I Like Where I Live (Bloom Where You're Planted)

Objective: To help the children realize that they can be happy wherever they live and that every place has something good about it to be discovered.

Use one of the following ideas or a combination of ideas.

1. Group Discussion

Divide the children into four (or more) groups. Ahead of time, prepare information on the same number (as groups) of different places to live. Be sure to imagine that they have been sent by the prophet to settle this new area. They should decide what things they like about this new area and ways it could be fun. They should also decide how they can deal with the not-so-good things about this area. Call on each group to present their ideas or ask specific questions.

2. Story or Role Play

Tell the story of one or more groups of pioneers who were asked to settle an area that was difficult. (For example, St. George, Mesa, Arizona, or even of the pioneers who left their homes in Nauvoo to settle in the Salt LakeValley.) Tell how they made each area a better place. With props, the children could act out the story. Or you could tell the beginning of the story and the hardships the pioneers had to deal with and let the children decide how they think the pioneers dealt with them. Then tell the end of the story.

3. Homemade Postcards

Cut a poster board into card sizes. On th dull side of the card, draw a line down the center that will be addressed and have the message. On the shiny side, have the children draw something they like about where they live. It could be a temple, a lake, etc. On the other side, have them write a message about where they live to someone. The children could either take them home to be addressed and mailed, or they could all be collected by the Primary President and all be sent to the same person (such as the bishop or a less active member in the ward. Or perhaps they could all be sent to another Primary in another city or country.)

4. Activity or Handout

Depending on the amount of time you want to allow for this, you could have the children do part or all of this activity or it could be used along with another method, such as a handout for the kids to take home to remind them of the message. Take half of a plastic eggs or use a paper or styrofoam cup. Paint a face on with markers or acrylic paint. Write across it "Bloom Where You Are Planted." Cut arms, legs, a tie, or whatever you wish out of construction paper. Attach with masking tape loops. Attach the feet with a lump of clay to help it sit up if you use an egg. Fill with potting soil. Sprinkle on grass seed and water. Do not overwater. Cover with cellophane wrap for the children to take home. In about a week, the grass seed will sprout.

5. Game

Using a map of your area, state, or country, you could play a game having the childrn take turns coming up and finding or marking points of interest in your community or area. This will help the children to see just how many nice things there are where he or she lives. It would be good to have them find any church points of interest, such as a temple, etc.