Draw a mound of dirt at the bottom of a piece of posterboard. Cut a slit at the top of the hill that is twice as big as the diameter of the tube. (i.e.: a 2" slit for a 1" tube)
Paint or cover the tube with paper. Cut vertical slits in the side of the tube. Glue or tape the leaves to the side of the slits and then tuck the main portion of the leaves into the tube through the slits. (I hope that made sense!)
Cut out and tape together the head of the flower. You can make this as large as you want, but remember that you are going to stuff it into the tube top. To place into the tube, simply center the flower over the top of the tube opening, and push in the center of the flower. Use a stick or blunt dowel to push in as deep as you want to.
To Use:
Invite a child to plant a "bean" into the ground. (Have them slide it into the slit in the top of the hill)
Place the tube into the slit at the bottom of the page, and as the children mention things that can help them increase their faith in Christ (Doing the things he did...), push the "stem" up. As you reach the holes the leaves are stuffed in, gently unfold the leaves out. When the flower reaches it's full height, begin pulling out the petals and finally the whole head of the flower. The flower represents how beautiful we become when we let our faith in Christ grow to its full potential.
Handouts:
Jr. Primary -- A medallion (of cardstock) with a bean glued in the center and the words "I have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" printed on it.
Sr. Primary -- A card with the bean glued to one side and Alma 32:21 printed on it.
You can also use the following picture as a coloring page for the younger children:
Copyright 1999 Christine Wardle. All rights reserved.