ACTIVITY:
I devised a Topsey-Turvey Timeline by going verse by verse through Alma 43. Writing down what I felt were pertinent moments in the chapter, I came up with a rough timeline.
Then, using the clip art that came with my computer, I found a symbolic picture for each part of the timeline, placing that next to each phrase.
Once that was complete, I then mixed up the order as much as I possibly could and titled it, “Topsey-Turvey Timeline.”
Printing out sufficient drafts for the class, I then turned toward preparing a small chart of other important moments in history during (more or less) that same time period. I wanted the students to get a good world’s eye view in which to place this essential Book of Mormon battle and these important individuals (Captain Moroni, General Lehi, and Zarahemna).
Once class started, after the usual opening exercises, I distributed the two page “Topsey-Turvey Timeline.” (I had printed one set for every three to four students.) Then I announced that as a class they were to research in their scriptures so that they could unscramble the timeline. I suggested that they write down the accompanying verses next to each of the phrases – to make sure they had the correct order.
The kids hunkered down and got to work. I let them make assignments amongst themselves as to who was going to find which phrases. I like letting them develop leadership skills in that way, and with this particular class I can do that. Other combinations of kids might mean that I would need to take more of a “director’s” role in handing out assignments.
The students ended up tearing the two stapled pages apart and giving each other assignments on how to finish the work. Once they had written down the appropriate verses for each timeline phrase (I gave hints only when asked), I asked the seminary president to come up to the front and, with the class’s help, to put the timeline slips in order. (I had prepped one set of cut-up slips with tape on the back to make things speedy.)
SUGGESTIONS:
Make sure to keep your own copy of the master timeline, prior to mixing it up, with the secret verses already written to the side of each phrase. This will make it much easier for you as the kids come to you to see if they’ve gotten the verses and the order in correct fashion.
This is a file from Seminary Mom’s repertoire. You can use it to teach this chapter or create files like this to teach other lessons, too. If you make a new file like this, please share it so others can use your great ideas, too!
