This was published on Jan 8, 2014 on KSL. com
Primary Lesson Helps
Christmas Lesson
***Note: Please read the post called “10 Lesson Helps” found under “Primary Lesson Listings” before reviewing any of my Sunbeam lesson plan ideas.
“While we study the scriptures regularly and diligently, earnestly seeking guidance from the Spirit, we will be receptive to enlightenment about how to prepare lessons. We will also be prepared to receive and follow promptings from the Spirit while we teach. As we ‘treasure up continually the words of life…it shall be given [us] in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man’.” (Teaching, No Greater Call, p. 14).
Materials needed: dress ups, copies of the handout and crayons, Gospel Art Kit pictures of the nativity and wise men, ipad or tablet, small white board and dry erase markers.
Read the story of the Nativity from Luke 2 and Matthew 2. Show the Gospel Art kit pictures.
Who are the important people in this story? How did they show their love for baby Jesus? Express your love for Jesus and how he came to earth to show us God’s love for all His children.
Watch this story of The Nativity and tell the names of the different people and what they are doing: http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-11-2500-the-nativity?lang=eng
Bear your testimony.
Dress ups: each child takes a turn to be a character in the story (characters depend on the number of children). Tell the nativity story in your own words as each child acts out their part (bring a baby doll). (if you have enough students, it is fun to have different “inn keepers.” When Joseph “knocks” on their door and asks if there is room in their inn, they say, “No, we’re too full.” But the last one says, “No, we’re too full, but you can stay in our stable with the animals”). Each character says how they show love for baby Jesus.
Watch one or two of these short videos on giving a gift to Jesus at Christmas.
https://www.lds.org/friend/online-activities/videos/little-friends?lang=eng#a-gift-for-jesus
https://www.lds.org/friend/online-activities/videos/little-friends?lang=eng#the-first-christmas-gift
What is your gift to Jesus? How can we show love to him?
Have each child color a picture of Jesus. Write down what each child says to finish the sentence: “I can show my love to Jesus by….”
Make a box with things inside as described in the first videoclip for each child. Wrap them up and tell the Sunbeam child to open it up at Christmas morning and tell everyone what each thing means to us at Christmas.
Review games:
Pictionary: I’m going to draw a picture (on whiteboard) of someone or something and you try to guess who it is (Wise men, Mary, Joseph, cow, sheep, donkey, star, Baby Jesus, the manger, etc.)
The Standup-Sit down game: Tell something about the story and the children stand up if it is true and sit down if it is not:
Mary is the mother of Jesus
Mary rode on a camel to Bethlehem
The Wise Men gave gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh
Joseph was the husband of Mary
The Innkeeper gave Joseph and Mary a nice room in their hotel
The Star shined over the manger to show everyone where Baby Jesus was
The Angels appeared to the Shepherds
The Shepherds took care of elephants
The animals in the manger were zebra and lions
The Shepherds took care of sheep
Etc.
Lesson #44 "We Can All Help At Church
***Note: Please read the post called “10 Lesson Helps” found under “Primary Lesson Listings” before reviewing any of my Sunbeam lesson plan ideas.
“As you teach children, you will find that you receive special blessings. Children will bring joy to your soul and prompt you to be a good example. As you come to recognize the faithfulness, love, trust, and hope of children, you will grow closer to the Lord and better understand His commandment to ‘become as little children'” (Teaching, No Greater Call, p. 108).
Materials needed: a small nativity with figures, Gospel Art pictures 1-71 and 1-8, coloring page and Coupons (if desired)
From the Attention Activity in this lesson from the Primary 1 manual, do the chair activity where one child tried to lift the chair with holding just one leg. He can’t do it himself. It’s too hard. Then others help by lifting the other legs at the same time. We can do hard things together if we all help.
Show the picture of Nephi building a ship. Tell about how Nephi couldn’t build the ship by himself. First he had to pray to Heavenly Father to see how to do it. Then he needed his family to help him build it.
Why couldn’t Nephi build the ship by himself? How did his family help?
What happens when everyone works together?
Show picture of the sacrament. Who are these people? The deacons have the Priesthood and it is their job to help us take the sacrament. They all work together so we can all take the bread and water. We all can do something at church to help each other.
Who are some other people that help us at church? What can we do to help others at church? (be reverent, sing the songs for the song leader, listen to our teachers and parents, help our friends, pick up trash, say “thank you” to people who help us.)
Sing “When we’re helping, We’re happy.” Children’s Songbook, p. 198. Add different verses of the people just discussed (“and we like to help teacher…” “and we like to help bishop…” etc.) On the chorus, have the children clap once at the beginning of each measure.
At Christmas time, we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. There were many people who were there when he was born in a stable. A stable is where animals are kept, like a barn. Mary and Joseph were visiting the town of Bethlehem and it was so crowded, there wasn’t any place for them to stay. So they had to stay in a stable. They were very poor and didn’t have very much. But there were a lot of people who came to help them.(Show the different people or figurines of the nativity and ask what each did to help Jesus. Then talk about how Jesus was the best helper of all. Because he came to earth as a baby, and grew up to a man, he helped many people by teaching the gospel and healing them. He is our biggest Helper because he gave us eternal life.)
Each child can color this page: https://www.lds.org/friend/2012/07/coloring-page?lang=eng
You could also have each child make a Christmas gift for their mom or dad. On pieces of paper, they fill out “Coupons” that tells what nice thing, act of service or being a big helper, they will do for their parent. The parent can “redeem” the coupon when they want their child to do one of the things. You can put each child’s coupons in a nice Christmas wrapping or small sack to open at Christmas.
Lesson #43 "We Have Living Prophets
***Note: Please read the post called “10 Lesson Helps” found under “Primary Lesson Listings” before reviewing any of my Sunbeam lesson plan ideas.
“Children are believing. They believe what you say. They are receptive to the truth. You have an obligation to teach them correct doctrine simply and clearly, with language and examples that they can understand” (Teaching, No Greater Call, p. 108).
Materials needed: pictures of past prophets and the current one, a blanket, a Christmas box or present you can open, the coloring page listed below and crayons, an ipad or tablet.
Have each child come up and face the class. Look at her/his face. Do you recognize who they are? What is his/her name? Have a little fun and tease them with “Is this_______(another child’s name)? Why not? How can you tell?
Show a picture of the prophet. Here is a face of another person? What is his name? When have you seen his face recently (discuss General Conference and how he speaks in person and how the children can watch him on t.v.). What does a prophet do that is special? (He speaks for Heavenly Father and we follow him).
Play the game: Follow the leader. Let each child have a turn to come forward and be the leader.
When you are finished, ask the children who are some leaders we follow? (parents, teachers). There is another special leader who is very important to us all. Our parents follow this leader and we do too. (hold us his picture again). Who is he?
We have had many prophets that have lived on the earth. Most prophets lived a long time ago. Sometimes they lived in tents because they didn’t have houses in the desert. Let’s build a tent and sit inside while I tell you stories about special things they did. (put a blanket over a table and invite children inside). Show pictures of prophets and tell stories about them.
If we follow the prophet, we will be happy. He is our leader. If we follow the prophet we will be safe. Sing the chorus to, “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, p. 110) while everyone stands and marches. The second time, have the children sit down and count how many times you sing the words “follow the prophet.” The next time, have the children sing the words “follow the prophet” with you. Ask them, “What does ‘Don’t go astray’ mean?” and “What does ‘He knows the way” mean?” Finally, have them sing the chorus together with these actions:
Follow the prophet (raise one finger), follow the prophet (raise another finger)
follow the prophet (raise another finger), don’t go astray (shake head and frown).
Follow the prophet (raise another finger), follow the prophet (raise another finger)
follow the prophet (raise another finger), he knows the way! (shake head with a smile). Repeat again if children desire.
Show “What Shall We Give?” under Mormon Messages on the internet to show what our prophet today is leading us to do. http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=911029452001 After it is over, ask the children, “What was President Monson telling us to do at Christmastime?”
Sit in a circle on the floor. One child at a time will open the lid to the present and take out a word on a paper to draw out. The papers will say, “Mom” ” Dad” “Neighbor” “Friend “Sister” Brother” etc. Ask them, “What can you do that is nice for _____________to follow our prophet?”
Give away the Prophet page from the Friend magazine. https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/magazines/friend/2012/03/fr12mar27-coloring-page.pdf?lang=eng
Lesson #42 "I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints"
***Note: Please read the post called “10 Lesson Helps” found under “Primary Lesson Listings” before reviewing any of my Sunbeam lesson plan ideas.
“Vary your teaching voice. Do you talk too slowly, too fast, too loudly? Do you use the same tone of voice, with little inflection? Is your speech clear? Are you enthusiastic about what you teach? How you use your voice can influence the attention level of those you teach” Teaching, No Greater Call, p. 71.
Materials needed: Paper puzzle pieces cut out to fit together with each child’s name on a piece, simple puzzles, Gospel Art Kit picture 1-39, a blanket (a nativity set if desired).
If you teach this lesson in December, you can start with this opening; if not, skip to the puzzle piece activity next (or do both).
Bring out each piece of the nativity set and talk about the character in the story, what they did and why they were important. Leave out baby Jesus. At the end, ask the children if someone is missing. When it is determined that Jesus is missing, bring out that piece and discuss why the story wouldn’t be right if we didn’t have Jesus. He is the whole reason for the Christmas story and he was the baby of this family. We are also important to our families and to the family of Heavenly Father. If we were missing, it wouldn’t be right. We are very important and needed!
Show a paper puzzle piece. What does this look like? This has someone’s name on it. It says, “_________.” Repeat for each puzzle piece and have each child come forward and put their piece on the floor, with assistance to fit them together. Save one middle piece and do not give it out (or keep the piece(s) of the children who are absent). What does our puzzle look like? Is it finished? Do you think something is missing? (put the last piece(s) in and let the children respond to how it looks when it is all put together). When the puzzle is put back together, tell the children you are going to read all the names in the puzzle. When their name is called, they stand up.
We all have a part in this puzzle to make complete. If it didn’t have you in it, it would have a hole and not be finished. Look around and see all our friends in our class. (Sit back down).
When we come to church, we are an important part of our class. If you don’t come, we miss you. We have a chair empty without you. We feel like there is a hole in our class. You belong here. (If a child is absent, talk about how our class isn’t put together completely unless ________ is here).
Would your mom and dad miss you if you didn’t come home one day? You belong to your family too. We belong and are important to our families and to Heavenly Father’s church.
Sing this song from Lesson #40:
I’m glad I come to church each week (hands peaked)
I love to listen (hand over ear)
And to pray (fold arms, bow head)
I learn of Jesus up above (point up)
The sacrament shows us His love (hug self)
(sing to the tune “Come with me to Primary”)
Heavenly Father and Jesus are so happy when you come to church each week and take the sacrament to remember Jesus.
Show a picture of a baby blessing (1-39). When you were a baby, you were blessed by someone with the priesthood. You were given a name and your name is put in the church list of members. You belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I have a song that is called, “I Belong To the Church of Jesus Christ” and I would like to sing it to you (or play it on the CD). Children’s Songbook, p. 77
I’m going to sing the song and I’d like you to pretend your chairs are a drum. Turn around and beat while I sing. Repeat. Now let’s march to it while I sing it.
What if _______didn’t come to church? Would we miss him? Yes. Let’s play a game where we pretend someone in our class was missing. We’ll see if we know who it is.
Have the children sit on the floor and close their eyes. Cover up one child up with the blanket. Tell everyone to open their eyes, look around and see who is “missing.” When they guess correctly, lift the blanket and say, “Oh I’m so glad to see ________.” Have the children move to a different place on the floor and repeat until each child has had a turn to be covered up.
I brought some more puzzles for you to play with. Remember that each piece is important to make the puzzle put together just like you are an important piece that belongs to Heavenly Father’s church.
Lesson #41 Heavenly Father and Jesus Gave Us the Scriptures
“By observing the progress of those you teach, you can sensitively make adjustments in the lesson plan presentation. For example, you can repeat or reemphasize ideas, stop for a discussion, share a story, or bear testimony. You can also know when to reach out to an individual. To be attentive and able to focus on learners, you must prepare well so you will not be overly dependent on notes or the lesson manual” (Teaching, No Greater Call, p. 73).
Materials needed: Gospel Art Kit pictures (the same as from last week), a bag with all 4 books of the scriptures inside, a tablet or ipad, letters to each child from their parents (call ahead to ask for these; if you see the parents in sacrament meeting, remind them if they forgot to do this).
Last week we learned the names of special meetings we go to each Sunday. Do you remember the name of the meeting where we sit in the chapel with our families and the most important thing we do is remember Jesus while we take the sacrament? (sacrament meeting)
Do you remember the name of the meeting with the other Primary children (either before or after class time) and sing songs together and listen to talks? (Sharing Time).
Do you remember the name of our meeting right now in this classroom? (Sunbeam class).
Which one was the most important? Why? Did you remember to think of Jesus during the sacrament today and be reverent to show your love for him?
We are going to learn some new names today. I have something special in my bag. Each Sunbeam child can come up, one at a time, and feel what’s inside and guess what it is.
Hold up the scriptures for all to see. These are called the “scriptures.” Can you same that name with me? There are 4 names of books in the scriptures. New Testament, Old Testament, (Bible) Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. (Hold up each book and have the children repeat the names after you). These are the words the Heavenly Father and Jesus said and the prophets wrote them down. We can read what Heavenly Father said in the scriptures. They are the word of God.
If your parents want to tell you something but they were not with you…maybe they were on a trip, or working…then they could call on the phone you or write you a letter. I asked your parents to write a letter to you and since they aren’t in our Sunbeam class right now, I will read each one. It is like they are talking to you even though they aren’t here. (Read each letter. If you didn’t get a letter from a parent, just pretend to read a general message to that child so they don’t feel left out).
The scriptures are kind of like a letter from Heavenly Father and Jesus to us. They love us and the scriptures are a way for us to hear what they want to say since they live in heaven and we can’t see them.
If you don’t bring scriptures to church, you can check them out from the library. (Take the class to the library and get a book for each child. Show them how to check it out). Challenge them to bring a book of scriptures (Book of Mormon at the least) each week to class.
Back in class: Have children practice turning the pages on the scriptures. Show them how to do it carefully and respectfully. Learn where to find the front cover, back, the title and how to treat it. Look at pictures inside if there are any.
I’m going to read some things that Jesus told us to do. Read the following scriptures and tell the main point of each. (3 Ne. 18:21 “Pray in your families”) (D&C 59:6 “Love thy neighbor”).
Sing “Book of Mormon Stories” while they circle around their chairs with gospel art kit pictures of Jesus’ life (same from last week’s lesson). Have children tell what they see when the song stops.
Watch some video stories of Jesus on the lds.org site under “Resources” “Video, Audio and Images” “Bible Videos” Suggested ones:
Jesus Declares the Parable of the Lost Sheep
Jesus Heals a Lame Man on the Sabbath
Review: Hold up each book of scriptures and ask if the children remember their names. There are 4 names of books in the scriptures. New Testament, Old Testament, (Bible) Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. (Hold up each book and have the children repeat the names after you). These contain the stories of Jesus and the prophets.
Testify of how the scriptures have helped you in your life and how you know they are true.
Lesson #40 "The Sacrament Helps Me Think About Jesus"
***Note: Please read the post called “10 Lesson Helps” found under “Primary Lesson Listings” before reviewing any of my Sunbeam lesson plan ideas.
“Teach ideas in a simple, clear way. Use summaries and visual materials to reinforce ideas. Encourage questions and responses to the lessons, but have the child take turns with other children. Use a variety of teaching methods such as stories, songs, discussions, dramatizations, finger plays, and simple games. Alternate between quiet and lively activities” (Teaching, No Greater Call, p. 111).
Materials needed: Pictures 1-70, 1-8, 1-55, 1-18, 1-13, 3-56, 1-74, 1-73, 1-44, 1-59; the coloring page (print from the link below) and crayons.
What is his/her name? (point to a child) Point and ask the same question for each child. Tell the children that each of us has a name. We give people and things names like a “chair” (point to the chair) a “table” etc.
What is the name of the class we are in? If they have trouble answering, tell them it is the “Sunbeam class.” What is the name of the other (either before or after Sunbeam class) meeting we go to in Primary where we learn songs and hear children give talks? (if they don’t know, tell them it is “Sharing Time.”)
So what is it called when we go to the room with all the children and sing songs together and listen to the talks?
What is it called we come to our classroom with our Sunbeam friends and have a lesson with (teacher’s name)?
What is it called when we go into the big room and sit with our families and take the bread and water? The name of that is “Sacrament Meeting.” Why it is named sacrament meeting? (Because we take the sacrament). We call it Sacrament Meeting because the sacrament is the most important thing we do in that meeting. Sacrament Meeting is the most important meeting of all. It is more important than Sharing Time and Sunbeam class time because that is where we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and take the bread and water to remember him.
The sacrament is what Jesus asked us to take to remember him. Show the Last Supper (1-70) and talk about what is happening. Show picture 1-8 and ask what is happening in this picture. Make a connection for the children between these two events.
Do this “Activity Verse” (sing to the tune of “Come With Me to Primary,” Children’s Songbook, p. 255).
I’m glad I come to church each week (hands peaked)
I love to listen (hand over ear)
And to pray (fold arms, bow head)
I learn of Jesus up above (point up)
The sacrament shows us His love (hug self)
Repeat a few times and encourage the children to just do the hand actions at first and then try to sing it with you.
What does the bread remind us of? The water?
When we wait for the bread and water, what should we be doing? Put your thumbs up if what I say is a good thing and thumbs down if it is a bad thing:
Playing with toys?
Talking to our brother or sister?
Thinking about Jesus?
Thinking about a t.v. show?
Listening carefully to the sacrament prayers?
Standing up on the bench or crawling on the floor?
Playing games on your mom’s cellphone?
Looking at pictures of Jesus?
(If the chapel is vacant during this time): Let’s take a walk quietly down the hall and see where the holders of the Aaronic Priesthood prepare the sacrament in the chapel. Then let’s sit on a bench and practice what our bodies look like during the sacrament.
(Back in class): If we are thinking about Jesus, we can think about the things he did when he lived on earth. Here are some pictures (show the pictures one at a time and ask the children what Jesus is doing in each of them).
Put the chairs in a circle and place one of the pictures on each chair. Have the children stand in a circle inside the chairs and walk in a circle. I’m going to sing the song we learned and when the song ends, stop in front of one of the chairs, next to a picture and we’ll talk about each one. Have each child tell what Jesus is doing and remind them they can think of this story during the sacrament.
Give them the coloring page (print from link below) and remind them to think of Jesus’ love for them and all he did when they are taking the sacrament.
Lesson #39 Music Makes Me Happy
***Note: Please read the post called “10 Lesson Helps” found under “Primary Lesson Listings” before reviewing any of my Sunbeam lesson plan ideas.
“Little children enjoy poems and songs with simple actions… often referred to as activity verses. You can use activity verses to help children learn gospel principles. You can also use them to help children feel welcome at the beginning of class, get ready to pray, or prepare to participate in a lesson. It is helpful to have several activity verses ready to use whenever you see a need to change the pace of a lesson or include the children in an activity” (Teaching, No Greater Call, p. 159).
Materials needed: Pictures 1-68, 1-69, a thin blanket (like fleece), snack for each child, a CD player and CDs of the Children’s Songbook and Primary 1,a pole with a string tied on the end and a magnet on the end of the string, paper fish with a paper clip on each and names of favorite songs ( “Once There Was a Snowman,” “Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Popcorn Popping, etc.) written on them.
Put a blanket on the floor and invite the children to sit down. Pass out snacks and sing activity songs while they eat such as:
“Five Green and Speckled Frogs”
“The Wheels on the Bus”
(If you have access to any of these in a picture book, use them as well)
I’m so happy when I sing. I saw that while you were singing, you had a smile on your face. How do those songs make you feel? Music makes me happy.
Sing various verses to:”If You’re Happy and You Know It” (Children’s Songbook, p. 266).
Invite children to sit back in their chairs. We sing songs in sacrament meeting to help us feel reverent when we take the sacrament. It helps us think of Jesus. Have you ever noticed the lady (or man) who leads the music when we all sing in sacrament meeting? How would you like to pretend to be the chorister and lead the music? Have the children stand up and wave their arm while you all singing a reverence song they have learned in Primary.
The people in the scriptures loved music too. It helped them feel good inside. Show 1-68 David playing a harp for King Saul to make him feel better. Talk about how Saul was feeling sad and worried inside and that David’s beautiful singing and playing the harp helped him feel peaceful again.
Here is another picture (1-69). The Jaredites went across the ocean in barges, and it was a little scary inside. It was dark except for a light at the two ends of the boat, and there were very big waves that tossed them around. They sometimes went down deep under the surface of the water where there were sharks, fish and whales. But Heavenly Father protected them and they sang songs to be happy.
Are you ever frightened by the dark or by something that worries you? Maybe when you go to bed at night, you may feel a little scared. You can sing in the dark when you are scared and need to feel happy again. You can sing anytime, anywhere if you want to feel better. The Holy Ghost can help you feel happy when you sing a song and you are afraid and alone.
Pretend to be on a barge. Set up seats in rows for the children and turn off the light. Turn on a well-known Primary song on the CD for the children to sing to (we chose “I Am a Child of God”). While they are singing, flap the blanket up and down around the outside of the “barge” to simulate “waves.”
Did the waves bother you? How did you feel when you sang that song? You can sing that song whenever you need to feel peaceful inside. Share a time when music calmed you when you were scared/worried/sad.
Do the musical expression from the Primary 1 CD: Section 2 “Musical Awareness.”
Have the children sit back in their chairs. Tell them you are going to see how well they remembered the people we talked about in the scriptures that liked music. Show the David and Jaredite pictures and ask the children about each. What are the names? What are they doing? Why are they singing? Prompt the children if they need help remembering.
We are going to pretend to be the Jaredites again. Instead of being on a boat, we are going to go fishing in the ocean.
Play with fishing pole and fish with songs on them. As each child “catches” a fish with the magnet on the pole, you read the name of the song written on it and all sing it.
Express your testimony of music in your life.
Lesson #37 "I Can Be Honest"
***Note: Please read the post called “10 Lesson Helps” found under “Primary Lesson Listings” before reviewing any of my Sunbeam lesson plan ideas.
“Occasionally you might send home reports on the lessons or activities in which [the children] have participated to help reinforce what the child has learned. You could also let parents know when their child has been particularly helpful or when their child is assigned to pray or give a talk. You can invite parents to share their experiences or their testimonies as part of a lesson.” (Teaching, No Greater Call, p. 109).
Materials needed: a button (or penny) for each child, an empty can with a lid (like a #10 can with plastic lid) with a treat inside, a headband for each child (if possible, have the words “I can be honest” across the band).
Play the button game. Instruct each child to close their hands together as if they hiding a button (or penny). One child comes up to the front of the classroom, turns his or her back to the class and closes their eyes while you put a button in one of the student’s hands. The child up front then turns around and asks each child, “Do you have the button?” (or penny). Each answers yes or no, whatever is the case, and opens up their hands as proof. When they get to the child who answers “yes,” that child comes up to the front. Repeat until all have had a chance to hold the button and ask the questions. While playing the game, praise the children for telling the truth (“yes, you had the button!” or “no, you didn’t have the button, that’s right!”).
After: Compliment each child on being honest when they answered if they have the button hiding in their hands or not.
What does being “honest” mean? (not tell a lie, tell the truth, not steal, play fairly) How do you feel when you are honest? How do you feel when someone lies or doesn’t play nicely with you?
I am going to say some things and you tell me if they are honest or not. Put your thumbs up if it is true; put your thumbs down if it is not true.
I am wearing a dress
I am wearing cowboy boots
I am a mother
I am a father
We are at school
We are at church
There is a horse in the room, etc.
Show the can and tell the children that something is inside. Tell them that there is a dog inside (or some other improbable thing). Ask them if they believe you. Why or why not? Let see if I was telling the truth or not. Open up the lid and show what is inside. Oh, I told a lie! That is not good. We should always tell the truth. I’m going to try again and tell the truth. This time tell them what is really inside, then open up the lid and ask them if it is true. Pass out a treat to each child.
Show picture of the 2,000 stripling warriors. Tell the story of their obedience, honestly and bravery.
Make a headband: “ I am honest” and put one on each child’s head.
Beat a “drum” (the lid on the large can) and have kids march around the room like warriors. Each time the drum stops, a child answers how they can be honest:
Your mommy said not to eat a cookie but you sneak one when she is not looking
You take a toy from your friend’s house and put it in your pocket
You find some money that doesn’t belong to you
Your mom asks if you did your job but you didn’t
Your mom asks if you have brushed your teeth and you haven’t
You dropped a plate on the floor by accident and it broke.
You friend wants to watch a show on t.v. and you want to watch a different one.
Before the children go home, give them each a button (or penny) to put in their shoe. Tell their parents that the button is to remind them to always tell the truth.
Lesson #38 "I Can Be Reverent"
***Note: Please read the post called “10 Lesson Helps” found under “Primary Lesson Listings” before reviewing any of my Sunbeam lesson plan ideas.
“Encourage children to share with their family what they are learning. In family home evenings, they can share songs, scriptures, games, and principles they learn in Primary class.” (Teaching, No Greater Call, p. 109).
Materials needed: Gospel Art Pictures (listed below), a large sheet of paper for each child, markers and crayons.
We are going to play a game. It’s called Opposites. We are going to do things that are different from each other. Opposite means we do things that are different from each other. Do actions together with children to the following.
Stand up. Sit Down.
March quickly. March slowly.
Roll your hand up. Roll them down.
Turn the light off. Turn it on.
Clap your hands loudly. Clap your hands softly.
Frown. Smile.
Wiggle your fingers up high. Wiggle your fingers down low.
These are opposites. There is a song that talks about opposites. Let’s sing it.
“Do As I’m Doing” Children’s Songbook, p. 276
Repeat verses with new actions
When you are in church, you do things differently than when you are outside. The church is Heavenly Father’s special place for us to come and think about His Son Jesus and feel His love.
When we are outside, we can run fast. When we are inside the church, we walk ___________ (let children fill in the blank). Yes, that is opposite!
When we are outside, we can yell and talk loudly. When we are inside the church, we talk ________(let children fill in the blank). Yes, that is opposite!
When we are outside, we can run around. When we are inside the church, we sit _____________(let children fill in the blank). Yes, that is opposite!
Look at these two pictures (1-38 and 1-8).
What do you see the children doing? Where are they? They are doing opposite things. Which children are being reverent?
When we sit quietly and think about Jesus, we are being reverent.
Have the same discussion for pictures 1-48 and 1-41.
Listen while I sing this song and tell me how it makes you feel: “Reverently, Quietly” (or play from Primary CD Children’s Songbook, p. 36).
How did that song make you feel? Songs about Jesus help us feel reverent. We feel love and happiness for him and we are grateful for all He has done for us.
What does our bodies look like when we are reverent? (Discuss and have the children practice putting their hands in their laps, or folding their arms, keeping their feet and bodies quiet–praise them for their efforts).
Let me sing it again and you sing the words, “Reverently, Quietly” when I sing them. Remember how our bodies should look while we are singing.
If we learn how to be reverent in church, one day we will be able to go to the temple. The temple is God’s house and is the most beautiful, reverent, happy place on earth. (show picture 1-54). This is one of Heavenly Father’s temples. Inside temples, everyone whispers to keep it quiet inside so everyone can think about Jesus. (Use a “whisper” voice as you talk about your feelings if you have been inside a temple and the temple nearby where they live. During the brief discussion, have the children practice their “whisper” voice too).
Let’s practice walking down the hall with our reverent bodies. It will help us to feel reverent if we look at the pictures on the wall. (If you have gospel art hanging on the church walls, stop and talk about a few of them. Discuss how these help us think of Christ and to be reverent while we are in church).
If we walk very quietly and think about Jesus, we will go outside and run afterward. (Go outside if possible. Be sure when it is time to come back in that you transition them by having them stop at the door, discuss how they need to be “opposite” now: quiet feel, closed mouths, quiet hands, before going inside).
Inside: Have each child stand on a large piece of paper and trace around their feet. Let them color their two feet and write this poem on each:
These are my two feet, they walk so sweet.
When I pray they’re quiet, I like to try it!
How are we reverent when we get ready for a prayer? Listen to this song and tell me what our bodies are supposed to do. “We Bow our Heads” (Children’s Songbook, p. 25).
Ask a child to say the closing prayer. Praise all those who are reverent during the prayer. Challenge them to be reverent by thinking about Jesus when they say their prayers at home. Tell them to put their two little feet paper on the floor near their bed to remember to kneel quietly each night to say their personal prayers.
A Spoonful of Parenting 