BLANKET TENTS AND PRIMARY LESSONS

I live with my son and daughter-in-law and grandson. On the weekends, we usually have two of my great-grandchildren as well, ages 3 and 5. My son presides in our home church meetings.  He prepares the lesson and I plan the primary part of the program for the grands.  Today we studied the first part of King Benjamin's speech.  We focused on the verses about serving God by serving our fellow men. My daughter-in-law dressed the children in their Sunday best and we adults followed suit.  It helps set the day apart as the Sabbath.  The children and adults are more reverent when dressed for the day.

To make things interesting for the children, we built a blanket tent using two kitchen chairs and the coffee table.  We left on side open, facing their Papa, and the two littles snuggled down in their tent, cozy as can be. I told them why the Nephites pitched their tents with one side open.  I even told them that the Children of Israel have made those kind of tents for thousands of years during the Feast of the Tabernacles.

Then my son gave the lesson he had prepared.  It was a wonderful lesson.  The children were so calmed by the tent experience that they were more reverent than usual.  They truly harkened, just as King Benjamin invited his people to hearken.    I explained what the word means - to pay close attention and to understand.  The children paid very close attention, with a commitment I'd not seen before. (We may pitch a tent next Sunday!)

We followed up a children's story about King Benjamin that I found on YouTube. We then pointed out the story in their Book of Mormon illustrated story book.  All in all, a very successful meeting.


I am so grateful for the many resources available on the Church's website and on other Church-related sites, such as Book of Mormon Central, Scriptures Plus, and the site whose link I will post.  They make home-based Church a joy.  
Book of Mormon Stories for Children
Benjamin
My Grands' favorite story of Benjamin


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The sacrament service was very moving as my son and his son prepared, blessed, and passed the sacrament. The very sacred nature of this ordinance was felt by all of us, even the children. I'm going to miss it when we are able to return to regular Church attendance.

© Dr. Kathleen Rawlings Buntin Danielson, April 2020