April 2017 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

"Your faith has made you whole" Oil on Canvas Jorge Cocco

Monthly Theme: Jesus Christ Teaches Me to Choose the Right
Monthly Scripture: “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” John 13:15

Week 1 Jesus Christ is the perfect example for me.

* Acts 10:38 "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good... for God was with him."
     Have lots of brightly colored post-it notes throughout the room. Invite a child to "go about" the room to do something good. On the post-its, have instructions for them to do something kind at that moment or talk about something good.
     For example : Give a smile to someone, give a compliment to someone, tell about a time someone was kind to you, tell about a time you were kind to someone, give someone a high five or hug, go tell the Bishop thanks for all you do, give your teacher a compliment, tell the primary pianist something you admire about them, tell someone why you are glad they are your friend, name something you could do for FHE, name something you are grateful for, what is something thoughtful a person in your family does,
and tell a sunbeam why they are awesome.
      Have a picture of Jesus covered with a bunch of post it notes. In order to take a post it off, a child will have to say something Jesus did to set the perfect example for us. There will be plenty of opportunities for children to get involved in the lesson!! While a primary friend is making their choice as they "go about" the room or take a post it off the picture, invite the rest of the primary to watch and see who is being reverent. You could call on a primary friend to choose another friend who they saw being extra attentive.
    You could even give the children little stacks of post it's at the end to draw pictures or write compliments for family members at home!

* We received a really fun game called Watch Ya' Mouth as a birthday gift. I'm not saying go out and buy it... if you happen to have it though, it would make a useful object lesson. Place one of the plastic molds in your mouth and try to talk to the primary. Can they understand you really well? No!! You are not being clear! Take it out of your mouth and say the same thing.... now was I clear??
      “Of all the lessons we learn from the life of the Savior, none is more clear and powerful than the lesson of obedience,” taught Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the April 2014 general conference.
     There are only 10 plastic mouth pieces in the game. For sanitation reasons you could probably only have 3 kids up front to help for sharing time. Give each a plastic mouthpiece. Then invite another primary friend to come up front and choose an index card for a friend with the mouthpiece to read. They get 1 chance to guess what they said, then turn it over to children with raised hands in the primary to guess. Have the friend take out the mouthpiece and say it clearly. (Now, this lesson has the chance to turn out very rowdy if YOU AS THE TEACHER let it. Remind the children that we want to come to church and learn. We can chuckle, because yes, it is odd sticking a piece of plastic in your mouth and seeing so many teeth! But we want to be able to have fun AND learn at the same time- which means smiling, being calm, not laughing too loud, and listening carefully!!)
      Index cards can have things Jesus did that set the perfect example for us for us to follow. For example: Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan. Jesus anointed the eyes of the blind and helped them to see. Jesus cast out devils. Jesus taught many parables and how to understand them. Jesus often kneeled and prayed. Jesus attended the temple often. Jesus did not shun people who were different from Him. Jesus trusted His friends and helped them.
     Jesus Christ set a CLEAR and perfect example for us. Tell the children how much you love them, how grateful you are for the opportunity to learn from them in Sharing Time. Bear your testimony of The Savior, that He was perfect and even though we aren't, He can help us to be our best.

* Prepare a week ahead of time and invite some of your cub scouts (or 2 young men's scouts) to demonstrate a proper way to carry an injured person. Thanks for sharing that valuable information!! Let's think about how hard it would be to carry an injured person as we think about the following story.
     Mark 2 tells the story of a man who had the palsy (he was paralyzed and couldn't walk). His friends were so faithful, that they took the roof off a house and lowered their friend in so he could be healed by The Savior. First, Jesus said the man was forgiven of his sins. There were scribes there that didn't believe this could be, they didn't say so but they were feeling so in their hearts. Jesus knew their hearts and responded, "Why reason ye these things in your hearts?" He then showed them that He had power not only to forgive, but also heal. He told the man to rise and the man with the palsy was able to rise and walk.
    We have many examples from the scriptures of things Jesus did to set the perfect example for us. But the question is, why is He the perfect example for you? What are the reasons in your heart? Have a piece of paper with a heart outline on it and invite the children to write their testimony or draw a picture of a reason why they believe Jesus is the perfect example for them.

Weeks 2 and 3 Jesus Christ taught me the right way to live.

* Hosea 14:9 "the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them"
    HERE is a really good talk. Has anyone ever gotten lost? It's a scary feeling!! Tell the children the story of the little boy who didn't even know he was lost. "We simply acted, going out in search of the one who had been lost."
      Break into groups for 5 minutes. Give each group a picture of Jesus from the GAK (gospel art kit). Invite them to talk about what the story behind the picture is. Was there someone who was lost from the path of happiness? Sometimes life is hard and there are many trials we have to go through, we can feel lost. But The Savior is there to help us. Give each group a small stuffed animal to hide while one child goes out of the room. (Have an adult by the door to help out) Invite the child back in to find the stuffed animal and talk about a way they can "act", walking in the ways of the Lord like their group's picture.
     Once everyone is seated again, invite a person from each group to share with the primary what their picture was and how they can be like Him.
    
* Have 4 chairs up front. Maybe a little cardboard steering wheel too. Invite 4 children to come up front and choose one to drive. Have a stop sign, green light, have them pretend to put on seatbelts.... things that you need to do to drive the right way. After they are done demonstrating, ask the primary, what would happen if we did not drive the right way? Has anyone ever been in a car accident?
     Jesus Christ taught us the right way to live. Is there safety in following The Savior?
     Have 15 numbered toy cars. Have 15 numbered questions, scriptures or songs about the week's theme. Invite a primary friend to drive a car to their numbered question and then answer it. Make sure they drive it the right way!! No crashing into the primary pianist!!
    "There seems to be no end to the Savior’s desire to lead us to safety. And there is constancy in the way He shows us the path." Elder Henry B. Eyring Finding Safety in Counsel April 1997

* Make copies of The Living Christ. Have children work in partners or small groups to read this and look for something they would like to illustrate from it. Bring in paper and crayons and make sure everyone has what they need for their masterpieces. Have time for children to share their work at the end. OR you could even just have them make the primary room into a Living Christ art display. Have the primary pianist play reverent music while the children quietly (because it's like a museum) walk around the room looking at the art. Did they feel anything while they were looking at pictures or listening to the music? That's the Holy Ghost testifying to us that Jesus Christ taught us the right way to live and we need to live that right way!!

Week 4 I feel my Savior’s love when I try to be like Jesus Christ.

* HERE is a link to some great jokes from The Friend. Sing the song SMILES from the Children's Songbook. Ask the primary friends how they are feeling? Make a list of things on the chalk board (you can invite 2 primary friends to write and tell them not to worry about spelling, just do their best!) of things that make us happy. Hopefully Jesus was on that list!! When we feel The Savior's love, often we feel happy or peaceful. Sometimes when we feel that love, we feel energized or sometimes very humbled. Lots of things give us temporary happiness, but Jesus' love is something that we can feel forever!! When we try to be like Him, we can feel that love. No joke!!!
    Have balloons with a small amount of playdough in them and tie them after getting all the air out. You will need to make all these before hand! Bring in some sharpies (watch those Sunbeams!!!!!!!!!!!!) and have them draw a smiley face on it. Invite the children to take their happy sack home and give it a squeeze anytime they are sad. They can think about this lesson and The Savior and remember stories from His life. They can squeeze it and watch the silly face squish about. After they feel better, they can go and do something that would then make Jesus happy!

* This will take some preparation! Take pictures of some people in your ward... 1 only of their smile and then 1 of the person!!! Have them write a short paragraph of a time when they were trying to be like Jesus and felt His love for them. Print out the pictures of the mouths/smiles!!! Invite primary friends to choose a mouth, guess who it might be.... then read the paragraph of that person. After the story, can they take another guess who it might be??? Show them the picture of the whole person.
     When we feel The Savior's love we can't help but smile!! He loves us!! And we need to try to be like Him!!

December 2016 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart (1888)

by Alice Havers

Monthly Theme: The Scriptures Teach Me about the Savior’s Birth and Second Coming
Monthly Scripture: “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works” Matthew 16:27

Week 1 Prophets prophesied about the birth of Jesus Christ.

* Have a box with a picture of baby Jesus in it. You will be wrapping the box 13 times. In between each layer of wrapping paper, have a small envelope with a question (or scripture) having to do with the week's topic.
HERE is a link to information that can help you develop questions.
      "Heavenly Father gave this gift to all of us, young or old, rich or poor. We did not have to search the shops for it. It did not cost us a single penny. It did not come wrapped in shiny wrapping paper. The most treasured gift of all was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. It was sent to all of us with love from our Heavenly Father." The Gift Ensign Dec. 2010

* HERE is an "Advent Calendar: Prophecies of Christ’s Coming,” NewEra, Dec 2008, 21–25. It'd be a great handout for the children to take home to families.

* Numbers 24:17 "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob..." Who was the prophet Balaam, from the Old Testament, prophesying would be born? Who was that Star?? Jesus!!
Have 10 different glow in the dark stars throughout the room. Turn off the lights and invite one Primary friend to choose one. Turn on the light. Have scriptures, songs and questions having to do with this week's theme attached to the stars. (OR you could just put up these STARS)

* HERE is a mobile children can make from The Friend about different prophecies.

Week 2 Jesus Christ was born.

* Bring in some paper for the primary children and blindfolds. (If possible!) Have everyone help each other get ready with the blindfolds. You'll need pencils too. You are going to do a blind drawing of a Christmas tree. They will have 1 minute to draw the tree, ornaments, star, presents.
    After the minute is up, have them look at their art. What do they think??
    Read John 9:1,5-7, 25 "And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth....As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing...one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see."

     Jesus Christ was born into this world as the light of the world!! Because of Him, we can see!! We don't have to be blind, stumbling to know what to do each day. Hold up a picture of The Savior's birth. Now take a minute to draw a Christmas tree with ornaments, star, and presents... but with no blindfold!! Which one was better??

* Gather 15 medium sized pictures having to do with the nativity story. Place them on the chalk board with magnets. Invite one child to leave the room and one child up front. The primary child up front will choose a picture to take down, then the other primary friend who was outside will come in and see if they can remember what picture was taken down. In between each round, ask some questions or have the children read scriptures having to do with Jesus being born on earth!

* Trip to Bethlehem!! As each primary friend comes into the room, give them an index card with a letter on it. Divide into groups and tell them you are going to play a game! Does anyone play the alphabet game when they go on a car trip? Well today we are taking a trip to Bethlehem and are going to come up with a word that starts with that letter. Give everyone 2-3 minutes to help each other in their group.
     Next, call up the letters one at a time and invite the primary children to share their word and what it has to do with Jesus being born. Try to have pictures or a nativity displayed so they can hold up something if it has to do with what they are talking about.  (Like A for Angel, they hold up an angel figurine)

Week 3 Jesus Christ will someday return to the earth.

* Will Earth Be White with Snow?? Sing I Wonder When He Comes Again and ask the children to repeat/fill in the blank... "Will earth be...." they say, "white with snow?"
     Today, we've got some snowballs (crumpled paper, or Styrofoam balls) and a basket to toss them in. Have 15 questions and scriptures (total) for children to answer about the week's topic- Jesus Christ will someday return to the earth. Let 1 reverent primary friend come up front, answer a question, then take a turn to throw 5 snowballs in the basket!! Can anyone get all 5? Don't worry if you miss, you're doing better than I would do!!
Some questions could include:
What is the parable of the 10 virgins and what does it have to do with Jesus' 2nd coming?
How will we know that Jesus is coming again? (SIGNS)
Will ALL the words of the prophets be fulfilled? (Yes!)
Some wonderful things will happen before the Lord comes- Fill in the blank:“Light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my.......” (D&C 45:28). (Gospel)
Where will the gospel be preached before Jesus comes again? (In all the world, in all the languages)
Before the Savior comes again, Elijah will appear on earth.... has this happened? (Yes, in 1836 in the temple)
A new city will be built before the 2nd coming, what will it's name be and where will it be? (New Jerusalem, Missouri)
Do the prophets know when the 2nd coming will be? (D&C 49:7)

How can we remain calm and at peace even when some of the signs are devastating?

What will no longer be when Jesus comes again? There is something big that will be done away with.... (Death)

How does the following scripture make you feel D&C 45:57–59?

* Create a small Welcome Back party for the Savior. Divide into groups. Have one group make an invitation, another few groups plan some simple games, another few groups can work on gifts to give, one group can plan decorations, one can do a food list (remember no meat!!).... give them plenty of paper and crayons!! Have them share their work as a whole group after 7 minutes!!

* Awesome idea from Sister Sydney Reynolds:
"To learn more about what life will be like in the Millennium, when Christ returns to earth to reign for a thousand years, choose 2 children to role-play TV news anchor persons, and assign each class to choose a “field reporter” to report the class’s findings on the following subjects in the scriptures: • animals / Isa. 11:6–9; Hosea 2:18 • people / Isa. 54:heading, 3; Micah 4:4; D&C 63:50–51 • nations, government / Micah 4:1–3; Jer. 31:33; D&C 29:11 • miscellaneous—time of His coming / Matt. 24:36, 44; Zion and the return of the city of Enoch / D&C 45:66, 71; Moses 7:62–64. Have the anchor persons make up questions for each field reporter to tell what his/her class learned about their subject. Tell the children that we do not know exactly when the Savior will come, but we must be preparing to meet Him (see Matt. 25:1–13). Sing “When He Comes Again” (CS, pp. 82–83) and discuss what the things are that we need to do to “be ready there.” (Dec. 1999 Friend)

Week 4 To prepare for the Second Coming, I will follow Jesus Christ.

* Make a huge saran-wrap ball with things inside it that have to do with the Second coming. Pass it around to some piano music and when the music stops, that child gets to unwrap until they find a surprise inside.
Some objects could include:
stop sign (signs)
flashlight (we don't have to be scared, we have the light)
Book of Mormon (the gospel will be restored)
water gun (lots of wars and rumors of war)
keys (priesthood will be restored)
clock (no one knows when the 2nd coming will be)
toy trump (trump will sound to signal Jesus is coming)
red cloth (what Jesus will be wearing when He comes again)
lamb & lion (they shall lie down together in peace)
happy face (in the millennium, all will be happy and righteous on earth)
picture of Jesus (how can we prepare for the 2nd coming??)

* Secret Service Time!! Today in primary we are going to follow Jesus Christ by doing something kind. Did you know this helps us prepare for the 2nd coming?? Don't sign their name on the paper!!
   Invite the children to draw a picture and write something nice down on a note. Go into Relief Society, with the cards and with the children!! Randomly hand out the notes and have the children sing a song. (You'll have to speak with the Relief Society President beforehand to see if this is OK) It should only take about 5 minutes.
     When you get back to the primary room, ask the children how it felt to do something without a person knowing you did it? How do you think Heavenly Father feels today knowing that you did this? Is this something you can do often?? Why is this important for when Jesus comes to earth again?

* HERE is a simple illustrated story talking about the second coming. You can make copies and have the children read in small groups. Draw a simple stick figure on the chalk board, this is Forgetful Fred. Forgetful Fred just read this story too, but can't remember what it was about!! Let's raise our hands and I'll write on the board some important things Forgetful Fred should remember from the story we read!!! (And us too!!)

2016 April LDS Primary Sharing Time Ideas & Helps

By CM Dudash



Monthly Theme: Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.
Monthly Scripture: “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” Articles of Faith 1:3

Week 1 Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior.

* Moses 7:39 "And that which I have chosen hath pled before my face. Wherefore, he suffereth for their sins; inasmuch as they will repent in the day that my Chosen shall return unto me..." (The pronoun "that" being Jesus Christ)
      Play "The Chosen One". Invite 6 primary friends up front. Send one person out of the room. Choose one of the 6 friends to be "the chosen one". That friend will choose a motion and everyone has to follow it. It would be easiest if 3 children faced the other 3 children. They all repeat the motion until the chosen one changes it, then they follow that motion. The person who left the room comes back in and has 2 guesses to who the chosen one is. (The chosen one might have to be sneaky to not get spotted, and the other children in the game can't look directly at the chosen one.)
      In between each round of the game, have scriptures or questions about the premortal world. Have pictures. Discuss what the word Savior means. Who chose Him?? What can we do in our lives to follow the REAL chosen one, Jesus Christ?

* Elder Neal A. Maxwell said that it is "extremely important to get straight what happened in that premortal council. It was not an unstructured meeting, nor was it a discussion between plans, nor an idea-producing session, as to how to formulate the plan of salvation and carry it out. Our Father's plan was known, and the actual question put was whom the Father should send to carry out the plan." (Deposition of a Disciple 1976)
     Have about 15 pieces of paper placed in a crooked path on the ground. Let's get straight the path and get straight our understanding of what happened before we came to earth!!
     Have 15 questions, scriptures, or songs having to do with the week's theme. (Not 15 each, 15 total) Invite a child to come up front and answer the question and then straighten out a piece of paper. At the end of the lesson, have a child walk the straight path and hold up a picture of Christ. He was chosen to be our Savior. Remind the children that if they have felt happy or peaceful today at church, that is the Holy Ghost bearing testimony that this is true.

Week 2 Jesus Christ is the perfect example for me.

* 1 Peter 2: 21 "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps"
     Have 10 paper footprints placed in a wide circle. Invite 5 primary friends to walk around the circle while the primary pianist plays some music.  (As I have loved you would be a great song!) When the music stops, they stand by a footprint and answer what is on it.
     Some ideas for words on the footprints:
home - What is a way you can follow Jesus' example here?
school - What is a way you can follow Jesus' example here?
story from the life of Jesus - briefly tell a story from Jesus' life and how He was an example
opposite of a good example- what is a bad choice that doesn't follow Jesus' example?
scripture- previously choose some scriptures beforehand they can read if they land on this footprint
family & friends- share with the primary someone in your life who chooses to follow the example of Jesus, what have they done that is like Him?

* 3 Nephi 18:16 "Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you."
    Give everyone a piece of paper/crayons and have them fold it in half. On one side teach the youngest primary friends (sunbeams) how to draw a sun. Demonstrate for them on  the chalkboard. It's always nice to have an example!! Sometimes with art, we don't always get a perfect picture on the first try... but that's OK. If we follow the example and keep on trying, we'll do just fine.... just like in life!! For the other friends, teach them how to draw a lightbulb. For Senior Primary, demonstrate how to draw a flashlight or campfire. You don't have to be an artist!! Just try your best or even invite someone in from the ward who knows how to draw. Remember, keep it simple!! Why are we so grateful for light??
     On the other side of their paper, have them draw a picture of The Savior. Have older children write down at least 5 things Jesus did to set an example for us.

* HERE is a short little video, it's a little slow- but definitely worthwhile for younger children.
     Have different pictures from the life of Christ. Have one friend hold the picture and briefly share what The Savior was doing. Invite another friend to come up and act out a way to follow the example of Jesus in their own life. (For example, if a friend holds up a picture of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane- another primary friend can demonstrate praying and saying I'm sorry)

Week 3 Through the Atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved.

* I love SPARKLE!!! It is such a fun way to review and learn an article of faith. Going down the rows, every child stands, each child must say 1 word from the article of faith, then the next child says the next word. If they don't know that word they sit down. However, children sitting down can raise their hands to get back in the game if a person doesn't know the word. After the last word, the next person has to say sparkle and sit down. You keep on going until you have a lucky duck!! (I'd say winner, but everyone is a winner who has fun!!)

* What is the atonement? HERE is a very clear explanation. Divide the primary into groups of 3 or 4. Pair some younger children with older children who can read. Give them copies of that Friend article and a yellow marker and have them read for a couple minutes. Have them highlight with the marker anything that really sticks out to them.
    Afterwards, have everyone sit down in their chairs. Invite a few to share what they highlighted as a group. Great!! Now have the primary friends write on an index card an answer to the first question in the article, "What would you be willing to give for someone you love very, very much?" AND their name. Have them bring up their index card and put it into a paper bag up front.
     Invite a primary child to pull out 2 cards and share what others are willing to give. Can anyone guess who wrote that? Have them share who did. At the end review that Jesus has atoned for us. He has given His life, and everything, so that we can return to Him and Heavenly Father if we will repent and follow Him. Jesus has done this because He loves us very much!!

* Bring in a broken something, like a plastic cup with different broken pieces. Is it bad when something breaks? Yeah, pretty much because you can't really use it again unless you fix it, right? Is it a bad idea to break things? Well, one time there was a little girl who was confused about Jesus. She knew that He never made mistakes and was perfect, but couldn't understand why he would break something.
     HERE is the story to read to the primary. (Sometimes it helps the primary focus to have a few children acting out the story while you read) Was it OK for the bands of death to be broken? What are the bands of death?? Yes, absolutely!! It was completely necessary and needed!!

     Do you have the game, Don't break the ice!! DO NOT go out and buy it, just if you have it, it'd be easy to play. Instead though, we'll play DO break the ice!! Each friend gets a turn to hammer out a piece of ice and answer a question about the atonement. When the ice finally breaks, it's OK!!! It's actually great!!! It's like how Jesus has shattered the sadness that comes with death and sin, and through His atonement has cleared the way for us to return to Heavenly Father if we do what's right! He broke the bands of death, and we are grateful!!

Week 4 Jesus Christ was resurrected, and I will be too.

* The outline's suggestion is excellent for this week! HERE If you aren't able to get people to come in, have children make paper bag puppets of one of the witnesses of Christ’s resurrection and take them home to testify to family members! (You'll need paper bags, glue sticks, crayons, small scissors, and colored paper) Of course, once they are finished, children can come up and share their puppets!

* Invite a person in from the ward who has had someone close to them pass away. You will need your Bishop's approval. Have them share a picture of that person and their testimony of the resurrection.

* What is the resurrection? Bring in a glove to demonstrate it is the body. Can the glove move by itself?? No, it needs the hand. Just like our bodies need our spirits. Once we die, our spirit and body are separated for a little bit. In the resurrection, our bodies and spirits are brought together again for eternity in perfect form.
     Bring in enough pairs of gloves so that each child in primary with have a glove. Hand them out randomly, then have the children find their match. Once they have their partner, have them read a scripture about the resurrection together and talk about what they think it will be like then. Give each pair a piece of paper and have them draw a picture together or brainstorm words to describe the resurrection. During this time, you can collect all the gloves back. After a few minutes, invite children to return to their chairs. Have a few children share their work.

*  "As we learn we are immortal creatures, we realize that life, which does not end with the grave, does not begin with the cradle either. We lived before we came to this earth. We are creatures of the stars, time travelers, who come from afar and, if we are true and faithful, may return to celestial halls and live again with the mighty God who is the Father of our spirits. God’s Holy Son, our Savior, whose glorious resurrection makes it all possible, will be there to encircle us “in the arms of [His] love” (D&C 6:20)." Elder Alexander B. Morrison April 1995 "I am the Resurrection and the Life"
     Bring in a decorated time travel machine. A box with some glitter and paper on it? No friends!!! A real pretend time travel machine that will amaze and capture your attention today!! Bring in a spinner that points to 4 categories- premortal, earth life, resurrection, compliment. Invite a primary friend to come up front and sit in the time travel machine, after all, we are creatures of the stars!!, and spin the spinner. Have questions prepared about each topic premortal, earth life, and resurrection. On compliments they give 3 compliments to different people in primary. (It is AMAZING... some children do not know how to give compliments!! Teach them!! It develops a primary environment of love)
      Our time travel machine would not even be possible if it wasn't for The Savior and His resurrection. Life would really have no meaning!! Bear your personal testimony of what the resurrection means to you.

December 2015 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

Russian Modern Artist Andrey Shishkin

Luke 2: 28-32

"Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

Monthly Theme: I Know That My Redeemer Lives.
Monthly Scripture: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!” D&C 76:22

Week 1 Jesus Christ came to earth as promised by the prophets.

* Make a simple advent calendar, or reuse an old one. In each slot have questions, songs or scriptures to go along with the week's lesson. Have about 9 small pictures of baby Jesus to go in different slots too! Have children come up to the front to choose a door on the advent calendar. If they get a picture of baby Jesus they can hold a small swaddled baby doll. Take turns answering the questions or singing together as a primary the songs chosen. If another baby Jesus is drawn, have the person pass the doll to them. At the end of the lesson, see who was the last person to get to hold the swaddled baby and give them a sticker.
Some questions could include:
    Nephi had a vision of Jesus being born of a beautiful virgin. What was the name of this woman and what do you think made her beautiful?
     Samuel the Lamanite stood on the wall and bravely testified that Jesus would come in how many years? (See Hel. 14:2)
     True or False: The prophet Abinadi said, "Even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things? Have they not said that God himself should come down among the children of men, and take upon him the form of man, and go forth in mighty power upon the face of the earth?" (True, see Mosiah 13:33-34)
     The prophet Micah said that Jesus would be born where? (Micah 5:2)
      Isaiah gave us some names of Jesus- Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Choose a name and tell us why you think that is a good name for Jesus.

* Excellent reading for the week found HERE.

* Sing Book of Mormon Stories, verse 7 about Samuel the Lamanite (CS #118)
     A memorable sharing time was when I brought in a TOY bow and arrow set. Have different prophesies on the wall. Let the primary children take turns shooting the TOY arrows at the prophesies. You will only be calling on reverent primary friends who are listening and helping by raising their hands.The one they get closest to, have them read to the primary (or they can call on someone to help them). Have questions to go along with the lesson too.
     End with singing Samuel Tells of the baby Jesus (CS #36)

* Divide into small groups of about 3-4 children. Make sure at least 2 of the children can read. Give each group a copy of THIS Friend article and have them read together somewhere of their choosing in the room. Give each group a paper star. On the star have them write some of their favorite things about Christmas and why they are grateful for Jesus Christ. After 7-8 minutes, have them return to their seats and invite a few primary friends to share their stars.

* Jesus said, “I am he of whom it is written by the prophets” JST Matthew 4:18
     Go over some of the prophets and what they said about Christ. Make sure to have pictures if possible. Give each child a piece of paper or you could make some SIMPLE journals together, HERE is a link to some ideas. Younger children can draw, and for those who can write... have them write what they know to be true about Jesus. The prophets wrote down many things and promised Jesus would come. We too can share our testimonies and knowledge that Jesus came to earth!

Week 2 Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

* Mosiah 3:20, "And moreover, I say unto you, that the time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people."
     Have about 10 different flags of countries from around the world on the chalkboard. Bring in a small globe for the children to spin. Have some interesting facts and maybe a phrase in that language to go along with your lesson about these countries.
    Today in primary we will go on a journey to spread the news, Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world!! Invite a friend to spin the globe and use their finger to slow it down. When the globe stops, see what country they are closest to in relation to the 10 countries on the chalkboard. Go over your facts and language phrase. Have a question, scripture, or song having to do with the lesson on the back of the flag. Invite the primary child who spun to choose another child to answer the question.
Some questions could include:
     What does the word Savior mean?
      Name 3 examples from the scriptures where Jesus saved someone's life.
     Why do you think Jesus would volunteer in the premortal world to be the Savior of the world?
     What made it possible for us to be saved, what did Jesus do?     
     Where did the atonement take place?
     What is the difference between immortality and eternal life?
     What did Jesus save us from?
      How does knowing Jesus is the Savior of the world make you want to live your life?

* D&C 43:34, "Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds."
   Have a box with shredded paper inside. Hide paper jewels. On the paper jewels put examples of healing & saving from The Savior's life. Invite a primary child to come up front and dig without looking in the box. Once they find a jewel, have them briefly share what that example/story is from His life.
     If there is time, let the children turn an index card into a pillow! To let the "solemnities of eternity rest upon" their minds! Have them write Jesus is The Savior of the World and illustrate it. Have them put it by their bed at night to remember how blessed they are to have this knowledge!

* HERE is an excellent resource from The Friend. I would add making a simple origami boat with the children. For the younger children, have them already made and they can decorate with crayons.
     Another option is bringing in a little blow up raft if you have one. Let primary children take turns sitting in it while answering questions about Jesus as our Savior or making the match in the activity in The Friend. You could also have a life jacket and towel if they need to dry themselves off after. This would also be a good activity for Week 1!!

* Save the sheep! Bring in about 20 white sock balls (You know how you match socks and kind of roll them into a ball??) and a basket.
HERE is a great explanation of how Jesus is our good shepherd from The Friend. A shepherd loves his sheep and saves his sheep. Go over the article with the children.
     Have some questions, scriptures, or songs to sing together about The Savior. Invite a child to answer the question or read, then they get 30 seconds to toss the sheep into the basket and see how many they can save.
     At the end, carefully place all the sheep in the basket. Jesus Christ has the power to save His sheep. He laid down His life so we could return to Heavenly Father if we do what's right. Bear testimony of what you know to be true.

* HERE is another golden one from The Friend! You could easily read this linked article while having a few primary friends act out the parts of Jairus, his daughter and wife. (Remember no role playing Jesus, as stated in the handbook)
     Invite 6 children up front. You could have a heart shaped bean bag to reverently pass back and forth while the primary pianist plays I Stand All Amazed. When the music stops, the person holding the beanbag can share something they loved about The Savior or something they are grateful for that He has given us.

Week 3 Jesus Christ will return to the earth someday.

* “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11
    Have a paper sun and  8-10 clouds (our heavens) to put on the chalkboard. On the back of the clouds have questions, scriptures, and songs having to do with Jesus Christ returning to earth again someday.
     Display the Gospel Art Picture of the angels reciting this scripture to the apostles. Bear testimony that you know Jesus will come again! End with the scripture Matthew 26:64, “...Nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."
     You can hand out small cotton balls as clouds to take home and share with their family about what they learned today!

* HERE is the lds.org video of the 10 Virgins (They That are Wise). It's pretty long (about 9 minutes) but AMAZING and so pertinent to the week's topic!!! If there is time leftover bring in a flashlight. It's our modern day lamp. If your flashlight takes 2 batteries, have the children come up with 5 things temporal and 5 things spiritual that they need to do to prepare for the 2nd coming of Jesus to earn the batteries. At the end turn on the flashlight! We can be wise and prepared for when Jesus comes to earth again.

* Divide into groups and make "Welcome Back" signs. Give each group a scripture about Jesus Christ returning to the earth (what the millennium will be like) and have them illustrate or write their thoughts. Have them share their work with the Primary.

* Have a picture of a rainbow. Invite a primary friend to leave the room while another friend hides the rainbow. Sing When I am Baptized (CS 103, Verse 1) softly or boldly whether or not the person who left the room and is now looking for the rainbow is close or not. Do this 3 times. On the 3rd time, have take the rainbow and put it outside the room where the primary friend can't get it at all.
     “The Lord deals with this people as a tender parent with a child, communicating light and intelligence and the knowledge of his ways as they can bear it. The inhabitants of the earth are asleep; they know not the day of their visitation. The Lord hath set the bow in the cloud for a sign that while it shall be seen, seed time and harvest, summer and winter shall not fail; but when it shall disappear, woe to that generation, for behold the end cometh quickly.” (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith Compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, p.305)
      Divide into color groups, children going to the color that is their favorite! Give the reds, oranges, yellows... etc. a scripture (or question) pertaining to Jesus coming to earth again. Have an adult help them read it if necessary. Have a member of that group come up and explain what their scripture (or answer to their question) was about.

Week 4 I can live with Jesus Christ again.

* Draw a large house on the black board. Where are some places our Primary friends have lived? How many friends have lived in more than one place?  Our topic for the week is I can live with Jesus Christ AGAIN (stress again). What does that mean, again? Aha! (Hopefully a primary friend will bring up the premortal world) Sing I lived in Heaven (CS 4, verse 1) Bring in 10 different pictures of places you've or some primary friends have lived.  Let the children come to the front and choose a picture to put on the black board by the home, attached to the pictures can be questions, songs and scriptures having to do with living with our Savior again. At the end, put a picture of Jesus in the house on the black board.

      "Jesus was chosen and as the Messiah He came, conquering evil and death through His glorious name. Giving us hope of a wonderful life yet to be, Home in that Heaven where Father is waiting for me" (verse 3 I Lived in Heaven)

 

* Do you have a paddle ball toy? (A good yo-yo demonstration would work too!)  Have a child come up to the front and show everyone how to play this game, don't paddle too hard, sometimes they break easily! The ball starts on the paddle, then returns because of the string. Ask a couple more children to try. Would the ball come back if the string wasn't there? We lived and started off with Heavenly Father and Jesus, we can live/return again to them too! But we need the string, we need to be obedient!!

      Divide into groups and give each group some string. Have the child holding the string think of something we can do to return to Jesus and Heavenly Father. The other children have to guess what it is by asking yes or no questions. Take turns holding the string and guessing!

 

* Invite a return missionary to talk about their homecoming. How did it feel to return home? What was it like to see all their family again? Ask them to share their testimony of what it will be like to return home to Heavenly Father and Jesus.

       Bring in a few party goodies- like crepe paper, 2 balloons, a congratulations sign, a party hat, a blow out popper thing (really Sofia?). Have the children earn a happy homecoming party by brainstorming a list of 30 things we can do to help us to live with Jesus again. Let the children decorate the blackboard and invite a very reverent child to wear the party hat.

     Isaiah 51:11, "Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away."

 

August 2015 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

Image courtesy euclidlibrary.org

Monthly Theme: Jesus Christ Is the Son of God, and He Is a God of Miracles
Monthly Scripture: “For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; … and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith” 2 Nephi 27:23

Many ideas are recycled from previous posts I've written! Sorry, it's summer and I've been having too much fun with my kiddos!! Also, I'll just be real.... I've developed a slight addiction to Bollywood movies.

Week 1 Jesus Christ is a God of miracles.

* HERE is the link to scripture figures on lds.org that can be cut out and mounted on popsicle sticks. Have 2 children to come up front behind a table with a tablecloth. They hide, then hold up the sticks as the story is told. Have questions about the stories for children to answer after. I find that having each story in a large Ziploc bag helps keep things organized. There are lots of examples of prophets and miracles, so just make sure to talk about how these miracles were only possible because of Jesus Christ and the power of the priesthood.
  
* Here is a brief story to share with the primary children. In the last General Conference, Bishop Gerald Causse said,
     "My wife and I had the great joy of rearing our five children near the magnificent city of Paris. During those years we wanted to offer them rich opportunities to discover the marvelous things of this world. Each summer, our family took long trips to visit the most significant monuments, historic sites, and natural wonders of Europe. Finally, after spending 22 years in the Paris area, we were getting ready to move. I still remember the day when my children came to me and said, “Dad, it’s absolutely shameful! We’ve lived here all our lives, and we have never been to the Eiffel Tower!”
    There are so many wonders in this world. However, sometimes when we have them constantly before our eyes, we take them for granted. We look, but we don’t really see; we hear, but we don’t really listen.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus said to His disciples:

     “Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:

     “For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.” (Is it Still Wonderful to You? April 2015)

     Do you have a miniature Eiffel tower statue? You could easily use a cone or water bottle with a picture taped to it! Have a ring toss game. (To make the rings you can glue two ends of a short rope, then duct tape around it.)
    Have questions or scriptures about Jesus and His many miracles. Invite  child to answer the question then take a turn to try to toss the rings on the Eiffel Tower. Remind the children that just like the Eiffel Tower was close to his family, beautiful miracles are close by us and we need to take the time to see those miracles in our lives!!

*     Have a small box of feathers with a picture of a quail on front. Briefly ask the children if they know why quails are miracles?
      "The book of Exodus reports that quail were miraculously provided to feed the hungry people of ancient Israel (see Ex. 16:13; Num. 11:32; Ps. 105:40). The pioneers had an equivalent experience. After the last of them had been driven out of Nauvoo, many were sick and some had died. Their provisions were meager. On the river bottoms near Montrose, Iowa, on 9 October 1846, many quail miraculously flew into camp. The quail were cooked and fed to some 640 destitute people (see Stanley B. Kimball, "Nauvoo West: The Mormons of the Iowa Shore," BYU Studies, winter 1978, 142)." Russell M. Nelson, "The Exodus Repeated," Ensign, July 1999, 9
      Have about 10-12 TOTAL questions, scriptures and songs having to do with Jesus Christ and His many miracles on little scraps of paper. Put these in the feathers and invite the children to come up and pick a paper. For children that have been extra helpful, let them choose a feather to take home!

 

* Pin the Pointer on the Liahona: Have a poster board with a large liahona drawn on it. Have 15 black arrows for the children to "pin" on with tape. Have a blindfold and spin them. BUT BEFORE you do this, they have to tell a story from the scriptures or from their own life about how Jesus is a God of miracles. If the younger kids need help, have them choose an older child to come up front to help them tell a story. I would also have a variety of different Gospel Art Kit pictures posted all around to help jog their memory.

    Alma 37:38-40 "And now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the thing which our fathers call a ball, or director—or our fathers called it Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass; and the Lord prepared it. And behold, there cannot any man work after the manner of so curious a workmanship. And behold, it was prepared to show unto our fathers the course which they should travel in the wilderness. And it did work for them according to their faith in God; therefore, if they had faith to believe that God could cause that those spindles should point the way they should go, behold, it was done; therefore they had this miracle, and also many other miracles wrought by the power of God, day by day."

 

* As a visual- Have an apple. Ask the children if this apple will just up and change into a banana. Let's watch it for 10 seconds, just in case. Nope, not changing! Maybe if a primary friend holds it, it might change? Hmmm.... Kind of like Heavenly Father and Jesus, they don't just up and change out of the blue!!
   Mormon 9:17-19 "Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought?And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.

    On the chalkboard write THEN and NOW. Have the children come up with some miracles and decide/write whether they belong under THEN or NOW.

 

* For the chorister this week, here is a simple idea!! During Singing Time, have a child come to the front and wear and overly large t-shirt. Have their hands barely sticking out. As you sing a song, have the child move their arm out (lengthened) or in (shortened) and correspond with a way to sing. For example, if the arm is outstretched, sing boldly, if it's shortened sing softly. (Other opposite ways to sing- sitting/standing, boys/girls, teachers/children, sing on right foot/sing on left foot, oooooo/aaaaah) They will have to watch their primary friend carefully! Boy, talk about miracles, what beautiful singing!!! Repeat the following scripture often after you sing. See if you can memorize!!!
     D&C 35:8 "For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name"

 

Week 2 Jesus Christ can heal the sick.

* Bring in some things you use when you are sick. Cough drops, Vicks vapor rub, thermometer, Kleenex, top ramen.... Why is sickness important? If we get sick does it mean we did something wrong? What are some things we do when we get sick? Jesus Christ can heal the sick! Please be sensitive and remind the children that the key word here is "can". Sometimes good people get sick and are NOT healed. Why do you think that is? We need to remember to do our best in life and have faith in Christ, no matter what happens He loves us and will never leave us comfortless.
    Today we'll talk about some stories where Jesus helped to heal others. Invite a primary friend up to help you tell the story and answer a few questions. Then they will have 10 seconds to try to get as many Kleenex out of the box (one at a time) without ripping them. See who can get the most!!!
    Some stories you could review are: Jesus healing the blind man (John 9), the woman with the blood issue who touched Jesus' robe and was healed (Luke 8), Jesus and Jairus' daughter (Luke 8), Jesus heals a man with evil spirits (Mark 5), Jesus heals the man who couldn't walk when his friends lowered him from the roof (Matthew 9), Jesus heals a deaf man (Mark 7:32-35), Jesus heals the man's ear when Peter cut it off (Luke 22:50-51).

* Have a poster board of an outline of a person. Time to break out the quarters and splurge for a box of band aids at the $1 store. Let the children come up and add band aids to the paper person as they answer questions, sing songs and read scriptures having to do with Jesus healing the sick

* Have different stations with special guests! Is there anyone in your ward with a medical background? Have any doctors or nurses come into primary and share with the children stories of Christ healing the sick. Perhaps they could even bring in something they use at work to help others feel better for the children to look at! Make sure each station has a picture to go with the story or a flannel board. Kindly remind guests to be enthusiastic and encourage primary friends to share any knowledge they have of the different stories! I would do probably 3 stations, rotate and then finish with the guests bearing testimony of Christ as our Divine Healer.

 

* For FHE you could play the board game "Operation" if you happen to have it! Put a gospel twist on it by reviewing stories of Christ healing and singing songs on faith to earn the opportunity to perform surgery! End with the fact that Jesus is the doctor of all doctors! He heals!
     Jeremiah 17:14 "Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise."

 

Week 3 Jesus Christ has power over death.

* Hold up a book. Am I holding up a book? Yes!!! Sometimes we can be certain of things because we actually have seen it with our eyes. (Does anyone remember what Joseph Smith said about his vision?)
   Even though we have faith in Jesus Christ, who we have not seen... there were people who did see Him resurrected with their own eyes!! Have paper eyes throughout the room for a primary friend to come choose. On the paper eyes have the following scripture references of witnesses who saw Jesus resurrected: Mary Magdalene/Mark 16:9, Women of Faith/Luke 24:10, Peter/Luke 24:34, Disciples/Luke 24:13–32, 500 Brethren/1 Cor. 15:6, Many people in Ancient America by the temple in Bountiful/3 Ne. 11:14-17.
    Jesus Christ lives. He has power over death. Hold up the book one more time and bear testimony that as sure as we see this book right now, one day our eyes will see Him. In the mean time, we don't have to see to know! If we are faithful, we will be blessed.
   
* “What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.”Richard Bach (American Author Illusions)
    Go over, briefly, the life cycle of a butterfly. Indeed, the caterpillar does not end at the cocoon!
     Go over the final days of Jesus. Have pictures of the last supper, Jesus washing the feet of His apostles, the Garden of Gethsemane, the crucifixion, Jesus appearing to Mary, and Jesus appearing in Ancient America resurrected. Have the children briefly share what each picture is about.
     Have the children end by drawing pictures of butterflies. Invite them to go home and share with their family what they learned today. Jesus Christ has power over death. He lives and we can live again too! HERE is a beautiful Friend article you can print as a handout for children to read at home with their family too!!
   
* Have 7 small numbered boxes. In each box, have one word (make sure they are in the right order 1-He 2-Is 3-Not, etc.) He is not here, but is risen. Invite 7 primary friends to find a box and stand in the right order. Have them open their box and take out their word. Then have them read it. Have them hold up their boxes. What is the same about all the boxes? They are EMPTY!!
    Prepare some questions, scriptures, or songs having to do with Jesus has power over death. Play a simple game where you have 5 people up front with their hands behind their back. Put an empty box in someone's hand. Have a primary friend answer one of your prepared questions, then try to guess who has the empty box!!
     He is not here, but is risen!!! Bear testimony that Christ has power over death. Through the divine plan of Heavenly Father and their sacrifice, Jesus was resurrected. Death is not the end!!

Week 4 Miracles come to those who have faith.

Just wanted to again mention what was so nicely put in the sharing time outline, "Also explain that even though we have faith, we will still experience sorrow, pain, and suffering, but God is aware of our needs and will care for us." Children are not exempt from having hard things happen in life and primary is a place where they should feel safe. They should always be reminded that Heavenly Father and Jesus love them.

* HERE is a great read!! Never thought about miracles as signs, "being visible tokens of an invisible power". Also it gives specific examples of many miracles.

* HERE is a story about a miracle in President Monson's life. He had lost some very important money and was able to find it! Bring in 6 pairs of jeans. In the one pocket have a story about a miracle and in the other pocket, questions to help understand the story. Divide into groups and give each one a pair of jeans. Have them search the pockets for the story and questions about it. If there is enough time, have a member of each group share what they learned.

* HERE is a beautiful/fun story for the children to act out. One primary friend could play the part of the dead turkey who leaps back up and flies over the mountain.
    Over and over in the above linked article (Do You Need a Miracle? Feb. 2003 New Era) it mentions, "Expect a miracle." We need to be faithful, repentant, and wait on The Lord for His timetable.
     Bring in some paper for children to draw pictures about miracles in their lives. Have them share with the entire primary if there is enough time.

* HERE is a story of a missionary who experienced a miracle at a stoplight. Share the brief story. Play a game of red light, green light. MAKE YOUR EXPECTATIONS CLEAR... NO RUNNING!!! Have a red piece of paper and a green piece of paper. When you hold up red, the primary friends stop. When you hold up green they can walk quickly towards a picture of Jesus. Only have 3 people per round. After each round ask a few questions about miracles or have some one read a scripture about them. Remember, we can learn and have fun, but we still need a reverent peace in our primary room for the Holy Ghost to testify of truth!

July 2015 LDS Primary Sharing Time Helps & Ideas

The Sorrowful Christ, a statue at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in New York

Monthly Theme: I Can Follow Jesus Christ's Example.
Monthly Scripture:Jesus said, “Come, follow me” Luke 18:22

Week 1 Jesus Christ always obeyed Heavenly Father.

* John 8:29 "...For I do always those things that please him."
    Have sheets of paper with one different way, written and illustrated, that Jesus obeyed the Father. Cut each sheet into a few pieces to make a puzzle. Divide into groups and have them put together the puzzles. Have each group come up with 3 hints to give the primary so the primary can guess what their puzzle was about!
    HERE is a link to pictures and things Jesus did to show obedience!! It's EXCELLENT!!!!
    If there is time, have the children draw something they can do to show obedience like Jesus did. They can cut up their drawings into pieces and see if family members at home can put them together!

* "Our love of the Savior is the key to Savior-like obedience. As we strive to be obedient in today’s world, we declare our love and respect for all of Heavenly Father’s children." (“If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments” April 2014 Elder Robert D. Hales)
     Bring strips of paper with a secret message. That message should be things Jesus did to show obedience to Heavenly Father. Have a KEY to help decode the message. Break into groups to figure out the phrases. Have them share with the primary what they found out! Have pictures to go along with the phrases.
    Again.... HERE is the above mentioned link, it really is a helpful one for this week's lesson!!

* Lord, I Would Follow Thee Hymns #220 says,

" Savior, may I learn to love thee,

Walk the path that thou hast shown. …

Pause to help and lift another,

Finding strength beyond my own.

Savior, may I learn to love thee—

Lord, I would follow thee."

Sing this for the children, invite any children who know the verse to sing along with you.

   Have a path (you could use small strips of masking tape and arrows) throughout the primary room. Have different "stops" along the path with a picture of something Jesus did to show His obedience to Heavenly Father. Have a large heart drawn on the chalkboard. Invite a primary friend to share a reason why they love Jesus. Write it down in the heart, then invite them to follow the path to any stop they like.

     Have a couple of questions to go along with each stop. Invite the child to answer the questions, then choose another friend to come up and take a turn. Bear testimony that Jesus has shown us the path of obedience and we need to walk the path that He has shown.

* HERE is a reader's theater I wrote, however I only recommend doing it with the senior primary.

Week 2 Jesus Christ went about doing good.

* Play a game of charades with things that Jesus did as He went about doing good. The children are NOT acting the part of Jesus, they are acting out the things He did. Charades could include: giving blessings, helping the blind see, helping the lame walk, helping the deaf hear, healing the sick, teaching, going to the temple, reading the scriptures, listening to parents, sharing food with others, praying, fasting, was baptized, loved children.... have pictures of Jesus doing these things from the Gospel Art Book to show the children after they guess!

* "For the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do... Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” 3 Nephi 27:21, 27
    Have a discussion with the children and invite them to share some of their favorite stories about Jesus. Have them come up front as they share and also have a Gospel Art Book handy to show pictures as they talk. Make sure the children are facing forward, so everyone can see their beautiful face!
    Then do something good! Be like Christ.... make a card for someone sick, draw a picture for a missionary, write a thank you note to the Nursery leaders, write a poem to your grandma. Maybe you could even have the older kids make a list and see if they could come up with 50 GOOD THINGS TO DO this week! And remember, it's not always about baking cookies... sometimes just a smile to a grocery clerk or a compliment to a little brother could mean all the world!

* Matthew 7:17 "Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit."
    Have a paper apple tree with paper apples for the children to choose. On the apples have questions, scriptures, songs having to do with all the GOOD things Jesus did in His life.

* HERE is the link to the beautiful Bible Videos of Christ's life. You could always show a few and talk afterwards about how the children felt as they watched Jesus doing all these good things.

* "Do" drops. Take a turkey baster and let the children fill up a glass of water one or two "do" drops at a time. To earn a "do" drop they have to sing a song about Jesus, read a scripture or identify a GAK picture of something Jesus did in His life.
     John 4:13-15 "Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw"
      Let us always remember Jesus, our living waters who always went about doing good!!

Weeks 3 & 4 Jesus Christ's example teaches me how to live.

(Many of these ideas are recycled from previous posts or tweaked just a little)

* Bring in a mirror. What do we see? Jesus Christ set the perfect example for each one of us. We need to mirror and reflect what He did!
   Break into groups and play a game of reflection. Invite 2 primary children to reflect each other's movement. Have about 6 questions for the group to answer about the life and example of Jesus Christ. After each question, invite 2 more children from the group to play a round of reflection. Have an adult by each group to help ask the questions and pick children to play.
     "We also have a spiritual light within us... This spiritual light is a reflection‍ of the Savior’s light. Others will be attracted to this brightness."
Sharing Your Light Oct. 2014 General Conference by Sister Neill Marriot

* Have a thin piece of masking tape for a child to walk across without touching any other part of the floor and then have them squeeze in between two chairs to finish.
    2 Nephi 31:9, 16 " And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them"
     Have questions about the life of Christ prepared. Invite a child to answer a question and then see if they can walk the straight and narrow!

* 3 Nephi 18:16 "And as I have prayed among you even so shall ye pray in my church, among my people who do repent and are baptized in my name. Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you."
   Have some index cards with questions, scriptures, and songs about the Savior's life on them. Turn off the lights! Invite a child to hold a flashlight and shine it on the index card they'd like to pick. Then have them answer the question.
    Can you follow anything in the darkness? No! Jesus Christ's example teaches us how to live.

* Bring in some pictures of people you admire and are examples to you. Briefly share why. Ask the children to share some people in their lives who are good examples. Who is the greatest example? Jesus. Just like we follow His example, we're going to play a follow the directions game!! What is important when you are following? Good listening and actually doing what is said! Start at the back of the room and come up with directions for a primary child to follow to find a picture of a story from the life of Christ.
     For example, "Take 10 steps forward, jump twice and look under the front table. What is this a picture of? Jesus getting baptized! Great!! Why should we follow that example?" You could even have primary children make up the directions for another to follow!
      2 Nephi 31:10 "And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?"

* Have a large plastic bowl and a wash towel. Tell the children that you are going to read a scripture passage to them and you want them to picture themselves at that place with a bowl of water and wash towel. You can also have a primary friend hold a picture of Jesus washing His disciples feet. It's a longer passage, so make sure when you are reading, you read with expression and move around a little. John 13:1-15 emphasizing the last verse, "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
     What does this scripture mean? How did you feel as you heard these words? Remind the children that when we have feelings of peace, this is the Holy Ghost confirming truth to us.
      Have children write down ways that they can be like Jesus on strips of paper. Have them put them in the bowl. Pass around the wash towel reverently as you sing a song about Jesus. When the music stops, whoever is holding the towel can draw a paper or 2 from the bowl and share what other friends have written.
      "Jesus wanted the Twelve—and He wants each of us—to learn that humility and service are worthy characteristics we should seek to obtain. He taught that no one is too important to serve others." Barbara Thompson As I Have Loved You Ensign 2011

* Sing "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus" (CS 78-79).
      President Eyring had an experience one time as he watched other children sing this song. He said, " It seemed to me that they were not just singing; they were declaring their determination. Jesus Christ was their example. To be like Him was their fixed goal. And their eager looks and their shining eyes convinced me that they had no doubts. They expected to succeed. They believed that the instruction of the Savior to be perfect was not a hope but a command. And they were sure He had prepared the way.
     That determination and confidence can and must be in the heart of every Latter-day Saint. The Savior has prepared the way through His Atonement and His example. And even the children who sang that song knew how.

      Love is the motivating principle by which the Lord leads us along the way towards becoming like Him, our perfect example." Our Perfect Example General Conference October 2009

     Have a small ball with a paper heart on it. Have 2 children put the ball between their sides (like they are making a ball sandwich) and work together to walk across the room without dropping it! Once on the other side of the room, have some prepared questions on the life of Christ and how we can follow His example. Some questions could include: Can you name a time in Jesus' life when He gave us the example to share? What were some of the things Jesus said from the cross and why do you think He would have said those things? How did Jesus react when people didn't treat the temple with respect? How do you think Heavenly Father felt about all the things Jesus did? What is something you can do right now at this very minute to follow the example of Jesus? (Smile, be happy are good answers!)