Hold in your hand five or six small balls or other small items, and tell the class that these represent a handful of weaknesses (our leader wrote names of some bad habits on paper and wrapped them around spools of thread like procrastination, lying, profanity, sleeping in, eating unhealthy foods).
Select a student and ask him/her to try to overcome these weaknesses by catching them. Then throw the balls to the student all at once. At least one will probably be dropped.
How might this demonstration apply to overcoming bad habits?
Throw the balls to the student one at a time so she can catch each one.
Point out that we develop self-mastery by working on one habit at a time, not expecting perfection from ourselves all at once.
Scripture Point out that King Benjamin gave some excellent advice that we might consider as we think of overcoming our bad habits. Have the class read Mosiah 4:27. (Source: YW Manual 2, Lesson 40, Developing Self Mastery)
In order to demonstrate the importance of waiting for your big spiritual reward rather than indulging yourself in "worldy rewards", put a cookie in front of the child/children and ask them if they would like to enjoy it by eating it now.
After all of the children have decided whether they would like to eat it or not you then present a humongous dessert such as a banana split or a piece of cake with whipped cream and candy all over it.... then you tell the children that they could eat this big dessert instead of the cookie but they will have to wait for a half hour in order to do so, would they wait to eat it?
Apply the lesson to great rewards that await us in the Celestial Kingdom, or by being virtuous, or by preparing to enter the temple. You may want to use the following poem by Elder Boyd K. Packer in your lesson:
We have within a burning flame,
A light to kindle lights,
The sacred fire of life itself,
Which if misused ignites
A smold’ring, suffocating cloud
Of sorrow and distress.When used by law this power brings forth
A life, a family, happiness.Temptors from the darkest realm
Seek to pervert this power
In acts of wickedness and waste
Until there comes the hour
Of judgment and of recompense,
When bitter tears are shed
O’er power once held to foster life
That now is gone and dead.I know this power to be a key,
A very key to God’s own plan
Which brings to pass eternal life
And immortality for man.And marriage is the crucible
Where elements of life combine,
Where mortal temples are conceived
Within that plan divine.Then spirit offspring of our God
Can come through mortal birth
To have a choice, to face the test—
The purpose of our stay on earth.
Here good and evil stand alike
Before decision’s sovereign nod.Those who elect the righteous path
Will part the veil, return to God.A gift from God, the plan provides
That mortal beings in humble strait
Be given power, supernal power,
To share their love and help create
A living child, a living soul,
Image of man, and of Deity.How we regard this sacred gift
Will fix our course, our destiny!
(as quoted in "Marriage," Ensign, May 1981)
This object lesson was inspired by one at KidsSundaySchool.com.
I'm sure everyone knows what this is. Yes, it is a ballpoint pen.
What do you think the most important part of this pen is? Many of you said the "ink", that is a common answer. Let's see how useful this ballpoint pen is. I need someone to volunteer to write with this pen, and see if it works properly.
Let several kids try to use the pen. They will conclude something is broken, or perhaps some may realize the spring is missing. Take the pen back.
Yes, the reason this pen is not working properly is because it is missing a part. It may seem like an insignificant part, but the pen can't work without it. It is the spring! I have it here in my pocket.
Insert the spring back into the pen, and let a few children confirm that it is now working properly.
Even something as simple as a ballpoint pen needs all its parts to work properly. Some parts may seem more important, like the ink, while others may seem less important, like the spring, but they are all needed. In our church/class, each of our member's best efforts and talents are needed, too. Everyone has a job to do, whether it's conducting the meeting, teaching a lesson, singing, or simply sharing testimony by participating in class discussions. Some jobs may seem more important than others, but without everyone, the Church just wouldn't function.
The apostle Paul said: "But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary." (1 Corinthians 12:20-22).
This object lesson was inspired by one at KidsSundaySchool.com.
Tell the class you've brought some special treats for them to enjoy, but want them to carefully observe (with their spiritual eyes) each object as it is cut open.
Invite a volunteer to come forward. Have them cut the hollow chocolate candy. Observations made by the students could include: Many things seem good on the outside but are hollow and empty inside. (or Some activities seem fun but leave you feeling hollow afterwards. They are not wholesome activities.)
Invite another volunteer to come forward. Have them cut the chocolate covered candy bar. Observations made by the students could include: This chocolate covered candy bar is kind of like many of us, or many things in the world. They have some of the chocolate goodness on them, but inside there is some work to do.
Ask for a third volunteer to come forward. Have them cut the solid milk chocolate bar several times to see what is inside. Observations made by the students could include: This chocolate is "pure" solid chocolate all the way through. It both looks good, and is good. It's consistent: you know what you're going to get in each bite when you buy this piece of chocolate.
Read the following quote from Elder Wirthlin:
"Do we, indeed, actually live the gospel, or do we just manifest the appearance of righteousness so that those around us assume we are faithful when, in reality, our hearts and unseen actions are not true to the Lord’s teachings? "Do we take on only the “form of godliness” while denying the “power thereof”?
"Are we righteous in fact, or do we feign obedience only when we think others are watching? "The Lord has made it clear that He will not be fooled by appearances, and He has warned us not to be false to Him or to others. He has cautioned us to be wary of those who project a false front, who put on a bright pretense that hides a darker reality. We know that the Lord 'looketh on the heart' and not on the 'outward appearance.'
"The Savior taught us to 'judge not according to the appearance' and warned us against wolves who 'come to [us] in sheep’s clothing' and whose deception can only be discovered 'by [examining] their fruits.'
"... President Marion G. Romney wisely observed that there are too many of us 'who try to serve the Lord without offending the devil.'
"The Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.' Hence, the first of the Ten Commandments is, 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me,' and the Savior declared that the first and great commandment is, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.' Only when we give our all and overcome our pride and walk the path of faith without deviation can we honestly sing, 'Lord, accept our _true_ devotion.' " (Joseph B. Wirthlin, "True to the Truth," Ensign, May 1997)
Things to discuss:
1) How can we become the same inside and outside? How does this apply to baptism and repentance?
2) What are some things that seem good on the outside but have no real worth?
3) What are some things that look good on the outside but are different once you see inside? or What are some things in your life that are on the way to becoming consistent inside and outside?
4) Name some examples of things that are consistently good clear through. (scriptures, Savior, Heavenly Father, temple)
This object lesson was inspired by one at KidsSundaySchool.com.
The prophet has "seen inside the box". We should all follow him.
Tell the class that you've put something special for them in one of the boxes, and you want them to choose which box they want to get their reward from by raising their hands.
Ask the class is it hard to choose? Why? It's hard to make decisions without information or experience. They haven't seen inside the boxes and can't make a good choice.
Call up a member of the class and let her look in each box. Invite her to sit back down, and ask again who wants what's in box A (nothing). No one will raise their hands, because the girl who knows what's in the box won't raise her hand.
Now ask who wants what's in Box B (the treat). Everyone will raise their hands after checking with the girl who saw inside the box. Ask why did the class choose Box B? Because the girl who saw inside the box chose Box B. Duh, right? She's seen inside both boxes.
Bear witness that our Prophet has "seen inside the box" and knows the choices we should make. He will always make good choices and we will receive eternal rewards by watching the choices he makes. If we don't choose the Prophet's way, what do we get? Open the first box--nothing, no eternal family, no hope, no joy. May we all follow the Prophet in the same way (Thinking "Duh" of COURSE I will follow him.) to get our eternal reward. Let each person pick their reward from the box.
Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Teach that we must be very careful the things that we allow in our minds.
Put some food coloring in the first glass. Watch how the food coloring changes the color of the water, and eventually colors all the water. Look through the glass and talk about how the food coloring has affected how things look by changing it's color. Putting things in our minds changes the color in our minds, and it also affects how things look in the world.
Put the glob of mud in the second glass. Talk about how the bad stuff (mud) has affected the water. It's dirty, cloudy, can't see through it. Let the class try to get the mud out of the water. We should put good things in our water, so that we see things as they are.
You could get the dirt out by lots of hard work, straining it, distilling it, etc. Remind the class that through the Atonement, our water can be cleaned, but it's a lot easier to make good choices so we don't have to clean out our minds.
Other uses: This object lesson was told to me at a presentation by Joann Hamilton (http://www.StrengthenTheFamily.net/) as a lesson for teaching children the importance of avoiding pornography specifically, though it has application for the Word of Wisdom and Chastity.
Show the seed and read the following story:
"The Bible, or another book of scripture at my father's place at meal times, was the order of the day in our home. He would read a chapter aloud and lead the discussion. "But one day as we assembled for our meal, there was no book of scripture but a single watermelon seed. He appeared not to notice the missing book but recalled something he had discussed concerning faith several days ago. We all joined in on the lively discussion.
"Then very carefully he picked up the watermelon seed and held it so we could all see it. " 'Boys,' he said, still studying the seed. 'Do you believe that there is the possibility of several watermelons here in my hand?' We all agreed there was. " 'Do you believe that I have the beginnings of a whole wagon load of watermelons here?'
"One of the older brothers said that he couldn't say that, but he'd like to plant the watermelon seed and see. We all agreed with him.
" 'Boys,' Father said with a twinkle in his brown eyes, 'you have the right idea. You have faith that watermelons will come from this seed but with out your work of planting and caring for this seed you will never know for sure. James 2:17 'Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.' "
This would make a good attention getter at a Primary or youth activity where you have a lesson on faith and serve watermelon as a refreshment, or refer to Alma 32.
Source: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/4746/lessons.html
See how easily this stalk of celery took on the color of water in which it was sitting? Small children are just like that stalk of celery. They take on all the characteristics of the family around them. Is your home colored with anger, yelling, sarcasm, and criticism? Or is your home colored with patience, cooperation, soft tones and laughter? Children will absorb examples they receive at home.
You can also use this lesson to teach regular attendance, scripture study, or as an encouragement for teachers. It took a few days of constant exposure to the food coloring for the celery to change its color. We also need constant (you fill in: scripture study, church attendance, exposure to the Spirit in our church lessons, etc) to become colored with good influences.
Another obvious application is sin/pornography/bad movies/bad music/immoral friends--when we constantly (or often) expose ourselves to bad influences, we take on the characteristics of that evil. This lesson could also be taught with a carnation soaked in food coloring.
Source: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/4746/lessons.html, some additions by Jenny Smith
Start this object lesson by holding up the sheet of paper. Tell the group that it represents our lives. We do all have many problems and disappointments in our lives; (ex. having a flat tire in the middle of the desert, having to care for a sick relative, missing an airplane or bus, or losing a father or mother). Be specific with these problems.
As you name each problem (or better yet, ask students to list difficulties they are facing), tear a small piece of paper off. Do this until the entire sheet has been torn into pieces.
Some might look at this pile of paper and say, "Look at this. My whole life has been nothing but problems." Yet others would look at this pile of paper, pick up the paper, and toss it in the air as confetti to celebrate the gift of their lives and the problems they have overcome.
If you'd like, you can actually throw the confetti in the air. Share your desire for them that they might find joy among the trials, for these trials strengthen you and bring blessings. Read D&C 121 7-8
Source: http://www.eprimary.dk/ - (visit the Primary Object lessons section)
Items needed
I taught the children the subject "Jesus Christ is my Example" by using 2 object lessons. I first displayed 2 exact plants planted in 2 different containers. One container was beautiful and the plant looked wonderful.
The other container was chipped and awful looking and the plant appeared less desirable. I then had the children choose which plant they liked best. Of course, they chose the plant in the nice pot.
I then read a story from the Friend called Tin Pot.
Tin Pot
By Rebecca ToddMan looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7).
Nine-year-old Annie peered through the chain-link fence. Where is he? she wondered. The shrill bell had announced the end of the school day. Children ran across the playground, clinging to a backpack, a spelling list, or a work of art. But Carl was nowhere to be seen. He was always the last one to leave school. A few more children trickled out.
Finally the gray door of his special-education classroom opened, and Carl plodded across the black pavement. When he saw Annie, he started waving excitedly. He smiled so big that it made his face look lopsided.
“Hi, Carl,” Annie said, walking over to meet him. Ignoring his excitement, she grabbed his elbow and started for home, gently pulling him along. “Hurry up—we’re late.”
Carl’s large feet turned in, and he limped as he walked. Annie was careful where she walked so that she wouldn’t bump him and throw him off balance.
As they made their way up the hill, Annie thought of the cold grape juice bar in the freezer at home. She was eager to get home and relax on the couch. But at the rate Carl was going, she’d probably miss her favorite television show. If only Carl could walk faster! His large shoes stumbled along the sidewalk. He was just so clumsy.
“How are you doing, Carl?” she asked. Carl smiled. “Good, then let’s keep going.” Annie marveled at his twisted hands. On Monday she had tried to open a clenched fist and hold his hand, but she couldn’t unfold his fingers. Today she just guided him by an elbow. When he grunted and rubbed his face with his fist, Annie leaned away, afraid that he might fling his arm at her as he had yesterday. Finally they neared the top of the hill and Carl’s house.
“Here’s a step, Carl. Step up,” Annie said as they reached his front porch. He just stood there. “Come on, Carl, you’re almost home.” She stepped up and tried to pull his large body after her. He resisted. “Come on, Carl.” He didn’t budge. “Oh, Carl!” Annie whispered in despair, throwing her hands up.
Carl turned and headed for the grass. He sat down clumsily and began rubbing his fists over the green spears. The grass tickled his hands, and he began giggling.
Annie set her backpack on the porch and walked over to him. “Get up, Carl, it’s time to go inside,” Annie said. She tugged at his arm, but he was much too big for her to lift. “Oh please, Carl!”
Now what do I do? she wondered as she looked down at the chunky boy gleefully stroking the grass. She felt totally helpless.
The door opened, and Mrs. Rich walked outside. “Oh dear. I hope Carl hasn’t been too much trouble today,” she said. “The people at school are still strangers to him. When he gets to know them better, he’ll be as good as he is at home.” She took Carl’s face in her hands. “Carl, you need to stand up.”
Carl slowly pushed himself to his feet, almost falling over as he stood. Mrs. Rich took his arm and led him up the stairs to the door.
“Thank you, Annie dear,” she called over her shoulder. “You’re a tremendous help!”
Annie managed a smile, grabbed her backpack, and said good-bye. When she entered her house next door, she didn’t even bother to turn the television on. She knew that her favorite show was over. “Mom,” she called. “Mo-o-o-om!”
“I’m out here!”
Annie opened the back door and went over to the greenhouse. Her mother was on her knees, packing black soil into a pot. The greenhouse was warm and smelled of fertilizer and plants.
“Oh, Mom, I’m through!” Annie exclaimed. She paced the greenhouse as she let off steam. “I don’t think I can do it one more day! He’s so big and clumsy, and his hands are all twisted. It was horrible today!”
“Whoa, Annie. Settle down,” Mom said. “I suppose you’re talking about Carl.”
“Yes! This is only the third day I’ve walked home with him, and I’m going crazy! He’s just so … so strange!”
Mom turned over a wooden crate and motioned for Annie to sit down. “Honey, you’re just not used to him yet. It’s only the third day. Carl is mentally disabled, and in that respect, he is very different than we are, but he is cheerful and kind. He just takes some getting used to.”
“Mom, if I keep walking Carl home, I’ll always be the last kid to leave the playground, I’ll never get to go to a friend’s house after school, and I’ll miss cartoons every day!”
“You’re right—it is a bit of sacrifice. But if you think of Mrs. Rich taking care of Carl every day and night, maybe a fifteen-minute walk home will seem bearable.”
“Oh, Mom, it’s a three minute walk that ends up taking fifteen minutes!” Annie said, shaking her head. “I want to help Mrs. Rich, but I just don’t understand Carl. He doesn’t talk, he slobbers, and sometimes he suddenly makes strange noises. He scares me.”
“Annie, Carl is different, but. …” Mom stopped and looked around the greenhouse. Her eyes stopped on an old tin pot. She smiled and picked it up. The silver tin was rusted and dull, but inside was a brilliant fuchsia-colored begonia plant. “Annie, what do you think of this?”
Annie smiled at the beautiful flowers. Of all the plants in the greenhouse, this one always caught her eye because of its beautiful color. “I love your begonias, Mom!”
“But do you think it’s beautiful even in this old pot?”
“You don’t even notice the pot because of the flowers.”
“Exactly! That is why I put this flower in this pot. It’s the same with Carl. His spirit is so beautiful that it shines brightly even in an imperfect body.”
Annie stared at the flower.
Mom held up the clay pot she had just filled with soil. “We were given bodies that are whole and nice-looking—like this one,” she said, running her gardening glove over the soil. “There is a flower buried deep inside, but you can’t see it yet. With a little light, water, and tending, it will be beautiful too. It’s the flower that counts, not the pot.”
“Do I have a flower in my pot?”
Mom smiled and reached over to give Annie a hug. “Of course! You have a beautiful spirit too. I just think that you and I may need to work a little to make our spirits as loving and kind as Carl’s.”
“Give ourselves some water and light?”
“Exactly.”
“Mom, do you think that walking home with Carl will give some water and light to the flower in my pot?”
“Definitely! Whenever we do the right thing or help others, our spirits become more beautiful.”
Annie picked up the tin pot. “Well, it was nice when he was so happy to see me. … I think I’ll keep walking with Carl.”
Mom smiled. “I thought you might.”
“But Mom, Carl will still act crazy and stumble up the hill. He’ll still make strange noises. Will I ever be able to see the beauty inside him?”
“I think you already see it at least faintly—and you’ll see it more and more clearly as you help him each day.”
It told of a boy with disabilities and how his friend Annie learned an important lesson from her Mom concerning how things can look so different on the outside, but still be the same inside. We then, discussed examples Christ did while on the earth to make everyone feel of their Father in Heaven's love and how the kids could use his examples today.
Source: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/4746/lessons.html
