For a meaningful way to introduce or review My Own Sacred Grove (archives) in singing time this month, transform your primary room into different types of “sacred groves” with this My Own Sacred Grove Sacred Corners activity!
*See ALL My Own Sacred Grove Singing Time Ideas here*
My Own Sacred Grove Sacred Corners
This sacred corners activity is sure to make an impact on your primary children and help them better understand the message of this sweet song.
This activity is a little spin on the classic game of 4 Corners. For this version, we’ll be turning each corner of the room into a “sacred grove.” The children will learn about different places that can become a spiritual refuge while singing this song.
It will take just a little bit of prep work to create your “sacred corners” for this activity. You can make it as simple or as detailed as you want! I’ve included pictures for 4 different locations that can simply be taped to each wall. Here’s a little sneak peek:
These “sacred groves” include a bedroom, church, outdoors, and temple. These are just a few examples of places that can be a personal space for spiritual revelation.
If you want to really bring each corner to life, bring in some real-life objects for each corner. For example, you could gather an alarm clock, pillow, and blanket for your “room.” I’ve included more ideas later in this post.
Before singing time, set up each corner with its name and some pictures or objects to create the sacred space.
As you introduce this activity, begin by singing the first verse and chorus of My Own Sacred Grove (flip chart here).
Ask the children: What does it mean to create your own “sacred grove?” Today I want to share 4 different places that might be considered a personal sacred grove for some. Let’s find out what they are!
Then, split the class into 4 groups, one for each corner. Have each group stand in their corner and look at the pictures or objects. Invite them to think about and share how that place can be special.
After a few minutes, sing through the song as you rotate to a new corner. Hopefully you will have enough time for each group to make it to all 4 corners. Conclude with your testimony of personal revelation and creating holy spaces to pray to Heavenly Father.
Sacred Corners Ideas:
1.Bedroom
Your room can be a place of refuge for prayer and stillness. If you want to add some physical objects for this corner, here are some ideas: Blanket, alarm clock, night light, pillow, pajamas
2. Church
Even though we are typically surrounded by people at church, we can still find quiet moments for peace while singing hymns, partaking of the sacrament, or listening during a lesson/talk. Here are some ideas to bring this corner to life: Hymnbook, church shoes, picture of Jesus, tie, scriptures.
3. Outdoors
Some find their own sacred grove to be a special place in nature. Being outside can help us think about Heavenly Father’s creations and give us time away from our normal tasks to ponder and reflect. Here are some ideas for this corner: Hiking boots, compass, backpack, rocks, leaves, flowers, seashell.
4. Temple
Although your primary children are not yet old enough to go inside the temple, they can prepare by visiting the grounds or participating in family history work. Bring in a picture of the temple for this quiet corner. You could also try to make this corner all white with a sheet or blanket.
Extension Activities:
- Split the lines of the first verse and chorus into 4 parts. I found it easiest to give each group 3 lines, and have one group do the last 2 lines. Tape the song lyrics for one section in each of the 4 corners. Have groups sing only their lines, then rotate to a new set of lyrics
- Include a scripture about prayer in each corner. Have each group read their assigned scripture and talk about it together.
- Invite a teacher or guest to share a personal experience at each corner. For example, you might ask someone to share about how going to the temple helps them feel closer to God.
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this I Want to Live the Gospel 4 Corners singing time activity!
My Own Sacred Grove Sacred Corners Demonstration Video
If you want to get a better idea of what this activity might look like, join me in my virtual primary room as I share how to use this activity in singing time. I’ll give a basic rundown of the activity and provide some extra tips & tricks!
—> My Own Sacred Grove Sacred Corners Demo Video <—
My Own Sacred Grove Sacred Corners Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes includes 4 location pictures and labels for your corners.
Join INSTANT Primary Singing for extended printables including lyrics cards and signs for each corner in 3 styles. You’ll find these bonus files included in the My Own Sacred Grove packet in my shop and in the INSTANT D&C Access membership as a bonus song.
Get more out of singing time with the INSTANT Primary Singing membership that includes printable lesson plans, tons of extended printables and an ad-free experience for each featured song of the month, or get immediate access to the entire song list for the year!
Learn more about INSTANT Primary Singing membership options here!
Have questions or need more help, see this FAQ page here.
The Primary Children will love this very visual way to connect with the song and help them make their own sacred space with this My Own Sacred Grove Draw My Grove activity!
What other fun ways will you use this sacred corners singing time activity in your Primary room?
