---

INTRODUCTION: Where do you live? In the city? The country? A suburb? Do you live on an island or in the middle of a desert? Can you see mountains or an ocean from your home?  Who lives with you? Are you the only child in your family, or do you have many brothers and sisters? Do your parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles live with you?

 Where did we live a long time ago....before we lived on earth?

 Who lived there with us?

 What is Heavenly Father’s plan for us?

Explain that Heavenly Father wanted us to be able to receive a physical body, to learn to choose between right and wrong.  Some of the premortal beings did not want to follow this plan, and there was a War in Heaven. However, we chose to support Heavenly Father’s plan, so we were given bodies and sent to many different places on earth to learn about the Savior and to keep the commandments.

Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, if we choose the right, we will one day be able to return to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again.  Explain that our life on earth is like a school. We are here to learn and be tested. If we make right choices, we will pass the tests and be able to return to Heavenly Father. Read and discuss the following quotation: “My brothers and sisters, we’re away from home. We’re off to school. Our lessons will not be easy. The way we react to them, the way we conquer and accomplish and live will determine our rewards, and they will be permanent and eternal” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 28).

MUSIC:  I will follow God's plan (Children's Songbook pg. 164).  First, print out these cards.  Select two of the cards and post them at the front of the room (where everyone can see them).  Have an empty chair at the end of each row.  Then, each time one of the two words is said, everyone in the room bumps over one chair.  Then when you sing it again you bump back the other way.  Each time you sing it, select two new words.

GAME: Place plan of salvation clipart on a flannel board (most church libraries have a flannel board).  Place the flannel board on a music stand.  Start by taping the pieces on to the flannel board (all mixed up - as it's shown in the image).  Let the children know that each of the pieces represents a part of the Plan of Salvation.  Hold up each piece and read the name of the front.  

Senior Primary - Turn the music stand around, remove a piece and ask them which one is no longer there.  Once it is discovered, have the child that gave the answer come up and tell you anything they remember or know about that part of the plan.  Then have them take the piece and tape it on the chalkboard...placing it in the correct spot.  So when all the pieces are complete, the chalkboard should have the plan of salvation posted in order.  Ask the children if everyone put their pieces in the correct places.  If not, have them work together to get it posted in the correct order.

Junior Primary - Select a child to come forward and choose a piece of clipart off the board.  Ask the child if they can tell you anything about the part of the plan they selected.  If not, give them a yes/no question....(i.e. - Is this where we live now? (Earth), Is Heavenly Father going to be there? (Celestial Kingdom), etc.)  Then have them take their piece and tape it on the chalkboard...placing it in the correct spot.  So when all the pieces are complete, the chalkboard should have the plan of salvation posted in order.  Ask the children if everyone put their pieces in the correct places.  If not, have them work together to get it posted in the correct order. 

SUMMARY:  Emphasize that the main purpose of Heavenly Father’s plan is to give us the opportunity to become like Him.  Share your testimony and gratitude for the Plan of Salvation.

---

SOURCES:

 June 2003 Sharing Time
 Primary 6 Manual, Lesson 1 

fulltext