From Teaching No Greater Call.... How do we use the scriptures to teach children?

Well, where do you start for the theme this year?

 

(image from lds.org media library)

 

How does one actually teach a child using the scriptures... especially if that child can't read? How do we help a child develop a love for the scriptures? How do we instill faith and diligence when it comes to scripture study?

I love Teaching, No Greater Call! Here is a great excerpt and I hope you don't mind if I added a few of my own thoughts in italics:

Suggestions for Using the Scriptures to Teach Children

 

You can bless the lives of children by helping them become comfortable with the language of the scriptures. When you teach children, you should use the scriptures frequently and find ways to have the children become comfortable using the scriptures. Following are examples of what you might do:

 

1. Help children become familiar with the names and order of the books in the scriptures. Use the songs “The Books in the Old Testament,” “The Books in the New Testament,” and “The Books in the Book of Mormon” from the Children’s Songbook, pages 114–17 and 119. (Which means that yes, you will need to learn these songs too!!)

 

2. Help children understand the language of the scriptures. When you read scriptures together, explain the meaning of important words. Help children pronounce difficult words and names. Have them listen for certain words, phrases, or ideas.

 

3. When you want children to find a certain scripture passage, give them the page number of the passage as well as the reference.

 

4. Share a scripture account in your own words. Help learners visualize the events and the people as you describe what happened (see “Stories,” pages 179–82). Then read key scripture passages aloud.

 

5. Have children read aloud from the scriptures. Be aware of each child’s abilities, and help each participate successfully. (I once taught a boy who had dyslexia. He really struggled while reading, but he was never embarrassed. I always gave him the opportunity and he smiled every time I told him what a fabulous job he did. It's good for other children to see that we are all different and perfect the way God has created us. But of course, another child with dyslexia might be terrified to read out loud. That's why I love this... be aware!!!)

 

6. If children are too young to read, invite them to watch as you read a scripture and point to the words. You could also have older children assist younger children in finding and reading scriptures.

(You could also help a younger child point with a ruler while you read, you can have them stand on a certain word, you can have them be the volume checker in the back of the room to make sure whoever is reading is bold and clear by giving a thumbs up)

 7. Have children read scripture accounts from the illustrated books of scripture stories published by the Church, such as Book of Mormon Stories. (At home, you can work on a child's fluency - reading with a smoothness as opposed to choppy. robot. style. , by having them use a ruler to underline the whole sentence instead of pointing to each word.)

8. Help the children discuss scripture accounts. Teach them to ask questions when they read, such as, “What is happening? Why is this happening? Who is speaking? How does this apply to me?”

9. Use the methods described in part F of this book (pages 157–84). For example, in presenting a story from the scriptures, you could use a flannel board, simple chalkboard illustrations, or pictures drawn by the children. You could have children retell a scripture story or sing songs that relate to specific scriptures.

10. At the end of some Primary lessons, there is a section called “Suggested Home Reading.” Invite the children to read with their families the scriptures mentioned there. (Or for sharing time, send them home with a small index card with readings from your lesson they can do with families.)

January 2016 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps and Ideas

Image from lds.org media library

Monthly Theme: The Scriptures Are The Word of God.
Monthly Scripture: “Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” 2 Nephi 32:3

Week 1 The scriptures are the word of God.

* Put the names of different books in the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, #'s from D&C, and The Pearl of Great Price on index cards. Have about 15 (2 identical sets) and make a large circle on the ground with one set and the other in a can to draw from.
     Invite about 5-6 children to walk around the cards while you sing songs having to do with scriptures. When the music stops, so do they. Have another primary child draw cards from the can. If someone is on that card have them say where that book of scripture is found and briefly share one of their favorite scripture stories. Have a gospel art book nearby to show pictures of favorite stories.

* See if our primary can earn 3000 points together!! Do we know our scriptures? Can we always learn more?? If you click on the image, you should be able to print out. You can draw it on the chalkboard to make bigger or send home for families to use for Family Home Evening.



* Set up a train, 3 sets of chairs with 2 in each row. And of course, one chair in front for the conductor who will need to wear a special hat you've brought. This year we will "Choo-Choo-Choose to read our scriptures and learn all about The Word of God!!"
     Have a few children come sit in the train and chugga-chugga (in place with their arms) until you reach a stop. First stop, Bible. Have some pictures, questions, or scriptures for the passengers to answer or read. Have a few more stops (again with pictures, questions or scriptures) for The Book of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price, Ensign General Conference Editions.
    Here is a simple handout for them to take home and keep track of their reading this week. Again, if you mouse over the image, in the right hand corner there should be an option to pop out and print.

Week 2  We are to feast upon the words of Christ.

* Bring in some play/pretend food. Set a table up front with a table cloth and nice centerpiece. Today, we shall feast. To make our feast we will need to answer questions, read scriptures, and sing songs about the scriptures to earn the food to put on the table!! When asking questions, invite a child up front to answer and then choose the food item to put on the plates.
     "The scriptures are a veritable banquet of insights and divine counsel. Let us feast at the table often. If we do, the Holy Spirit will fill our lives, helping us to be “nourished by the good word of God” and to remain “in the right way.” From Sept. 2004 Ensign Feast Upon the Words of Christ By Elder Spencer J. Condie

* Break into small groups and give them a piece of paper (folded into 4ths), make sure someone can write well in each group!! Tell them that you are going to ask them a question, they will brainstorm and come up with ideas as a group, and then write down those ideas on their paper in each section.
      Questions: What are your favorite foods?
      Where is a place you like to eat at?
      What are your favorite scripture stories?
      Where are places you can read your scriptures?
Have a few people share some of their answers! What do food and scriptures have to do with each other?? We are to feast upon the words of Christ!! Just as physical nourishment is important for our bodies, reading the scriptures helps our spirits stay strong!
      If there is still time, come up with a menu on the blackboard all together. Write down appetizers, main course, dessert, and drinks. We can pretend when we sit down to read our scriptures that we are at a spiritual restaurant.
1. What are some of your favorite appetizers?
What would we do for an appetizer in our restaurant... before the meal starts? (Pray, think about what we read about yesterday, focus and find a good place to read)
2. For the main course, what are some books of scripture we could read?
(Bible, Book of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price, Church Magazines)
Do we rush through our meal or take our time?
3. What are some of your favorite desserts?
How can we end our scripture study? (Pray, gratitude in our hearts, pondering and writing down thoughts)
4. Do you ever have drinks with a meal, if so what?
What goes along with our scriptures to help us understand? (Topical guide, Bible Dictionary and maps, pronunciation guides, lds.org search tools, asking family questions)

* If we were on our way to an elegant feast with important people, how do you think you would act? How would your table manners be?
      Have 4 simple stations at each corner of the room. Divide the primary into 4 groups that will rotate. At each station, for 2-3 minutes, have an adult ready to teach the following physical and spiritual feasting ideas:
1. How to properly set a table and what each utensil is used for.
How do we treat our scriptures? Just like there are different utensils for eating, there are different situations in life... always, no matter what situation, our scriptures will be able to help us!! Can you think of any examples from the scriptures that help us deal with how to repent? How to be faithful? How to treat family?
2. Simple table manners- no elbows on table, don't slurp soup, how to dab with a napkin, chew with your mouth closed, sit up straight. Have the adult demonstrate the wrong way and then the children demonstrate the right way.
Are there rules for when we read the scriptures? Not too many, but there are definitely ways to have a better experience!! What are some of the things we need to do to have good experiences while reading the scriptures? (Pray, be thoughtful as you read, don't rush, take time to understand words that are hard, ask for help,)
3. How to fold a dinner napkin.
Napkins help to keep us clean. How do the scriptures help keep us clean? Share an example from your life when the scriptures inspired you to be a better person.
4. Proper table conversation.

“These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; …For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; … Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words” D&C 18:34–36

When we read our scriptures Heavenly Father is talking to us. What would be the best ways to respond? (Follow the spirit, pray and give thanks, follow the commandments, ponder and think of ways to improve, share the words of Christ.

    After all the groups have rotated, bear testimony that we need to eat to physically survive. It's not something we do just on Sundays, we do it often throughout the day. It should be the same with feasting upon the words of Christ. We should have the messages of the scriptures with us in our heart at all times. We need to read daily and with true intent to learn!

 

* "One of the best ways to draw near unto Him and to both learn about and become more like the Lord Jesus Christ is to consistently study the holy scriptures—to daily “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Ne. 32:3). Please notice that I used the word study and not the word read. Studying and feasting suggest a focus and an intensity that reach far beyond casual reading or quick perusing. Studying and feasting, followed by sincere prayer and steadfast application of the truths and principles we learn, yield personal resolve, spiritual commitment, and the bright light of testimony."

Liahona April 2006 Because We Have Them before Our Eyes by Elder David A. Bednar

   Invite a few young women or young men in to share some of the things they do to study scriptures- do they have a certain way of marking? Do they have scripture journals? How do they decide what to read?
   Would it be a good idea to just take a major test without spending time to study before hand? Life is our test! In order to pass it, we need to make sure we study the scriptures everyday like Elder Bednar says!!

Week 3 The words of Christ will tell us all things we should do.

* There is a sign prominently displayed in a shopping mall in Manila, the Philippines, that reads, “Your ‘I will’ is more important than your ‘IQ.’” As I ponder the meaning of that short phrase, there comes to mind the chorus of the great Primary song based on 1 Ne. 3:7: “I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands. I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey” (“Nephi’s Courage,” Children’s Songbook, pp. 120–121).
      Have I WILL written on the chalkboard and IQ (tell the children what IQ means) on the other side. Have a pile of random trivia questions for children to pick from on the IQ side. Have a pile of scriptures for the I WILL pile, after the child reads the scripture have them talk about something they can do that the scripture says. See how many points you can earn as a primary. They get 1 point for IQ questions and 4 points for I WILL questions.
      It's important to study and try the best we can to improve our minds, but it's even more important to study what The Lord wants us to do from the scriptures, and then do it!

* Alma 37: 44-45, "For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land. And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise."
     Bring in a compass and some directions, like 5 steps west, 10 steps north, 15 steps south... etc. with the end destination a picture of Christ. Have a child hold the compass and after each set of direction, have them answer a question about the scriptures. Have as many different children take turns as you can! At the end, bear testimony that you know the scriptures will guide us to Christ and to happiness when we do what they say!

* Bring in a red piece of material, enough to wrap around your shoulders.
HERE is a talk with a story about a family who lost their son and then found him by carefully searching. Briefly tell the story to the children
   Hide the red shawl in the room while one primary child is outside the door. Sing a song about the scriptures- when they are far away from the red scarf they sing quietly, when they are closer, more bold.... not shouting though! Once they find the shawl have them start a scripture story (like Nephi getting the brass plates, Christ's resurrection, The parable of the prodigal son, Alma the younger repents, or a story of the child's choice!), then pass the shawl to someone else to add to the story, and continue on until the scripture story is finished. Each person only gets about 20 seconds! What does this story inspire us to do??
      When we search the scriptures we will find that the words of Christ tell us all things we should do!

Week 4 I can know the scriptures are true.

* HERE is a story of a brother who helped his younger sister to know the scriptures were true. It's not always going to be some huge event, sometimes its just a bunch of small moments that make our testimony strong.
      Have some glow in the dark stars all over the room. Invite a primary friend to turn off the lights and another primary friend to go choose a star, then have them turn on the lights. On the stars have letters. Have the primary brainstorm words they can think of from the scriptures that start with that letter. Thinking about those things from the scriptures, have you ever felt peaceful when reading about it or happy? Sometimes not, and that's OK too! Sometimes the scriptures make us think or can be confusing because of big words, not every scripture is going to make sense... and that's normal. But as we continually search them, we will feel powerful in life because of the knowledge we have.
     For example, letter A- Adam, apostasy, angels, Ammon, Abish, apostles.... Have you ever cried like Abish did because there was so much contention around you? Yet, how did Heavenly Father help her? Can we know that God will help us when we need it if we are doing what's right?

* Scripture chase! Invite groups of 2-3 children get out their scriptures.... make sure at least 1 child can read. Call out the name of a book in the scriptures (Like Alma, 3 Nephi, Genesis, Luke, Moses). The first group to find it and hold it in the air gets to come up front and tell the next book to look up. Make sure to go over proper care for the pages, we don't want anything ripped even though we are quick!! (If a certain group seems to be getting it each time, just tell them great job!! Since you've gotten a turn lets see who else is as quick as you and give them a turn!)
     In between each round, ask if anyone knows any stories from the book of scripture you found. How have they felt when reading or hearing about that story? We can know the scriptures are true, every single book!!!

* "God will reveal truth to those who seek for it as prescribed in the scriptures." (April 2014 General Conference If Ye Lack Wisdom by Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis)       Have a first aid kit, or doctor's type bag with a picture of the scriptures taped on it! What does prescribed mean? If you have an infection and don't take medicine, what might happen? What do the scriptures prescribe for us- truth!!!!
       Invite a child to come up front and take something medical related out of the bag (e.g. stethoscope, tongue depressor, band aid, gauze, Neosporin, etc.) On each item have a question or scripture having to do with finding truth from the scriptures.
1. Please read Moroni 7:16
2. What does it mean to be diligent?
3. How is a seed like studying the scriptures? (Alma 32)
4. Please read D&C 8:2
5. Will fasting help us know the truth of the scriptures? What are some other things we can do to help us gain a testimony?
6. Who is someone you see studying or using their scriptures a lot?
7. What did the scriptures tell Joseph Smith to do when he needed truth?
8. What does "sincerely and honestly seeking" mean? Is a person going to learn how to be a heart surgeon by watching a TV show? No! They have to go to years and years of school and really try hard. It's the same with getting and keeping a testimony of the scriptures!
9. Where are places I can go to read my scriptures?
10. Why do I need to know the scriptures are true?

* HERE is an excellent resource from The Friend. There are 6 quotes from Elder Russell M. Nelson. Cut out each quote and put in a numbered envelope. Tape them to 6 different primary friend's chairs underneath. Have about 8-12 pictures of different primary friends on the chalk board for the second part of the lesson.
    Tell the children that we can all know the scriptures are true!! Elder Russell M. Nelson shares how! Have the children check for an envelope under their chair and call each number up to read.
     After quote 6, "Each individual who prayerfully studies the Book of Mormon can receive a testimony of its divinity." ask if anyone recognizes some faces on the board?? Can all these children know the scriptures are true? YES!! And we can too!!! Anyone who, "prayerfully studies the Book of Mormon can receive a testimony of its divinity"!!!
       Invite a primary friend to choose a picture up front, on the back have questions, scriptures or songs having to do with scriptures and truth. Afterwards have them high five the person who's picture they chose!

January 2011 LDS Primary Sharing Helps and Ideas

GAK 617

Monthly Theme: The Scriptures Are the Word of God

Monthly Scripture: "Feast upon the words of Christ, for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." 2 Nephi 32:3

Week 1 The scriptures are the word of God.

* Mystery Scriptures! Have a large box with a question mark you can hide a book of scripture under. Have clues for which book is under the box. Invite children up to read a clue or hold a picture clues. Read all the clues before they can guess!!

For Example: (Hide a bible under the box) Clue #1 This book of scripture is the word of God.

Clue #2 This book of scripture takes place many years ago.

Clue #3 This book of scripture is divided into 2 parts, NEW and OLD.

Clue # 3 The first 3 books in this book of scripture is Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus.

Clue #4 Jesus is often referred to as Jehovah in this book of scripture.

Have children come up and hide a book and make up their own clues too!

* Have 5 different stations in the room. One for the Bible, Book of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price, and Ensign. Have a piece of posterboard at each station as well as pictures and an adult to guide the conversation (and of course the actual book of scripture). Divide into small groups. Have the children brainstorm as much as they know about each book of scripture and write on the poster board at each station!! Rotate quickly, about 3 minutes at each station.

Why do we include the Ensign? When holy men of God write or speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, their words “shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation” D&C 68:4

* Have the children say the 8th article of faith. Have 1/2 of the room stand on the word "Bible" and the other half on "Book of Mormon". If they have their scriptures they can hold them up in the air too! Repeat a couple times, have boys stand on "Bible" and girls on "Book of Mormon". Have children with brown hair stand on "Bible" and children with all other color hair stand on "Book of Mormon" etc.

* Hold up a sword and the scriptures. How are they different? Which one is more powerful and why?

Alma 31:5 "And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."

Sing Scripture Power!!!

Week 2 We are to feast upon the words of Christ.

* This is one of my favorite FHE's that can easily be adapted to sharing time. Click HERE for it. It's especially rememberable when you start off by asking what feasting on the word is... do we actually rip out pages and eat them from the Bible? When we read the scriptures it feeds our soul!!

* Have the children decorate their own scripture reading chart.

* FEED FRED. Have a box with a picture of a boys face. Have the mouth with an opening into the box, so a child can put their hand in it to feed him. Have tons of pictures of different fruits, veggies, meat, etc. On the back have questions, songs and scriptures having to do with "feasting on the words of God". Let the children come up and pick the food, do what it says then feed it to Fred!! We're helping his body grow by giving it food and we're also helping his spirit grow as we talk about the Word of God.
For example, some things on the pictures of food could include:
How often should we study our scriptures?
Who can we study our scriptures with?
What is your favorite story from the scriptures that has nourished your soul?
How do you feel after you read your scriptures?
Please read 2 Nephi 9:51
Please read Jacob 3:2
(You can also use the topical guide to look up FILL)

* Just as we nourish our bodies, we must nourish our spirits!!! Invite the children up to build a sandwhich for the Bishop. Have REAL bread, turkey, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. For them to come up and help make the sandwhich they have to answer questions about different scripture stories and from what book of scripture they come from. The more we read our scriptures the more we feast for our spirits!!

Week 3 The words of Christ will tell us all things we should do.

* HERE is scripture study Sam. He's great. He uses the scriptures in case scenarios to decide what to do! You could have children come up and act out a scenario, then the primary looks up the scripture and everyone helps to decide what to do! (From Karen Ashton, "Sharing Time: The Words of Christ", Friend, Mar. 1996, 46)

* Matt. 7:24 "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."

Have a list of 10-15 scriptures that tell us something we need to do. Give the children a paper with an outline of a house. Let them choose a scripture, then draw a picture to illustrate what that scripture says we should do. Challenge older children to find their own scripture not on the list that says what we should do.

Send the children home with small rocks and a note that says, "The words of Christ will tell us all we should do. And when we do, we're like the wise man who built his home upon the rock!"

* Play charades!! Find simple scriptures the children can act out and have others guess, then read that scripture!

* Bring in cookies where you didn't do as the instructions said. Ask for a volunteer to taste. If we don't do as the words of a recipe says it turns out babester. Yes, you heard me right. I'm a child of the 90's, babester! Hence, the words of Christ tell us all things we should do and if we don't we'll end up like an unfabulous cookie!!!

* Psalms 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
 Have a path through the room. Turn off a few lights, don't make it too dark!! (And of course if little children are scared, just leave the lights on and have everyone pretend it's dark) Invite children to come and walk along the path with a lantern. In order to walk a few steps on the path, they must answer questions, sing songs and read scriptures having to do with the words of Christ. See if as a Primary you can all work together to get to the end of the path!

We live in a world that is dark and full of sin, but the scriptures are a light and will lead us to the Savior!!

Week 4 I can know the scriptures are true.

* Invite a few members from the different auxillaries to briefly share HOW they know the scriptures are true. Ask them to share what they did to know or any personal experience that is brief. As in 2 minutes brief. Have the children point to all the adults. Are they the only ones in the room who can know the scriptures are true? Have the children point to who can know the scriptures are true. EVERYONE!!!

"What a glorious blessing! For when we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures; for His words are spoken through His prophets. He will then teach us as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit." Holy Scriptures:The Power of God unto Our Salvation Robert D. Hales October 2006 General Conference

* Have the children act out the story of Nephi getting the brass plates. Why would Nephi risk his life? 1.Because God commanded him to and 2. Because the scriptures are important!!!

1 Nephi 5:21 "And we had obtained the records which the Lord had commanded us, and searched them and found that they were desirable; yea, even of great worth unto us, insomuch that we could preserve the commandments of the Lord unto our children."

* Ask the children to share experiences of things that have been too hard for them to do. Does reading the scriptures sometimes seem hard? What about knowing they are true? Sometimes things seem impossible... but the scriptures tell us over and over again the opposite.
Mark 10:27
Matt. 19:26
Mark 9:23
Mark 14:36
All things are possible with God!!! We can know the scriptures are true!

* Have 5 fascinating facts. Have the children give a thumbs up if the fact is true or a thumbs down if what you say is false. How do we know if something is right or wrong?

Moroni 7:15-16 "For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God"

Divide into pairs and have them come up with a true or false statement about a scripture story. Have them share with the primary and do thumbs up or down....

Challenge the children to go home and see if when they read the scriptures, do the scriptures invite them to do good? Pass out simple invitations with the children to write down at home what the scriptures invite them to do.

The Value of Scripture: A Reader’s Theatre of King Josiah’s Story (LDS Primary 6:Old Testament Lesson 37)

King Josiah King Josiah by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld This media file is in the public domain in the US.This applies to U.S. works where the copyright has expired, often because its first publication occurred prior to January 1, 1923.

As a different way to teach this week's lesson, please feel free to use the following and make adjustments as needed to fit your individual primary classes' needs. Just don't sell this to a publishing company or say you wrote it because I will go postal on you and chop off fingers. Yes? No. But yes sort of. Or no. Yes, again, sort of.

The Value of Scripture: A Reader’s Theatre of King Josiah’s Story

By Sofia Lykes

Characters:
Narrator 1       Josiah’s Mother       Achbor (S)
Narrator 2       Hilkiah (S)               Huldah the prophetess
Narrator 3       Shaphan (S)             Moses
King Josiah      Ahikam (S)

Props:
Simple costumes
Book
Temple Background/Posterboard

Narrator 1: A long, long, long, long, long, long, long….

Narrator 2: We get the point. This story of ours takes place in ancient times!

Narrator 1: Yes, well I just want to make sure it’s nice and clear this story didn’t happen yesterday. It was a long, long, long…

Narrator 2: Long time ago!! Sheesh.

King Josiah: It started when I was 8 years old. Who here is 8 years old?

Josiah’s Mother: He was such a wonderful little boy and at 8 it was time to be king.

Narrator 1: Woah, King of Israel at 8 years old! That’s so much cooler than going to school.

Josiah’s Mother: Not quite! Stay in school and go to college!

King Josiah: It was a lot of work with little time to play. But I did the best I could and “that which was right in the sight of the Lord.”

Josiah’s Mother: My little king. (Sigh) I’m so proud!

Narrator 2: In the meantime, the high priest of the temple was digging around and found something interesting.

Hilkiah: Woah! Crazy! Insane!

Narrator 3: What? Is something on fire?

Hilkiah: Nothing is on fire but I do have a warm feeling that something important is about to happen. I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. (Hand book to Shaphan)

Shaphan: I the scribe shall read this. (Pause) Wow! Crazy! Insane!

Narrator 2: Is something on fire? What is Shapan running to King Josiah?

Shaphan: “Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a book.” I must read it to you dear noble and righteous King!

Narrator 1: How do you think the King would feel after his scribe found scriptures?

Narrator 2: I bet he’d be pretty happy.

Narrator 3: Yeah, I bet he’d be jumping for joy.

Narrator 1: First off, betting is wrong. Gambling is a serious sin and you should never play slot machines. Seeing as we live in Nevada where casinos are standard and smoking and breaking the word of wisdom is common, we must be better than what surrounds us.

Narrator 2: You’re so wise.

Narrator 3: I had an uncle who used to play at the casinos all the time and then lost his job and family. Totally sad. Good point my friend.

King Josiah: Ahhhhhh!!!!! (Pretend to rip clothes)

Narrator 2: Woah, what’s going on?

Narrator 1: I know he doesn’t gamble, what’s the problem here?

King Josiah: “Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.”

Narrator 3: Is he talking to me?

Narrator 2: No he’s talking to Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah.

Ahikam: Hi, you haven’t met me yet.

Achbor: Or me.

Shaphan: But you have met me, remember I’m the scribe.

Hilkiah: We must go see the prophetess Huldah.

Achbor: Woah. A prophetess? Can a woman be a prophet?

Shapan: Good thing I’m a scribe. Revelation 19:10 says, “ For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Huldah: I know, totally deep right? “Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.”

Narrator 1: Woah.

Ahikam: Wait! There’s more! Listen to the prophetess!

Huldah: “But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD. Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place.”

Narrator 3: So they traveled back to the King and told him everything Huldah the prophetess had said.

King Josiah: We must gather all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

Josiah’s Mother: Quickly!

Narrator 1: Well, what happened next was pretty simple but teaches great truth.

Narrator 2: King Josiah read to the people the scripture and book of law found in the temple. Then he covenanted with the Lord….

Achbor: Hold on. I forgot, what’s a covenant?

Narrator 2: Great question. It’s a sacred promise that you should never break.

Narrator 3: My mama always told me, never mess with the big man upstairs. If you promise and covenant with Him, that’s it. Keep that covenant.

Josiah’s Mother: That’s right. Mama’s know best. (Snap fingers in the shape of a Z)

Narrator 2: “And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.”

Hilkiah: Well, the king has given me a little to do list now. Let’s see. 1. I need go get vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven 2. I need to burn them.

Narrator 3: So cool, I love fire.

Narrator 1: OK, we don’t need details. It’s good enough to say that idolatry was done. And all because King Josiah and his people listened to the scriptures.

King Josiah: The scriptures will always bring joy because true joy is knowledge. Knowledge of Christ, that He and only He is our Saviour.

Narrator 2: We interrupt this reader’s theatre to bring you a scripture from Moses.

Moses: Thank you. As for scriptures, I’d just like to throw in a couple thoughts. “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Scriptures are IMPORTANT!!!

King Josiah: Amen Moses. Amen my brother.

ALL: “Reading and following the counsel of the scriptures brings joy!!!”

As a handout for home, I'll make a set of index cards for them to match with families. The material for index cards comes from the Erinchment Ideas and Suggested Home reading from the lesson:Remind the children that in order to obey the commandments, they have to be able to remember them. To help them remember, play a memory game. Write the names of the following people from the Old Testament on separate 3″ x 5″ cards. On other cards write the phrases that describe each person. Have the children take turns matching the card with the name of the person on it with the card that says what he or she did. When the children have matched all the cards, discuss the spiritual qualities they remember about each person. After matching read with families 2 Kings 23:1–3, 25 and Isaiah 40:8 at home as a review of this lesson.Person-Action


Adam-Left the Garden of Eden
Enoch-His righteous city was translated
Noah-Built an ark
Abraham-Willing to sacrifice his son
Rebekah-Left her family to marry Isaac
Joseph-Forgave his brothers
Moses-Saved his people from bondage
Ruth-Accepted the gospel from her mother-in-law
David-With the strength of the Lord, killed a giant

Elijah-Fed by ravens during a drought

If you teach Primary, you might want to invest in this...

This is an institute of religion manual that you can buy or read online here. This is one of the most helpful and wonderful books ever written!!! Yes!!! Three exclamation marks my friends!!!

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Doctrines of the Gospel Religion 430 and 431 published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah.
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I am teaching the second week, this upcoming beautiful Sunday, and will highly quote and base questions off of the teachings found in chapter 6 of this diamond here!!!

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? The Iron Rod!!

I love FamilyFun Magazine!! At the end of the magazine is the Try This Now Section and this month's feature is "Pour Water Sideways".

Quote,

"You can defy gravity with this aqua-batic stunt. What to do:

Wet a length of yarn (ours measures about 3 feet) and tie it to the handle of a liquid measuring cup. Fill the cup approximately two-thirds full of water. Position the yarn over the spout, then place the loose end in a drinking glass. Hold the measuring cup about 1 1/2 feet from the glass and use your free hand to pull the yarn taut over the center of the glass, as shown. Beginning slowly (you may spill a little), pour the water along the yarn. When the water begins "stikcing", you can pout it more quickly. Make this trick even more drip defying by using a longer piece of yarn to see how far you can pour with no spills.

Why it Works: Water molecules like to stick together. In physics, this is called cohesion. By soaking the yarn first, you create a liquid surface for the stream of water to cling to."

I think this is a fantastic visual of how we need to cling and hold to the iron rod. First, take the measuring cup and pour it (without the string, up in the air like in the picture), the water goes all over. Then do this trick and we see how we can reach the cup or the tree of life by the word of God!! Love it!!!

1 Nephi 8: 19-20, 24, 30

19 And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.
20 And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world.
24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.
30 But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.

1 Ne. 11: 25
25 And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God.

February: Family Helps to Reinforce

Family Time! Things to do with your family to reinforce what was taught this week in Primary! (These ideas, this month, have been taken directly from the Friend Magazine)

1. Have your family sit on the floor in the middle of the room. Sing the first verse of “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” (Children’s Songbook, p. 281). Explain that the rock they are singing about is the Savior, His teachings, and His commandments, which we find in the scriptures (see Matt. 7:24–27). When the people in the scriptures followed the Savior and kept His commandments, they were blessed. When they sinned and would not repent or keep the commandments, they were not blessed and were often destroyed. Have your children stand. Say that if the people in the story you will tell them were blessed by the Lord, they should hold their hands high. If the people were wicked and were destroyed, the children should sit on the floor. Alternate singing the verses to the song “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man” with telling stories from the scriptures. Possible stories are: City of Enoch (Moses 7), Noah’s family (Gen. 6–8:16), Daniel (Dan. 1–6), Israel crosses the Red Sea (Ex. 14), Pharaoh’s army (Ex. 14), Ammonihah (Alma 14–16).
2. Explain that one of the joys of scripture study is coming to know the prophets who have lived on the earth. Prepare a set of cards, with names of prophets from the scriptures on paper of one color, and a description of something each prophet did on paper of another color. Mix the cards, then place them face down on the ground. By turning over one card each turn, of each color, try to match the name of prophet with the description of what he did. Some possible prophets: Nephi—returned to Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates from Laban (see 1 Ne. 3), Noah—built the ark (see Gen. 6), Moroni—hid the gold plates in the ground and delivered them to Joseph Smith (see JS—H 1:30–60), Samuel the Lamanite—stood on a wall to tell the people about the coming birth of the Savior (see Hel. 14:1–5), Daniel—spent an evening in a den of lions (see Dan. 6); Joseph Smith—in the Sacred Grove, saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ (see JS—H 1:15–17).
3. Color the picture of “Scripture-Study Sam” and the picture strips. Cut out along all the heavy black lines. Carefully cut out the windows above Sam’s shoulder. Then fold along the dotted line and glue or tape the edge to the back of Sam, forming a flattened tube. Glue or tape end to end the long picture strips containing the situations and the scripture references. Slip the resulting strip inside the tube. As you move the strip, a difficult situation will appear in the large window and a helpful scripture reference will appear in the small window. Be sure to look up the reference to see how the scripture can help Sam resolve each difficult situation he faces.
4. Show GAK 517 (Spencer W. Kimball), and explain that when President Kimball was called to be an Apostle he turned to the scriptures for comfort and support. Recount President Kimball’s experience from “Gospel Classics: The Breaking of the Day Has Found Me on My Knees” (Ensign, Feb. 2004, 50–53). In the section “Comfort in the Scriptures,” President Kimball says that 1 Nephi 3:7 gave him comfort. Have the children look up the scripture and read the words of Nephi. Sing “Nephi’s Courage” (pp. 120–21). Tell the children that you want them to find some of the other promises taught in the scriptures that give us comfort when we face hard things. Read the following scriptures: John 14:26 (the Holy Ghost), D&C 108:8 (the Lord will bless us and deliver us), and 1 John 2:25 (eternal life). What were the promises? Testify to the children that they can find comfort and courage in the scriptures just as President Kimball did.
5. Paula J. Lewis, “Scripture Puzzle Cards,” Friend, Nov. 2000, 35
· You will need a plain 3″ x 5″ (8 cm x 13 cm) card for each scripture you wish to learn. On the left half of the card, write a scripture you wish to remember from your daily scripture study. On the right side of the card, draw or paste a picture that helps you remember what that scripture is about.
· Draw a curvy or zigzag line down the middle of the card between the scripture and the picture. Cut the card in half along the line. The two halves now form a puzzle. Make several cards, then mix them up and match them to help you remember the scriptures you have chosen. Keep the cards in a resealable plastic bag. Add more cards as you find additional scriptures you want to remember.
· You may want to use different colors of cards for scriptures from each volume of scripture—Book of Mormon, Old Testament, New Testament, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. You could also create a separate set of cards for each book of scriptures.

February 2008

Theme: The scriptures teach me about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and how to return to Them.

Scripture: “For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth
them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children” (2 Nephi 4:15).

Song: “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus” (CS, 57)

Sharing Time:

Opening Activity: On the black board write, What can we learn from Abinadi? Cover with a piece of paper with a question mark. Place the GAK picture up of him before King Noah. Ask if anyone knows who this is? Proceed to tell children we are doing a readers theatre and that a good audience is one who listens carefully. At the end, we’ll see who can answer our mystery question.
Jr. Sharing Time
Remember to ask thoughtful questions along the way. Encourage the kids to act out and say certain phrases. MAKE SURE TO HAVE SIMPLE COSTUMES.

Actors needed:
Abinadi, King Noah, Priests, Servants, Alma

Many years ago, in the land of the Americas, lived a wise prophet named Abinadi. He taught about Jesus and how we should be good people. He even taught about the plan of salvation or the plan of happiness!

But there was a wicked King named King Noah, who ruled a wicked people and this wicked King did not like what Abinadi was teaching. His wicked priests (who knows what a priest is?) said to kill abinadi! Poor Abinadi. There was only one priest who said, no don’t kill him. This was Alma.

When Alma said this, the king was very wroth. (what is wroth?) King Noah told his servants to go kill Alma! But Alma ran as fast as he could and found a spot to hide. The servants could not find Alma. He was hiding in a cave where we went to work writing down all the things Abinadi had taught.

What a wicked and bad king! King Noah was terrible and so were his priests. They talked to each other and decided to to put Abinadi to death. Thou art worthy of death said king noah! You said God himself should come down among the children of men. Take it back or die!
Well, Abinadi was telling the truth and wouldn’t take it back. He wouldn’t deny what he had said. After all, he was right! Jesus would come to earth and be born and live! So do you know what happened. That yucky King Noah and his evil priests killed Abinadi by fire. Abinadi wasn’t afraid though, he knew he was returning to his Heavenly Father and Jesus.

Alma decided to repent. That was a good choice! He started to teach people about the words of Abinadi, but he had to do it privately (What does this mean?) So he taught God himself should come down among the children of men! A lot of people believed Alma and Abinadi’s words! So Alma said, “Behold, here are the waters of Mormon and now (hold up blue sheet), as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light. Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn… (What does mourn mean? Can we act this out?) And comfort those in need of comfort and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God and numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life.”
So they got baptized! They promised Heavenly Father that they would serve Him, keep His commandments and then Heavenly Father would pour out His spirit more abundantly upon us! Hooray! They were then called the church of God or the church of Christ from that time forward! Everyone who was baptized thought the waters of Mormon was the most beautiful place ever because that’s where they came to know their Redeemer.
Thank you all you wonderful actors! Thank you wonderful audience! Go ahead, take a bow!



Sr. Sharing Time
Make sure to have simple costumes.

Reader’s Theatre
By Sofia Lykes

Narrator: Many years ago, in the land of the Americas, lived a wise prophet named Abinadi.
Abinadi: Hello! I’m Abinadi. I am wise.
Narrator: Abinadi taught about Jesus and how we should be good people.
Abinadi: I even taught about the plan of salvation!
Narrator: But some wicked Nephites didn’t like what he was teaching. The king said,
King: Put him to death!!
Narrator: And the priests of the king said
Priests: Kill him!! Kill him!! Kill him by fire!!
(Priests tie up Abinadi and put him by the fire)
Narrator: Poor Abinadi. But there was one priest whose name was Alma, he stood up for Abinadi.
Alma: I believe the words of Abinadi! We are not making good choices, we are full of iniquity!
Narrator: What is iniquity?
Alma: Hello! Iniquity is sin! Iniquity is making bad choices!!
Narrator: Oh right… thanks!
Alma: Anyways! King please don’t kill Abinadi Do not be angry with him, just let him leave in peace!
Narrator: But the king was even more wroth!
Priest #1: What is wroth?
Narrator: I don’t know… Do you know what wroth means? (Call on someone from the audience) Oh!! So the king was angry! The king was wroth. The king was angry. Thanks! The king was so angry he threw out Alma.
King: Servants! Go kill Alma!
Servants: We can’t find him? Where did he go?
Alma: Good thing I fled from them! I will hide myself for many days and write all the words down that Abinadi spoke!
Servants: Boy, the king is going to be mad at us!
Narrator: What a wicked king. He told his guards
King: Surround Abinadi and take him, bind him and cast him into prison. I’ll talk to my priests now.
(King and priests huddle)
King: Ok Abinadi, we have found an accusation against thee and THOU ART WORTHY OF DEATH! (in a loud and evil voice)
Priest #2: What is his accusation? Or what is the reason he is WORTHY OF DEATH!! (in a loud and evil voice)
Narrator: Abinadi had said
Abinadi: God himself should come down among the children of men.
King: And because you said this you will be put to death unless you take it back!
Abinadi: I will not take it back. I will not recall the words I’ve said.
Narrator: In the meantime, Alma who had fled from the servants of the King, whose name was
King: Noah. My name is Noah. Come to think of it. Call me King Noah, not just the king.
Narrator: Ok, sorry. King Noah.
King: That’s better. Now, kill Abinadi by fire.
Narrator: Abinadi died by fire.
Abinadi: But I don’t fear death, I know I will return to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus.
Narrator: Now, Alma who fled and hid from the servants of KING NOAH repented of his sins and iniquities and started teaching the Nephite people the words of Abinadi…but he had to do so privately or kind of secretively.
Alma: (whispering) God himself should come down among the children of men!!
Narrator: Soon many more people wanted to hear what Alma was teaching.
Alma: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light. Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn…
Person #1: What is mourn?
Narrator: When you mourn, it means you are sad.
Person #1: Oh, thanks!
Alma: Yea and comfort those that stand in need of comfort and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things…
Person #2: At all times and in all things?
Narrator: At all times and in all things!
Alma: And in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God and numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life.
Person #3: That is so deep.
Alma : Who believes what I have said?
People: We do!!
Alma: So lets get baptized!! Where you are baptized in the name of the Lord you make a promise to him that you will serve him
Narrator: And keep his commandments
Person #1: And he will pour out his spirit more abundantly upon us!!
(The people clap!)
People: This is the desire of our hearts!!
Narrator: So they were baptized and called the church of God or the church of Christ from that time forward! Anyone who was baptized by the power and authority of God was added to his church. Would you like to join? (talking to a person from audience) Come on up!!
Person #2: Now all this was done in Mormon, by the waters of Mormon, the forest of Mormon.
Person #3: What a beautiful place! This is where I came to know my Redeemer.
People: We shall sing to his praise forever!!
Narrator: Thank you!! Lets all take a bow!! You can clap lightly for us!! What a wonderful audience!!

Closing Activity: Have a child take off the piece of paper and reveal the mystery question. Have children share what they have learned, if time permits write their answers.

Suggestions:
· For Jr. Primary hand out the play to kids the week before so they can be familiar (have an adult be the narrator depending on reading skill of students).
· Have simple costumes, make a couple poster boards to show locations (one can be the castle of king noah, the other the forest of mormon, you could even make a cave where Alma hid)
· Highlight parts for the children so it’s easier for them to see.
· I have found that during reader’s theatres it works best if you do singing time separately.

Songs I would recommend to reinforce what was taught are :
1. When I am Baptized 103
2. Book of Mormon Stories” (CS, 118–19,verse 4)
3. Choose the Right Way 160