Older Primary Lesson Plan: Genesis 37–41

Week 11 Primary Lesson (Ages 8–10): “The Lord Was with Joseph” (Genesis 37–41)

Opening Connection (Attention Getter + Real Life Link)
Hold up a small bandage (or show one). Ask: “When you get hurt, what helps you feel better—especially when the hurt is on the inside, like being left out or blamed?” Explain that today we’ll learn about Joseph, who had very hard things happen—but the Lord did not leave him. Read this promise from the lesson: “But Joseph never left the Lord, and the Lord never left Joseph… through it all, ‘the Lord was with him’ (Genesis 39:3).”

Scripture Discovery (Guided, Interactive Scripture Study)
Tell the children they are going on a “phrase hunt” in the scriptures. On the board, write: “the Lord was with Joseph.”

1. Partner-read Genesis 39:1–3, 20–23 (have pairs take turns reading a verse each).
2. Each time they hear “the Lord was with Joseph” or a similar phrase, they raise their hand.
3. Ask: “What hard things were happening, and what stayed true anyway?”
   Then briefly connect to Joseph’s life using the bundle’s prompts: Joseph was “abused and abandoned by family members,” and he “bravely refuses to violate the law of chastity” and is “falsely accused anyway,” yet “the Lord was with him” (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, “March 9–15. ‘The Lord Was with Joseph’”).

Core Gospel Principles (Build One Truth at a Time)

1. The Lord can be with me in hard times. The story teaches that God’s presence doesn’t always stop bad things, but He stays with us (Genesis 39:3; CFM “March 9–15. ‘The Lord Was with Joseph’”).
2. The Lord can guide and inspire me as I try to be faithful. Joseph learned to rely on God for understanding: “Do not interpretations belong to God?” (Genesis 40:8).
3. With the Lord’s help, I can flee temptation. Joseph shows us that when temptation is strong, we should get away from it (Genesis 39:12; CFM “With the Lord’s help, I can flee temptation.”).
   Note: If children ask for details about sexual sin, say gently: “This is sacred and personal—please speak with your bishop or refer to the temple recommend questions.” Then keep the focus on choosing the right and moving away from temptation.

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Interactive Learning Activities (3 Activities, Different Types, Flow Together)

Activity 1: “The Lord Was with Joseph” Phrase Hunt Relay (Game + Physical Activity)
Materials: Paper strips with references written on them: “Genesis 39:1–3” and “Genesis 39:20–23”; tape; pencils.
Steps:

1. Tape the two reference strips on opposite walls.
2. Split the class into two teams. One child at a time runs/walks to a reference, finds the phrase “the Lord was with Joseph” (or similar), and comes back to tell the team what Joseph was going through in that part (prison, work, etc.).
3. The team writes one short sentence: “Even when ________, the Lord was with Joseph.”
   Connection to scripture: Reinforces the repeated truth in Genesis 39.
   Discussion questions:

• “What does it mean that the Lord was with Joseph?”
• “How can we know the Lord is with us when something feels unfair?”

Activity 2: Magnets and a Paper Clip—Choosing What We Move Toward (Object Lesson)
Materials: Two magnets; one paper clip (or small metal object).
Steps:

1. Say: “These magnets will represent influences.” Use the bundle wording: “Use two magnets to represent Jesus Christ and Satan. Use a small metal object, like a paper clip, to represent us.” (CFM “Teaching Children,” Genesis 39:7–12).
2. Let children see the pull when the paper clip is close to one magnet. Move it farther away and notice the pull weaken.
3. Read Genesis 39:12: “And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.”
4. Ask: “What did Joseph do when temptation got strong?” (He fled.)
   Connection to scripture: Joseph literally moved away from temptation (Genesis 39:12).
   Discussion questions:

• “What are some kid temptations (like cheating, being unkind, clicking unsafe things, joining teasing) where ‘fleeing’ could mean walking away or asking for help?”
• “What helps you move closer to Jesus Christ?”

Activity 3: “Peacemaker Words” Family Scenario Role-Play (Role-Play & Acting)
Materials: Simple scenario cards (teacher-written) like: “A sibling takes your stuff,” “Someone gets praised and you feel jealous,” “You’re blamed for a mess.”
Steps:

1. Briefly remind them Joseph’s family had “hard feelings” (CFM “Teaching Children: I can be kind to my family.”).
2. Read Genesis 37:4 phrase from the bundle prompt: “speak peaceably” (Genesis 37:4).
3. In pairs, children pick a card and act out two versions: (a) unkind reaction, (b) “speak peaceably” reaction.
   Connection to scripture: Helps children apply Joseph-family lessons even before the later forgiveness story.
   Discussion questions:

• “What words sound like ‘peaceably’ at home?”
• “How is Jesus Christ a peacemaker in God’s family?” (CFM “Teaching Children: I can be kind to my family.”)

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Life Application Bridge (Bring It to Their World)
Ask children to name one “hard thing” kids face: being left out, moving, parents arguing, a hard test, a friendship problem. Then point back to the repeated scripture truth: even when Joseph was treated unfairly, “the Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2; Genesis 39:3). Invite them to think of one way to stay close to the Lord this week (pray, read a verse, choose kindness at home, walk away from trouble).

Testimony Time (Gentle Invitation to Share Feelings)
Ask: “Which part helped you feel hope today: (1) the phrase hunt, (2) the magnets, or (3) speaking peaceably?” Invite 2–3 children to share a sentence beginning with: “I feel the Lord can be with me when ________.”
Share a simple, quiet testimony tied directly to scripture: the Lord did not abandon Joseph, and His promise is real—“the Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:3).

Take-Home Challenge (Specific, Doable, Connected)
Give each child a small paper slip that says: “The Lord was with Joseph (Genesis 39:3).” Challenge: Put it where they’ll see it (scripture case, backpack, mirror). Each day, when something is hard, they read it and do one “move closer to Jesus” action (walk away from trouble, say a prayer, speak peaceably at home).

Teacher Tips (Practical Helps)

1. For active classes, assign roles (reader, runner, card-holder) so every child participates without chaos.
2. If a child shares something personal or sensitive during temptation discussion, thank them and gently redirect: “That’s important—please talk with your parents and bishop. Today we’ll focus on Joseph’s choice to flee (Genesis 39:12).”