Older Primary Lesson Plan: Genesis 12–17;Abraham 1–2

Week 8 (Feb 16–22): “To Be a Greater Follower of Righteousness” — Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2 (Ages 8–10)

Opening Connection (Attention Getter) Bring a small flashlight (or a battery tea light) and turn it on. Ask: “If you were in a dark room, would you want someone kind to lead you?” Let one child hold the light and “lead” you two steps. Explain: Today we’ll learn that Abraham wanted to choose righteousness, and the Lord helped him. We’ll also learn that God makes promises (covenants) to bless us, and that God hears us when we pray.

Share this purpose line from the week’s introduction: Abraham’s desire was “to be a greater follower of righteousness” (Abraham 1:2).

Scripture Discovery (Guided, Interactive)

1. Partner-read Abraham 1:2 (pairs take turns reading the verse aloud). Then ask:

• “What did Abraham want?”
• “What word shows it was his choice?”

Read Abraham 1:2 together (teacher reads slowly; children listen for “desire”): “...I sought for mine appointment unto the Priesthood according to the appointment of God unto the fathers... desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness...” (Abraham 1:2).

2. Scripture “word hunt” on covenants: Have children listen as you read Abraham 2:10–11 and raise their hand when they hear “seed” or “blessing.” Read: “And I will bless them through thy name; for as many as receive this Gospel shall be called after thy name, and shall be accounted thy seed...” (Abraham 2:10). “And I will bless them that bless thee... and in thee (that is, in thy Priesthood) and in thy seed... shall all the families of the earth be blessed...” (Abraham 2:11).

Briefly explain: God promised Abraham blessings—and also asked him to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2 is referenced in the bundle as “be a blessing”).

Core Gospel Principles (Build One to the Next)

1. Righteous desires matter to God. Abraham chose what he wanted most: “to be a greater follower of righteousness” (Abraham 1:2).
2. God invites us into covenants—promises with Him. The Lord said those who receive the gospel “shall be accounted thy seed” (Abraham 2:10).
3. Covenant people are meant to bless others. God promised, “in thy seed... shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (Abraham 2:11). We don’t just receive blessings—we share them.

Interactive Learning Activities (3 distinct types, connected and progressive)

Activity 1: “Led by the Hand” Path (Physical Activities) Materials: Blindfold (or child closes eyes), chairs/tape to make a short “path.”
Steps:

1. Create a simple path around two chairs.
2. One child closes their eyes. Another child gently leads them by the hand through the path (teacher closely supervises).
3. Switch roles once or twice.
   Connection to scripture: Come, Follow Me suggests noticing a body part in Abraham 1:18 and 2:8 and learning that Jesus Christ can “lead [us] by the hand” (from the bundle’s “Teaching Children” idea).
   Discussion questions:

• “How did it feel to be led safely?”
• “How can Jesus help lead us when we’re not sure what to do?”
• “What are some righteous choices you want to make this week?”

Activity 2: “Peacemaker Freeze-Frame” (Role-Play & Acting) Materials: None (optional: paper signs that say “Abraham,” “Lot,” “Herdsmen”).
Steps:

1. Briefly tell the setting from Genesis 13:5–12 (listed in the bundle): Abraham, Lot, and herdsmen had a conflict about space and animals.
2. Assign roles and have children make a “freeze-frame” (hold still like a statue) of the problem moment.
3. Clap once: they unfreeze and act out Abraham choosing peace. Clap again to freeze.
4. Repeat with new children.
   Connection to scripture: “I can be a peacemaker” is directly tied to Genesis 13:5–12 in the bundle.
   Discussion questions:

• “What could Abraham say to calm things down?”
• “What can you do when someone at school is arguing?”
• “How does being a peacemaker help us be a blessing?”

Activity 3: “Covenant Stars & Sand Promise Card” (Hands-On Crafts) Materials: Half-sheet paper, crayons/markers, optional: small container of sand OR a picture of stars (the bundle suggests sand or stars for Genesis 13:16; 15:1–6).
Steps:

1. Show sand or stars and remind them God used these to help Abraham trust His promises (bundle references Genesis 13:16; 15:1–6).
2. Children draw a night sky full of stars or a sandy beach.
3. On the back, write (or help them write) one line from Abraham 2:11: “...shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (Abraham 2:11).
4. Under it, each child writes one way they can “be a blessing” this week (help sibling, include someone at recess, kind words).
   Connection to scripture: Abraham 2:11 teaches that through Abraham’s seed “all the families of the earth be blessed” (Abraham 2:11).
   Discussion questions:

• “What blessing can you give someone that doesn’t cost money?”
• “How does keeping promises help us trust God’s promises?”

Life Application Bridge (Child-Friendly Real Life) Ask children to name one place they will be this week: home, school, sports, Primary. Then connect:

• If I want to be a “greater follower of righteousness” (Abraham 1:2), what choice can I practice there?
• If God wants me to be part of His covenant people (Abraham 2:10), how can I act like someone Jesus can trust?
• If I’m meant to help bless others (Abraham 2:11), who can I lift today?

If questions turn toward temple ordinances: This is sacred and personal—please speak with your bishop or refer to the temple recommend questions.

Testimony Time (Gentle Sharing) Invite children to hold their “stars/sand” card and quietly think. Ask: “What is one thing you feel God wants you to desire and do this week?” Allow a few to share. Bear simple witness using the scriptures studied: God honored Abraham’s righteous desire (Abraham 1:2), and God’s promises are meant to bless families everywhere (Abraham 2:11). Express gratitude that the Lord helps us choose righteousness.

Take-Home Challenge (One Specific Action) This week, choose one way to “be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2 is referenced in the bundle) and do it quietly. Then tell Heavenly Father in prayer what you did and thank Him for helping you choose righteousness like Abraham (Abraham 1:2).

Teacher Tips

1. For safety in Activity 1, keep the “path” very short and simple, and you (the teacher) walk beside the child with eyes closed.
2. If some children are shy, let them participate by holding role signs, reading a verse phrase, or sharing their “be a blessing” idea privately to you instead of to the whole class.