come, follow me - church of jesus christ · (2) help your experiences at church better support your...

For Primary

Living, Learning, and Teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Come, Follow Me

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Pilot Test for Come, Follow Me: Living, Learning, and Teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for Primary Thank you for participating in this pilot test of Come, Follow Me: Living, Learning, and Teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This resource is an effort to improve gospel learning and teaching at home and at church. We hope you will have a wonderful experience using these materials.

What is Come, Follow Me? Come, Follow Me is composed of five books:

• Come, Follow Me for individuals and families at home

• Come, Follow Me for Sunday School

• Come, Follow Me for Primary

• Come, Follow Me for Young Women and Relief Society

• Come, Follow Me for Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood quorums

Why this test? Under the direction of the First Presi-dency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Church is exploring ways to (1) better help you and your family live and learn the gospel at home and (2) help your experiences at church

better support your gospel learning at home. Your participation and feed-back as a Church member will be very valuable.

What materials should I use for the test?As part of this test, you are invited to use the following Come, Follow Me resources:

1. Come, Follow Me for individuals and families at home. Each household in your ward or branch has received a copy of this book and has been encour-aged to use it for gospel study at home (scripture study, family home evening, and so on). This book contains weekly study outlines that focus on specific chapters in the Book of Mormon and monthly study outlines that focus on single topics.

2. Come, Follow Me for Primary. This book contains lessons to be used in Primary classes (except nursery) as well as ideas for singing time and sharing time. Each week’s lesson and singing and sharing time ideas are based on the chapters in the Book of Mormon

that children are studying at home that week in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families.

Together, these two books will help you as you teach your Primary class. They will also help Primary children to learn and live the gospel at home.

For the period of the test, these two books will replace all previous Primary manuals, including the sharing time Outline. (The nursery class will continue to use its current manual.) After the test is over, you can return to teaching from the previous manuals.

How do I share my feedback?At least weekly, please share your ex-periences, comments, and suggestions. You will remain completely anonymous, and you can comment as often as you would like. Thank you for your help. May the Lord bless you in your efforts to learn and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

To share your comments, go to lds.org/test/learn.

ContentsI Am a Teacher of Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii

Using Come, Follow Me for Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Teaching the Book of Mormon in Primary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

March 28–April 10: He Works in Me to Do His Will (Enos–Words of Mormon) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

April 11–17: “Because I Have Been Given Much, I Too Must Give” (Mosiah 1–3) . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

April 18–24: “A Mighty Change of Heart” (Mosiah 4–6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

April 25–May 1: The Lord Will Deliver Us (Mosiah 7–10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

May 2–8: Standing as a Testimony of the Truth (Mosiah 11–17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

May 9–15: “We Have Entered into a Covenant with Him” (Mosiah 18–24) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

May 16–22: Strengthening the People of God (Mosiah 25–28) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

May 23–29: Becoming Steadfast and Immovable (Mosiah 29–Alma 4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

May 30–June 5: Have I Experienced a Mighty Change of Heart? (Alma 5–7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

June 6–12: “Go Forth and Prophesy unto This People” (Alma 8–12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

June 13–19: The Lord Will Grant Me Power (Alma 13–16). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

June 20–26: “I Will Make an Instrument of Thee” (Alma 17–22) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Adapting to the Needs of Younger Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Sample Teaching Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Published byThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Salt Lake City, Utah

© 2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc.All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of AmericaPD60000672

I Am a Teacher of ChildrenI have been called of God to teach His children. I was set apart to this calling by the authority of His holy priesthood. I may not be formally trained to teach in the world’s way, but my calling is to teach in the Savior’s way. I qualify by liv-ing worthily, praying daily, and studying the scriptures.

As I do this, God grants me the influ-ence and power of the Holy Spirit. Through that Spirit, He guides me during my preparation and while I am teaching. He reveals to me what I should say and what I should do. They are really God’s children, after all, and He knows what they need and how best to reach them.

These precious little ones are ready and eager to learn the simple truths of the gospel. The veil seems thin for them, not just because they were so recently in God’s presence, but also because of their faith in their spiritual feelings. Somehow they innately know that their role is to learn, and they see every moment as a learning moment. They don’t worry that they don’t under-stand everything yet; they willingly act on what they do understand, trusting that a more complete understanding will come. Even while at play, they are constantly absorbing information, forming and refining their opinions, and making thrilling discoveries—which they are always excited to share. Little

wonder that when the Savior wanted to teach about how we should receive His gospel, He took a child in His arms and said, “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein” (Mark 10:15).

Truly, the calling to teach such pure, teachable souls is a sacred trust. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at times. But I know that God called me, and He will never forsake me. This is, after all, His work, not mine. And as I serve with all my heart, mind, and strength, He en-larges my capacities, gifts, and talents. The more I give in His service, the more I am able to give—and the more I can bless my family members, friends, and others I am called upon to teach.

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Using Come, Follow Me for PrimaryThe home should be the center of gospel learning. One the of greatest and most lasting gifts you can give the children you teach is to help them learn from the scriptures individually and with their families.

This book is designed to help you cre-ate experiences in Primary classes and sharing time that support, build upon, and encourage meaningful gospel learning outside of Primary.

The best way to prepare to teach from the scriptures is to have your own experiences with studying the scrip-tures—individually and with your fam-ily—just as you encourage your class members to learn from the scriptures during the week.

1. My Teaching PlanBefore exploring the teaching ideas in the lesson outline, you should spend some time seeking inspiration from the Spirit to know which principles to emphasize from the assigned scripture chapters and how to teach those princi-ples. This section invites you to follow this pattern as you make your plan:

• Encourage sharing. For the first few minutes of class, invite children to share any insights and experiences they had as they studied the scrip-

tures that week individually and with their families. You might also review what the children learned last week and ask how it has influenced their lives. Keep in mind the family situation of each child, and take care not to make a child feel embarrassed if his or her family is not reading the scriptures together.

• Teach the doctrine. Focus on doctri-nal principles that you find in the assigned scripture chapters. Look for creative ways to help the chil-dren understand the events of the scriptures and the principles they teach. How can the scriptures help them understand gospel principles? What additional resources could help them be excited about the truths they are learning? What questions might you ask that will help them live the principles?

• Learn and share at home. One objective of teaching children is to find ways for them to share at home what they are learning in Primary. As children share what they are learning, their testimonies are strengthened and their faith increases.

2. Additional IdeasAfter you have made your plan, you might explore the additional ideas, as

needed, to supplement your own ideas. Additional ideas include the following:

• Scripture references and doctrinal principles.

• Activities to engage children in learning.

• Ideas for improving teaching.

3. Sharing TimeSinging Time. During singing time, Primary music leaders help children learn the gospel of Jesus Christ through music. As they do so, they teach and testify of the truths found in each song. To engage children, they can share scriptures, quotations, and examples that illustrate the truths they sing about or topics that you and your family have been studying during the week.

Sharing by Children. Rather than pre-senting a lesson during sharing time, a member of the Primary presidency encourages children to share experi-ences they have had as they studied the gospel during the week—whether by themselves, in Primary, or with their families. These sharing opportunities may be unstructured, or they may be planned. For example, before sharing time you could invite the children in one class to share a scripture they have read recently at home or at church.

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Teaching the Book of Mormon in Primary

“Youth of all ages, even infants, can and do respond to the distinctive spirit of

the Book of Mormon. Children may not understand all of the words and stories,

but they certainly can feel the ‘familiar spirit’ described by Isaiah (Isaiah 29:4;

see also 2 Nephi 26:16)” (David A. Bednar, “Watching with All Perseverance,”

Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 42).

My Spiritual Impressions

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I M P R O V I N G O U R T E A C H I N G

Testify of Jesus Christ. One of the most important things you can do as a Primary teacher is testify of Jesus Christ. You have a sacred opportunity to help form and strengthen the growing testimonies of the children in your class.

PREPARING TO TEACH IN PRIMARY

Before you read any other lesson materials, study Enos–Words of Mormon, and record the spiritual impressions you receive. These impressions will help you create an inspired teaching plan (see the sample teaching plan in this resource). You might also use additional ideas such as those in this lesson outline, in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families, or in Church magazines.

Invite Sharing How can you encourage the children to share their feelings and experiences about the principles in this lesson outline? Their comments may include experi-ences they’ve had learning at home.

Teach the Doctrine Come, Follow Me for individuals and families can help you understand the doc-trine you will teach to the children. Consider what verses, quotations, experi-ences, questions, and other resources you might share to help them learn and act on gospel principles.

Encourage Learning at Home What can children share at home with their families? How can you en-courage children and their parents to continue to learn about the Book of Mormon at home?

MARCH 28–APRIL 10

Enos–Words of Mormon He Works in Me to Do His Will

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SHARING TIME

Singing TimeHelp the children learn the gospel through music.

• Singing time is the most impor-tant part of sharing time. Children will remember the messages of the music they learn in Primary throughout their lives. Use the Children’s Songbook (music.lds.org) to select a variety of songs that reinforce the doctrine the children are learning—as well as some songs that are simply fun to sing.

Sharing by ChildrenCreate opportunities for children to share how they are learning and living the gospel.

• Children could share experiences they have had with prayer.

• They could also share times when they were blessed for keeping the commandments.

• Each class could take turns sharing stories they found in the Friend or Liahona about someone who followed the promptings of the Holy Ghost (see the activity described above).

TEACHING IDEAS

Use the activities below or your own ideas to help children understand truths in Enos–Words of Mormon.

I can talk to Heavenly Father through prayer.Enos 1:1–19 • Do the children in your class realize that when they pray they are talking with

Heavenly Father? To help them understand what this means, you might ask them to make a list or draw pictures of some of the things they talk to their parents or friends about each day. This could lead to a conversation about what we can say to Heavenly Father when we talk to Him. To learn from Enos’s example, younger children could look at a picture of Enos praying while you read some verses from Enos 1. Older children could search the book of Enos to find words that describe Enos’s prayers (for example, verse 8 mentions Enos’s great faith in Jesus Christ). What can they learn about prayer from Enos’s prayer?

I am blessed when I keep the commandments. Jarom 1:9 • Children will be more likely to want to keep the commandments when they

understand how God blesses us when we obey. One way to help the children in your class understand these blessings might be to write commandments on strips of paper and place them in a container. (For younger children, you could use pictures instead of wordstrips.) As children pick commandments out of the container, they could discuss how we are blessed when we obey that command-ment. Before or after this activity, you could help children read or memorize the last part of Jarom 1:9, beginning with “inasmuch.”

I can bless others by listening to the Holy Ghost. Words of Mormon 1:3–8 • Mormon blessed millions of people when he listened to the Spirit’s promptings

about the small plates. How can you help the children in your class understand that they can also bless others by listening to the Spirit? You could have “story time” with the children. They could sit on the floor or in a circle as you tell them about Mormon and the small plates or read verses 3–8. You could also find a story to share from the Friend or Liahona about someone who followed the promptings of the Spirit. Children could draw pictures of the stories as they listen. After story time, children could share how the Holy Ghost speaks to them.


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Learn to recognize revelation. As you ponder about what and how to teach the children in your class, remember that revelation often comes “line upon line” (2 Nephi 28:30), not all at once. As you pray about and

ponder the scriptures, you may find that ideas and impressions can come at any time.


Before you read any other lesson materials, study Mosiah 1–3, and record the spiritual impressions you receive. These impressions will help you create an in-spired teaching plan (see the sample teaching plan in this resource). You might also use additional ideas such as those in this lesson outline, in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families, or in Church magazines.

Invite Sharing How can you encourage the children to share their feelings and experiences about the principles in this lesson outline? Their comments may include experi-ences they’ve had learning at home.



APRIL 11–17

Mosiah 1–3 “Because I Have Been Given Much, I Too

Must Give”

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SHARING TIME




• Children could share their experi-ences when they have served or were served by others.

• Some children could silently act out different ways to serve while the other children guess what they are depicting.

• They could also share what they know about the life of Jesus Christ.

TEACHING IDEAS

Use the activities below or your own ideas to help children understand truths in Mosiah 1–3.

When I can serve others, I serve God.Mosiah 2:16–17 • One way to help the children in your class recognize the importance of service

might be to write on the board a statement from one of these verses with some missing words. Invite the children to look in the scriptures for the missing words. Children could then share, in their own words, what these verses mean to them. You could also show them pictures of Jesus serving others, give them scripture references to read, and invite them to match the scriptures with the pictures (see Gospel Art Book [2009], nos. 40–46 and the corresponding scripture verses on the inside of the front cover). Encourage the children to discuss ways they will serve their families this week, and ask them to come prepared to share what they did in class next week.

All of my blessings come from Heavenly Father. Mosiah 2:19–25 • How can you help the children recognize that all of their blessings come from

Heavenly Father? You could help the children memorize a portion of a verse from this passage, such as Mosiah 2:19. You could also invite the children to share examples of blessings they are grateful for. One way to do this might be to have the children pass an object to one another as they sing a song about gratitude or while you play a recording of a song, such as “I Thank Thee, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 7). You could randomly stop the music and invite whoever is holding the object to share a blessing he or she is grateful for.

King Benjamin testified of Jesus Christ. Mosiah 3:1–20 • What do you feel is most important for the children in your class to understand

about the mission of Jesus Christ? You could help them understand the things Mosiah teaches about Christ by reading a verse from King Benjamin’s sermon in Mosiah 3 about the birth, life, and ministry of the Savior. You could also watch a video from The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Videos that depicts these events (see LDS.org), or you could show them pictures of these events. You could bear your testimony of Jesus Christ and invite the children to do so. Children could also draw pictures of what King Benjamin teaches about the Savior.


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Pay attention. Pay attention to how the children in your class are responding to learning activities. If they begin to squirm, it may be time to move on to another activity or to take a walk. If you

notice that the children are engaged and learning, don’t feel pressured to move on.



Invite Sharing How can you encourage the children to share their feelings and experiences about the principles in this lesson outline? This may include experiences they’ve had learning at home.



APRIL 18–24

Mosiah 4–6 “A Mighty Change of Heart”

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SHARING TIME




• You could create a wheel with a spinning pointer, and write the words scripture, story, and picture on the wheel. Representatives from each class could spin the wheel and, depending on where the pointer lands, share a scrip-ture, story, or picture from the Book of Mormon and tell why they like it.

TEACHING IDEAS


I can repent.Mosiah 4:1–11 • Children need to learn that when they do something wrong, they can repent

because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. You might use Mosiah 4:1–11 to teach these truths: when we repent, we feel sorry (verse 1); repentance makes us happy and helps us feel the Holy Ghost (verse 3); after we repent, we do our best to keep making good choices (verse 6); and we must ask God for forgive-ness (verse 10). You could ask children to read verses from Mosiah 4:1–11 and match verses to these principles. They could also role-play things they might do to repent of bad choices, like apologizing for taking a toy and then sharing the toy. How can you share with the children the joy you have experienced through repentance (see verse 3)?

I should treat others with love and kindness. Mosiah 4:13–26 • Heavenly Father wants us to treat all of His children with love and kindness. How

might you use King Benjamin’s words to teach this important message to the chil-dren? There are several examples in Mosiah 4 that you might share (see verses 14–16 and 26). Children could choose a phrase in these verses and act it out or draw a picture of it as the other children guess the phrase. What are some ways they can show love and kindness at home, at school, or at church?

When we are baptized and take the sacrament, we take upon us the name of Christ. Mosiah 5:5–15 • You could invite a few children to bring something that has their name on it,

and share it with the class. Why would they write their name on something? King Benjamin taught his people that we should have the name of Christ “written always in [our] hearts” (Mosiah 5:12). You can help the children learn that one way we can write Christ’s name in our hearts is by making covenants. Do the children you teach know what a covenant is—a promise between God and us? In Mosiah 5:5–9, what were the people willing to do as a part of their covenant? What are Heavenly Father’s promises to them? Children could write a verse from this chapter on a paper heart and take it home to share.


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Display a scripture. Select a verse that you think would be meaningful to the children in your class, and display it in your classroom for several weeks. Invite the children in your class to take turns selecting a scripture to display.






APRIL 25–MAY 1

Mosiah 7–10 The Lord Will Deliver Us

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SHARING TIME




• Children could act out scripture stories from the Book of Mormon that inspire them to have faith in God. They could also share favorite stories or teachings from general conference and how they are blessed by following the prophets and apostles.

TEACHING IDEAS


God helped people in the scriptures, and He can help me.Mosiah 7:18–20, 33 • When Limhi’s people needed courage to overcome their trials, he told them

scripture stories: he reminded them that God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt and led Lehi’s family out of Jerusalem. Think of the challenges the chil-dren are facing or may face in the future. What scripture stories could you share or have them act out that can give them courage? (For example, you could share the stories of David and Goliath, Esther, or Samuel the Lamanite.) Do the children know any stories that they could share? You could also share an experience when the scriptures gave you courage.

God gives us prophets to bless us. Mosiah 8:12–21• Today’s children are growing up in a world that teaches them not to listen to

prophets and other Church leaders. How can children learn about the value of prophets from these verses? You could write several important words from these verses on the board and then read from Mosiah 8:12–21. Ask the children to raise their hand or stop you when they hear one of these words so that you can discuss the word as a class. You could also have the children create an analogy that teaches what a prophet is by having them finish the statement “A prophet is like . . .” For example, they might compare prophets to a lifeguard.

When I am weak, I can receive strength from the Lord. Mosiah 9:14–18; 10:1–11• Many children face difficult challenges, even when they are very young, and

can sometimes feel weak and helpless—much as Zeniff’s people may have felt when the Lamanites attacked. Even though the Lamanites were strong, the Nephites went to battle “in the strength of the Lord” (Mosiah 9:17; 10:10) and were victorious. How did the Nephites get that kind of strength? (see Mosiah 9:17–18). Children could share ways that they become physically strong, like doing push-ups or eating healthy food. What are some of the ways the children can receive strength from the Lord? What can the children create to take home to remind them of the strength they can get from the Lord?


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Memorize a scripture. Select a scripture passage that you think could strengthen the testimonies of the children, and help them memorize it. Younger children could memorize a portion of a scripture or simply a

phrase. Consider using visual aids or gestures to help them.


Before you read any other lesson materials, study Mosiah 11–17, and record the spiritual impressions you receive. These impressions will help you create an inspired teaching plan (see the sample teaching plan in this resource). You might also use additional ideas such as those in this lesson outline, in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families, or in Church magazines.




MAY 2–8

Mosiah 11–17 Standing as a Testimony of the Truth

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SHARING TIME




• Consider asking a few children to summarize the story of Abinadi. Each class could share one thing they learn from the story.

• Each class could be invited to select one of the Ten Commandments, think of a creative way to remember it, and present it to the other Primary children.

TEACHING IDEAS


I can stand for the right, even when I stand alone.Mosiah 11–13; 17 • If the children you teach have not yet felt alone in living the gospel, they likely will

someday. For example, their friends might make fun of their beliefs, or they may feel left out for refusing to watch an inappropriate movie. Both Abinadi and Alma stood up for the truth, even though King Noah and his priests tried to stop them. What might help the children remember this story when they have to stand alone? Older children may be able to suggest scenarios to role-play. Younger children may enjoy acting out the stories of Abinadi and Alma or listening to you retell it while they color the picture of Abinadi in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families.

Are the Ten Commandments written in my heart? Mosiah 12:33–36; 13:11–24• King Noah’s priests knew the commandments, but they did not follow them.

Abinadi said that the commandments were “not written in [their] hearts” (Mosiah 13:11). In other words, the commandments were not important to them and they did not let the commandments guide their actions. Abinadi’s words are a good opportunity to help the children understand the commandments with both their hearts and minds. This could be as simple as reading Mosiah 12:35; 13:11–24 with them and giving each child a large, heart-shaped piece of paper where they could write one or more of the Ten Commandments or draw pictures of them-selves obeying them. Consider also singing “The Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 112–13).

When I sin, I become lost; because of Christ, I can be found. Mosiah 14:6; 16:4–9• To teach about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, Abinadi compared us to sheep

who “have gone astray” and are lost (see Mosiah 14:6; 16:4). The children you teach probably know what it feels like to lose something or to be lost them-selves. Connecting their experiences to Abinadi’s words might help illustrate how disobeying a commandment is like becoming lost. You might ask how Heavenly Father feels when we are found again through repentance and the Savior’s Atonement (see D&C 18:10–13). Your testimony of the Savior will invite the Spirit and strengthen the children’s faith in Christ.


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Invite sharing. When children learn something new, they naturally want to share it. Encourage this desire by giving them opportunities to teach each other. Ask about their thoughts, feelings, and

experiences. You will find that they often have simple yet profound insights.






MAY 9–15

Mosiah 18–24 “We Have Entered into a Covenant with Him”

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SHARING TIME




• Children could share different ways they keep their baptismal covenant.

• A new convert could share how he or she learned about the Church and how it felt to be bap-tized. Children could ask ques-tions about this experience.

• Classes could be invited to make a list of the blessings that they are most grateful for as members of the Church. Each class could be given a chance to share their list.

TEACHING IDEAS


I can make and keep my baptismal covenant.Mosiah 18:7–16 • How can you help the children in your class understand that a covenant is a two-

way promise? You could invite a class member to come to the front of the class, ask him or her to perform a simple task, and promise a reward in return. Help the children understand that this is like a covenant. Alma and his people made a cov-enant when they were baptized, and we make the same covenant when we are baptized. Heavenly Father promises us blessings in return. To help the children understand the promises we make at baptism and the blessings Heavenly Father promises, you could make two columns on the board and invite the children to write or draw what they learn from Mosiah 18:7–16.

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mosiah 18:17–28• Help the children understand that when they are baptized and confirmed they

become members of Christ’s church, just like Alma’s people. They could read these verses and name some teachings of Christ’s church that are the same in our day and Alma’s day, such as faith, tithing, and priesthood leadership. With each answer they could place a block or a cup on a table to form a structure that represents the Church of Jesus Christ. The teachings could be written on the blocks or cups. Help the children understand that as members of Christ’s church with all these blessings, we have a responsibility to help others.

God can make my burdens light. Mosiah 24:8–17• Even though they are young, the children you teach experience trials that are

difficult for them. The story of Alma’s people can show them that sometimes God helps us not by taking our trials away but by strengthening us to endure them. How can you help them learn from this story? You could share the story using chapter 17 of the Book of Mormon Stories reader for children. To help them think about different ways we are strengthened, consider having a child try to hold lots of cans without dropping them. You can show them that more cans can be held by using a basket or bag. Use this example to help the chil-dren recognize that with God’s help they can be strengthened to “bear up their burdens with ease” (Mosiah 24:15).


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Extend invitations that respect agency. When you invite children to act on what you have taught them, think of ways to honor their agency. Rather than always extending specific invitations,

consider inviting them to think of ways to apply what they have learned.






MAY 16–22

Mosiah 25–28Strengthening the People of God

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SHARING TIME




• To help the children share differ-ent ways they can serve others, you could write various ways to serve on slips of paper and place them in a container. Children could take turns drawing slips of paper and silently acting out the service written on them while the other children guess what the service is.

TEACHING IDEAS


When I repent, I can be forgiven.Mosiah 26:29–32 • The Lord taught Alma that He would forgive the people as often as they re-

pented. How can you help the children you teach understand how to repent? You could bring a bag or basket and load it with rocks or other heavy items to repre-sent what it feels like when we have sinned. Children can label each item with a common temptation, such as teasing a sibling or being rude to a parent. As you teach the process of repentance (asking forgiveness, righting the wrong, and not repeating the wrong), you could remove the heavy items to show how repentance frees us from guilt. The children could also share ideas about how to repent.

Heavenly Father wants me to love and be kind to everyone. Mosiah 27:2–5• How can you use these verses to help the children in your class understand

that Heavenly Father wants them to love and be kind to everyone, regardless of whether they are Church members, how much money they have, or other differences? You might invite children to share ways that they can be friends with others or draw pictures of themselves being kind to others. You could also sing Primary songs that teach this truth, such as “Love One Another” or “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 136 and 140).

I must gain my own testimony. Mosiah 27:8–37• Mosiah 27 tells the story of Alma gaining his own testimony. Children might

enjoy dressing up in costumes and acting out this story. You could also teach them the different parts of a testimony: Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and love us; Jesus is God’s Son and atoned for us; Joseph Smith is a prophet who restored the gospel; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Savior’s Church on the earth and is led by a prophet today (see “Testimony,” Gospel Topics, topics.lds.org). One way to help the children learn about testi-mony would be to create a puzzle for them to assemble that contains these fundamental parts of a testimony. You could also share with the children how you gained a testimony (see Moroni 10:4–5; D&C 8:2). You might choose to leave time at the end of class for children to bear their own testimonies.


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Follow up on invitations. When you follow up on invitations, you show the children that you care about how the gospel is blessing them. You also give them a chance to share their experiences, which

strengthens them and allows them to support one another in living the gospel.


Before you read any other lesson materials, study Mosiah 29–Alma 4, and record the spiritual impressions you receive. These impressions will help you create an inspired teaching plan (see the sample teaching plan in this resource). You might also use additional ideas such as those in this lesson outline, in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families, or in Church magazines.




MAY 23–29

Mosiah 29–Alma 4Becoming Steadfast and Immovable

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SHARING TIME




• Children could draw pictures of times when they were blessed by praying. Classes could then pres-ent their pictures to the rest of the Primary. You could also give each class stories about prayer from general conference or the scriptures. Each class could share the story and what it teaches about prayer with the rest of the Primary.

TEACHING IDEAS

Use the activities below or your own ideas to help children understand truths in Mosiah 29–Alma 4.

God will help me when I pray to Him.Alma 2:26–31 • How can you help children learn to pray to God when they need help or

strength? You might use the story of the battle in Alma 2:26–31 to show the children that God can help us when we feel afraid or worried. Before telling the story, you could invite some of the children to draw pictures of the Nephites praying as described in Alma 2:28 and of the large group of Lamanites and Amlicites described in Alma 2:27. Use the pictures as you tell the story to help the children understand how God blessed the Nephites as they prayed. Some children might be able to share experiences of how God strengthened them when they prayed for help.

I can be loving and kind to everyone. Alma 4:6–13• Sometimes children need to be reminded to reach out and be kind to others,

especially to those who are different from us. In Alma’s time, those who were wealthy were unkind to those who were poor. You might bring a dictionary and help the children define words from Alma 4:6–13 that describe how the people of the church were treating others, like scornful, persecute, and despising. How do others feel when we treat them in these ways? The children could think of other words that describe how Heavenly Father wants us to treat each other. Consider inviting the children to come up with a short skit they could act out to show an example of being kind to someone who needs their love.

My testimony can strengthen others. Alma 4:19–20• Alma gave up his position as the chief judge so that he could spend his time

sharing his testimony of the gospel and helping the people repent. What can you do to help the children understand the power of pure testimony? You could invite them to listen as you read Alma 4:19 (or invite them to read it themselves) and find the effects that a testimony can have on other people. You might also review what the class learned about testimonies during last week’s lesson. What opportunities do they have to share their testimonies?


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Help children become better learners. Your purpose in teaching is not just to impart truth to children. You should also help them develop into self-reliant learners. The Savior taught and exemplified principles

that make us good learners: faith, prayer, humility, and diligence.


Before you read any other lesson materials, study Alma 5–7, and record the spiritual impressions you receive. These impressions will help you create an in-spired teaching plan (see the sample teaching plan in this resource). You might also use additional ideas such as those in this lesson outline, in Come, Follow Me for individuals and families, or in Church magazines.




MAY 30–JUNE 5

Alma 5–7Have I Experienced a Mighty Change of

Heart?

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SHARING TIME




• Children could share how they felt at their baptism or how they are preparing for baptism. Parents of recently baptized children or a newly baptized adult could also be invited to share why baptism is important to them.

TEACHING IDEAS

Use the activities below or your own ideas to help children understand truths in Alma 5–7.

Being baptized is like being born again.Alma 5:14; 7:14–16 • The invitation to be born again could confuse children. How can you help them

understand what it means? Perhaps showing them a newborn baby could help the children think about what we are like when we are born: pure, innocent, full of potential. How is being baptized like being born again? Alma 7:14–16 has some phrases that teach the importance of baptism. How can you use those phrases to help the children feel excited about or grateful for their baptisms? They could draw a picture of a baptism, write one or more of these phrases on it, and take it home as a reminder of what they have learned.

I don’t need to see an angel to have a testimony. Alma 5:44–48• As the children begin to develop their own testimonies, they may think they need

to see a vision or hear a voice like Alma did when he was converted (see Mosiah 27:11–23). It may help them to read Alma’s testimony in Alma 5:44–48. How did Alma come to know the truth for himself? To reinforce this point, you might help the children compare a testimony to something that grows gradually and needs constant nourishment, like a plant or a baby animal. You could also share what you have done to strengthen your testimony, and invite the children to do the same.

The Savior understands me and knows how to help me. Alma 7:10–13• Even though they are young, children face challenges. They need to know what

Alma taught: even when no one else understands, Jesus Christ does because He took upon Himself their afflictions “that he may know . . . how to succor his people” (Alma 7:12). How can you build the children’s faith in Christ so that they will turn to Him in their trials? Can you share personal experiences in which Christ helped you in your trials? Have the children had any experiences they could share? To help them remember that Jesus loves them, you could also show them or give them each a picture of the Savior with children. To help them understand what succor means (to run to someone to give help), consider showing a video on lds.org/biblevideos showing the Savior helping someone.


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Build the children’s self-confidence. Some children may not feel capable of learning the gospel on their own. Promise the children that the Holy Ghost will help them as they learn.






JUNE 6–12

Alma 8–12“Go Forth and Prophesy unto This People”

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SHARING TIME




• Help the children learn how to be caring friends, like Alma and Amulek were. You could use a picture or symbol representing friendship (like a heart) and cut it into puzzle pieces and then write things good friends do on the back of each piece. Invite volun-teers to pick pieces of the puzzle and then share experiences in which they were a friend or were blessed by a friend. Encourage children to share until the puzzle is complete.

TEACHING IDEAS


I can share the gospel.Alma 8 • Alma was a powerful example of someone who shared the gospel when it

wasn’t easy. How can you help the children understand how Alma showed courage and faith when he preached to the people of Ammonihah? One idea is to have your class act out or draw scenes from the story as described in Alma 8. How can you help the children develop a desire to share the gospel? Help the children make plans to share the gospel with their friends in different ways, such as giving a copy of the Book of Mormon to a neighbor or inviting a friend to a Church activity.

After death, I will be resurrected. Alma 11:38–46• Amulek taught the people of Ammonihah important truths about the

Resurrection. How can you help the children you teach understand what it means to be resurrected? For example, you could use your hand to represent a spirit and a glove to represent a body and show how they will be separated at death and joined together again at resurrection. Gospel art showing Jesus Christ’s death and Resurrection could also help children understand what resurrection means and how Christ made it possible for everyone to be resurrected. For older children, it may be helpful to read Alma 11:43–45 and identify how Amulek describes the Resurrection.

I can help God’s children who are in need. Alma 8:19–22• When Alma was weak from fasting for many days, he met Amulek, who gave

him food and a place to stay. Just as God worked through Amulek to help Alma, God often works through us to help His other children. What can we do to help those who don’t have the things they need? With younger children, you could sing “‘Give,’ Said the Little Stream” (Children’s Songbook, 236) to help them under-stand that they can help others. You could also ask the children to tell about an experience they’ve had sharing something with or giving something to a sibling, a friend, or someone else. Older children could brainstorm ways they and their families could serve in their community, such as helping an older neighbor with yard work or volunteering with an organization to feed the homeless.


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Bear testimony to your class. Elder David A. Bednar taught, “Our witness can be declared as simply as ‘I know I was blessed with inspiration’” (“Watching with All Perseverance,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 42).






JUNE 13–19

Alma 13–16The Lord Will Grant Me Power

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SHARING TIME




• Children could share reasons they are grateful for priesthood holders and find a way to express their gratitude (such as writing thank-you notes or decorating cards). You could also invite a priesthood leader into Primary to talk with the children about what it means to have Jesus Christ’s priesthood on the earth.

TEACHING IDEAS


Priesthood leaders help me come to know Jesus Christ.Alma 13:1–20 • Do the children in your class understand that priesthood holders have the

power to act in Christ’s name? Invite the children to read Alma 13:10 and 12. What do they learn about priesthood holders from these verses? Invite them to share how they have been blessed by priesthood service. To help the children understand that priesthood leaders represent Jesus Christ, they could make a list on the board or look at pictures of ways that priesthood holders serve, and then compare those examples with ways that Jesus Christ served. Children could also draw or color a picture about priesthood service or sing “The Priesthood Is Restored” (Children’s Songbook, 89).

Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father can help me. Alma 14• How can the story of Alma and Amulek being freed from prison help the children

understand that Heavenly Father will help them in their time of need? With approval from the bishop, you could invite two ward members to your class to represent Alma and Amulek and tell their story. You could also write on the chalkboard important words from the account and invite the children to listen for and raise their hands or clap whenever they hear these words as you read the story. You might share the story using chapter 22 of the Book of Mormon Stories reader for children. Invite the children to share experiences when they felt Heavenly Father helping them. Children could write these experiences in a journal or notebook.

I am blessed when I follow the prophet. Alma 16:1–12• Help the children understand the importance of following the prophet. You

might wish to tell them a simplified version of the story in these verses. How were the Nephites blessed by listening to Alma? They could also sing the song “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110), color a picture of President Monson, or draw blessings that come from following the prophet. You might also show pictures of members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. As each picture is shown, the children could learn the leader’s name and listen as you read a quote from a recent conference talk.


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Testify of promised blessings. When the Lord gives us a commandment, He often promises us blessings for keeping that commandment. When you invite Primary children to live a certain principle, share promises God has made through prophets

to those who live that principle.






JUNE 20–26

Alma 17–22“I Will Make an Instrument of Thee”

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SHARING TIME




• Children could bring in objects that represent ways to be a missionary. A child could leave the room while you hide an object (like a Book of Mormon) and return to look for it while others sing a song, getting louder or softer as the child gets closer or farther. When each object is found, children could share how to use it as a missionary tool.

TEACHING IDEAS


I can be a missionary now.Alma 17:9–11 • How can you help children understand that they don’t have to wait until they

are older to be missionaries? One idea is to invite full-time missionaries or a recently returned missionary to share the story of Ammon along with simple ways the children can share the gospel. How could you help them understand how Ammon and his brothers were instruments of God? (see Alma 17:9–11). You could bring in several instruments or tools, such as a hammer, a paint-brush, or a shovel, and ask the children what they know about them and how they are used. How can the children be instruments in sharing the gospel with others?

I can share what I know to be true with others.Alma 18:24–40• Children often like to share things they’ve learned with others, like Ammon

wanted to share truths with King Lamoni as recorded in Alma 18:24–40. Depending on the ages of the children you teach, you could either bring pictures representing some of the truths Ammon shared in these verses or invite the children to search these verses and make a list of these truths. You could also invite the children to pretend to be missionaries and teach the class some of these truths, such as being children of God and our need for the Savior. They could also write down their testimonies about a gospel truth that they can share with someone they know. In what other ways can they share gospel truths?

My family helps me learn the gospel. Alma 19:16–17• Abish had a testimony of the gospel that was influenced by her father (see Alma

19:16–17). What can you do to help the children develop faith like Abish had? You could ask a family member of each child (or a Church leader) to write a short testimony and to bring these to class for the children to read. To help the children understand how Abish’s testimony influenced her actions, you could invite the children to act out scenes from the story, such as when Abish’s father shared his vision with her or when Abish raised the queen by the hand. What can the children do to encourage their families to study the gospel at home?

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Adapting to the Needs of Younger ChildrenIn this resource, you will find many activities that will work for younger and older children, but some activities may need to be adapted to meet the needs of those you teach. Here are some things young children can do to learn:

• Listen to or act out a story. As you tell children scripture stories, you can invite them to help you. They can hold objects and visuals that help them learn the story. They can share parts of the story they know. They can draw pictures of what they are hearing. You may even assign roles to the children and let them act out the story. Help children see the gospel truths in the scripture stories they are learning.

• Read a scripture. Young children may not be able to read very much, but you can still engage them in learning from the scriptures. You may need to focus on a single verse or even a key phrase. As you read a scripture out loud, you could invite children to stand up or raise their hands when they hear a specific word or phrase that you want to focus on. As they hear the words of prophets, they will feel the Spirit.

• See a picture. When you show children a picture related to a gospel principle or scripture story, ask them questions that help them learn from the picture. For example, you could ask, “What is happening in this picture? What do you see? How does it make you feel?”

• Learn or memorize a phrase. Although many small chil-dren cannot read, they can learn key phrases from the

scriptures. You can ask them to repeat phrases that teach gospel principles.

• Sing about it. Hymns and songs from the Children’s Song-book teach doctrine in a powerful way. Use the index at the back of the Children’s Songbook to find songs that relate to the gospel principles you are teaching.

• Share experiences. As children share experiences, they teach each other. You could invite a child to stand with a pretend microphone and share an experience. You could then in-vite the other children to ask the child questions about his or her experience.

• Create. Children can build, draw, or color something related to the story or principle they are learning. When they create something, they are excited to share it with others. Encour-age them to take the creation home and share it in order to help them remember what they learned.

• View object lessons. An object lesson can help children understand a gospel principle that is difficult to compre-hend. When using an object lesson, make it an interactive experience for the children rather than just something to watch.

• Role-play. When children role-play a real-life situation, they are able to see and practice how a gospel principle applies to their lives.

Sample Teaching PlanInvite SharingHow can you encourage the children to share their feelings and experiences about the principles in this lesson outline? Their comments may include experiences they’ve had learning at home.

Teach the DoctrineCome, Follow Me for individuals and families can help you understand the doctrine you will teach to the children. Consider what verses, quotations, experiences, questions, and other resources you might share to help them learn and act on gos-pel principles.

Encourage Learning at HomeWhat can children share at home with their families? How can you encourage children and their parents to continue to learn about the Book of Mormon at home?

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Sample Teaching PlanInvite SharingHow can you encourage the children to share their feelings and experiences about the principles in this lesson outline? Their comments may include experiences they’ve had learning at home.

Teach the DoctrineCome, Follow Me for individuals and families can help you understand the doctrine you will teach to the children. Consider what verses, quotations, experiences, questions, and other resources you might share to help them learn and act on gospel principles.

Encourage Learning at HomeWhat can children share at home with their families? How can you encourage children and their parents to continue to learn about the Book of Mormon at home?

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