Family Home Evening Lesson
New Year FHE goals
Prayer: Child
Opening Song: Jesus wants me for a sunbeam Songbook #60
Lesson:
We put forth the question to our girls tonight -
What can we all do to make Family Home Evening better this year?
These are the answers that came up:
Chocolate for the treat
An "I love You because..." spot (one person each week and we will list things we love about them)
Bring back 60 second silence (to get our kids to be quiet and get ready for FHE and to practice reverence we use to time to see how long they could be completely quiet for)
Take Turns at teaching the lesson
Outings for FHE once every two months
A hug at the beginning and end of FHE
recite/learn more scriptures
More games
Continue with our 'fancy dinner' night meals before FHE
(we set the table with tablecloth and full settings and fancy cups on monday night and try to have a good quality meal. interesting side note the kids are more acceptable to higher quality (read vegetables) meals on these nights because I say this is what you would get in a restaurant ;)
Act out stories of different prophets in the Book of Mormon and scriptures
Always sing Popcorn and Snowman
Most of these we thought up by our kids. I was very surprised at a few of them. Even though this is a completely SIMPLE idea I thought I would share it because our girls came up with some lovely ideas I wouldn't have thought of myself, or knew that they wanted.
Wishing you all the best with successful Family Home Evenings in 2012!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Prayer
Family Home Evening Lesson
Prayer
Opening Song: A Child's Prayer Children's Songbook #12
Opening Prayer: Child
Lesson:
For this lesson I prepared some strips of paper and made two groups.
One group was "I should pray" the other group was "I shouldn't pray"
I prepared strips of paper that said things like:
When someone is sick
when I am lost or alone
Over my food
For safety and protection
Night and morning
when I am thankful
If I need calming
Or
For lots of money
To ask for a pony or lots of toys
When I want another team to lose
To wish harm upon another person
I read out the strips and each child got a turn at choosing which side the item belonged to. Things that are suitable to pray for, or things that aren't really suitable to pray for. It worked really well and the girls enjoyed guessing and got most of answers right. I then asked them to think of some extra things we could add to our lists.
I originally had 'when I am angry' on the when not to pray side as I meant it in a 'I shouldn't say an angry prayer about how much I hate my sisters and I wish God would do something to show them' way. My girls all said you SHOULD pray when you are angry and it will help you calm down mum! ... so I changed it to 'If I need calming' !
This was a easy simple lesson that worked out well for our family. Any other things you could add to the list of times to pray?
* Idea Inspired by Holly over at Delightful Domestic Science
Closing Song: Search Ponder and Pray Children's Songbook #109
Closing Prayer: Child
Treat:
Prayer
Opening Song: A Child's Prayer Children's Songbook #12
Opening Prayer: Child
Lesson:
For this lesson I prepared some strips of paper and made two groups.
One group was "I should pray" the other group was "I shouldn't pray"
I prepared strips of paper that said things like:
When someone is sick
when I am lost or alone
Over my food
For safety and protection
Night and morning
when I am thankful
If I need calming
Or
For lots of money
To ask for a pony or lots of toys
When I want another team to lose
To wish harm upon another person
I read out the strips and each child got a turn at choosing which side the item belonged to. Things that are suitable to pray for, or things that aren't really suitable to pray for. It worked really well and the girls enjoyed guessing and got most of answers right. I then asked them to think of some extra things we could add to our lists.
I originally had 'when I am angry' on the when not to pray side as I meant it in a 'I shouldn't say an angry prayer about how much I hate my sisters and I wish God would do something to show them' way. My girls all said you SHOULD pray when you are angry and it will help you calm down mum! ... so I changed it to 'If I need calming' !
This was a easy simple lesson that worked out well for our family. Any other things you could add to the list of times to pray?
* Idea Inspired by Holly over at Delightful Domestic Science
Closing Song: Search Ponder and Pray Children's Songbook #109
Closing Prayer: Child
Treat:
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Lehi's Vision/ Tree of Life
Family Home Evening Lesson
Lehi's Vision
Opening Prayer: Child
Opening Song: The Iron Rod
Scripture: 1 Nephi 9
Lesson:
Earlier Preparation:
- A Tree/bush etc covered in fairy lights
- A rope zig zagged through your house/garden
We read through a few of the scriptures from Lehi's dream. Smaller children can be told/show pictures of the various elements (Iron rod, path, fountain, mist of darkness, Tree of Life)
When then told the children we were going to follow a similar Iron Rod which was a rope that started from the living room and went out the front door and outside and criss crossed our garden and around fences etc. As it was night time we pointed out that this was like "the mist of darkness". The children held tight to the rope and followed it.
It ended at a tree lit up with fairy lights with their Dad standing under it to give them some of the 'fruit' of the tree.
Our children really enjoyed this simple activity and wanted to follow the rope again.
Treat:
Fruit for The Tree of Life or any special treat that could symbolize it
Closing Song: "Book of Mormon Stories" Childrens Songbook #118
Closing Prayer: Mom
*Thanks to my friend Summer who gave me the idea/suggestion for this FHE lesson.
Lehi's Vision
Opening Prayer: Child
Opening Song: The Iron Rod
Scripture: 1 Nephi 9
Lesson:
Earlier Preparation:
- A Tree/bush etc covered in fairy lights
- A rope zig zagged through your house/garden
We read through a few of the scriptures from Lehi's dream. Smaller children can be told/show pictures of the various elements (Iron rod, path, fountain, mist of darkness, Tree of Life)
When then told the children we were going to follow a similar Iron Rod which was a rope that started from the living room and went out the front door and outside and criss crossed our garden and around fences etc. As it was night time we pointed out that this was like "the mist of darkness". The children held tight to the rope and followed it.
It ended at a tree lit up with fairy lights with their Dad standing under it to give them some of the 'fruit' of the tree.
Our children really enjoyed this simple activity and wanted to follow the rope again.
Treat:
Fruit for The Tree of Life or any special treat that could symbolize it
Closing Song: "Book of Mormon Stories" Childrens Songbook #118
Closing Prayer: Mom
*Thanks to my friend Summer who gave me the idea/suggestion for this FHE lesson.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Prayer
Family Home Evening Lesson
Personal Scripture study and Prayers
Opening Prayer: Child
Opning Song: A child's Prayer #12 Childrens Songbook
Lesson:
(For some reason my children prefer me to say their night prayers for them, and always tell me they dont know what to say and want me to do it! Even though I've taught them several times and they can all say food and family morning prayer with no problems! I felt it was time to give them a little push into saying their personal prayers)
I printed a copy of this chart for each child. We talked about the importance of reading our scriptures everyday even if its just a few verses and to say our morning and night prayers.
I chose a simple yet interesting scripture that we all read. I then said they could now colour in one of the scriptures on the chart under Monday. Later when you go to bed you can colour the girl when you say your night prayers. When they have a certain amount coloured I said they would get a small reward.
Activity:
Draw, cut out pictures or write words on a big piece of paper of the things we can pray for
Practice Kneeling, Folding arms and saying prayers
Closing Song: Love is Spoken Here #190 Childrens Songbook
Closing Prayer: Child
Treat:
Prayer Sandwich Idea from Mormon share
Personal Scripture study and Prayers
Opening Prayer: Child
Opning Song: A child's Prayer #12 Childrens Songbook
Lesson:
(For some reason my children prefer me to say their night prayers for them, and always tell me they dont know what to say and want me to do it! Even though I've taught them several times and they can all say food and family morning prayer with no problems! I felt it was time to give them a little push into saying their personal prayers)
I printed a copy of this chart for each child. We talked about the importance of reading our scriptures everyday even if its just a few verses and to say our morning and night prayers.
I chose a simple yet interesting scripture that we all read. I then said they could now colour in one of the scriptures on the chart under Monday. Later when you go to bed you can colour the girl when you say your night prayers. When they have a certain amount coloured I said they would get a small reward.
Activity:
Draw, cut out pictures or write words on a big piece of paper of the things we can pray for
Practice Kneeling, Folding arms and saying prayers
Closing Song: Love is Spoken Here #190 Childrens Songbook
Closing Prayer: Child
Treat:
Prayer Sandwich Idea from Mormon share
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Easter Countdown
Family Home Evening
Easter Countdown
Opening Song: Tell me the stories of Jesus Children's Songbook #57
Opening Prayer: Child
Lesson: Mom
Go over to my Personal Blog and see how we made an Easter Countdown
Using Card cut in egg shape, paint, draw, decorate 7 eggs in any way you wish.
Either sew them together as link above, or just stick to wall or tie with ribbons.
On the back of the eggs write down some activities to do as a family.
Here are 7 examples of things you can do leading up to the week of Easter.
If you want a longer countdown calendar add other activities such as Egg hunts, dyeing eggs, bunny and chick crafts etc.
Palm Sunday :
Make a Palm Cross , reenact Jesus on a donkey and people waving palm fronds.Monday: (cleansing of the temple)
Talk about how church/temple should be a place of calm and worship and not a house of caos. Make Soft Pretzels (shaped like folded arms for prayer)
Tuesday: (teaching at the temple)
Jesus taught what is the greatest law. Love thy neighbour as they self. Take a gift for your neighbours
Wednesday:
Mary washed Jesus Feet and offered expensive oils/purfume. Reenact with children and wash their feet (I find this very humbling and moving)
Thursday: Preparing for Passover
Read the story of the passover John 13:1-11 and make a simple passover meal.Unleavened bread, lamb, horseradish, Haroset, Parsley and salt water details here
Friday: The day Jesus Died
Saturday: Festival of Light
Sunday: He is Risen
These ideas all came from Christianity Today Easter Ideas page.
Closing Song: I feel my Saviours Love Childrens Songbook #74
Closing Prayer: Dad
Treat:
Decorate oval shape cookies with frosting and m&m's and mini marshmallows.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Easter
Family Home Evening Lesson
Easter
Opening Prayer: Child
Opening Song: Did Jesus really live again Children's Songbook #64
Lesson:
We created an Easter Tree using branches and painted them white. Over the next few weeks we will be adding things to it. This week I decided to make a modified version of a decoration we make for christmas.
Cut out pictures of Jesus from Old Ensigns, Friend or New Era magazines. I've also found really nice pictures in Deseret catalogues. If you don't have these print pictures found online.
Stick picture to card and on the other side add a scripture verse. Some of the following might be useful
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22)
I am the ressurrection and the life (John 11:25)
Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen (Luke 24:3-6)
Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33)
Because I live, ye shall live also (John 14:19)
And now after the many testimonies which have been given of him,this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!! For we saw him. (D&C 76:22-23)
Laminate (if you desire) add ribbon and hang on your easter reminder tree.
Or add to gift baskets for friends and family.
Closing Song: Easter Hosanna Childrens Songbook #68
Closing Prayer:
Treat:
Easter treats!!
Easter
Opening Prayer: Child
Opening Song: Did Jesus really live again Children's Songbook #64
Lesson:
We created an Easter Tree using branches and painted them white. Over the next few weeks we will be adding things to it. This week I decided to make a modified version of a decoration we make for christmas.
Cut out pictures of Jesus from Old Ensigns, Friend or New Era magazines. I've also found really nice pictures in Deseret catalogues. If you don't have these print pictures found online.
Stick picture to card and on the other side add a scripture verse. Some of the following might be useful
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22)
I am the ressurrection and the life (John 11:25)
Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen (Luke 24:3-6)
Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33)
Because I live, ye shall live also (John 14:19)
And now after the many testimonies which have been given of him,this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!! For we saw him. (D&C 76:22-23)
Laminate (if you desire) add ribbon and hang on your easter reminder tree.
Or add to gift baskets for friends and family.
Closing Song: Easter Hosanna Childrens Songbook #68
Closing Prayer:
Treat:
Easter treats!!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Getting to know the Scriptures
Family Home Evening Lesson
Getting to know your scriptures
Opening Song: "Search Ponder and Pray" Children's Songbook #109
Opening Prayer: Child
Lesson: Dad
Our daughter who was recently baptised received new Scriptures (Quad). We thought a lesson about Getting to know the scriptures would be good. We were surprised! at how little our 10 and 8 year old knew about their Scriptures despite reading them everyday! I suppose when you use a bookmark and open the book daily for them for family scripture study - you are not teaching them!!
We started with a quick perusal of their new scriptures.
They checked out the tabs, ribbon bookmarks, pictures section etc.
We then asked them questions like
What is/find the first book of the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon
Using the title page to find other books (give them some unusual ones to find)
We chose a word to look up in the Topical Guide. When then followed it to the scripture.
We looked at footnotes and what the little letters mean and then folllowed it back to the Bible Dictionary and Topical Guide
Activity:
Lesson Ideas over at Lds.org
Printable Scripture Cards (like Go Fish)
Make bookmarks to remind children to read scriptures everyday
Closing Song: "Book of Mormon Stories" Children's Songbook #118
Closing Prayer: Child
Treat:
Getting to know your scriptures
Opening Song: "Search Ponder and Pray" Children's Songbook #109
Opening Prayer: Child
Lesson: Dad
Our daughter who was recently baptised received new Scriptures (Quad). We thought a lesson about Getting to know the scriptures would be good. We were surprised! at how little our 10 and 8 year old knew about their Scriptures despite reading them everyday! I suppose when you use a bookmark and open the book daily for them for family scripture study - you are not teaching them!!
We started with a quick perusal of their new scriptures.
They checked out the tabs, ribbon bookmarks, pictures section etc.
We then asked them questions like
What is/find the first book of the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon
Using the title page to find other books (give them some unusual ones to find)
We chose a word to look up in the Topical Guide. When then followed it to the scripture.
We looked at footnotes and what the little letters mean and then folllowed it back to the Bible Dictionary and Topical Guide
Activity:
Lesson Ideas over at Lds.org
Printable Scripture Cards (like Go Fish)
Make bookmarks to remind children to read scriptures everyday
Closing Song: "Book of Mormon Stories" Children's Songbook #118
Closing Prayer: Child
Treat:
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