On occasion, it might be good to talk to the parents of one of the children in advance and suggest that the child come to class prepared to share something he or she has learned at home. The child may enjoy leading in class an activity he or she has done with family members.
Teach the Doctrine: Younger Children
I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
How can you help the children recognize the blessings of being part of the Church of Jesus Christ?
Possible Activities
Ask the children if any of them can say the full name of the Church. Show them the Church logo (on a Church publication or missionary name tag), write the name on the board, or read it to them from Doctrine and Covenants 115:4. Ask the children to say the name with you as you point to each word. Point out significant words in the name, and help the children understand why these words are important
Cut out the strips of paper and Jesus (2nd page). Have the children place them in the correct spots, as you talk about what the different symbols represent in the Logo, Then have the child/ren trace with a pen or their fingers the arch way.
(see “Chapter 43: Jesus Christ Names His Church,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 164).
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Sing together “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77), and share with the children how you feel about being a member of Jesus Christ’s Church. Let them share how they feel about the Church.Her
Here is an interactive song. Click on the picture to take you to a page where you can print. There is a movie that shows you how it works and it also available to print with a little boy.
Invite the children to stand when you read the word “arise” in Doctrine and Covenants 115:5. Invite them to stretch out their fingers like rays of sunlight when you read “shine forth.” Sing together a song about being a light to others, such as “I Am like a Star”
(Children’s Songbook, 163).
Remind the children that our light comes from Jesus Christ, and help them think of ways they can “shine forth.”
(Click on the picture to take you to the page to print this)
Jesus Christ made the earth and everything that is in it.
To encourage William Marks and Newel K. Whitney to sacrifice their property and move to Missouri, the Lord reminded them that He created all things on earth. How might the children be blessed by knowing this truth?
Possible Activities
Bring or draw pictures of the creations in Doctrine and Covenants 117:6 that the Lord said He made (or invite the children to draw their own pictures). Invite the children to hold up or point to the pictures as you read the verse. Tell the children why it is important to you to know that Jesus Christ created these things.
Sing together a song about the Lord’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Let the children talk about some of the things God has created that help them feel His love.
(Click on the picture to take you to the page to print this.)
Tithing helps the Church do God’s work.
Many of the children you teach are probably too young to earn money and pay tithing, but it’s good for them to understand how tithing contributes to the great work the Church does throughout the world.
Possible Activities
Explain how we pay tithing and what it is used for (see “Chapter 44: Tithing,”
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Draw 10 coins on the board, and ask the children to help you count them. Determine how many to give the Lord for tithing.
The children can practice writing out your tithing with these bigger tithing slips, makes it easier for the kids to write in the spaces. You can buy some fake money from dollar tree, and practice counting it out and putting it into envelopes. Dramatic play, so important for early development.
This explains 1/10, really well for small ones.
Sing together a song about tithing, such as “I Want to Give the Lord My Tenth” (Children’s Songbook, 150), and tell the children why you choose to pay tithing. If possible, share a personal story.
A story from the friend about tithing, made into a cute movie:
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Teach the Doctrine: Older Children
My example can help others come to Christ and find safety.
The children you teach likely know people who are being affected by the storms of life and need the “refuge” (verse 6) provided in the Church. Consider how you will inspire the children to “arise and shine forth” (verse 5) and share their light with these people.
Possible Activities
Pass around a flashlight, a picture of the sun, or something else to represent the light of the Savior’s gospel. When it’s their turn to hold the light, invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–5 and name something they can do to “shine forth” like a light for others (see 3 Nephi 18:24).
This is from an old lesson, so don't pay attention to the writing at the bottom.
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Invite the children to draw a picture depicting Doctrine and Covenants 115:6. For example, they could draw a storm, with people taking refuge in a Church building. What are some things the storm might represent? How does the Church provide refuge from these things?
My sacrifices are sacred to the Lord.
In section 117, the Lord counseled William Marks and Newel K. Whitney to sacrifice their possessions in Kirtland for greater blessings in Missouri. He also honored Oliver Granger for the sacrifices he made. What do you feel the children can learn from their examples?
Possible Activities
Invite the children to imagine that they were a successful store owner in Kirtland, like Newel K. Whitney. How would they feel if the Lord asked them to leave their store and move someplace new? Read to the children Doctrine and Covenants 117:1–11, and ask the children to stop you when they hear something that would help them have the faith to make sacrifices and obey the Lord. What do we sacrifice today to obey the Lord?
Briefly tell the children why the Saints had to leave Kirtland, or let one of the children do so (see “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60).
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Explain that the Lord asked Oliver Granger to stay in Kirtland and pay the Church’s debts. Why would that be a difficult job? What did the Lord say in Doctrine and Covenants 117:13 that could help Oliver—or any of us—make sacrifices to obey the Lord?
Mitzi at Comefollowmekid.com found this talk from an apostle about Oliver Grange, I love it.
Or you can use this paper to help with discussion.
Here are this weeks scripture cards:
Tithing helps the Church do God’s work.
Ponder how you will help the children understand how tithing—even the small amounts they might pay—contributes to the building up of the Lord’s kingdom (see True to the Faith, 180–82).
Possible Activities
Invite the children to imagine that a friend sees a Church building and asks, “How does your Church pay for that building?” How would we explain tithing to this friend? Suggest that the children refer to Doctrine and Covenants 119:4; 120:1 as they consider this question.
Help the children think of things the Church is able to do because of tithing. How do these things bless our lives? Share your feelings about the law of tithing and how it has blessed you.
Wish I had these done in time for General Conference...next time(:
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See you next week.
Love
Crystal
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Português - Clique aqui
You are so amazing, thank you so much for sharing your talent and helping all of us.
Are you no longer doing ones in Spanish as well?
Thank you so much for all of these! I have three little girls in my class and each week they ask "did you bring something to color?" I can always come here to find wonderful printouts that help them understand and remember the lesson. Thank you!
Wonderful lesson helps!