Come Follow Me: Joseph Smith Matthew 1, Matthew 25, Mark 12-13, Luke 21 (May 27-June 2)

This week's Come Follow Me Lesson covers Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21 (find it here).  There are so many topics so pick what works for your family or primary class.  As always the free lesson helps can be found in one big download at the end of this post.  

The Widow's Mite-This would be a great time to talk about tithing, fast offerings, and other ways we can contribute money to the church.  If you have a tithing slip show your little ones how to fill it out.  I think its also important to mention that money is not the only thing we can give.  We also can give time, talent, service.  Any thing I'm missing?  Most of these activities go with the topic of tithing and are from one of my past primary lessons.  I added them to this download for convince but you can find that post here.  

Bible Video-found here

Cute one told by kids-found here

A Modern-Day Widow's Mite-(found here)  I plan to share this story with my family.  

Tithing File Folder Game- Print the pages and cut out the coins.  You can use real coins or I have a page of cute coins you can print out.  Glue inside a file folder or you can skip this step and just lay them side by side.

Have the children place 9 coins on the save or spend page and 1 on the tithing page.  I also included  a page of cards with different amounts of money and extra page of coins (you'll need to print 3 if using the cards).  It would be a fun way to practice.

Coloring page or decorate and put the envelope together.

 I had a request for this song to be made into a printable-I love how it turned out.  It would be fun to learn the words to this song.  Found here.

 A cute story and and story cards about tithing.  Print the cards and cut apart.  Use while telling the story.  The story is from last years primary manual.  They are getting harder to find on lds.org so I did include the text in the download.

Here's a fun way to learn how our tithing money is used by the church.  I have 9 cards with a different way on each that you can print and cut apart.  Here are 2 ways to use them...#1 print 2  of this page on cardstock and use as a match game.  #2-use for pictionary. Make sure you discuss the cards as you play either game.

The Parable of the 10 Virgins

I've used this idea a couple of time and will probably use it again-it's a favorite.  Prepare: Print one board (lamp) per person, (color, black and white , and 1/2 page option included), Print and cut the cards.  Place the cards in a bag and mix them up.  You will also need to bring something to cover the circles ex. m&ms, cereal, or even buttons.

 To play pass out a lamp to each person.  Take turn drawing a card.  If it is a good action "add a drop of oil" to the lamp (cover one of the circles with the candy or item you brought).  If the action is not good then no action is taken and move on the the next turn.  Keep playing until everyone fills their lamps. These cards were made for the topic of preparing for the 2nd coming but they should work for building a testimony as well...if you don't think one fits pull it out.  There are also blank cards so you can add your own.

For the older classes I included a couple of zap cards.  If you draw this one then you have to clear your board!  There are also a few blank ones in case you want to add some of your own.

This next idea come from the Individual and Family Manual "Would family members enjoy hunting around the house for paper drops of oil that you have hidden? You could attach drops to objects that represent things family members can do to strengthen their testimonies and be prepared for the Second Coming, such as the scriptures, church clothes, or a picture of the temple."  I did change it a little bit.  I added numbers to the drops and included a recording sheet.  So when you find the drop with number 1 you will color the #1 on your lamp.  You can add them to object like the manual suggested or just hide them anywhere and discuss different ways you can strengthen your testimony. (The lamp of testimony comes from Elder Bednar's quote in the Sunday School Manual)

 Printables from President Monson's quote also found in the Sunday School Manual.  Sometimes the signs of the 2nd Coming be a little scary and I love these comforting words.  In the download there are two options and they are full page and ready to print.

If you would like a different size right click on the image below. Save to your computer.  Insert into a word document and size to fit your needs.

Parable of the Talents

Scripture Story- The printable has 2 pages (one with the 3 men, and the other with the talents/money).  Cut the money out ahead of time-you do not need to cut the men apart.  As you tell the story place the appropriate number of talents under each person.  This is especially helpful for little ones to see it multiply!

 During the Saviors time talents referred to money.  Now we also use to to mean our talents and abilities and are asked to develop our talents.  We are going to talk about some of these amazing talents we have been blessed with.  Point out that not all talents are like drawing or singing but they can be things like being a good friend, a good listener, etc.  Use this coloring page to draw or write a few of your talents.

 If you have time put on a talent show!  My kids LOVE America's Got Talent so I took a little inspiration from that show :)  I included a schedule and invites in the download.  Have your family members take turns sharing one of their talents.  It can be something they can do, something they made, if its something they can't really show then have them bring something that represents their talent or share a little about their talent.

Parable of the Sheep and Goats

Sheep and Goat Sort- Print the sorting page and the circles on the next page.  As you read through the parable sort the actions of the sheep and the actions of the goats.  What do you notice about them?

We are going to talk about when we serve others we are serving God.  What better way to teach this then to do some service!  You can plan a family service project or use on the ideas below.

Service tree- Cut and glue your tree together.  Cut out the hearts provided (or your own).  As you serve someone during the week add a heart to the tree.  Lets see how full your tree can get!  You can use one tree for the family or make one for each person.

Service Scavenger Hunt-This week find 5 people to serve.  Use the page to write down who you served and how you served them.  

Service Hearts- Cut and decorate the hearts included or make your own out of felt.  Each family member needs 1 heart.  Look for someone in your family you can serve.  Such as making your brothers bed or doing the dishes for your mom.  After you complete the service leave your heart so they know someone served them.  They will now find someone to serve and leave the heart.  You will have several hearts floating around and lots of service happening.

Here's a fun game that works as a great reminder that we want to be a sheep not a goat :)  Its played a similar to the game Don't Eat Pete but I did have to make some adjustments.  Print the page with the sheep and the goat on cardstock (if you do not have cardstock you will want to back your pictures with colored paper).  Cut your sheep and goat apart.  To play send one person out of the room.  Flip your cards face down and mix them up.  The person will come back and flip one card over at a time.  If they pick a sheep they are safe and can another card.  If they pick a goat their turn ends.  The goal is to find all of the sheep before you pick the goat.  Once their turn is over send another player out and start again!

There was a really cute story in the Friend this month called The Red Cupcake.  Read this story and make some cupcakes.  Maybe make a few extra to share with some friends :)

The Primary manual really emphasized the scripture- Joseph Smith-Matthew 1:31.  Before Jesus comes again, the gospel will be preached in all the world. So we are going to talk about ways we can help spread the gospel.  

Elder Uchtdorf gave a great talk this past conference on this topic (you can find it here)!  I've include a printable with his 5 ways to share the Gospel.  Use the coloring page to write or draw how you can help spread "the good word."  

Another idea I had was to have a missionary night.  If you or your spouse served a mission bring out the pictures and share some of your experiences.  You can also get your family and friends involved by asking them where they served their mission.  Maybe they have some pictures or a story they can share with you.  As you find out where they served pull out a map and locate it on the map.  It will be really cool to see how far the gospel has been spread by people you know.  You can use the map included to mark the places they served.

Want a quick way to ask friends and family?  Post this little letter on your facebook page and see who responds.  Click on the image and save to your computer.  

As always if you have any questions, trouble downloading the lesson helps, or anything else please don't hesitate to contact me in the comments or email me!  Thanks so much for stopping by :)

Download Free Lesson Helps Here

I can Pay Tithing (Primary 2, Lesson 33) Free Lesson Helps

Here are a few free primary lesson helps for Lesson 33, I can pay tithing.  You can find all of the printables at the end of this post.  Each activity goes right along with the lesson that you can find here.  This would also be a really fun Family Home Evening on tithing or print some of the activities for your church bag like the file folder game, matching game, or coloring page.

This first activity goes with the attention activity and activity after that.  You can bring in real coins or I have a page of cute coins you can print out.  Instead of a sign I created a cute file folder game (you don't have to put in in a file folder-I often just set them side by side)

Have the children place 9 coins on the save or spend page and 1 on the tithing page.  I also included  a page of cards with different amounts of money and extra page of coins (you'll need to print 3 if using the cards).  It would be a fun way to practice.

Story cards.  Print and cut apart.  Use these with or without the box suggestion in the lesson.

 Template to make the box suggested.  Print on cardstock.  Cut along the dark lines and fold along the dotted lines.  Glue or tape together.  I have to confess I added the divider part to the printable after I printed and put together the box.  I think it will be the right size but no guarantees :)  This can be used to tell the story like the lesson suggests (use the coins from the first activity).  

You can also print one for each member in your class and let them decorate and put it together (goes with enrichment activity #3).  My kids saw this and loved it but it might be a little tough with a large group or a young group. If you are feeling ambitions your class with love it but I also made a couple more options that I think are pretty fun as well.

A tithing envelope to put together and decorate.  Still something to hold their tithing in but much easier to prepare.

Or a cute coloring page.  If you want you can give each child one of the coins from the first activity to glue over the coin on their page.

 This last idea goes with enrichment activity #1 discussing ways tithing money is used.  I have 9 cards with a different way on each that you can print and cut apart.  Here are 2 ways to use them...#1 print 2  of this page on cardstock and use as a match game.  #2-use for pictionary. Make sure you discuss the cards as you play either game.

 Download Lesson Helps Here!

Adorable graphics from Melonheadz,Graphics From the Pond , P4 Clips Trioriginals & Mather's Music . Fonts by Hello Literacy

Free Come Follow Me activities for Doctrine and Covenants 115-120

This week we are talking about tithing. I found the cutest story in The Friend that I think helps explain what 10% looks like. It's called Tithing Pie and I based most of the activities off of this story. If you have some extra time it would be so fun to make a pie and share!

Download Here!

Additional ideas now from previous posts on this topic. There are so many fun ideas.  https://www.thecozyredcottage.com/search?q=tithing 

This one doesn't have a cover picture but the activities are worth check out. https://www.thecozyredcottage.com/2020/10/free-come-follow-me-lesson-helps-3.html

Free Come Follow Me Lesson Helps: 3 Nephi 20-26

 I have some fun ideas to share with you that cover 3 Nephi 20-26.  This week we are going to talk about tithing and turning our hearts towards our ancestors.  I am running behind like always so this post is a work in progress BUT the activities and instructions are ready for you and in the download :) See you soon.

 Download Free Come Follow Me lesson helps here

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I can Follow Jesus Christ by Serving Others Lesson Helps (Primary 2 Lesson 39)

Here are some free primary lesson helps for lesson 39 I can follow Jesus Christ by serving others.  I hope you find something helpful for you class this week :)  Any of these activities would also be a great FHE lesson on service.

Attention Activity Letter Hunt: I normally follow the lesson pretty closely but this time I had an idea that will take a little more time but I hope will help the children see that Jesus served others throughout his life. Before class you will need to print and cut out letters. I also suggest that you bring pictures that go with each example if available.

 There are a few ways you can do this:

1. Treasure hunt and follow clues around the church. On the back write the clues to each spot-one reverence suggestion would be to have the clue on a separate piece of paper that way they are not leaving to find the next clue before you are ready for them to go. And Hide your clues before class- try to mix up the order of the letters.
*I did not include clues because I’m terrible at coming up with them haha and also every class and church is different. You will need one to start and I suggest before the last clue is given say something to let them know there is only one left. Some sample clues: This is where you go if you get thirsty, You are ready to pay your tithing look where you would find the envelopes, The final clue can be found if you need a little shade. You can get a lot more creative with these…did I mention that clue writing is not a talent of mine 😊

2. Hide the letters around the room and let them search for them.
3. Tape each letter to the wall in your classroom and go from letter to letter as a group.

(example of how to start your lesson…For ease I’m going to use the treasure hunt for this example but you can easily adjust based on the way you choose to do this activity)
While on earth Jesus provided the perfect example of how we should live. As we follow him we become more like him. Read John 13:15. Today we are going to follow the clues and discover what he is asking us to do. At this point give the first clue. Quietly walk to the first spot and let them look for the letter. Once found read the example on the front. Ask your class if they can tell you the story-show the picture if you brought one. Once done read the next clue. Don’t forget to take the letter with you. Continue until all the letters have been found. Take the letters back to class and work together to put them in order to spell “service”.

Then move on the the scripture story in the lesson.

Here are a few more Lesson Helps

Story Cards

Art Activity  : I included a few different ways to do this.
Pick 3 people to serve this week.  Write 1 person per box and write or draw a picture how the can serve that person.

Or a simplified option-draw and write one way you can serve today.

Enrichment Activity #2: 2 options for this as well.
Decorate the service hearts.  Encourage the children to do the acts of service and leave the heart for the person to find.

2nd option are these cute "super server" cards that the kids can color and pass out as they serve (or leave anonymously).  Let them know as they serve others they are like a super hero to the person they help.  There is a boy and a girl option with 4 cards per sheet.  These are black and white and made to be colored.  Print one page per child.  My 5 year old helped me color these samples on the computer-I think she did pretty good!

Enrichment Activity #6 Service Go Fish or matching game. (These cards also work for the suggested activity-charades and the "Activity section" in the lesson)  Each picture corresponds with a question or scenario.  In both games when the full set of matches are found ask the question that goes with the card.  For the match game print 2 of each page on cardstock.  Take turn find a match.  Go fish will take a little more time to play but it will be something fun and new.  You will need to print 4 of each page on cardstock.  The instruction are in the download in case you need a refresher.
Update: I tried go fish today and for the amount of time you will have we switched to a a set of 2 instead of 4.  Also it was a big hit. 

Coloring page because sometimes you just need an easy activity.

I also love this video clip .  It from the Church's Light the World initiative.  Its a pretty amazing way to show the Saviors examples of service next to ways we can serve like him.

Download the Lesson Helps here

Adorable graphics from Melonheadz, Mather's Music, P4 Clips Trioriginals,Prettygrafik, Chirp Graphics and  fonts by Hello Literacy

Come Follow Me: Acts 22-28 (July 29-August 4)

I'm excited to share these free lesson helps for this week Come Follow Me lesson for Acts 22-28. These are perfect for families and primary.  I have several ideas that go with Paul in prison (Jesus comforts him and sharing his testimony), Paul is shipwrecked, and the viper.  I hope you find a few ideas that work for you.

All of three of these stories go with the intro paragraph in the Individual and Family and it would be great to share at the beginning of the week.  I then made these fun circles for each of the stories and below there is a quick idea for each one.  You can use these a couple of ways depending on time or the number of activities you want to do for each story.  You can use these as a display for the week OR lay the 3 pictures on the floor and use as a bean bag toss.  When you land on a picture summarize the story or read a few of the selected verses.

Activities included in the free download

Journal page: Draw or write about a time that was hard but you felt the Savior's love.

Coloring page: This coloring page go with Acts 23:11 or you can use it later on with the story about the shipwreck.  I love that this was the message the Savior gave to Paul while he was in prison and later Paul gives this same message to the men on the boat.

Testimony Cards:  Use these for your discussion, to play a match game (print 2 on cardstock) or a go fish game (print 4).  You can also print them smaller and glue to the coloring page in the primary manual. I can make a black and white version if someone needs it.  There are also several testimony activities in last weeks post found here.  And you can use the story sequencing cards in this post if you want to review the story of Paul's conversion.

Here are some cute hats your kids can wear while you tell the story of Paul and King Agrippa

The story of Paul being shipwrecked might be one of my favorite stories. It teaches the importance of listening and following the prophet.  I also love Paul's faith and testimony.  We are going to go with the boat theme and learn about some of the things President Nelson taught in last General Conference.  There is a page of quotes from his 3 talks and 2 pages of boats with numbers.  Assign the different quotes a number or you can glue them on the back of the boats if they will fit.  I have not tried it yet.  I did not assign the quotes numbers because you may want to find different ones.  These are ones I love and want to review with my family.  You may have other favorites :)  Anyway I plan to hide the boats around the room. When we find one we will read and discuss the quote.

Here's another idea that has some things a prophet (or apostles) teach us.  Print the bingo boards (as many as you need) and the calling cards.  Discuss how listening to the prophet can bless our lives.  You can also print out 2 sets of calling cards and use as a match game.  these are basically my general conference bingo cards.  If you already have them you don't need to print them again.  The only chage is I took off music and added tithing.

This was my favorite verse and I had to make something to display.  Print and display for the week.  Mine is going to be frames and hung in my laundry room :)

If you have older kids I thought this video was pretty great “Blessed and Happy Are Those Who Keep the Commandments of God”  Its found about half way down the page.

For the last story your little one is going to become the illustrator.   Share the story of Paul being bit by the viper.  Have your kids draw different scenes from the story, their favorite part, or whatever they want :)  Then have them share their pictures and the story.

I also included some puppets that you can use while you tell the story or your little ones can use to retell the story :)

 That's it for this week.  Thank you all for stopping by :)  It really means a lot and keeps me motivated to create and share each week. As always please let me know if you have any questions or trouble with the download.

Download free lesson helps here