Samuel the Lamanite on the Wall, by Arnold Friberg

August 31–September 6

Helaman 13–16

“Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

Prepare to teach by reading Helaman 13–16 and pondering which activities will best help the children learn the truths in these chapters.

Record Your Impressions

Invite Sharing

Show a picture of Samuel the Lamanite, and invite the children to share something they know about him. For example, could they talk about the story of Samuel teaching on the wall or the signs he said would appear when Jesus was born?

Teach the Doctrine: Younger Children

Helaman 13:2–5

The Spirit can speak to our hearts.

When Samuel the Lamanite was commanded to preach to the Nephites, Heavenly Father helped him know in his heart what he should say.

Possible Activities

• Teach the children that while we speak to each other using words, the Holy Ghost can communicate through feelings in our hearts. Invite them to hold their hands over their hearts each time you read the word “heart” in Helaman 13:2–5. Help them decorate heart-shaped pieces of paper that say, “The Spirit speaks to me in my heart.”

• Tell the children that when they are baptized and confirmed, they will have the gift of the Holy Ghost to help them know what Heavenly Father wants them to do and say. Help them think of things the Holy Ghost might tell them, and invite them to share what they could do to follow His promptings.

Helaman 14:2–7, 20–25

Prophets teach about Jesus Christ.

The account of Samuel the Lamanite is a great opportunity to teach the children that all prophets teach about Jesus Christ.

Possible Activities

• Show the picture of Samuel the Lamanite in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, and tell the children, in simple words, about his experience in Helaman 13–16. You could also use “Chapter 40: Samuel the Lamanite Tells about Jesus Christ” (Book of Mormon Stories, 111–13, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Let the children share things they know about Samuel the Lamanite.

• Sing together “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” or the seventh verse of “Book of Mormon Stories” (Children’s Songbook, 36, 118–19). Share something you admire about Samuel, and let the children share what they like about his story.

• Hide pictures around the room that represent the signs that Samuel prophesied of in Helaman 14:2–7 and 20–25. Read a phrase that describes one of the signs, and ask the children to find the picture of that sign. Explain that these signs helped the Nephites know about Jesus Christ. Testify that, like Samuel, all prophets testify of Jesus Christ.

The prophet points us to Jesus Christ.

Helaman 16:1–6

I am blessed when I follow the prophet.

Heavenly Father has given us a prophet to help us know His will and follow His plan. We are blessed as we listen to the prophet’s words and obey.

Possible Activities

• Help the children build a small wall with blocks or books. Using a small toy or doll to represent Samuel, let the children take turns helping “Samuel” climb the wall to teach the people about Jesus Christ. (See also this week’s activity page.) Share phrases from Helaman 16:1 and 5 to explain that some people believed Samuel and were baptized. Use phrases from Helaman 16:2 and 6 to show that others did not believe and were angry with Samuel. Testify that people who follow the prophet are blessed.

• Display a picture of the Savior, and ask a child to represent the prophet and lead the other children around the room while they sing a few verses of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11) or another song about prophets. Then ask the child representing the prophet to lead the children to the picture of the Savior. Testify that if we follow the prophet, he will lead us to Jesus Christ. Share some things our prophet has taught about Jesus recently. How can we follow his counsel?

Teach the Doctrine: Older Children

Helaman 13:2–4

The Spirit can speak to our hearts.

Someday, the children you teach will need to know how to do what Samuel did: share the message that the Lord puts in their hearts.

Possible Activities

• Show a picture of Samuel the Lamanite (such as the one in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families), and ask the children how Samuel knew what to say when he was preaching from the city wall. Invite them to search Helaman 13:2–4 for an answer. Tell about a time when the Holy Ghost helped you know in your heart what God wanted you to do or say. Ask the children to share any similar experiences they have had.

• Show a picture of the living prophet speaking in general conference. Tell the children that God tells the prophet what to say to us, just as He told Samuel what to say to the Nephites. Talk together about things the prophet has said that have been inspiring to you or the children.

Helaman 14:2–28

Prophets teach about Jesus Christ.

The purpose of Samuel’s message was to testify of Jesus Christ and invite the people to repent and come unto Him. Our prophets today have the same role.

Possible Activities

• Invite half of the children to read Helaman 14:2–6 and draw pictures of the signs of Jesus’s birth. Invite the other half of the class to read Helaman 14:20–28 and draw pictures of the signs of Jesus’s death. Then ask each group to share what they drew. Read together Helaman 14:11–12, and ask the children to listen for why Samuel prophesied about these signs. How do we learn about Jesus Christ today?

• Explain that just as Samuel the Lamanite taught about Jesus Christ, living prophets do the same today. Share a statement from a recent conference message in which the living prophet testified of Christ. Ask the children to share what the prophet has taught them about Jesus Christ.

Helaman 16:1–6

I am blessed when I follow the prophet.

Heavenly Father has given us a prophet to help us know His will and follow His plan. We are blessed as we listen to and obey the prophet’s words.

Possible Activities

• Read aloud Helaman 16:1 and 5, and ask the children to stand up when they hear something the people did when they believed Samuel’s words. Then read verses 2 and 6, and ask the children to sit down when they hear something the people did when they did not believe. How can we show that we believe the words of the living prophet?

• Show a picture of the living prophet, and ask the children to share what they know about him. Share how you are trying to follow his teachings and how doing so has blessed you.

Encourage Learning at Home

Invite the children to learn about something the prophet has said and share it with the class next week.

Improving Our Teaching

Encourage children to ask questions. “Strive to see [the children’s] questions as opportunities, not as distractions or impediments to your lesson. … Such questions give you valuable insights into what the children are thinking, what concerns they have, and how they are responding to the things they are learning” (see also Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 25–26).