14

I Will Obey

Introduction for the Teacher

To prepare yourself spiritually to teach this lesson, please read and ponder the following:

Heavenly Father has given parents the primary responsibility for teaching their children the commandments, providing for their physical and spiritual needs, and protecting them from harm. He encourages us to honor and obey our parents, and He blesses us with safety and happiness when we do so. (See Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1–3; Colossians 3:20; “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102.)

Preparation

• Bring a copy of the Bible. Mark Ephesians 6:1 so that you can turn to it easily.

• Mark page 106 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.

Actions

Ask the children to do five or six actions, such as stand up, raise their hands, turn around, clap their hands, and sit down. Praise them for obeying you.

Picture

Have a child hold the picture on page 62. Point out the father and mother in the picture. Explain that the father and mother have asked the children to help in the garden, and the children said, “I will obey.” Point out the children in the picture and emphasize that they are helping their parents.

Scripture

Tell the children that in the scriptures we learn that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want us to obey our parents. Open the Bible to Ephesians 6:1 and read, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Invite the children to say, “I will obey.” (Note: It may be that some of the children are being raised by grandparents or other relatives. Be sensitive to such circumstances during this lesson.)

Song

Invite the children to stand. Sing or say the words to “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Songbook, 197) and do the actions below. Invite the children to join you.

When my mother calls me, (cup hands around mouth)

Quickly I’ll obey. (run quietly in place)

I want to do just what is best (nod head up and down)

Each and every day.

When my father calls me, (cup hands around mouth)

Quickly I’ll obey. (run quietly in place)

I want to do just what is best (nod head up and down)

Each and every day.

Heavenly Father loves me, (hug self)

Blesses me each day. (continue hugging self as you turn from side to side)

I want to do just what is best (nod head up and down)

Each and every day.

Picture

Show the picture of Jesus on page 106. Tell the children that Jesus obeyed Heavenly Father, and He wants us to obey too.

Conclusion

Share your testimony that we will be happy if we obey.

Prayer

Invite a child to give the closing prayer.

Teaching Tips

Love: Strive to love the children in the nursery. “When we love those we teach, we pray for each of them. … We tailor our teaching to meet their needs, even if this takes more time and effort. We notice when they are absent and recognize them when they are present. We offer help when it is needed” (Teaching, No Greater Call, 32).

Prayer: If the child needs help praying, prompt him or her with short, simple phrases to repeat. The older children may be able to pray using their own words.

Optional Activities

Preparation

• For the object activity: Bring a box, basket, or other container with a few items inside that give protection, such as an umbrella, shoes, a hat, a coat, or gloves. Try to have at least one item for each child to hold.

• For the puppet activity: Copy and cut out the illustration on page 63 for each child to color. Glue or tape them to sticks or paper sacks to make puppets.

  
  

Role Play

Say and do the following with the children:

Mommy says, “Get dressed, please.” Let’s get dressed (pretend to get dressed).

Daddy says, “Wash your face, please.” Let’s wash our faces (pretend to wash face).

Repeat with other actions, such as “eat your breakfast,” “go to sleep,” and so forth. Praise the children for obeying.

Object Activity

Ask a child to choose one of the items out of the box and try it on. Talk to the children about what kind of protection that item gives (for example, shoes keep our feet from getting dirty or hurt; umbrellas keep us from getting wet from the rain or hot from the sun; and so on). Explain that these things keep us safe; we can also be safe and happy when we obey our parents.

Puppet Activity

Let the children color the puppets you prepared. Read the following scenarios (or create some of your own). After each one, have the children use their puppets to answer, “I will obey.”

Mommy says, “Be kind to your sister, please.” What will you say?

Daddy says, “Time to go to bed, please.” What will you say?

Grandmother says, “Come to dinner, please.” What will you say?

Teacher says, “Let’s get ready for prayer, please.” What will you say?

Jesus says, “Love one another.” What will you say?

This activity is especially appropriate for older children.

Teaching Tips

Praise is important to children. They are loving and want to be loved and accepted. Build their confidence and show your love for them by sincerely praising their efforts whenever possible.

Review: As the children leave the nursery class, help them explain to their parents what they have learned.