Younger Primary Lesson Plan

Happy Opening

Gather the children in a circle and say, "Let's play a peek-a-boo game!" Cover your eyes with your hands and say, "Where are my eyes?" Then open them wide and say, "There they are!" Do this a few times, giggling together. Then say, "Today we're going to learn about a king who said his eyes were on Heavenly Father. Let's point to our eyes!" Have the children point to their own eyes and say together, "My eyes are on Heavenly Father!"

Simple Scripture Story

Show a simple picture of soldiers or armies (you can draw stick figures or use a printed picture). Say, "One day, a king named Jehoshaphat found out that three big armies were coming to attack his home! He was scared." Pause and ask, "What do you think he did?" Let the children answer. Then say, "He gathered all his people together and prayed to Heavenly Father. He said, 'We don't know what to do, but our eyes are on you!'" Have the children point to their eyes again. "Then Heavenly Father sent a message: 'Fear not, nor be dismayed' (2 Chronicles 20:17). That means don't be afraid! And guess what? Heavenly Father took care of everything, and the people didn't even have to fight!"

Big Idea

When I am scared, I can pray, and Heavenly Father will help me. Just like Jehoshaphat, we can put our eyes on Heavenly Father.

Wiggle and Learn Activities

1. "Eyes on Heavenly Father" Freeze Game (Music & Movement)

• What to do: Play some music and let children march or dance around the room. When the music stops, everyone freezes and points to their eyes.
• Materials: Any music source (or sing a Primary song a cappella).
• Say: "Just like Jehoshaphat, our eyes are on Heavenly Father!"
• Connection: Builds on the eye-pointing action from the opening and story.

2. Brave Heart Beanbag Toss (Game)

• What to do: Set out a basket or box. Take turns tossing a beanbag (or soft ball/rolled-up sock) into it. Each time a child tosses, say "I can pray when I'm scared!"
• Materials: Beanbag or soft object, basket or box.
• Say: "When I am scared, I can pray, and Heavenly Father will help me."
• Connection: After standing still in the freeze game, now they practice "standing still" like the people did while God helped them (2 Chronicles 20:17).

3. Praying Hands Craft (Hands-On Craft)

• What to do: Trace each child's hands on paper (or use pre-cut hand shapes), and have them color or decorate them. Help them fold the hands together like a prayer.
• Materials: Paper, crayons, scissors (teacher use only).
• Say: "We can fold our arms and pray, just like Jehoshaphat did, when we're scared."
• Connection: Moves from active movement to a quiet, hands-on reminder of prayer.

4. "Fear Not" Walk (Physical Activity)

• What to do: Set up two spots in the room, one labeled (or marked) "Scared" and one "Brave/Pray." Call out simple scenarios ("It's dark," "I'm at the doctor"), and have children walk to the "Brave/Pray" spot and say "I can pray!"
• Materials: Two pieces of paper or simple markers on the floor.
• Say: "Fear not, nor be dismayed" (2 Chronicles 20:17). "I can pray instead of being scared."
• Connection: Builds on the craft by physically practicing the choice to turn to prayer.

Picture Time

Show the Gospel Art Book picture of "Jehoshaphat" (or a picture depicting people praying together, such as a temple/prayer scene if the specific image isn't available). Ask:

• "What are the people doing in this picture?"
• "How do you think they felt before they prayed? How about after?"
• "What can we do when we feel scared, just like they did?"

Song and Actions

Sing "A Child's Prayer" (Children's Songbook, 12) or "I Pray in Faith" (Children's Songbook, 14). Add simple actions: fold arms during the prayer words, point to eyes when singing about Heavenly Father, and place hands over heart for "Heavenly Father, are you really there?" This reminds children that prayer connects us to Heavenly Father just like Jehoshaphat.

Jesus Loves Me Moment

Gather everyone close and say, "Remember our story about Jehoshaphat? He was scared, but he prayed, and his eyes were on Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father helped him and his people!" Invite each child to finish the sentence: "I can be like Jehoshaphat when I..." Help them with ideas like "...pray when I'm scared" or "...trust Heavenly Father."

Take-Home Hug

This week, when you feel scared, fold your arms, close your eyes, and say a little prayer. Then give someone in your family a hug and tell them Heavenly Father helps you when you're scared.

Teacher Survival Tips

• Keep transitions short and announce them with excitement ("Now it's time to...!") to keep wiggly children moving with you instead of against you.
• If attention spans run short, skip straight to the craft or song, you don't need every activity every week.
• Repeat the Big Idea phrase often and use the same eye-pointing action throughout so children build a physical memory cue, even if they don't remember the words.