Younger Primary Lesson Plan: Genesis 18–23

Happy Opening (2 minutes): “Impossible?” Balloon Pop! (Object Lesson + Movement)
Materials: 1 balloon (or a paper crumple ball), a marker

1. Hold up the balloon and say: “Can I make this balloon tiny again after I blow it up? That feels hard!”
2. Blow it up a little and say: “Sometimes things feel too hard.”
3. Say the week’s happy question: “Do you think Heavenly Father can do hard things?”
   Say: “In our scripture story, Heavenly Father asked a big question: ‘Is any thing too hard for the Lord?’ (Genesis 18:14).”
   (Transition) “Let’s act out the story and listen for that question!”

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Simple Scripture Story (5 minutes): Abraham, Sarah, and the Promise (Interactive Discussion + Role-Play)
Materials: 2 simple scarves (for Abraham/Sarah), a baby doll or small blanket bundle (for Isaac)

1. Choose two children (or you and a helper) to wear scarves and be Abraham and Sarah.
2. Tell it simply: “Abraham and Sarah wanted a baby. They waited a long time. Heavenly Father made them a promise.”
3. Read the key line (short and clear): “Is any thing too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14).
   Ask: “When you have to wait, how can you keep trusting Heavenly Father?”
4. Show the baby doll/bundle: “The Lord kept His promise!”
   (Transition) “Now we will play little games to help our hearts remember: Heavenly Father keeps His promises.”

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Big Idea (repeat often)
“Heavenly Father keeps His promises—even when we have to wait.”

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Wiggle and Learn Activities (12–15 minutes total, short + varied)

1) “Promise Papers” Mix-Up (Hands-On + Simple Puzzle)
Materials: Paper strips with words from the first sentence of Genesis 18:14 (prepared ahead), tape

1. Mix the strips on the floor.
2. Let children work together to put them in order.
3. Read it together: “Is any thing too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14).
   What to say: “When something feels hard, we remember: nothing is too hard for the Lord.”
   Connect: “Now that our words are in order, let’s move our bodies with a ‘trust’ game!”

2) “Follow the Angel!” Escape Path (Game + Physical Activity)
Materials: A simple path made with paper footprints or tape arrows

1. Say: “Lot’s family lived in a wicked city. Angels told them to leave and be safe.”
2. Have children follow the footprint path quickly to a “safe spot” (a chair or corner).
3. Practice one rule: “Go forward—don’t turn around.”
   What to say: “The Lord can help us ‘escape’ from evil and ‘look not behind’ (Genesis 19:17). We can choose to go the right way.”
   Connect: “We followed directions! Next, let’s practice obeying with a listening game.”

3) “Do What the Lord Commands” Listening Game (Music & Movement)
Materials: None

1. Play “Teacher Says” with gospel actions: “Fold arms,” “Smile,” “Walk to the door,” “Come back,” “Sit criss-cross.”
2. Keep it fast—10–20 seconds per direction.
   What to say: “Abraham and Sarah showed faith. The Come, Follow Me lesson says, ‘Abraham and Sarah trusted God’ (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026, ‘February 23–March 1. “Is Any Thing Too Hard for the Lord?”’). We can trust Him too.”
   Connect: “Now we’re ready for a special picture that helps us remember.”

4) “My Waiting Hands” Heart Craft (Hands-On Craft)
Materials: Paper hearts, crayons, stickers

1. Give each child a paper heart.
2. Invite them to draw one thing they can do while they wait (pray, be kind, help).
   What to say: “Sometimes we wait. But we can keep doing good and trusting Heavenly Father.”
   Connect: “Let’s look at a picture that shows God’s love and obedience.”

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Picture Time (2–3 minutes): Gospel Art Book
Use: Gospel Art Book no. 9 (Abraham and Isaac)
Questions:

1. “What do you see in the picture?”
2. “Do you think obeying can feel hard sometimes?”
3. “How can Heavenly Father help us when something feels hard?”
   Tie to Big Idea: “Heavenly Father keeps His promises, and He helps us obey.”

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Song and Actions (2–3 minutes): Children’s Songbook
Song: “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47)
Actions (simple):

• “Keep” = hold hands like you’re holding something safe
• “Commandments” = point up, then touch heart
• “Happy” (if it comes up) = big smile and hands on cheeks
  Say: “Obeying helps us stay close to Heavenly Father, even while we wait for blessings.”

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Jesus Loves Me Moment (2 minutes)
Say: “Today we learned: ‘Is any thing too hard for the Lord?’ (Genesis 18:14). Heavenly Father kept His promise to Abraham and Sarah. He can keep His promises to us too.”
Invite sharing (very short): “Finish this sentence: ‘I can trust Heavenly Father when I…’”
Testimony (simple and child-friendly): “I know Heavenly Father loves you. I know He keeps His promises.”

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Take-Home Hug (this week)
“Pick one ‘waiting’ moment this week (waiting for a turn, a treat, or bedtime). Put your hand on your heart and whisper: ‘Heavenly Father keeps His promises.’ Then do one kind thing.”

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Teacher Survival Tips

1. Keep every activity “tiny”: if attention drops, move on immediately—no guilt.
2. Give jobs to wigglers: “You hold the word strip,” “You lead the footprint path,” “You hold the picture.”
3. Repeat the Big Idea often (same words each time): “Heavenly Father keeps His promises—even when we have to wait.”