Older Primary Lesson Plan: Moses 1;Abraham 3

Week 2 Lesson Plan: Moses 1; Abraham 3 – I Am a Child of God with Important Work to Do

Opening Connection
Hold up a hand mirror and invite each child to take a quick look at their reflection. Ask, "What do you see? Have you ever felt like just an ordinary kid at school or home?" Share that in Moses 1:4, God told Moses, "thou art my son; wherefore look and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands." Just like that, Heavenly Father sees us as His precious children with divine worth. This connects to President Russell M. Nelson's teaching: “If the Lord were speaking to you directly, the first thing He would make sure you understand is your true identity” (“Choices for Eternity” [worldwide devotional for young adults, May 2022], Gospel Library). Today, we'll discover who we really are and the work God has for us!

Scripture Discovery
Divide into partners to read Moses 1:4 aloud: "And thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands; but not all, for my works are without end." Ask: "How did God make Moses feel special? What does 'workmanship' mean?" Then do a scripture treasure hunt: Hide printed phrases from Moses 1:12–26 around the room (e.g., "Get thee hence, Satan," v. 20; "the name of the Only Begotten is the Son of God," v. 21). Children hunt, read to partners, and mark with colored pencils what Moses did to resist Satan (prayed, commanded in God's name). Compare: What helped Moses overcome? (Moses 1:24–26). Transition to Abraham 3:22–28 by hunting key words like "spirits," "before the world was," "prove," and "make an earth." Discuss: "What do these teach about our life before birth?"

Core Gospel Principles

1. I am a child of God: Like Moses heard in Moses 1:4,6, Heavenly Father declares our divine identity before other labels, helping us make good choices.
2. I can resist Satan with the Lord's help: Satan tempts with counterfeits (Moses 1:12–18), but like Moses, we pray, use Jesus's name, and call on God's power (Moses 1:20–26).
3. Heavenly Father has a work for me: God's "work and [His] glory" is our eternal life through Jesus Christ (Moses 1:39). We lived as spirits "before the world was" to come to earth, keep His commandments, and "prove" ourselves (Abraham 3:22–28).

Interactive Learning Activities

1. Counterfeit Spotter (Object Lesson)
Materials: Real plant or flower; fake plastic plant; small bag for each.
Steps: Show both plants. Ask children to feel, smell, touch—then guess which is real. Explain Satan's counterfeits like fake power (Moses 1:13–18). Give each child a bag with a small real leaf and fake one. They sort and share why real is better. Connects to Moses 1:12–26: Moses spotted Satan's lies by remembering God's truth.
Discussion: "What fake temptations do you see, like cheating at school? How can prayer help like Moses?"

2. Resist Relay (Physical Activity)
Materials: None, or printed temptation cards (e.g., "say mean words," "don't pray").
Steps: Divide into teams. Place cards at one end of room. On "Go," first child runs, reads a card, acts out resisting (e.g., fold arms to pray, say "Get thee hence!" from Moses 1:20), tags next. First team done wins. Connects to Moses 1:12–26: Practice Moses's steps—pray, command Satan away, rejoice in Christ.
Discussion: "What felt powerful? How does Jesus help us win?" (Moses 1:24–26).

3. Premortal Plan Puppets (Hands-On Crafts)
Materials: Paper bags, markers, crayons, yarn for hair, stick-on eyes.
Steps: Children make simple puppets—one for themselves as a spirit "before the world was" (Abraham 3:22), one for Jesus as "the great I AM" (Abraham 3:24). Decorate with "prove" choices (obey, love others). Use puppets to retell Abraham 3:25–26. Connects to our premortal life and God's work (Moses 1:39).
Discussion: "Why did Heavenly Father send us here? What work can your puppet do?"

Life Application Bridge
These truths help at school (resist mean friends like Moses), home (treat family as God's children, Moses 1:4), and with choices (prove faithful daily, Abraham 3:25). Sing "I Am a Child of God" (Hymns, no. 301) with actions to remember our identity guides every decision.

Testimony Time
Gather in a circle with puppets or plants. Ask: "What did you learn about who you are from Moses and Abraham? How does it make you feel about God's plan?" Share briefly: I love knowing we are His children with eternal work ahead—He trusts us!

Take-Home Challenge
This week, look in a mirror daily like our opening and say, "I am a child of God" (Moses 1:4). Tell one family member, "You are a child of God," and draw a picture of your premortal spirit helping with God's work (Abraham 3:22–28).

Teacher Tips

1. Prep phrases/cards ahead; adapt hunts for small groups by reading together. 2. For wiggly kids, shorten relays with fewer cards; praise all efforts to build confidence.

(Word count: 748)