Here are 16 Montessori-inspired activities to help young children learn the principles in 3 Nephi 17-19 from the Book of Mormon:
Activity 1: Blessing the Children – Prayer Circle
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 17:21
- Materials:
- None
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 17:21, discussing how Jesus blessed the children.
- Create a prayer circle by having the children sit in a circle, holding hands.
- Encourage each child to say a short prayer or express something they are thankful for.
- Discuss the importance of prayer and blessings in our lives.
Activity 2: Healing and Comfort – Band-Aid Craft
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 17:7
- Materials:
- Paper or cardboard
- Band-Aids
- Markers
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 17:7, focusing on how Jesus healed the sick.
- Give each child a piece of paper or cardboard and have them draw or write something that makes them feel better (e.g., a hug, kind words).
- Place Band-Aids on the paper as a symbol of healing.
- Discuss how Jesus heals and comforts us.
Activity 3: Gratitude and Praise – Thankful Tree
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 17:17
- Materials:
- Large paper or cardboard
- Construction paper leaves
- Markers and tape
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 17:17, discussing how the people praised Jesus.
- Create a “Thankful Tree” by drawing a large tree on paper or cardboard.
- Have the children write or draw things they are grateful for on the leaves and tape them to the tree.
- Discuss how showing gratitude is a way to praise and thank God.
Activity 4: Compassion and Service – Helping Hands
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 17:9
- Materials:
- Paper and markers
- Cleaning supplies
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 17:9, discussing how Jesus showed compassion by healing the sick.
- Trace the children’s hands on paper and write or draw ways they can help others (e.g., picking up toys, helping a sibling).
- Choose a simple service project to do together, like cleaning up a room or helping with household chores.
- Discuss how helping others is a way to show compassion.
Activity 5: Sharing the Gospel – Paper Scrolls
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 19:4
- Materials:
- Paper
- Markers
- String or ribbon
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 19:4, focusing on how the disciples were sent to spread the word.
- Have the children create simple scrolls by writing or drawing a message on a piece of paper, then rolling it up and tying it with string.
- Discuss how sharing the gospel with others helps spread Jesus’ message.
Activity 6: Unity in Prayer – Group Prayer Mat
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 19:24
- Materials:
- Large piece of fabric or blanket
- Markers
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 19:24, discussing how the people prayed with one heart and mind.
- Lay out a large piece of fabric or blanket and have the children decorate it with symbols of prayer (e.g., hearts, praying hands).
- Use the mat for group prayers, emphasizing the importance of unity in prayer.
Activity 7: The Holy Ghost – Wind Chime Craft
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 19:13
- Materials:
- String
- Small bells or chimes
- Sticks or dowels
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 19:13, focusing on how the disciples received the Holy Ghost.
- Help the children create a wind chime using string, bells, and sticks.
- Discuss how the Holy Ghost is like a gentle wind that guides and comforts us.
- Hang the wind chime where it can catch the wind, reminding the children of the Holy Ghost’s presence.
Activity 8: Faith – Planting Seeds
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 19:35
- Materials:
- Small pots or cups
- Soil
- Seeds (flowers or herbs)
- Water
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 19:35, discussing the importance of faith.
- Provide each child with a pot, soil, and seeds. Let them plant the seeds, water them, and place them in a sunny spot.
- Talk about how faith, like seeds, needs to be nurtured to grow.
Activity 9: Teaching by Example – Role-Playing
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 18:16
- Materials:
- Simple props for role-playing
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 18:16, discussing how Jesus taught by example.
- Role-play different scenarios where the children can teach by example (e.g., sharing, being kind).
- Discuss how others learn from our actions and how we can be good examples.
Activity 10: The Sacrament – Bread and Water Sharing
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 18:1-7
- Materials:
- Small pieces of bread
- Small cups of water
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 18:1-7, discussing the institution of the sacrament.
- Have the children participate in a simple sharing of bread and water, explaining that it represents Jesus’ sacrifice.
- Discuss the importance of remembering Jesus through the sacrament.
Activity 11: Peace – Dove Craft
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 18:33
- Materials:
- White paper or construction paper
- Scissors
- Markers
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 18:33, discussing how Jesus brings peace.
- Help the children cut out a dove shape from white paper.
- Let them decorate the dove with markers or other materials.
- Discuss ways to bring peace into our lives and the lives of others.
Activity 12: Gratitude for Blessings – Gratitude Journal
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 18:7
- Materials:
- Small notebooks
- Pens or crayons
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 18:7, focusing on the blessings we receive from Jesus.
- Give each child a small notebook to create a gratitude journal.
- Encourage them to write or draw things they are grateful for each day.
- Discuss how gratitude helps us recognize Jesus’ blessings.
Activity 13: Remembering Jesus – Picture Frame Craft
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 18:7
- Materials:
- Cardboard or foam frames
- Markers, stickers, glue
- Picture of Jesus or a drawing
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 18:7, discussing the importance of remembering Jesus.
- Let the children decorate a picture frame with markers, stickers, and glue.
- Place a picture of Jesus or a drawing inside the frame.
- Encourage the children to keep the frame in a special place to help them remember Jesus.
Activity 14: Prayer and Communion with God – Prayer Mat
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 19:19
- Materials:
- Small rugs or fabric pieces
- Markers, fabric paint
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 19:19, discussing the importance of prayer.
- Let the children decorate a small rug or piece of fabric with symbols of prayer.
- Use the mats during personal or family prayer time.
- Discuss how prayer brings us closer to God.
Activity 15: Following Jesus – Footprint Path
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 18:24
- Materials:
- Paper footprints
- Markers
- Tape
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 18:24, discussing how we can follow Jesus’ example.
- Create a path using paper footprints, each labeled with actions that follow Jesus (e.g., kindness, prayer, service).
- Have the children walk the path, discussing each step as they go.
Activity 16: Sharing the Light – Candle Lighting
Scripture Inspiration: 3 Nephi 18:24
- Materials:
- Small candles or LED candles
- Directions:
- Read 3 Nephi 18:24, focusing on being a light to others.
- Light a candle and pass the flame (or light LED candles) to each child, symbolizing sharing the light of Christ.
- Discuss ways the children can share Jesus’ light with others.
