Preparation: Download and print the Treasure Map pdf files below. DO NOT cut out the bottom of the puzzle (the white sheet with words in each puzzle piece). Cut out each piece of the TOP part of the puzzle (the picture of the path to heaven). To protect the Treasure Map Puzzle you can laminate each piece or print/paste each piece onto card stock or poster board. Optional picture: The picture of the path to heaven without the lines for the puzzle, is an optional picture you can use with a different type of activity, or to show the full treasure map once complete.
You will also need a treasure box. You can make a simple one with a few fun decorations or buy one. Here's a picture of a treasure box filled with gold coins (poker chips that were spray painted gold). The gold coins are not necessary for this idea but are a fun alternative you could use for other activity ideas with the treasure map puzzle.
Next create a small scroll out of paper (or print one from the scroll clipart) and write the following scripture on it: "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." (3 Nephi 13:20)
Preparation for Singing Time:
On the back of each cut out puzzle piece write the name and page number for a primary song that relates with the corresponding puzzle piece on the bottom part of the puzzle. For example: the puzzle piece in the top left corner (that pictures most of the "My Treasure Map" scroll) corresponds with the puzzle piece that says "Courage" on the bottom part of the puzzle. On the back of the picture piece (with the scroll) you would write the name of a primary song that goes along with courage, such as "Nephi's Courage".
Note: If you laminate the puzzle pieces you can use a dry erase marker to write on the back, which will allow you to erase and reuse the puzzle for a future Primary activity.
Preparation for Sharing Time:
To use this activity for Sharing Time or as a primary class activity, follow the instructions above but write on the back of each puzzle piece a scripture, quote, or an example. For young children an alternative idea is to write each word on the back of each corresponding puzzle piece (such as "courage" on the back of the piece that goes in the top left corner).
Next follow the directions below for using this fun idea with your LDS primary children in either Sharing Time or Singing Time.
Treasure Map Puzzle PDF Files:
- Treasure Map: Bottom of Puzzle
- Treasure Map: Top of Puzzle
- Treasure Map: Without Puzzle (optional)
- Treasure Map: All Three Pictures (4 MB)
Directions:
There are several different ways you can use the Treasure Map Puzzle during sharing time or singing time. Below are a few ideas for each.
- Treasure Map Puzzle for Singing Time:
- Place the bottom puzzle piece (white puzzle with words) on the board or on a poster.
- Tell the children they will be putting together a treasure map that will lead to a real treasure.
- Tell the children that the best singers will get to choose a piece of the map and place it on the puzzle.
- Sing a Primary song.
- Choose a child to pick a puzzle piece.
- Practice singing the song on the back of the puzzle piece.
- Continue until all the Treasure Map puzzle pieces have been placed. (If you run out of time you can start where you left off next week.)
- Explain (or ask a child to explain) where the Treasure Map leads to.
- Show the children the treasure box.
- Let a child open the treasure box and read the scroll.
- Explain the scripture and how each puzzle piece (courage, prayer, scriptures, etc) lead to real treasures in heaven.
- Tell the primary children how thankful you are for their help and participation.
To use the Treasure Map puzzle for a Sharing Time or primary class activity follow the directions above but instead of practicing a song have the children read the scripture, quote, or example on the back of the puzzle piece.
Other LDS Primary Ideas by Kate Myers:
