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Full Lesson Flow
Teaching Outline
Work through the lesson in order, with each section building on the last.
Happy Opening (2–3 minutes): “Sponge Heart, Rock Heart”
Materials: 1 sponge, 1 small rock, cup of water, towel
- Show the children the sponge and the rock. Let them touch both.
- Pour a little water on each. Let them see which one “soaks it in.”
What to say: “A soft heart is like a sponge—it can take in what Heavenly Father teaches. A hard heart is like a rock—it won’t listen.”
Connect: “Today we’ll learn about a man named Pharaoh who had a hard heart, and about how the Lord can help us have soft hearts.”
Simple Scripture Story (5 minutes): Moses, Pharaoh, and the Passover
Materials: simple paper crown (Pharaoh), simple staff (stick) (Moses), small paper heart
Tell it simply with actions:
- “The Lord sent Moses to tell Pharaoh to let God’s people go. But Pharaoh kept saying ‘No.’ The scriptures say Pharaoh did not listen and his heart stayed hard (Exodus 8:28–32; 9:7).”
Ask: “What do we do when we listen? (Put hand by ear.) What do we do when we don’t want to listen? (Cross arms.)” - “The Lord showed His power with many plagues. The Lord said these things would help people know Him.” Read: “And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord” (Exodus 7:5).
- “Then the Lord taught His people something very special called the Passover.”
Explain simply: “They were to put lamb’s blood on their doorposts. The Lord promised that would keep them safe.” Read: “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13).
Connect to opening: “Pharaoh’s heart was hard. But the Lord teaches us how to be safe and how to follow Him with soft hearts.”
Big Idea (repeat often): “I can have a soft heart and remember Jesus.”
(Keep it short and repeat it after each activity.)
Wiggle and Learn Activities (3–4 short activities, all different types)
1) Object Lesson: “Soft Heart Receives” (2–3 minutes)
Materials: sponge, rock, water (already used)
Steps:
- Repeat the water pour quickly.
- Say: “Which one is like listening and obeying?”
What to say: “The Lord can help me have a soft heart” (Exodus 8:28–32; 9:7).
Connect: “Now let’s move our bodies like we’re choosing a soft heart!”
2) Physical Activity Game: “Soft Heart / Hard Heart Choices” (4 minutes)
Materials: none
Steps:
- Tell the children: “When I say something that sounds like a soft heart, stand up. If it sounds like a hard heart, sit down.”
- Use simple prompts: “Sharing,” “Not listening,” “Saying sorry,” “Being mean,” “Praying,” “Yelling.”
What to say: “Soft hearts listen to Heavenly Father. I can have a soft heart and remember Jesus.”
Connect: “Because we want soft hearts, we also love remembering what the Lord did for His people.”
3) Hands-On Craft: “Doorpost Token Picture” (6–8 minutes)
Materials: paper, crayons, optional brown/yellow crayon for door, red crayon for “token”
Steps:
- Help children draw a simple door (rectangle).
- Have them color a small red mark on the sides/top of the door.
- Write (or say) the promise: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13).
What to say: “In the Passover, the token helped God’s people be safe. The Passover helps us remember Jesus.” (Exodus 12:1–13)
Connect: “Now let’s look at a picture that helps us remember Jesus too.”
4) Interactive Discussion: “Remember” (2–3 minutes)
Materials: none
Steps:
- Ask: “What is something you want to remember about Jesus?”
- Let each child say one word (kind, help, love, pray).
What to say: “The lesson says the sacrament helps us remember Jesus.”
Connect: “Let’s practice remembering with a song!”
Picture Time (2–3 minutes): Gospel Art Book Picture
Use: “The Passover Supper,” by Brian Call
Questions:
- “What do you see the people doing?”
- “How do you think they felt, knowing the Lord would help them?”
- “How can we remember Jesus at church?”
Tie to Big Idea: “I can have a soft heart and remember Jesus.”
Song and Actions (3 minutes): Children’s Songbook
Song: “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook)
Actions (simple):
- “I feel…” (hands on heart)
- “Savior’s love” (hug self)
- “He will…” (point upward)
- “bless…” (hands open like giving)
What to say: “When we think about Jesus, we can feel peaceful and loved.”
Jesus Loves Me Moment (1–2 minutes)
Say: “Today we learned the Lord is powerful.” Read again: “And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord” (Exodus 7:5).
Say: “And we learned the Lord gave a promise to keep His people safe.” Read again: “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13).
Invite: “Finish this sentence: ‘I can be like Jesus when I…’” (help, share, listen, pray).
Testimony (simple and direct): “I know Heavenly Father loves you. I know Jesus can help us have soft hearts and remember Him.”
Take-Home Hug (this week)
“Give someone at home a hug and say, ‘I will listen with a soft heart.’”
Teacher Survival Tips
- Keep transitions fast: hold up the next item (rock/sponge, then crayons) before finishing the last activity.
- Use repeat phrases to refocus: “Soft heart—remember Jesus.” (Have them whisper it, then say it loud.)
- If attention drops, shorten: do only 3 activities and go to the song early.