Choice and Agency Resource Guide
Understanding the gift of agency—and how to use it wisely—is a foundational gospel principle. This guide brings together inspired, engaging resources to help children and youth learn how to make good choices, follow Jesus, and find happiness in living the gospel.
📘 1. For the Strength of Youth Manual
This is the central resource for youth ages 11–18. It teaches the doctrine behind gospel standards and emphasizes using agency to grow closer to Jesus Christ. Instead of a list of rules, it helps youth learn to ask, “Will this choice help me become more like the Savior?”
💬 Great for: Youth classes, devotionals, and personal study.
🧒 2. “Layla Makes Good Choices” — The Friend, Feb. 2020
A sweet story for younger children about Layla, who faces a difficult choice at school and decides to do what's right. This story reinforces how even small decisions can reflect our desire to follow Jesus.
🎨 Activity idea: Have kids draw a picture of themselves making a good choice like Layla.
🧸 3. “I Can Follow Jesus by Making Good Choices” — For Little Friends, Feb. 2024
A bite-sized message with adorable illustrations, this short piece teaches toddlers and preschoolers that we can be like Jesus when we make good choices.
👶 Perfect for nursery or home family night with little ones.
😊 4. “How to Be Happy” — The Friend, Feb. 2024
This article teaches that true happiness comes when we choose the right. It includes simple, relatable examples and testimonies of kids who feel happy when they follow Jesus.
🌟 Lesson idea: Let kids share times they felt happy after choosing the right.
🚦 5. “Wrong Roads” Video (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)
In this powerful video, Elder Holland shares a personal story of being guided by the Spirit—even when he and his son briefly took the “wrong” road. A great message about how sometimes the wrong path helps confirm the right one.
👀 Excellent for youth night or seminary discussion.
🎥 6. “Charlie and the Choosing Chair” Video
This short, animated video inspires youth to resist temptation and do what’s right, even when it’s hard. It’s visually engaging and spiritually motivating.
🎬 Use this as a kickoff for a family discussion on standing up for truth.
💡 7. Choices Lesson Plans
Four full family home evening lessons, tailored to children with everything you could need.
🧭 Family Home Eveing Lesson Idea
🎶 8. “Choose the Right” – Children’s Song
This classic Primary song encourages children to make good choices and trust in the Lord’s guidance. The melody is cheerful and easy to sing along with.
🎤 Sing during a family home evening or Primary lesson.
🎵 9. “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” – Song
A tender, heartfelt reminder that making good choices begins with the desire to follow the Savior. This song is beloved by kids and adults alike.
💖 Talk with children about one way they’re trying to be like Jesus this week.
🧩 10. Choices Maze Activity — The Friend, Feb. 2005
A fun printable maze that helps kids see how their choices can guide them to the right destination. An interactive and simple way to introduce the concept of agency.
🖍️ Print out for a lesson or quiet time.
💬 Final Thoughts
Agency is one of God’s greatest gifts to His children. These resources are here to help children and youth understand how their choices shape their lives and bring them closer to Jesus Christ. Whether through music, stories, or visuals, each tool in this guide can help plant seeds of righteous decision-making that will grow for a lifetime.
