” or “I don’t have time for you.” It seems like the first thing Heavenly Father did in restoring the gospel was to make sure Joseph knew that his Father in Heaven knew him and loved him.

The second thing He did was to introduce Jesus Christ. “This is my Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith History 1:17). Among all the doctrine, eternal truths, principles, and organization to be restored, two things God wanted Joseph (and us) to know upfront were:

  • God knows you personally and loves you.
  • Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and we need to listen to what He has to say.

Come Follow Me Kid

Name Treat – Point out that in Joseph Smith – History 1:17, Joseph Smith tells us that Heavenly Father said his (Joseph’s) name. Does Heavenly Father know each of our names? (Yes!) Does He love us? (Yes!) Does He want us to talk to Him through prayer? (Yes!) (Make a treat with each child’s name, or let them decorate a treat with their name.

Review Activities

Friend January 2018

Media Library “The Desires of My Heart” & “The First Vision” (April 2009 Friend)
A quiz with questions about the First Vision from Joseph Smith—History

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

  • To review the account of the First Vision, write summaries of each verse from Joseph Smith—History 1:14–19 on separate slips of paper. Place the papers in a container, and invite the children to choose them one by one and place them on the board in the correct order.

Songs

Joseph Smith’s First Prayer/ Oh, How Lovely was the Morning

Joseph Smith’s First Prayer: Music & Video – Friend January 2017

[Verse 1]
Oh, how lovely was the morning!
Radiant beamed the sun above
Bees were humming, sweet birds singing
Music ringing thru the grove
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love

[Verse 2]
Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing—
‘Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer—
When the pow’rs of sin assailing
Filled his soul with deep despair;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav’nly Father’s care

[Verse 3]
Suddenly a light descended
Brighter far than noonday sun
And a shining, glorious pillar
O’er him fell, around him shone
While appeared two heav’nly beings
God the Father and the Son
While appeared two heav’nly beings
God the Father and the Son

[Verse 4]
“Joseph, this is my Beloved;
Hear him!” Oh, how sweet the word!
Joseph’s humble prayer was answered
And he listened to the Lord
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
For he saw the living God;
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom
For he saw the living God

The First Vision

Friend April 2020 “The First Vision” Music and Video

  • 1. Joseph had a question about the way to go, So faithfully he studied to help his knowledge grow. A scripture struck his heart, inviting him to pray, And Joseph knew that he could ask for God to show him the way.
  • 2. Seeking peaceful quiet, he chose a grove of trees And prayed with all his power for God to hear his plea. The Father and the Son descended from above To answer Joseph’s question and restore the gospel with love.
  • 3. From that wondrous vision, more revelations flowed. The Lord restored the gospel so everyone can know: The heavens are not closed; the Savior speaks today. He calls a prophet in our time to guide our steps in His way.
  • Chorus: He prayed in faith and heaven answered. The Father and the Son knew his name. I kneel to pray. I know God loves me And hears my prayers the same.

This is My Beloved Son

Verse 3:
Joseph saw two glorious beings
Shining brighter than the sun.
God again presented Jesus:
“This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!”

On a Golden Springtime

Music: “On a Golden Springtime” (Children’s Songbook, 88)

Third Verse: On a golden springtime, in a forest glade, The Father and the Son appeared as Joseph knelt and prayed. Awake, awake, O nations all! Receive the gospel light! The gospel true is here for you. Receive its glorious light!

The Sacred Grove

Music: “The Sacred Grove” (Children’s Songbook, 87)

The Sacred Grove was green and fresh, The morning sun shone bright around, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer, As Joseph knelt in fervent prayer Upon that sacred ground.

The Father and the Son appeared. They spoke to him as with one voice. Their message answered all his fears, Their message answered all his fears And made his heart rejoice.

My Own Sacred Grove

Friend January 2025 “My Own Sacred Grove” I Can Play It

Joseph Smith went to a grove full of trees; Seeking Gods wisdom, he fell to his knees. As he pled with the heavens, the sky filled with light, And the Father appeared with His Son, Jesus Christ, Standing above in the air Coming to answer his prayer.

Chorus: I will find my own sacred grove. Away from all of the noise in the world. I will turn to prayer, For I know He’s there I will find my own sacred grove.

So many choices with so much at stake. Life’s full of pathways, but which should I take? If I lift up in prayer in the name of the Son, Through the pow’r of the Holy Ghost answers will come. Heavenly Father is there, Ready to answer my prayer.

Historical Sites of the First Vision

Friend April 2020 “Hello from the Sacred Grove” Photos of the sacred grove and the recreated home of the Smith family. Also tells the story about Joseph.

Jan 5 2022

Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5

Featured

Jesus Christ Created the Earth Under the Direction of Heavenly Father.

Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; Abraham 4:1–25

Friend November 1996 “For Little Friends: Window Picture” (Print the picture of the earth and the picture of Jesus back to back.) Show the picture of the earth and ask who created it. Have the children hold it up to a light or window to check their answer or find the answer. Explain that the earth was created by Jesus under the direction of Heavenly Father. Question: Why did Heavenly Father want the earth created? (See Abraham 3:24-26 – For us to gain a body and be tried and tested to see if we would learn to exercise control over our bodies and keep the commandments.)

1of3
2of3
3of3

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5”

  • Help the children think of times when they made something by following another person’s directions. For example, maybe they have made a recipe with a parent or sibling guiding them. Write Who created the earth? on the board, and invite the children to find the answer in Moses 2:1. Testify that Jesus Christ created the earth under the direction of Heavenly Father.
Friend January 2026

The Pearl of Great Price Student Manual

  • The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that to “create … does not mean to create out of nothing; it means to organize, the same as a man would organize materials and build a ship.”1 The Hebrew word for “create” means to shape, fashion, organize, and form (see Genesis 1:1; Abraham 3:24).
  • “The Earth, After It Was Formed, Was Empty and Desolate”The Prophet Joseph Smith indicated that the translation “without form, and void” (see Genesis 1:2 and Moses 2:2) should read “empty and desolate” (see Abraham 4:2;

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

  • Your children might also look at pictures of things Jesus created (see “The Creation of the Earth” in Old Testament Stories, 8–12). Then you and your children could talk about how you feel about Jesus Christ after reading about the Creation.

Old Testament Stories “The Creation of the Earth” Images and Video

Creation Lesson for Little Ones – Teaching the creation story using flannel figures.

President Russell M. Nelson explained that “the physical Creation itself was staged through ordered periods of time,” not calendar days. Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that a day in the Creation accounts “is a specified time period; it is an age, an eon, a division of eternity; it is the time between two identifiable events. And each day, of whatever length, has the duration needed for its purposes. …

  • How will you make learning about the Creation fun for your children? You could take them on a search outside for the kinds of things that were made during each period of Creation.

Or:

  1. Each person [could] take a turn acting out a day or part of the Creation. The rest of the family members guess the day or the part of Creation that was chosen. (Liahona January 2022 “God’s Plan Is for You: Come, Follow Me Family Fun” )
  2. Assign each child verses in Moses 2 related to one of the days of creation, and ask him or her to draw a picture of the things Heavenly Father and Jesus created on that day. Ask the children to hold their pictures and stand in the order of the days of Creation, and then invite each child to teach the rest of the children what happened on the day they were assigned. What do we learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ from the story of the Creation? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” )
  3. You [could ]show pictures of things created in each period and invite family members to put the pictures in order after reading one of the accounts of the Creation together. What do these creations teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5”)

 Friend March 2002 “For Little Friends”  Place the correct picture and label on the chart according to which “day” it took place in the creation (one square will get two pictures). Check your answers in Genesis 1:1-27, and move pieces to their correct position as needed (Visuals: Black and white game board. Note: Color cardstock can be used for the game boards.)

  • Consider singing a song together about our beautiful world, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Maybe your children could add to the song other things God has created that help them feel His love.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5”

  • Share your testimony that Jesus Christ made these things because He and Heavenly Father love us.

For additional teaching resources see Creation

Gratitude for the Earth

One way to approach the Creation story is to invite your family to find how many times in Genesis 1 or Moses 2 God calls the things that he made “good.” What does this suggest about how we should treat God’s creations—including ourselves? What do we learn from the way these events are worded in Abraham 4?

Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Thankful Memory Game

Activity: Now play a game! The first person says, “I am thankful for …” and then says something Heavenly Father and Jesus created. The next person repeats it and then adds something new. Keep going around in a circle as long as you can.

Liahona January 2022 “God’s Plan Is for You: Come, Follow Me Family Fun”

Stewards over the Earth: Moses 2:28 explains that humankind was given dominion over all living things. President Russell M. Nelson said, “We should care for the earth, be wise stewards over it, and preserve it for future generations” (“The Creation,” Liahona, July 2000, 104).

Discussion: In what ways do Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ take care of us? How can we follow Their examples as we take care of the living things around us? In what ways can our actions show our gratitude for God’s creations? (Submitted by Mitzi Schoneman)

Friend February 2018 “Caring for the Earth”

See more ideas at Taking Care of the Earth

Additional Creation Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” While there’s a lot we don’t know about exactly how the world was created, ponder what you learn about the Creation from what God has revealed in Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; and Abraham 4:1–25. What do you notice in these accounts that is similar? What do you notice that is different?

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Creation” Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “The Creation” Lesson ideas

I Was Created in God’s Image.

Genesis 1:26–27; Moses 2:26–27; Abraham 4:26–27

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

  • Your children can develop a sense of reverence and respect for their own and others’ bodies as they learn that we were all created in God’s image. To help them understand what this means, you could let your children look at their image in a mirror or picture while you read Moses 2:26–27 to them.
  • You could also show them how baby animals are often in the “likeness” of their parents (see the picture in this outline, for example). This could lead to a conversation about why it’s important to you to know that you are created in your Heavenly Father’s image.
Image by kamchatka on Freepik
Image by freepik
Image by freepik

  • You and your children might enjoy drawing a human body and cutting the drawings into puzzles. As your children put their puzzles together, they could talk about ways they can show Heavenly Father that they are thankful for their bodies. (or invite the children to choose a part of the body and write next to it why they are thankful for it.) Express your gratitude for your body, and testify that we were created in God’s image.

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; braham 4–5”

  • Help the children repeat “I, God, created man in mine own image” several times (Moses 2:27).

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

  • [Using the picture below, invite the children] to point to His eyes, mouth, and other parts of His body. Then invite them to stand and point to those same parts of their own bodies. Read from Doctrine and Covenants 130:22: “The Father has a body of flesh and bones … ; the Son also.” Testify that our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s bodies.
Friend August 2016
Friend August 2016

Friend November 2020 “Like Him”

LessonPix “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” Song idea. Print the pictures, cut them apart into cards, and then use them to sing the song. To make the song more interesting, have the children mix up the pictures on the top two rows and/or the bottom two rows and then have them do the actions and sing the words in their mixed up order.

Head Shoulders Knees & Toes

Visual support to sing Head Shoulders Knees & Toes.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” The world will give children many false messages about their bodies. The doctrine in Moses 2:26–27 is powerful motivation to respect and care for our bodies.

  • Read together Moses 2:26–27. What do these verses teach us about our bodies? Show the video “God’s Greatest Creation” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or play the game “Your Body Is a Temple” (Friend, Aug. 2019, 24–25). You could also read together related quotations from President Russell M. Nelson’s message “Your Body: A Magnificent Gift to Cherish” (New Era, Aug. 2019, 2–7) that will help the children feel gratitude to Heavenly Father for their bodies.

Friend August 2019 “Your Body is a Temple” Activity comparing how the body is like a temple.

For the Strength of Youth “Your Body: A Priceless Gift”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are Creators. They can transform us into the beautiful creations we were meant to be. That’s part of what it means to be created in God’s image, after His likeness (see Genesis 1:26). We have the potential to become like Him: exalted, glorified, celestial beings.

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Body” and Resources for Teaching Children “Body”

The Sabbath Day is Holy.

Genesis 2:2–3; Moses 3:2–3; Abraham 5:2–3

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

  • As you read Moses 3:2–3, ask your children to listen for what God did on the seventh day.
  • Help your children find or draw pictures of things they can do on Sunday to make it a holy day and different from other days. Share with each other why it is important to you to keep the Sabbath day holy.

Or,

  • Give the children a few minutes to write a list of as many things as they can think of that they can do to make the Sabbath a holy day. Invite the children to share their lists, and encourage them to add to their lists as others share suggestions they didn’t think of. Suggest that the children take the lists home with them and refer to them when they need ideas of good things to do on the Sabbath.
  • Or do the below sorting activity:

Teaching Children the Gospel “Sabbath Day: Lesson Item 4” Sort the activity ideas onto days of the week or Sunday

  • Children may have to explain to their friends why they treat Sunday different from other days.  Help your children role-play explaining to a friend why they choose to do things on Sunday that honor Heavenly Father and Jesus. Suggest that they use Genesis 2:2–3 in their explanations. How does keeping the Sabbath day holy show our love and respect for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Friend October 2015  “The Sabbath is a Delight”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5” Children who develop a habit of keeping the Sabbath day holy when they are young are more likely to keep this commandment when life becomes busier and more demanding.

  • A few days before class, invite one of the children and his or her parents to come prepared to share things they do in their family to keep the Sabbath day holy. Invite the other children to share what their families do.

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Sabbath Day” and Resources for Teaching Children “Sabbath Day”

Additional Resources

Scripture Helps Old Testament

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Jan 3 2022

Pioneers

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Pioneers: Lesson Ideas

Pioneer: Stories

Pioneer: Activities & Games

Pioneer: Songs

Pioneer: Refreshment Ideas

Pioneer: Clipart

Jan 2 2022

Covenants & Promises: Stories

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Friend February 2026 “My Baptism” Henry tells about his baptism and the covenant he made with Heavenly Father. After his baptism the Bishop asked him to stand on a chair and look at a picture of Jesus Christ that was hanging on the wall. Henry could also see a reflection of himself in the glass of the picture’s frame. It taught him that Jesus will always be with him when he needs Him.

Friend February 1987 Lesson ideas about covenants and promises, and the story about the promise of pythias to return to prison and save his friend who had volunteered to take his place. Trustworthy

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Friend April 2021 “Trouble at the Creek” Brian doesn’t keep his promise to his mom to stay away from the creek after the storm. He crosses it on a fallen log and gets his foot stuck.

Friend May 2020 “Ali’s Head Start” Ali learns that when she is baptized she will be covenanting (promising) to bear one another’s burdens, (or in other words, she will be promising to help those who are going through a hard time). Ali decides to get a head start on her covenants when she sees children without hair as she walked through the hospital to go visit a friend. She decides to donate some of her long hair so those children can have wigs. 

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Friend May 2017 “Cracking the Code” Darren and Byron crack the code to notes left in their beds that represent  the words “Covenant Keepers.” At FHE they learn ways they have been covenant keepers.

Friend March 1988 “Keeping the Covenants…” Stories about children keeping their baptismal covenants.

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.

Baptism Covenants

Friend August 2019 “Ready to Be Baptized” Story with idea on how to remember baptism covenants. Also includes a bookmark with the memory aid acronym for baptismal covenants.

Friend December 2021 “Elder Soares Speaks to Children” Video About keeping baptismal covenants

Jan 2 2022

Articles of Faith

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Articles of Faith: Lesson Ideas

Articles of Faith: Activities & Games

Article of Faith: Songs

1st Article of Faith

2nd Article of Faith

3rd Article of Faith

4th Article of Faith

5th Article of Faith

6th Article of Faith

7th Article of Faith

8th Article of Faith

9th Article of Faith

10th Article of Faith

11th Article of Faith

12th Article of Faith

13th Article of Faith

Jan 2 2022

Jesus Christ: Stories

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Love for Jesus

Friend May 2021 “A Statue of Jesus” Siblings ask their mom if they can go see the statue of Jesus. They can’t wait to see Jesus someday for real.

The Scriptures Teach Us About Jesus

Friend February 2021 “Feeling Christ’s Love” When Elder Takashi Wada Of the Seventy was young he read the Bible in school and wanted to know more about Jesus. Then he met the missionaries and they gave him a Book of Mormon and her learned more about Jesus. He wanted to be baptized and follow Jesus.

Jesus is Our Brother and Loves Us

Friend July 2021 “River Rock Rescue” When Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the Seventy was a boy he got stuck between two rocks! His knees were pressed against his chest and he couldn’t breathe or move. He was starting to black out when his brother reached down and pulled him out. Jesus is our older brother and he will always there to give us a hand in life.

Friend July 2021 Cover up the questions below and study the picture for one minute. Then have someone ask you the questions to see what you remember without looking! Make up some new questions to play again.

Friend February 2020 “Keep Going, Josie” Josie had been sick and was tired, but she needed to run in the big race with her teammates. She was worried about letting them down. In her first race, others kept passing her and she felt like giving up.  But as her teammates passed her they encouraged her to keep going. Their words gave her strength and she was able to finish the race. She realized that Jesus does the same for her. He encourages her to keep going spiritually in life, and is there to help her if she needs it.

Friend October 2016 “A New Picture for May” In Primary class May is sad because she doesn’t know how her family shows love for each other, but her friend adds May’s picture to her family chain with Jesus. May knows Jesus loves her. (We are all brothers and sisters and Jesus is our elder brother.)

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Sharing About Jesus

Friend April 2021 “I Know a Song about That!” Annie goes to a Catholic School in Ireland. One day, when the teacher was talking about Jesus walking on the water, Annie remembered a song about the story she had learned in Primary. She was invited to share the song with the class.

Jesus Took Upon Him Our Sorrows

Friend December 2021 “Carrying Spotty” Abbie got a new puppy. She helped him feel safe when he was scared. She carried him when he was tired. In Primary, Abbie learned that Jesus suffered for us and took upon him our sorrows. He can carry us through our trials. She realized that Jesus helps her kind of like she helps her puppy. He helped her feel safe when she was afraid of the dark. He helped her feel stronger when she was worried.

Be Perfected in Christ

Friend July 2025 “Not so Perfect” Adeline learned in primary about being perfected in Christ. She makes a check list and is determined to be perfect. The first day went great, but the second day she yelled at her sister for taking all her dolls out. She was so disappointed because she had messed up her plan to be perfect. Her mom explained that we need Christ to be perfected. If things go wrong we can always repent because of Christ’s atonement. Because of Him, our best is good enough. The grace of a loving Savior will make up the difference

Jesus is Our Savior

Friend March 2020 “Jesus’s Helping Hand” Arsen tried and tried to climb the tall hill with the rope at the play area, but he could only make it three-quarters of the way. Just before reaching the top, he would fall and slide down to the bottom of the hill. Then an employee offered her hand from the top of the hill. That experience made him think about how Jesus does the same for us. When we do the best we can but still aren’t reaching our goal, He gives His helping hand to us.

Friend April 1987 “A Parable” A parable relating the atonement to a drowning man.

Jan 1 2022

Moses 1; Abraham 3

Featured

Moses 1 God reveals Himself to Moses—Moses is transfigured—He is confronted by Satan—Moses sees many inhabited worlds—Worlds without number were created by the Son—God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Abraham 3 Abraham learns about the sun, moon, and stars by means of the Urim and Thummim—The Lord reveals to him the eternal nature of spirits—He learns of pre-earth life, foreordination, the Creation, the choosing of a Redeemer, and the second estate of man.

I Lived with Heavenly Father Before I Was Born.

I lived as a spirit before I was born on earth.

The term intelligences can be used to describe the spirit children of God. It can also describe “the spirit element that existed before we were begotten as spirit children.” Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “Prophets have revealed that we first existed as intelligences and that we were given form, or spirit bodies, by God, thus becoming His spirit children—sons and daughters of heavenly parents.” Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

Abraham 3:22–28

  • Knowing about our premortal life can inspire your children to make choices based on eternal truths. To help them learn about it, you could give them some key words and phrases to find in Abraham 3:22–28, like “before the world was,” “spirits,” “make an earth,” and “prove.” What do these verses teach us about why Heavenly Father sent us to earth?

New Testament Stories “Our Heavenly Father’s Plan”

Friend January 2022 “Before We Came to Earth”

  • A song like “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65) could reinforce what Abraham 3 teaches. Maybe you could invite your children to draw pictures that go with the words.

Friend January 2012 “Agency Is the Gift to Choose for Ourselves”

Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind”

I Am a Child of God.

Moses 1:1–4, 6, 12

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

  • After you read together God’s message to Moses in Moses 1:4, consider letting your children look at their reflection in a mirror and giving themselves a similar message: “I am a child of God.” Then they could give the same message to each other: “You are a child of God.”

The Red Crystal

  • You might even find pictures of a variety of people and invite your children to point to each one and say, “This is a child of God.”

Friend August 2024 “We Are All Children of God”

Friend September 2020 “Everyone is Important” We’re all daughters and sons of our heavenly parents—not all the same, but all equally important, needed, valuable, and loved!

  • Share with each other why you are glad to know you are children of God. How does this knowledge change the way you treat yourselves and others?

Friend May 2021 “A Birthday Crown” Wyatt wonders if he is special because he gets to wear a birthday crown on his birthday. His father tells him he is special because he is a child of God and that everyone else is too. When a girl was afraid to go down the slide, Wyatt remembered that everyone is special to Heavenly Father and he encouraged her and praised her.

  • You and your children could compare God’s message to Moses in Moses 1:4 with Satan’s message in verse 12. How can you help your children distinguish between God’s messages to them and Satan’s?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

  • Sing “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3) with the children. Let them color this week’s activity page, and use it to review the truths this song teaches.

Additional Lesson Ideas

Primary 1 (Sunbeams) “Lesson One: I Am a Child of God”

We lived in Heaven: (Click on the below picture. Print the picture, or show it on an electronic device.) Explain that before we were born on earth we lived in heaven with Heavenly Father.

Friend April 2015

We were spirits there. A spirit is what is inside of us that makes us alive. When we were spirits, we didn’t have flesh and bones like our bodies have now, but we looked the same.

(Use these puppets to demonstrate what it means to be a spirit. See here for assembly instructions.) 

Show the first picture again and explain that Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, and we are his spirit children

Sing: I Am a Child of God. Tell the children they are going to sing the song “I Am a Child of God.” Explain that God is another name for Heavenly Father. (I like the Red Headed Hostess visual aids for the first verse of this song, but it does cost money. Jolly Jen has a flip chart that would work too, or you could use the below visual s from the Nursery Manual. Also see churchofjesuschrist.org/study for the music)

Who is a child of God?  Toss a beanbag or soft object to a child as you say the words “I know a child of God named_____ .” Have the child say his or her own name and give the beanbag back to you. Repeat the activity until everyone has had a turn.

Print and cut out this activity. Show the pictures one at a time and ask the following:

  • Is a policeman a child of God?
  • Is a grandmother or grandfather
  • Is a bishop
  • Is a soldier
  • Is a mailman or missionaries
  • Is a mom or dad
  • Is someone who doesn’t go to our church
  • Is someone who lives in a different country or culture

Have the children take turns posting each picture under the title “Child of God.” The title can be written on the board or in a file folder or display board.  You can also bring up people they know such as a neighbor.

Help the children understand that everyone is a child of God even though we may be different in age, hair color, what we do, where we live, skin color, or the church we attend, we are all children of God.

We can be like Heavenly Father 

(Print and cut out these images pdf.) Use the following questions with the images. They could also be made into a matching game.

  • What is a baby dog called?
  • What will that puppy grow up to be?
  • What is a baby chicken called?
  • What will that chick grow up to be?

Explain that just as animals grow up to be like their parents, we will grow up to be like our parents.

Friend January 2017 “Kylie’s Parents” Kylie is like her earthly parents, and she is also like her Heavenly Parents. PDF version

Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, so we can grow to be like him. Heavenly Father is loving, good, and kind. When we are loving, good, and kind, we are being like Heavenly Father.  We should try to become more like Heavenly Father every day.

Have children tell or act out ways they can be loving, good, or kind.

(The images for the activity “Who is a Child of God?” are from the Friend magazine. Soldier 6/16, Bishop 1/16, etc.The images for the animals are from Pixabay: Free Images)

See also Child of God

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Live with Him Again.

Moses 1:39

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

  • Show the children pictures of some of Heavenly Father’s many creations. Read Moses 1:30, and explain that Moses asked God about the purpose of these creations. Help the children search in verse 39 to find God’s answer. Teach them that Heavenly Father’s work is to help us gain eternal life, which means becoming like Him and living with Him again.

Latter day Kids Lesson ideas

  • Invite a parent to come to class and talk about how he or she feels when a child returns home after being away (for example, at school or on a mission), or share feelings you’ve had during these experiences. Use this example to teach the children how much Heavenly Father wants us to return to Him.

Latter Day Kids “This is My Work and My Glory” Lesson ideas

See also Resources for Teaching Children “Plan of Salvation / Plan of Happiness”

I Can Resist Satan’s Temptations.

Moses 1:12–26

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022

  • Summarize Moses’s experience in Moses 1:12–26 in your own words, or ask one of the children to do so (see also the video “I Am a Son of God” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]). Invite the children to search these verses (verses 13, 15, 18, 20–22, 26) to learn how Moses was able to overcome Satan. (Remember you are a son or daughter of God, listen to the Spirit, think of Jesus, and pray for strength.)
  • It might be fun for them to act out things they can do to resist temptation (such as praying, walking away, or asking for help). Or bring a box of tools (or pictures of tools), and help them label each tool with a way we can resist temptation (such as praying, singing a hymn, reading the scriptures, or serving others). Let each child pick a tool and talk about a situation when the action written on that tool’s label could help us resist temptation. Read together verses 25–26, and testify that God will help us when we face temptation.
Friend April 2015

Moses 1:18.

What advice can we share to help each other “judge between” God and Satan? (See also Moroni 7:12–18; Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–24.)

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

Heavenly Father has a work for me to do.

Moses 1:6, 39

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”

  • As you read Moses 1:6 with your children, you might talk to them about the “work” God had for Moses. Consider using the Gospel Art Book, nos. 13–16, or Old Testament Stories, pages 64–84, to help your children see what Moses accomplished with Heavenly Father’s help. What is the work God has for us to do? (see, for example, Doctrine and Covenants 11:20).

The Red Crystal

God’s appointment of certain spirits to fulfill specific missions on earth is called foreordination.

Topics and Questions, “Foreordination,” Gospel Library.

“Foreordination does not guarantee that individuals will receive certain callings or responsibilities. Such opportunities come in this life as a result of the righteous exercise of agency, just as foreordination came as a result of righteousness in the premortal existence. …

“The doctrine of foreordination applies to all members of the Church, not just to the Savior and His prophets. Before the creation of the earth, faithful women were given certain responsibilities and faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood duties. As people prove themselves worthy, they will be given opportunities to fulfill the assignments they then receive.”

Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament 

Read and discuss Abraham 3:23 with the children. What kinds of things might we have been chosen to do on earth? Explain that we are free to choose what we will do in this life, but each of us has been foreordained to do an important work on the earth.

Heavenly Father Has a Work for Me

Additional Resources

Plan of Salvation Teaching Children the Gospel

Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament Page 1

Lesson 2: Jesus Christ Was Chosen to Be Our Savior,” Primary 6: Old Testament Page 6

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Scripture Helps

Click to see more.

Come Follow Me for Living Scriptures “I Am a Child of God” Lesson ideas

Old Testament Scripture Stories “About the Old Testament” Images and Video

Friend January 2022 “I Can Read the Old Testament”

The Red Crystal

Dec 29 2021

Christmas: New Testament

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Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby.

Matthew 2:1–12; Luke 2:1–14

Children love the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. What doctrinal truths do you see in this story that you feel the children should understand?

  • Read Luke 2:1–14 to the children, or describe the events in these verses by referring to “Chapter 5:Jesus Christ Is Born” (in New Testament Stories, 13–15, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to draw pictures of these events and use the pictures to tell the story themselves. Why are we happy that Jesus was born?

Ask the children to tell you the story of the Wise Men following the star to find Jesus. If they need to be reminded of the story, see Matthew 2:1–12 or “Chapter 7: The Wise Men” (in New Testament Stories, 18, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Hide a picture of Jesus in the room. Draw or cut out a paper star and hold it in the air. Invite the children to pretend to be wise men carrying gifts, and lead them around the room to find Jesus. Help the children think of some gifts that we can give to Jesus.

Sing a few Christmas hymns or songs with the children (see Hymns, nos. 201–14; Children’s Songbook, 34–54). Ask them to share something each song teaches that they feel is important to know.

Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby.

Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–12; Luke 1:26–38; 2:1–20

How can you help the children focus on Jesus Christ at Christmas?

  • Invite one of the children to read about some of the events related to the Savior’s birth (see Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–12; Luke 1:26–38; 2:1–20). Ask the other children to take turns drawing pictures on the board of what the scriptures are describing. What do these stories teach us about Jesus Christ?
  • Invite the children to write on several slips of paper things they could do to help them focus on the Savior during the Christmas season. (They could get ideas from the video “Good Tidings of Great Joy: The Birth of Jesus Christ” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Invite them to share what they wrote. Encourage the children to take the slips home and do with their families the suggestions they wrote on the slips.
  • Sing Christmas songs about the Savior (see Children’s Songbook, 34–54; Hymns, nos. 201–14), and invite the children to share a favorite line or phrase from the songs.

Jesus Christ made it possible for me to live with Heavenly Father again someday.

John 3:16

Do the children you teach understand why Jesus Christ came to earth? Take time to ponder what the Savior has done for you personally and how you can help the children understand what He has done for them.

  • Bring a wrapped gift or box to class with a picture of Jesus Christ inside. Attach a tag with “John 3:16” written on it, and tell the children that this is a clue about what the gift is. Read John 3:16 with the children, and invite them to guess what the gift is and open it. Why did God send us His Son?
  • Help the children finish this sentence: “Jesus Christ came to earth to .” Then show pictures related to the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, death, and Resurrection (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 56–59), and briefly tell about these events. You could also sing a song about why Jesus came to earth, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). Bear your testimony of Jesus Christ and what He has done for you.

Jesus Christ made it possible for me to live with Heavenly Father again someday.

John 3:16

How can you help the children review what they have learned this year and understand why they need Jesus Christ in their lives?

  • Label one piece of paper Who is Jesus Christ? and another Why did He come to earth? and attach them to different walls of the classroom. Invite each child to read one of the following scriptures: Matthew 16:15–16; John 3:16; 1 Nephi 10:4; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10–13; 3 Nephi 27:14–15. Ask the children to look for answers, in the scriptures they read, to the two questions on the walls. Invite them to write down their answers and attach them to the wall next to the appropriate question. How can we show our gratitude for what Jesus Christ has done for us?
  • Invite the children to list on the board all of the names or titles of Jesus that they can think of (see Bible Dictionary, “Christ, names of”). What do these names teach us about Jesus Christ and His mission? Why do we need Jesus Christ in our lives? To help answer this question, show the video “Why We Need a Savior—A Christmas Message about Our Savior Jesus Christ” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Dec 21 2021

The Living Christ

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

In 1838, the Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 49). Years later, President Russell M. Nelson noted that “it was this very statement of the Prophet that provided the incentive for 15 prophets, seers, and revelators to issue and sign their testimony to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the Lord’s birth. That historic testimony is titled ‘The Living Christ.’ Many members have memorized its truths. Others barely know of its existence. As you seek to learn more about Jesus Christ, I urge you to study ‘The Living Christ’” (“Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensignor Liahona, May 2017, 40).

“We Offer Our Testimony.”

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

  • Show the children a copy of “The Living Christ” (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Point to the word Christ in the title, and let the children point to the word too. Also point out the signatures at the bottom of the page, and tell the children that in 2000, the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles wrote their testimony of Jesus Christ, signed their names to it, and shared it with the world.
  • Point out that “The Living Christ” was signed by the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles. Read together Doctrine and Covenants 107:23. What makes Apostles different “from other officers in the church”? Choose one of the “Special Witnesses of Christ” videos to share with the children (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Why are we grateful to have special witnesses of Christ in our day?

Friend November 2019 “The Living Christ” The apostles bear testimony of Jesus .Use the hints page to fill in the blanks. The highlighted letters give the final message!

I Can “Offer [my] Testimony” to Celebrate Jesus’s Birth.

Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” teaches us that Jesus Christ is “the light, the life, and the hope of the world.” We celebrate Christmas to remember Jesus Christ.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” In “The Living Christ” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave their testimony of Jesus Christ to “commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.” Consider how you will encourage the children to share their testimonies with others.

  • Show a picture of Jesus Christ, and invite each child to stand and share something he or she knows about Him. If they need help, suggest truths from “The Living Christ.” Remind the children that when they tell others about Jesus, they are sharing their testimonies.

Friend December 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities”“The Living Christ” is a testimony from prophets and apostles. Make a testimony Christmas ornament! Cut out a paper circle. Decorate one side for Christmas. On the other side, write what you know and believe about Jesus Christ. Then hang it up to remember your testimony.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas”

  • Tell the children how you gained your testimony of Jesus Christ and what you are doing to keep your testimony strong. Help them think of ways they could strengthen their testimonies of Jesus Christ, and invite them to choose one thing they will do. (Share with one another how you gained your testimony of Jesus Christ. Maybe you could pass around a picture of the Savior and take turns sharing something you know about Him (including truths taught in “The Living Christ”).)
  • Write on the board I know that Jesus Christ … and invite the children to share ways they would complete the sentence. Suggest that they look in “The Living Christ” for ideas. What can we do to strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ? How are others blessed when we share our testimonies?
  • You could give each child a phrase from “The Living Christ” and ask them to find or draw a picture of that phrase. Then you could help them find the phrase in “The Living Christ.” You might even compile those pictures and phrases into a book.

Friend January 2019 “The Living Christ” The prophets and apostles wrote “The Living Christ” to tell the world about Jesus. Read part of it each month and memorize the words in red. Fill in the blanks with words from the picture to learn more about this first quote. Also, color the card and collect a new one each month.

For additional teaching ideas see Testimony and Resources for Teaching Children “Testimony”

“He went about doing good.”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

  • As you and your children read the second paragraph of “The Living Christ,” talk with them about some of the things Jesus did. You could also look at pictures from His life (see this week’s activity page and the Gospel Art Book). Invite your children to talk about what the Savior is doing in the pictures. How can we serve others as He did? The “Light the World” videos in the Gospel Library could give you ideas.

Heavenly Father Sent His Son as a Gift to Us.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” Giving and receiving gifts is a traditional part of Christmas for many people. This tradition should help us remember God’s “matchless gift of His divine Son” (“The Living Christ”).

  • Ask the children to tell about gifts they have given or received. Read to them the last sentence of “The Living Christ,” and invite them to listen for the gift God has given us. (If needed, help them understand that “matchless” means “better than any other.”) Why is the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the best gift?

“God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

  • What gifts have we received because of Jesus Christ? Perhaps you and your children could look for these gifts in “The Living Christ” or in a song like “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). Then they could gift-wrap something to represent those gifts. You could suggest that your children open the gifts on Christmas Day to help them remember the Savior and His gifts to us.
  • Sing together a song about Jesus Christ, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). Help the children pick a phrase from the song that they would like to draw (such as “newborn babe” or “walk with men”). As they draw, ask the children to tell you how they feel about what Jesus has done for them. Share your feelings as well.

Friend December 2019 “The Living Christ” Like light shining through a window, the Savior brings light and hope to a world that sometimes seems dark. Color this stained-glass window, then visit ComeUntoChrist.org/Christmas to learn how you can share Christ’s light!

Friend December 2021 “Bright Idea”

“None Other has had so Profound an Influence.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” In “The Living Christ,” the prophets and apostles declared that no one has had greater influence on God’s children than Jesus Christ. Ponder how you will help the children learn about the Savior’s profound influence on all of us.

  • Give each child a phrase or sentence from “The Living Christ,” and ask them to draw a picture of that phrase or sentence. As each child shows the class his or her picture, ask the other children to guess what the picture is illustrating and find the corresponding sentence in “The Living Christ.” How are we blessed because of Jesus Christ’s life and mission?
  • Help the children find different names or titles of Jesus Christ in “The Living Christ” and underline them, if possible (some examples include Messiah, Firstborn, the first and the last, advocate, and chief corner stone). Talk about what each of these titles teaches us about Him. (Some of these titles are defined in the Guide to the Scriptures or Bible Dictionary.)

Friend February 2019 Names of Christ and Jesus is the creator of the earth.

Friend February 2019

Jesus Christ Invites Me to Follow His Example.

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Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” Part of the Savior’s “profound … influence” on the world has been His perfect example. How will you inspire the children to follow Him?

  • From the second paragraph of “The Living Christ,” read to the children some of the things Jesus did. Show pictures from His life (see this week’s activity page), and invite the children to talk about what the Savior is doing in the pictures. Help them think of ways they can follow His example.
  • Choose a “Light the World” video (ComeuntoChrist.org) to show the children, or tell about a time when you were blessed by someone’s Christlike service. Invite a child to act out a simple act of service, and ask the other children to guess what he or she is doing. Let each child have a turn. Help the children think of something they can do to serve someone in their family.

Friend March 2019 Following Jesus example of helping others. Make a map of where you walk and ways you can help.

For additional teaching ideas see Following Jesus’s Example

“He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” Christmas is such a joyful season because of the hope that Jesus Christ brought to the world through His teachings, example, and atoning sacrifice.

  • Invite each child to draw a Christmas tree, or draw one on the board. Invite the children to decorate the tree with words or phrases from “The Living Christ” that describe a gift the Savior has given us (such as “light,” “life,” and “hope”). Let them talk about why they chose those words or phrases.
  • Help the children find Christmas hymns that tell of the light, life, and hope that the Savior’s birth brought to the world—for example, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” or “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (Hymns, nos. 208–9). Sing the hymns together, and let the children share how Jesus has brought light, life, and hope into their lives.
  • Ask some of the children to read about the shepherds in Luke 2:8–20. Ask others to read about Simeon in Luke 2:25–33. Invite them to share with each other how the shepherds and Simeon felt about finding out that Jesus was born. Why did they feel this way? Why does His birth bring us “great joy”?

Friend December 2019 “The Living Christ” Like light shining through a window, the Savior brings light and hope to a world that sometimes seems dark. Color this stained-glass window, then visit ComeUntoChrist.org/Christmas to learn how you can share Christ’s light!

Additional Resources

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

To help your family understand the truths taught about the Savior in “The Living Christ,” you could select some key phrases and work together to find or draw pictures that illustrate those phrases. You could then compile those pictures and phrases into a book.

You may want to record your testimonies of Christ to commemorate the Savior’s birth.

What gifts have we received because of Jesus Christ? Perhaps family members could find answers in “The Living Christ” and then gift wrap items that represent those gifts from the Savior. Your family could open the presents on Christmas day or throughout the week and read scriptures related to each one. Here are some possible scriptures, though your family may find many others: Luke 2:10–14; 1 Peter 2:21; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 11:42–43; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–12. You could also sing a song about the Savior, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35), to find other gifts that come from Him.

Friend April 2019 “The Living Christ” He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind.

Friend May 2019 Jesus’s life didn’t begin when he was born nor end when he died. Look up the scriptures about His life before birth, his life on the earth, and his life after death and then fill in the crossword puzzle.

Friend June 2019  Jesus was resurrected and lives. Discuss the pictures of him visiting people after his death.

Friend July 2019  Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saw a vision of Jesus Christ in the Kirtland Temple. Jesus said, “I am he who liveth.”

Friend August 2019 The Prophet Joseph Smith’s testimony of the resurrected Jesus.

Friend September 2019 Write the names of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on the foundation stones.The foundation of a building keeps it strong. The most important foundation stone is called the cornerstone. The prophets and apostles are like the foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ is like the most important stone, the cornerstone.

Friend October 2019 Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Friend November 2019 “The Living Christ” The apostles bear testimony of Jesus .Use the hints page to fill in the blanks. The highlighted letters give the final message!

Liahona December 2021 “Christmas, Gathering Israel, and Family History”

A Gift for the Savior

The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles

Christ has set an example for all of us to follow. As we celebrate His birth this Christmas, let’s give Him the gift of becoming like Him. Christ said, “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27). Can you give the Savior a gift this Christmas by following His example?

  1. Read the first two paragraphs of “The Living Christ” together.
  2. Discuss things the Savior did to bless others.
    1. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). How can we go about doing good?
    2. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. How can we bring good will to others?
    3. He entreated all to follow His example? How can we follow Christ’s example?
  3. Write or draw your gift idea for the Savior.
  4. Post it somewhere as a reminder of your goal this year.

Discussion: What can you do to bless the lives of others like the Savior did? How will setting an example of following Christ bring others to the Savior?

Dec 13 2021

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

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Families are important in Heavenly Father’s plan.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

  • Help your children think of things that are so important that they would want to tell everyone about them. Show the children a copy of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” and explain that prophets and apostles wrote it to tell us all how important families are to Heavenly Father.
Ensign January 2017
Ensign January 2017
  • Share with your children something from the proclamation that you feel we all need to know. Invite the children to share their feelings about those truths. How would our lives be different if we did not know these things? You might sing together a song that relates to truths found in the proclamation, such as “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65).
  • In section IV of his message “The Plan and the Proclamation” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 30), President Dallin H. Oaks described how the family proclamation was written. Perhaps you and your children could review his description together and talk about why you are grateful the Lord inspired His servants to teach us these truths about families. (Help the children understand what the words “solemnly proclaim” in the opening paragraph mean. Ask them to share their thoughts about why the prophets and apostles want to “solemnly proclaim” truths about the family in our day.)
  • You could also show your children pictures (or invite them to draw some) portraying truths found in the family proclamation. These could be pictures of a temple, a family praying or playing together, or a couple getting married. Then your children could find sentences in the family proclamation that relate to the pictures. What does the Lord teach us about these things in the proclamation?

Be sensitive. As you teach the truths taught in the family proclamation, please be aware that many children live in families that do not match the ideals described in the proclamation. Consider how you can encourage and inspire them.

Friend October 2009 “Coloring Page” “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” teaches me about families.

Families are Central in Heavenly Father’s Plan.

<a href="http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/02/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign February 2017</a>
Ensign February 2017

Friend December 2021 Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones

Trace each family member’s hand on paper. Then cut them out. Line up all the hands. Talk about how the family is part of God’s plan. Help your little ones say, “Our family is important!”

Come Unto Christ “Families Are Central to God’s Plan” Lesson Ideas

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Family” and Resources for Teaching Children “Family”

I am a “Beloved Spirit Son or Daughter of Heavenly Parents.”

<a href="http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/03/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign March 2017</a>
Ensign March 2017

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

  • As you sing together “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3), you could toss a ball to a child as you say, “I know a child of God named [child’s name].” Ask the child to toss the object to another child, saying the same words and inserting that child’s name. Repeat the activity until everyone has had a turn. Help your children find the phrase “beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents” in the family proclamation, and bear your testimony of this truth.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

The family proclamation teaches that we are all children of Heavenly Parents and we are here on earth to become more like Them.

  • Consider ways you could illustrate that because we are children of Heavenly Parents, we can become like Them. For example, show pictures of animals and their babies, or of yourself and your parents or children, and help the children see similarities. Testify that just as babies grow up to be like their parents, we can someday become like our Heavenly Parents.
Media Library “Family Portraits”

Friend January 2017 “Kylie’s Parents” Kylie is like her earthly parents, and she is also like her Heavenly Parents. PDF version

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Child of God” and Resources for Teaching Children “Heavenly Father”

In the Premortal Life We Accepted Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation

<a href="http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/04/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign April 2017</a>
Ensign April 2017

For additional teaching ideas see “Plan of Salvation” and Resources for Teaching Children “Plan of Salvation / Plan of Happiness”

Temple Ordinances Allow Family Relationships to Continue Beyond the Grave

<a href="http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/06/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign June 2017</a>
Ensign June 2017

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

  • Show the children a picture of a temple and a picture of a family. Let the children hold the pictures while you read the last sentence of the third paragraph of the family proclamation. Ask them to point to the correct pictures when you read the words “temples” and “families.” Testify that because of the ordinances of the temple, our families can be united forever. Sing together a song about eternal families, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95), and help the children listen for words like “temple” and “family.”

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Temples” and Resources for Teaching Children “Temples”

God’s Command to Multiply and Replenish the Earth are Still in Force

<a href="http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/07/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign July 2017</a>
Ensign July 2017

Procreation only to Occur Between Man and Woman Lawfully Wedded

<a href="http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/08/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign August 2017</a>
Ensign August 2017

Parents Have a Sacred Duty to Raise Their Children in Love and Righteousness

<a href="http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/09/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign September 2017</a>
Ensign September 2017

Families are Happiest when They Follow Jesus Christ.

<a href="http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/10/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng"> Ensign October 2017</a>
 Ensign October 2017

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

  • To begin a conversation about strengthening your family, you and your children could talk about what we do to make other things strong—such as our teeth, our bodies, or a building. You could then compare that to building a strong family. Help your children find the Christlike principles that lead to happiness in family life, found in paragraph 7 of the family proclamation (see also this week’s activity page).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

  • Draw a large outline of a heart on the board, and invite the children to read paragraph seven of the proclamation. Ask them to look for things they can do to help their families be happy, and write their answers inside the heart. Invite the children to pick something that they can work on to make their homes happier.
  • How should our knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ affect the way we treat our families?

Friend June 2004 “Strengthening My Family” Think about what principle or action each picture might represent and how it could strengthen your family. Glue or tape each picture to a strip of paper, and form a paper chain from the strips. (See article for additional lesson ideas.)

Friend October 2014 ““The Family: A Proclamation to the World” Came from God to Help My Family”

For the Strength of Youth December 2021 “How to Strengthen Your Family” Explanation for how each of the proclamation items helps strengthen the family.

Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

  • Sing “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65).
  • Families are an important part of God’s plan. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” says, “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” We can make our families happier by following Jesus.
  • Now play a game! Sit in a circle. Toss a ball or crumpled sheet of paper from person to person. When you throw the ball to someone, tell them one way you have seen them follow Jesus to help someone in your family feel happy.

Liahona December 2021 “How can you strengthen your family through compassion?:

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

To discuss how to achieve more “happiness in [your] family life,” you could sing together a song about families, such as “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns, no. 298). What do we learn from the song and from the family proclamation that would bring more happiness to our family? How can we make sure our family is “founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ”? Consider picking one teaching you want to work on this week.

Disintegration of Family Brings Calamities

<a href="http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/12/teaching-the-proclamation-to-children?lang=eng">Ensign December 2017</a>
Ensign December 2017

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

“Strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”

How is Satan trying to weaken families in the world? How can we do our part to strengthen families? For ideas, see President Bonnie L. Oscarson’s message “Defenders of the Family Proclamation” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 14–17).

Additional Teaching Ideas and Resources

Teaching Children the Gospel “Family”

Resources for Teaching Children “Family”

Friend August 2016

Friend August 2016

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

  • Share a few statements from the family proclamation that are especially meaningful to you. Invite the children to share their feelings about those truths. How would our lives be different if we did not know these things? Sing together a song that relates to truths found in the proclamation, such as “I Will Follow God’s Plan” or “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65, 188).
  • Show the children pictures (or invite them to draw some) portraying truths found in the family proclamation. These could be pictures of a temple, a family praying or playing together, or a couple getting married. Invite the children to find sentences in the family proclamation that relate to the pictures. What do these sentences teach us?
  • Prepare some questions that can be answered in the family proclamation, such as “How does God feel about marriage?” and “What makes a happy family?” Let each child pick a question, and help them find answers in the proclamation.
  • Invite a mother and father of one of the children to share with the class how they “help one another as equal partners” in their “sacred responsibilities” in their family. Invite the children to discuss what they can do now to prepare to be righteous wives and husbands, mothers and fathers.
  • Ask the children what they would say if a friend asked them why getting married or having children is important. How could we help this friend understand how important families are to Heavenly Father? Help the children find statements in the family proclamation that could help; see also the video “What Is the Purpose of Family?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “The Family: A Proclamation to the World”

“The divine plan of happiness.”

To help your family see the importance of families in Heavenly Father’s plan, you might write premortal life, mortal life,and life after death on three sections of a piece of paper. Search the proclamation together, and write on the paper what you learn about each of these parts of God’s plan. Why are families so important to God?

Latter Day Kids “The Family Proclamation“ Lesson ideas

Memorize the Proclamation Pictures that go with each line or paragraph.

Resources for Teaching Children “Teaching the Proclamation to Kids”

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Family” Lesson ideas

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” This is about when it was introduced to the world

Friend October 2009 “We Believe the Family Is Ordained of God” (See more lesson ideas at link.)

  1. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” is modern-day revelation. Have the children listen for how many times they hear the words “reveal” or “revealed” as they repeat the ninth article of faith together. Teach that God continues to reveal His will to His children. This communication from God is called revelation. Give a copy of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” to each child, and explain that the proclamation is revelation given in our day through God’s chosen servants. Have the boys read the title while the girls listen for what this proclamation is about (the family). Next, have the girls read the title while the boys listen for whom the revelation is to (the world). Tell the children that the proclamation teaches us what Heavenly Father wants us to know about families. It teaches us how we can strengthen our families and how to prepare to live in an eternal family.Provide each class with a different sentence or phrase from the proclamation with some words missing. Have them work together to fill in the blanks with the correct words. You may want to include the paragraph number and provide the answers in scrambled order. For example: “The _____ is _____ to the Creator’s _____ for the eternal destiny of His children” (paragraph 1: plan, family, central). Invite each class to stand and recite their completed phrase or sentence. Sing the first verse of “The Family Is of God” (Friend, Oct. 2008, 28–29). Emphasize that the proclamation on the family is revelation from God and that we need to understand and live its teachings.

A Year of Family Home Evening “Lesson 14: A Proclamation to the World & Family Goals”

Church of Jesus Christ. Org Library Gospel Topics “Family”

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

Friend November 2025 “Learning From Conference” This conference was the 30th anniversary of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” President Dallin H. Oaks encouraged us to spend time doing good things with our families. What are some things you can do with your family? Write them on the card below. Then cut out the card to help you remember your ideas!

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas