Week 4 August: Jesus Can Help Me Change

 

Week 4 August: Jesus Can Help Me Change

Because this Sunday is the fifth Sunday of the month, Primary teachers are encouraged to use learning activities in “Appendix B: Preparing Children for a Lifetime on God’s Covenant Path.”

Psalms 51; 86:5, 13, 15

When I make a wrong choice, Jesus can help me change.
To help your children discover truths about repentance in Psalm 51, draw a large heart. Help your children write inside the heart bad things Satan tempts us to do. How do we get these things out of our hearts? Ask your children to find the word “heart” in Psalm 51:10, 17. Talk about what these verses teach about repentance. Let your children erase the words inside the heart and write new words that describe the ways Jesus can change us when we repent.

You might also teach what it means to have “a broken and a contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17). They could take turns breaking open something with a hard shell, like an egg or a nut. Compare the shell to things that keep us from feeling Heavenly Father’s love. How can we open our hearts to Him?

Look at a picture of the Savior together and ask your children what words they would use to describe Him. Invite them to find words in Psalm 86:5, 13, 15. Why is it important to know these things about Him?

Psalm 61:2–3

Jesus Christ is my rock.
Your children could draw pictures of the symbols in Psalm 61:2–3. How is Jesus Christ like a high “rock” (verse 2), “a shelter,” and “a strong tower” (verse 3)?

Illustration idea: a watchtower built of stone – “Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower” (Psalm 61:3).

Math Connection:

  • Count the rocks in a small tower or stack blocks to represent strength and protection. Ask questions such as:

    • If I add 2 more rocks, how many are there?

    • If 1 falls, how many remain?
      This reinforces counting, addition, and subtraction in a gospel context.

Psalms 66:16; 77:11; 78:6–7

“I will remember the works of the Lord.”
Ask your children to share favorite scripture stories (pictures from the Gospel Art Book might help). What do these stories teach about the Lord? Read Psalm 66:16 and take turns answering, “What has the Lord done for my soul?”

As you read Psalms 77:11; 78:6–7 together, share ways to “remember the works of the Lord” (Psalm 77:11), including His works in your life. How does the sacrament help us “always remember”? (Moroni 4:3; 5:2).

Activity: Create a simple “Memory Jar.” Each day, children write or draw something the Lord has done for them and place it in the jar. Count the memories together at the end of the week.

Psalm 71:8

I can tell others about Jesus Christ.
After reading Psalm 71:8, invite your children to draw a large mouth. Fill the mouth with pictures or words representing things we can tell others about Jesus Christ.

Pass around a picture of Jesus Christ. The child holding it can say one thing they know about Him. Discuss ways to help others know these things.

Activity: Role-play sharing a scripture story or teaching a gospel principle to a family member or friend.

Psalm 86:7

Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.
Many psalms are like prayers. Show children ways we communicate with people far away, such as a phone or letter. Then read Psalm 86:7. How do we “call upon” Heavenly Father? How does He answer us?

Sing a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13), or read Susan H. Porter’s “Pray, He Is There” (Liahona, May 2024, 77–79). Share experiences of times God answered your prayers.

Math Connection:

  • Prayer Counting: Each time a child shares a prayer they have said or a blessing they have received, tally it on a chart. Use addition/subtraction to practice math skills while reinforcing the idea that Heavenly Father listens to all our prayers.

Preschool Add-On:

  • Letter of the Week: R for Repentance

  • Number: 3 (Heart, Rock, Mouth)

  • Shape: Heart

  • Color: Blue (symbolizing peace and forgiveness)

  • Sight Words: I, can, help, Lord

Tracing Sentences:

  • Jesus can help me change.

  • I can tell others about Jesus Christ.

Craft Idea: Make a “Heart of Change” – draw a heart, write or draw things you want to change inside, then draw the new, good things Jesus helps you do around it.

Early Elementary Add-On:

  • Reading & Writing Extension: Write a short journal: “How Jesus Helps Me Change.” Include one way you can help a friend or family member this week.

  • Math Connection: Create a “Blessings Chart.” Track prayers you say or blessings you see each day. Practice adding totals and comparing days:

    • Monday: 2 blessings, Tuesday: 3 blessings = ?

    • Total prayers this week: ?

Family Thought:
Psalm 51 and related verses teach that Jesus can help us change. Helping children understand repentance, sharing about Him, and counting blessings can strengthen faith and joy.

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