Lesson Helps

August 2011 Sharing Time: My Body Is a Temple

This sharing time will engage the children in an activity that teaches them to take care of their minds and bodies.
 
Preparation: Print out a large version of the boy and girl paper dolls and their clothing from the image provided. Cut them out, keeping the shoes as one item. Write the corresponding song, quote, or scripture (see below) to the back of each piece or on an attached slip of paper. Post the boy and girl on the board at the front of the room. Place the clothing pieces in a box or basket. Have magnets or tape available to attach these pieces to the paper dolls.

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Boy shirt: “Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly. . . . Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire.” (For the Strength of Youth, p. 14-16)
 
Boy pants: “Never let Satan or others lead you to think that breaking the Word of Wisdom will make you happier or more attractive.” (For the Strength of Youth, p. 37)
 
Boy shoes: “Have the courage to walk out of a movie or video party, turn off a computer or television, change a radio station, or put down a magazine if what is being presented does not meet Heavenly Father’s standards. Do these things even if others do not. Let your friends and family know that you are committed to keeping God’s standards.” (For the Strength of Youth, p. 19)
 
Boy scripture case: “Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.” (Moroni 7:14)
 
Girl sweater: Sing “Heathly, Wealthy, and Wise.” (Children’s Songbook, p. 280) [Note: this song is a very easy to learn and fun to sing in a round.]
 
Girl skirt: “Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos or body piercings. If girls or women desire to have their ears pierced, they are encouraged to wear only one pair of modest
earrings.” (For the Strength of Youth, p. 37)
 
Girl shoes: “Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. When you do all these things, you remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life. You gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.” (For the Strength of Youth, p. 36)
 
Girl scripture case: Sing “Choose the Right Way.” (Children’s Songbook, p. 160)
 
 
Presentation: Show the children the boy and girl paper dolls at the front of the room. Tell them that they represent each of the boys and girls in Primary.
 
Have a child read the following excerpt from 1 Corinthians 3: 16–17 (Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? . . . The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are). Discuss what this scripture means then sing “The Lord Gave Me a Temple,” Children’s Songbook, 153.
 
Explain that they are now going to have an activity to dress the paper dolls as they learn more about how to take care of their bodies/temples.
 
Have a child pick an article of clothing from the basket. Have them read the scripture or quote on the back (have them repeat it after you if they can’t read yet) or help lead the music if it is a song. Briefly discuss the quote or song as needed, then have them place the clothing in the appropriate place on the paper dolls. Repeat this process until all the clothing items have been used.
 
Bear testimony that you know they are children of God and that He wants them to keep their bodies clean and healthy.

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