Teaching Through Doing: From Object Lessons to Real Lessons

Object lessons are a staple of youth instruction—simple visuals or metaphors used to teach gospel principles.

You’ve probably seen or used them before:

These have their place.

But what if we went further?

What if instead of just showing a principle, we let youth experience it?

Because the most powerful object lesson isn’t something they watch.

It’s something they do.

Participation leads to ownership. When youth are involved, they remember.
Doing engages the whole self. Mind, body, emotion, and spirit.
Action reveals deeper truths. When they struggle, adapt, or reflect, they see more than you could ever explain.
The Spirit teaches best in motion. Just like Nephi building a boat or Peter walking on water, movement invites revelation.

Try: A full team trust walk course with real obstacles.

Then discuss: What helped you feel safe? What made it hard to follow instructions?

Try: A scenario-based challenge where youth make decisions under pressure and see consequences play out (in a game, skit, or puzzle).

Then discuss: How do our small choices shape our outcomes?

Try: A multi-part service activity where youth are treated differently (unfairly or overlooked) and then reflect on it.

Then discuss: What gives us worth? How do we treat others with unseen value?

Build something as a team (tower, raft, bridge)
Cook a meal with missing instructions
Carry a physical burden and trade off (symbolizing support or Christ’s atonement)
Set up a timed obstacle course based on scriptural principles
Do a “drop everything and serve” challenge where they respond to a sudden need

Don’t just tell youth what faith is.

Let them walk in darkness and discover the light.

Don’t just describe service.

Let them get their hands dirty and feel the impact.

Because what we do shapes what we believe.

And what they experience becomes what they remember forever.

Forged In Faith