Jonah and the Whale

Learning: We began FHE in the living room and told the story of Jonah and the Whale using the scriptures and the Flannel Board Story. The Sunbeam Manual has a great outline for questions for young ones that you can use to help them listen for answers in the scriptures.

Hold up the Bible and explain that we can read about fish in the scriptures. Tell the story of Jonah, as found in Jonah 1–3. Explain that Jesus prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah so Jonah would not drown. Jesus had work for Jonah to do. You may want to read aloud a verse or two, such as Jonah 1:17 or Jonah 2:1, as you tell the story. (If you read a verse aloud, explain that Jesus is sometimes called “the Lord.”)

• • Who sent the big fish to swallow Jonah? (See Jonah 1:17.)

• • What did Jonah do when the fish swallowed him? (See Jonah 2:1.)

• • What did Jonah do when he got out of the fish? (See Jonah 3:1–3.)

• • Did the people believe Jonah and repent? (See Jonah 3:5, 10.)

Pretending: Daddy had a great idea to use the Ryan's laundry hamper as the giant fish and the boys pretended to be Jonah as he was swallowed. The result was lots of giggles and pleas of "Again, Again."

Playing: We played "Mother May I?" and practiced listening and obeying.

Painting: We made a whale together as a family project. We sat it on top of our refrigerator this week to remind us to listen and obey. This was a fun activity. Both the boys were able to help and really enjoyed it.

Whale Paper Bag Craft

Singing: We sang the verse about Jonah in the primary song "Follow the Prophet." We also sang "Called to Serve."

"Jonah was a prophet, tried to runaway. But he later learned to listen and obey. When you really try the Lord won't let you fail. That's what Jonah learned deep down inside the whale."

Snacking: Whale Cupcakes: Try these cute cupcakes or go simple and buy the Whales crackers (generic goldfish) from Wal-mart.