Introduction for the Teacher
To prepare yourself spiritually to teach this lesson, please read and ponder the following:
We lived with Heavenly Father as spirits before we were born. Heavenly Father prepared a plan that allows us to come to earth and receive physical bodies in order to become like Him and return to His presence. This is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and our obedience. Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior. (See Abraham 3:24–27; Articles of Faith 1:3.)
Preparation
Mark page 98 in this manual so that you can turn to it easily.
Learning Activities
Begin with a gathering activity. For ideas, see page 3.
Prayer
Invite a child to give the opening prayer.
Sing a Story
Use
Tell the children that we all lived with Heavenly Father before we were born.
Sing or say (invite children to join you):
Tell the children that Heavenly Father has a plan for us. He told us we would come to earth to live. We were so happy that we shouted for joy. Invite the children to say, “Hooray!”
Show the picture of a family on page 14. Tell the children that we came to earth to live with a family who loves us. Invite the children to cross their arms and hug themselves.
Sing or say:
Tell the children that while we are on earth, Heavenly Father wants us to be happy and follow His commandments.
Sing or say:
Show the picture of Jesus Christ on page 98. Tell the children that Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to help us return to Him. Explain that because of Jesus, we can live with Heavenly Father and with our families forever if we keep the commandments.
Sing or say:
Sing the entire song, showing the pictures as you sing:
Conclusion
Share your testimony of Heavenly Father’s plan for us.
Prayer
Invite a child to give the closing prayer.
Optional Activities
Preparation
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For the bag game: Copy and cut out the illustrations on page 15. Bring something to hide the illustrations in, such as a small bag or cloth.
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For the coloring activity: Copy page 15 for each child. Cut out the illustrations and the word strip. Bring string or yarn and tape to make mobiles for the children.
Bag Game
Put the illustrations in the bag. Have a child choose a picture from the bag. Read or sing the caption and have the children repeat or sing the words with you. Repeat until each child who wants a turn has had one.
Coloring
Let the children color a copy of the illustrations on page 15 and let them take them home to show their parents what they learned in nursery. If you have time, use the string or yarn and tape to make mobiles for the children as shown in the diagram at right.
