Older Primary Lesson Plan: Genesis 1–2;Moses 2–3;Abraham 4–5

Opening Connection
Gather the children in a circle and hold up a simple flower, leaf, or picture of animals and mountains from "The Creation of the Earth" in Old Testament Stories (pages 8–12). Ask, "Have you ever wondered who made this beautiful world with flowers, animals, and stars? Today we're learning how Jesus Christ created the earth for us, just like it says in Genesis 1:1–25; Moses 2:1–25; Abraham 4:1–25. He made everything good and beautiful because Heavenly Father loves us!"

Scripture Discovery
Divide children into partners. Give each pair a printed copy of Genesis 1:26–27 and Moses 2:26–27 (simple language versions if needed). Have them read together: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:26–27). Do a quick scripture treasure hunt: Circle words like "image" and "likeness" with colored pencils. Ask: "What do these words teach us about ourselves?" Then read Genesis 2:2–3: "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day, and sanctified it." Compare: How is the seventh day special?

Core Gospel Principles

1. Jesus created the earth: "By mine Only Begotten I created these things" teaches that Jesus made the world beautiful under Heavenly Father's direction (Moses 2:1–25).
2. We are created in God's image: This means our bodies are sacred, like baby animals in the likeness of their parents (Genesis 1:26–27; Moses 2:26–27).
3. The Sabbath day is holy: God rested and blessed the seventh day, asking us to make it different and special (Genesis 2:2–3; Moses 3:2–3).

Interactive Learning Activities

Activity 1: Creation Song March (Music & Movement)
Materials: None (print lyrics to “My Heavenly Father Loves Me,” Children’s Songbook, 228–29).

1. Teach the song line by line with actions: March for "mountains," flap arms for "birds," touch head for "eyes to see."
2. Sing together while marching around the room, pausing to name creations from Genesis 1:1–25 (light, sky, fish).
   Connection: Builds on scripture discovery by celebrating Jesus' creations.
   *Discussion: "How does singing make you feel about Jesus creating the world?" "What else did He make that you love?"

Activity 2: Body Puzzle Gratitude (Hands-On Crafts)
Materials: Paper, crayons, scissors.

1. Have children draw a simple outline of their body (head, arms, legs).
2. Write or draw one way to care for their body (e.g., "eat good food," "be kind").
3. Cut into 4–6 puzzle pieces, then trade with a friend to reassemble while saying, "I am created in God's image" (Genesis 1:26–27).
   Connection: Reinforces being in God's likeness from Moses 2:26–27, like animal parent pictures.
   *Discussion: "Why is your body sacred? How can you show thanks, like in 'Your body is sacred' in For the Strength of Youth?"

Activity 3: Holy Sabbath Role-Play (Role-Play & Acting)
Materials: Picture cards of activities (church, family dinner, reading scriptures).

1. Divide into small groups. Assign roles: One child explains to a "friend" why they choose Sabbath activities using Genesis 2:2–3.
2. Act out scenes: "On the seventh day, God rested and sanctified it—I go to church!" Switch roles.
   Connection: Applies the sanctified Sabbath from scripture discovery.
   *Discussion: "What makes Sunday holy for you? How does it show love for Heavenly Father?"

Life Application Bridge
These truths help at school (care for God's creations like plants or friends), home (rest and family on Sabbath), and everywhere (treat your body sacredly by choosing good activities). Like Jesus transforming emptiness into beauty (Abraham 4:2), He can help us make good choices daily.

Testimony Time
Sit in a cozy circle. Share first: "Learning Jesus created us in God's image fills me with joy." Prompt: "What do you feel about your body or the Sabbath after our activities?" Let a few children share quietly.

Take-Home Challenge
Draw one creation from Genesis 1 (like stars or animals) on a card. Share with your family: "Jesus made this, and I'm in His image!" Sing “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” together, connecting back to our opening flower and scriptures.

Teacher Tips

1. Time activities: 5 min opening/scripture, 10 min each activity, 5 min closing.
2. For shy children, pair with buddies; adapt crafts for smaller groups by pre-cutting puzzles.

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