Elder Dallin H. Oaks (Oct. 17): "The Plan and the Proclamation"

-

The Activity:

I have devised two options for this particular talk.  The first one deals more specifically with the talk, while the second is more of an application of the counsel to use the Proclamation as a guide in our lives.  I hope one of them is useful



Activity 1:

1.     Give everyone something to write with and something to write on.

2.     Ask class members to think about and write down blessings that they have experienced because of their knowledge of the gospel plan and/or the Proclamation.

3.     After a few moments, have class member turn to a partner and share what they have. 

4.     Ask the partnerships as they share to try and identify more blessings not yet recorded on either one’s paper.

5.     Have each pair turn and join with another pair to form groups of four. 

6.     In this new group, have them share what each partnership has and try to fine another blessing that neither group previously identified.

7.     Come back together, after an adequate amount of time, and discuss what all of the groups had talked about.



Activity 2:

1.     Read the first sentence of Section III (“The gospel plan . . .”)

2.     Have the class members form small groups (3-4 people each) and make sure that each group has at least one copy (probably more) of the Proclamation.

3.     Ask the groups to read over the Proclamation and identify (underline) specific things that families should do to “prepare for eternal life.”

4.     Come back together and discuss what was identified.



Using the Activity:

Both of these activities are based on asking class members to remember/apply the principles outlined in this talk and sharing those things with others to hopefully spur further ideas.  We have all had experiences where someone in class (other than the teacher) has said something or shared an experience that made a light go on in our heads.  We suddenly remembered something or saw something in a new way that helped move us forward on our own path to eternal life. 

I pray that one of these ideas helps you in your calling to teach.  Please let me know how it went.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Elder Valeri V. Cordon (Oct. '23): "Divine Parenting Lessons"

-
 I appreciated this talk.  Elder Cordon shares some great insight and applies the gospel well in drawing his conclusions.  This is a talk that I will return to again and that I will recommend to my oldest son now that he is a father as well (especially when studied in conjunction with some of the other talks/passages from this conference that addressed parenting). The Activity: Prior to class , choose several phrases from the talk that represent actionable items that class members could apply at home now.  Compile these phrases/passages into a single document and print out a copy for each class member.  Passages might include the following: Par. 5 "Adopting the gospel culture" Par. 15 "Create an environment where our children can feel [God's] influence" Par. 12 "Invite to Act" Par 8 "Teach [the gospel] liberally, generously, and without restraint" Pass out a sheet to each class member. Ask the class members to read over the ideas on the sheet...
Read more

Pres. Russell M. Nelson (Apr. '24): "Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys"

-
 This is a relatively short talk, but it is full of both invitations and promises from our prophet.  The blessings enumerated and promised are especially inspiring (par. 25-31).  However, for this activity I chose to focus on the invitations that Pres. Nelson extends to us as members. The Activity: Insure that every class member has access to a copy of the talk either digitally or physically. Insure that every class member has something to write with and on (a device would work fine). Write on the board (or post printed statements) of the 3 (or 5 depending on how you choose to break up the last one) invitations that Pres. Nelson gives us. Par. 8-9 "Jesus Christ then . . . for you personally." Par. 16 "Consider how your . . . to the earth." Par. 19-22 "I invite you . . . home to Him."  (the three statements here could be listed separately). Ask the class members to read these statements and spend a moment silently considering one of the invitations. (Option...
Read more

Elder Dale G. Renlund (Apr. '21): "Infuriating Unfairness"

-
 I feel like one of the defining characteristics of Elder Renlund is his compassion.  I suppose that is probably true of each of the apostles (and others), but in his case, Elder Renlund's compassion always seems to be on full display.  This talk is no exception in my book. The Activity: Explain to the class that Elder Renlund gave us at least three things we were to do when faced with "infuriating unfairness" and that in this activity the class members will be exploring these pieces of advice. Divide the class into three groups. Assign each groups one of the following passages: Par. 14 "In unfair situations . . . for our benefit" (trust in God) Par. 15 "We can try . . .  to do so) (develop greater faith) Par. 16 "As we develop . . . sphere of influence" (become like Christ) Ask each group to read their assigned passages, identify exactly what is counseled in that passage (they may word this differently that I did above), and discuss how each acti...
Read more