Powerfully Teaching Your Children Gospel Principles Lesson Plan: Modern-day Goliaths Objectives: Talk about the different kinds of modern-day Goliaths that we face today. Emphasize that through practice we can overcome these modern-day Goliaths. Reinforces Principles of: Faith Truth Each lesson contains 5 timed activities: (Choose the activities that fit your family s schedule. Additional resources are provided as extra time may be available.) Reverence Time: Song, prayer, scripture and video clip Lesson Time: Lesson summary and points to ponder Story Time: Story Activity Time: Object lesson or activity Treat Time: Prayer, theme related recipe & music video www.ldsfamilyfun.com 2008 Living Scriptures, Inc. All rights reserved. May be used freely for personal, non-commercial purposes.
Approximate Time: 5 minutes Sing Together: Children s Songbook #158, Dare to Do Right If you wish to have an online music file to accompany you visit: http://www.lds.org/churchmusic (Note: Navigate to the Interactive Church Music Player where you can listen to and print Church hymns and children s songs.) Prayer: Scripture Time: 1 Samuel 17: 45-46 45. Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Video Clip: Watch chapter 10 from The Complete Learning System, David and Goliath DVD. www.ldsfamilyfun.com 2008 Living Scriptures, Inc. All rights reserved. May be used freely for personal, non-commercial purposes.
Lesson Summary: Approximate Time: 10-15 minutes (For younger children, it may be helpful to summarize the following ideas): Did David Dare to Do Right? (Discuss ideas.) Why do you think David dared to fight Goliath when all of Israel s warriors were afraid? (Discuss ideas.) In the April 2007 General Conference, the Young Men s General President, Charles W. Dahlquist II, said, David did not timidly walk but ran to meet the giant. And because of David s faith in God, Goliath was slain and Israel prevailed.... Wherever I travel, I meet noble youth just like you who are faced constantly with modern-day Goliaths in the form of temptations that would cause us to violate our covenants and the standards the Lord has given us.... Charles W. Dahlquist II Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. What are some of these worldly temptations or modern-day Goliaths? (Discuss ideas.) Remember, Satan does not want you to be happy. He does not want you to dare to do right. He wants you to be miserable, as he is. He has captured the hearts of wicked men and women who would have you participate in bad things such as pornography, drugs, profanity, and immorality. Ezra Taft Benson, Jun 1989 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Why was David able to slay Goliath with a shepherd s sling and a stone? (Discuss ideas. Emphasize that David had great faith.) Can we fight the modern-day Goliaths with a stone and a sling? (No.) What do we need to Dare to Do Right to fight these modern-day Goliaths? (Discuss ideas. Emphasize faith and truth.) Israel s and Judah s warriors were afraid to fight Goliath. Satan wants us to be afraid to do what is right, too. Why shouldn t we be afraid to fight the modern-day Goliaths? (Discuss ideas.) You need not fear if you have the slingshot of truth in your hands.... You have the stones of virtue and honor and integrity to use against these enemies. When they challenge you, you can hit them between the eyes, if you call upon God to protect you and you will be triumphant. Gordon B. Hinckley, Friend, Jan 2002 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. www.ldsfamilyfun.com 2008 Living Scriptures, Inc. All rights reserved. May be used freely for personal, non-commercial purposes.
Points to Ponder: What was Goliath armed with that David didn t have? Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: (1 Sam. 17:45) What was David armed with that Goliath didn t have? And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.... I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand... (1 Sam. 17:40, 45-46) David dared to do right and was able to defeat the heavily armed Goliath. Like David, you also can defeat your Goliaths by daring to do right. David had courage, he had strength, he had faith in himself, but especially faith in his Heavenly Father, to whom he offered his prayers....you will meet Goliaths who threaten you. Whether your Goliath is a town bully or is the temptation to steal or to destroy or the temptation to rob or the desire to curse and swear; if your Goliath is the desire to wantonly destroy or the temptation to lust and to sin, or the urge to avoid activity, whatever is your Goliath, he can be slain. But remember, to be the victor, one must follow the path that David followed. Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Nov 1974 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Quote: Should there be a Goliath in our lives, or a giant called by any other name, we need not flee or be sore afraid as we go up to battle against him. Rather we can find assurance and receive divine help from Him of whom David wrote in his inspired psalm: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Yea, though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me. (Ps. 23:1, 4.) Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Jan 1987 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Share your testimony of the importance of staying close to the Lord so that He can preserve us from the modern-day Goliaths around us. www.ldsfamilyfun.com 2008 Living Scriptures, Inc. All rights reserved. May be used freely for personal, non-commercial purposes.
There they are, Mom. There s Grandma and Grandpa! David said excitedly. Grandma and Grandpa waved as they rode the escalator down to the baggage area. The children scrambled to be the first to give their grandparents a hug before loading into the car for the ride home. Tears swelled in Grandma s eyes as they pulled into the driveway. Oh, it is so good to be home! she exclaimed. The Holy Land was wonderful, but there is nothing like the Promised Land. Nephi built a ship to come to the Promised Land, James proudly stated. That s right, James. How did you get so smart? Grandpa asked. By watching the Book of Mormon movies you gave us, James answered. What was the Holy Land like, Grandma? Mary asked. Did you really walk where Jesus walked? We really did, Grandma answered. But, I didn t have to go to the Holy Land to do that. I walk where Jesus walks every time I go to the temple. I m going to go to the temple, too, someday, Mary said enthusiastically. Mary held Grandma s hand as they walked into house. Put that green bag in the living room, Grandma told Father. It s got all our surprises in it. Grandma and Grandpa spent the rest of the evening talking about their trip, showing pictures and giving each child a souvenir, personally picked for each of them. This is for you David, Grandpa said, handing David a small bag. David anxiously opened the bag and took out the gift. What is it? he asked eyeing the braided strings. It s a shepherd s sling, Grandpa explained. Like the one David used to slay Goliath, but before I teach you how to use it, you have to learn the rules so you don t hurt anyone. Or anything, Grandma added. (Approximate Time: 3 minutes) On the ride home, the children chatted happily about the souvenirs Grandma and Grandpa had brought them from the Holy Land. James carefully held the little wooden fishing boat with cloth sails on his lap www.ldsfamilyfun.com 2008 Living Scriptures, Inc. All rights reserved. May be used freely for personal, non-commercial purposes.
as he recalled Grandpa saying, It s the same kind of boat Jesus disciple James would have fished from. I m sure glad I was named James! he told Mother and Father. I love my souv-a, souv-a, um, my boat. Mary fingered the olive wood figurines. Momma, do I have to wait until Christmas or can I have my nativity on my dresser all the time? Mary asked. It s just so pretty! You re right. It s much too pretty to be put away in a closet and only brought out once a year, Mother answered. But you ll have to keep it dusted for it to stay pretty. When the family got home, David jumped out of the car. I m going to find some rocks, he shouted as he dashed into the backyard. David placed a rock in the pouch of his shepherd s sling and swirled it around his head, like he had seen David do in their animated movie, but when he released the knot the rock shot sideways. What did I do wrong, he wondered eying the diagram that came with his shepherd s sling. Maybe, I should try the overhand method. This time the rock hit the ground right in front of his feet. David kicked the rock and shoved the sling into his pocket. How come I had to be named David? I can t hit anything, he mumbled out loud. Hey, Sport, Father said kneeling down in front of David. It s not always easy living up to your namesake. Is it? David wiped a tear from his cheek and shook his head. Well, I hope you re not going to give up, Father said. You know, David had to practice for years, before he was really good with his shepherd s sling, Father added. Did you know that I had one of these when I was a boy and I had to practice everyday for a whole summer before I was any good at it. Really? David asked. That s right, Father answered. Like everything we do, David, the more we practice the better we get. Of course Satan would have us think differently. He would even want you to believe that you weren t good enough to be named after King David. David hung his head. Father gently took David s face in his hands and looked in his eyes. Satan s wrong, David! You are a precious child of God, just like David of old was and He loves you. Remember that David had faith in Heavenly Father and in himself, Father added. David had a warm feeling inside. He knew the Holy Ghost was telling him that the things his Dad had said were true. David gave Dad a big hug. Thanks, Dad. I will practice using my shepherd s sling and I m going to practice listening to the Holy Ghost, too! by Margie Nauta Lee 2008 Living Scriptures, Inc. www.ldsfamilyfun.com 2008 Living Scriptures, Inc. All rights reserved. May be used freely for personal, non-commercial purposes.
What you need: Preparation Activity: A copy of the Modern-day, Goliaths activity (artwork included with this lesson), scissors, tape, 3 x 3 piece of pliable material (leather, felt, denim, etc. We used a piece of plastic from the cover of an old binder) and yarn or string. 1. Cut out Goliath target. Overlap sections to match up. Tape together. 2. Roll each stone piece into a circle and tape to hold. 3. Make shepherd s sling. See instructions. 1. Explain: The oldest written reference to a sling is in the Bible, Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss. (Judges 20:16) The most famous slingshot story is the battle between David and Goliath from The First Book of Samuel. The sling was the weapon of choice for shepherds in the field due to its usefulness for fending off other animals. The sling was a low-status weapon among the Philistines but it was a perfect weapon for the Israelites because it required little resources and was easily produced. 2. Ask: Did David have to practice using his sling in order to become skilled enough with it to slay Goliath? (Discuss ideas.) 3. Ask: What else did David need to slay Goliath? (Discuss ideas. Emphasize: faith, truth, prayer, scriptures and listening to the Holy Ghost.) 4. Ask: What are some of the modern-day Goliaths that we need to fight against? (Discuss ideas.) 5. Explain: There will be battles against these modern-day Goliaths throughout our entire lives. Some times we will lose a fight, but through the atonement of Jesus Christ and our constant practice using the weapons Heavenly Father has given us we will win the battle and return to live with Him. 6. Ask: What are some stones that Heavenly Father has given us to fight against modern-day Goliaths? (Faith, truth, prayer, scriptures, the Holy Ghost, etc.) 7. Ask: Do we need to practice using these weapons, like David did, to become better skilled in fighting against modern-day Goliaths? (Discuss ideas. Emphasize that the more we practice the better we will get.) 8. Tape the Goliath target on a wall. Take turns practicing slinging the paper stones at the target, But remember, to be the victor, one must follow the path that David followed. Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Nov 1974 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. (See instructions on using a sling.) www.ldsfamilyfun.com 2008 Living Scriptures, Inc. All rights reserved. May be used freely for personal, non-commercial purposes.
Using a Sling Method One: 1. Place finger loop on middle finger. 2. Hold release knot between thumb and index finger. 3. Place stone in pouch. 4. Swing above head, with index finger pointing out. 5. Point at target with index finger and release knot. 6. Practice, practice, practice. Method Two: (Easiest) 1. Place finger loop on middle finger. 2. Hold release knot between thumb and index finger. 3. Place stone in pouch. 4. Use the same motion as you would to throw a baseball. a. Start with hand down at side with sling hanging down. b. Lift arm up and behind your head with sling hanging behind you. 5. Release the knot when your arm reaches the top of your head. 6. Practice, practice, practice.
Making a Sling 1. Cut (6) 84 inch pieces of yarn or string. Any string 1/16" wide will work. We used yarn. 2. Place the strings into an even row and then double to find the middle. Secure the strings at the middle by tying a small piece of string n a bow around them. 3. Divide the string into three strands of two strings each. Braid a loose flat braid for 4 inches by keeping the strands flat and parallel. This will become the 'finger loop. 4. Fold the 4 inch flat braid in half and secure (remove the string that was securing the middle and use it to secure the finger loop). 5. Separate the string into three strands of four strings each. Braid a tight 12 inch round braid by rolling the strands over the previous strand. This will be the down cord. Secure the down cord (remove the string that was securing the finger loop and tie it in a bow at the end of the down cord). 6. Separate each of the strands evenly into two, new strands of six strings each. Divide each of these into three strands. Braid each of these strands into a 4 inch round braid. Secure each braid by tying a small piece of yarn in a bow around them (use the string that was securing the down cord for one of them). 7. Cut (4) 1/2 inch slits cross ways along two of the sides of your material. 8. Thread the 4 inch round braids through the slits and then secure together (remove the strings securing the 4 inch round braids and use one of them to secure the pouch). Fold pouch together and trim off the inner corners. 5. Divide the strings into two new strands of 4 strings each. Braid a tight 14 inch round braid for the release cord. 6. Tie a knot in the end. Trim ends of strands evenly. 7. Adjust the cords so the pouch is centered and then tie another knot in the release cord to make the release knot.
Approximate Time: 15 minutes Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 2 minutes Chill Time: 2-3 minutes 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1-1/2 cup white chocolate chips 7 oz. jar marshmallow cream (7 ounces) 1 package marshmallows Tooth picks, skewers or fondue forks Chocolate Covered (Marshmallow) Stones Combine the marshmallow cream and white chocolate chips. Heat in microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds. Stir and heat an additional 30 seconds. Heat chocolate chips in microwave for 30 seconds on 50% power. Treat Time: Give each family member 5 marshmallows. Squish marshmallows with hands to get unsymmetrical shapes. Dip in chocolate mixture. Place on a waxed paper lined tray to cool before eating. And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. (1 Samuel 17:40) Closing Prayer and blessing on the food. www.ldsfamilyfun.com 2008 Living Scriptures, Inc. All rights reserved. May be used freely for personal, non-commercial purposes.