Week 4 July - August

 

Week 4 July - August: “I Am Doing a Great Work”
Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8

The Jewish people had been captives in Babylonia for about 70 years. They had lost Jerusalem and the temple, and many had forgotten God’s law. But God had not forgotten them. He helped His people return to Jerusalem and fulfill their covenants. Zerubbabel oversaw the rebuilding of the temple, Ezra helped the people return their hearts to God’s law, and Nehemiah led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. They faced opposition but were strengthened by the Lord. Their example shows that we, too, are doing a great work when we serve God.

Teaching Ideas for Families

1. The House of the Lord Is a Place of Joy
Read Ezra 3:8–13; 6:16–22. Talk about how the Jews felt when the temple was rebuilt. Discuss why the temple is a special place today and how it helps us feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Activity idea: Read Ezra 3:10–13 together and have children find words that show joy. At the end of verse 13, shout or clap for joy together. Ask children how they can show joy for the blessings of the Lord.

Sing together: second verse of “Welcome Home” (Gospel Library). Pause after each line and let children share something they love about the temple.

2. God Will Help Me Do His Great Work
Read Nehemiah 2:17–20; 6:1–9. Share the story of Nehemiah and how he rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Discuss opposition he faced and how he trusted the Lord.

Activity idea: Pretend to help build the walls of Jerusalem. Use blocks, boxes, or other objects. Talk about ways Heavenly Father wants us to do His work.

As you read Nehemiah 6:9, invite children to raise their hands each time you say, “strengthen my hands.” Share a personal story of a time God strengthened you to do His work.

3. The Scriptures Are a Blessing
Read Nehemiah 8:1–12. Talk about how Ezra read the scriptures and the people responded with joy. Discuss what it means to listen and learn from the scriptures today.

Activity idea: As you read phrases from Nehemiah 8:2–3, 5–6, 8–9, 12, act out the actions of the people. Ask children what helps them understand the scriptures, and show them tools like the Guide to the Scriptures or Gospel Library topics. Encourage children to share something they’ve learned about Jesus Christ.

Preschool Add-On

Letter of the Week: W for Work / Walls
Number: 3 (Temple, Wall, Scriptures)
Shape: Rectangle (representing walls and temple)
Color: Gold (representing God’s blessings)

Sight Words: I, can, help, God

Tracing Sentences:
I can help build God’s work.
God gives me strength.

Math Connection:

  • Count 3 examples of ways to do God’s work (temple, wall, scriptures).

  • Practice addition: 1 + 2 = 3; subtraction: 3 − 1 = 2.

Reading Connection:
Read a short story about helping others or building something important. Ask, “How can I help build God’s work?”

Craft Idea:
Make a “Great Work Wall.” Draw bricks on paper and have children write or draw one way they can help God’s work on each brick.

Early Elementary Add-On

Reading & Writing Extension:
Write a journal entry: “How I Can Do a Great Work.” Encourage children to describe one way they can serve God, help others, or strengthen their faith.

Early Elementary Add-On

Math Connection:

  • Make “Temple Treasure Bags”: Draw 10 small boxes (like treasure bags) on paper. Each box represents a blessing from doing God’s work.

  • Practice addition and subtraction:

    • If 4 blessings are already in your treasure bags and you receive 3 more, how many blessings do you have in total? (4 + 3 = 7)

    • If you share 2 blessings with someone else, how many are left? (7 − 2 = 5)

Art or Reflection Project:
Make a “Great Work Poster.” Draw or write ways to serve God, follow His commandments, and build faith in your home or community. Include images of temples, walls, or scriptures.

Family Thought:
Just as Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah did “a great work,” we can serve God in our homes, communities, and lives. By trusting Him, following His commandments, studying scriptures, and helping others, we strengthen ourselves and those around us. God strengthens us to do His work and blesses our efforts.

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