Toddler-Friendly Scripture Study: Chapter 4

Chapter 4: The Brass Plates
If you haven't read my initial post, read it here. It explains the scripture study plan in a little more detail and gives more information for how to teach it. 

Preparation

Song: Nephi’s Courage, p. 120, chorus

“I will go; I will do (punch air upward with fist for “go” and “do”)

the thing the Lord commands. (ASL for “commands”)

I know (point to head) the Lord provides a way; (hold both hands out, parallel with palms facing each other, then push out in front of you like you are making a path)

He wants me to obey.” (salute)

Repeat, but fold arms for last “obey”

Art/Craft:

1. There are free activity books here that go along with a variety of scripture stories. You just need to create a free account (super easy). For this chapter, I used a few coloring pages from the “Nephi and the Brass Plates” activity book.
UPDATE: Super cute Book of Mormon coloring book available on LDS.org - found HERE. For this lesson, I would use this page:

AND/OR For older toddlers, print and cut out brass plates for size sort.

2. Printable figures for retelling

OR you could read the summary while your child acts it out 

Scripture Study Outline

This chapter is a big one, so plan on it taking at least a week!

1. Preview the chapter with a picture walk. (Explanation found here.)

2. Read through the story. Ask questions and take time to look at the pictures as you read. Take as many days as needed to read the whole chapter.  End by listening to/singing the song. (Teach hand actions before you try to teach words.)

3.  Have child color one of the coloring pages quietly and/or do the brass plates sort while you read sections of the story from the actual scriptures. Find the passages you feel are most important to share and highlight them beforehand for an easier read. Take as many days as needed to read through the passages. End by listening to/singing the song. 

4. (Cut out printable figures in advance. Tape them to straws/popsicle sticks or attach them to magnets and display on the fridge, cookie sheet, etc.) Share the summary as you hold up the printable figures. Repeat but have your child hold the figures as you read. After they have heard the summary a couple times, ask questions about each figure. (i.e. “Who is this?”, “Why do Laman and Lemuel have grumpy faces?”, “Who is holding the plates?”) OR you could have your child act out the summary instead of having printable figures. End by singing the song. 

5. Watch the scripture storyvideo for this chapter. End by reading your favorite verse from the story. (It may be typical, but I love 1 Nephi 3:7) Read it one time and then have your child read part of it or all of it by repeating after you.

6. Have child try to retell the story using the figures, helping them as needed. Ask what their favorite part of the story was. Tell your favorite part and then read another favorite verse from the scripture passages. Share your testimony about having faith and following God, like Nephi. End by singing the song together.