To continue my helps for teachers while dealing with this situation (COVID-19 and having to race to turn F2F classes into online courses) I am sharing an example of a robust at home lesson that I created for an REL 250: Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel course. I will share the assignment on a post following this one.
Principles to consider while creating a longer, more in-depth at-home lesson:
- Think about the experience you want your students to have in class (perhaps go to a F2F lesson plan).
- Now, conceive of this lesson as something different, you obviously can’t create the same F2F experience, so how can you take each section from your lesson plan and allow the student to go on a guided journey through the material.
- It will take some effort to switch your thinking from traditional teaching to online, but think of one of your students at home and how you can best help them have an experience with the material.
- I find it best to allow them to make choices in the lesson (think of the old “choose-your-own-adventure” books) because it helps them engage more in the process.
I find it very synchronistic that the at home lesson I have is a lesson on creation and creativity! Enjoy the process of being creative as a teacher. This is why I love this profession – each day, each class affords me the opportunity to be creative!
Enjoy! And please share it with those who need it, and comment on ideas that you have for at-home lessons, etc.
Other posts in this series –
My lesson follows:
“At Home” Lesson on Creation
Hello Dear Students!
I put the words “at home” in quote marks, because I don’t care where/when you do this assignment. We will not be having class on Thursday, May 3rd, and so instead we will be doing this lesson. It will require at least 3 hours – (to make up for the hour of pre-class work, a one hour class, and the one hour after class assignment typical of the university requirements.) This assignment will have a beginning, which you must complete and then have a section of principles. The principles will be in 3 parts and I leave it up to you to decide (by the spirit and your desires) how you want to do that part of the lesson.
The most important things are these:
- That you understand what the Lord’s teachings through His words to Prophets and Apostles (not what the world’s teachings) are on each section.
- That you learn, and enjoy doing it!
- That this time teaches you. You will know that you have been taught if after the time spent – you have drawn closer to God, and you want to make changes in your life to be better.
- You complete the study and the assignments.
Okay, ready? Here we go!
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BACKGROUND
(you must all complete this part)
Jehovah created the earth under the direction of the Father
PONDER these questions as you study this section:
- As you observe the world around you, what do the creations of God teach you about the Savior, about His priesthood, and about His stature in the pre-mortal world?
- How does understanding these truths influence your feelings toward and testimony of Jesus Christ?
- How does understanding these truths influence the way you feel about the earth?
“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles (Links to an external site.)” states: “Under the direction of His Father, [Jesus Christ] was the creator of the earth. ‘All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made’ (John1:3)” (Ensign or Liahona, Apr. 2000, 2). As you come to understand the eternal purposes of the earth’s creation, you can live with greater resolve to fulfill the measure of your own creation.
First, please study the following:
- Moses 1:27-42
- READ: [Then] Elder Russel M. Nelson, The Creation (Links to an external site.), April 2000
- and then choose one of the versions of the creation –
- Moses 2, 3:1-3
- Abraham 4, Abr, 3:24-26
- Genesis 1:1-31; 2:1-2
As you read, copy down questions or impressions in your journal. You can use these as guiding questions if you’d like – What question came to mind about the creation of the Earth and Universe? How are the Father and the Son Creators and what is their purpose for creating?
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PRINCIPLES ABOUT CREATION
(study this section as you see fit, maybe spend equal time on each one, or skim two and focus in deeply on one, your choice)
Section #1 Principle: God created our mortal body and we have a stewardship to care for it.
PONDER these questions as you study this section:
- Why is it important to see myself as a steward, responsible to care for my body?
- How is Satan tempting me to misuse my body?
- What am I doing each day to care for my body? Why is that important?
READ: [Then] Elder Russel M. Nelson, Thanks be to God (Links to an external site.), April 2012
WATCH:
Look over these resources and make some goals/changes to help make yourself healthier during your time here.
- Idea List: A Healthier You (Links to an external site.), New Era 2006
- Missionary Health Preparation (Links to an external site.) (though you may not be a missionary now, or anymore, still some important ideas), Ensign 2007
- Physical and Emotional Health (Links to an external site.), FSOY, again great resources!
Section #2 Principle: In Honoring God’s Creations, We Honor the Creator
PONDER these questions as you study this section:
- Knowing that the Lord’s teachings are usually in the middle of the debate – how can we learn to use (have dominion) and yet be good stewards of the earth at the same time?
- How can you “make your own living space more beautiful and inspirational”? How would that improve your life?
- How have you, or could you, enjoy more of the Lord’s creations here in Rexburg? How would that improve your life?
READ: In Honoring God’s Creations, We Honor the Creator (Links to an external site.), LDS Newsroom, April 2018
WATCH:
Ponder this is from the new Young Women’s Camp Manual (Links to an external site.) –
“A fountain of pure water” and “a thicket of small trees” (Mosiah 18:5)—Mormon used these words to describe the place where Alma hid after fleeing from King Noah. Those trees and that water became “beautiful . . . to the eyes” of the people who joined Alma there. Why? Because in that place, Alma and his people “came to the knowledge of their Redeemer” (Mosiah 18:30). The location of your Young Women camp—whether it is in a forest, in a park, on a beach, or in a meetinghouse—can become beautiful to the eyes of all who gather there. Like Alma and his people, young women need a place where they can gather together, separate from worldly influences, feel the Spirit of the Lord, grow in unity and love, and strengthen their faith and testimonies of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Section #3 Principle: Choose to be a creator, not merely a consumer
PONDER these questions as you study this section:
- What do you seek when you have free time?
- Are you a Consumer or a Creator?
- What are you consuming?
- What are you creating?
READ: [Then] President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Happiness Your Heritage (Links to an external site.), October 2008
WATCH:
Look over these resources and make some goals/changes to help make yourself more productive and creative during your time here.
Talent and Interest Survey (Links to an external site.), lds.org (for fun and to get ideas)
Recognizing and Developing Talents and Abilities (Links to an external site.), From Institute Manual; The Gospel and the Productive Life.
Assignment: After completing this lesson, please complete this assignment.
Thank you for your hard work!!!
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For Further Study –
The First Presidency Statement about the Father and Son–1916
Working on it! 
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