This activity is much more than building a tower. Participants will relate their experience to the Hebrews building the Tabernacle, use drawing to identify feelings experienced during the activity and may even indulge in some reflection and spiritual conversation. Who knew playing with blocks could teach so much?
Scripture connection
Read ‘The Building of the Tabernacle’ (Exodus 35-36).
Story: The Israelites, under the guidance of Bezalel and Oholiab, worked together to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings according to God’s instructions.
Connection: This story highlights the importance of working together towards a common goal and using each person’s unique skills and talents. It underscores the value of teamwork and collaboration in achieving something meaningful.
Vocabulary list: at end of article.
After reading: Discuss the answer to the following questions.
• What is the purpose of the Sabbath according to the passage, and why is it considered important?
• List the types of materials and offerings required for the construction of the Tabernacle. Why were these items needed?
• Who were Bezalel and Oholiab, and what roles did they play in the construction of the Tabernacle?
• How did the concept of teamwork play a role in the construction of the Tabernacle, and how did the contributions of individuals like Bezalel and Oholiab illustrate this teamwork?
• What does the term 'freewill offering' mean, and how did the Israelites respond to the request for contributions?
• Explain the significance of the 'divine spirit' mentioned in relation to Bezalel and Oholiab. How did this influence their work?
• How did the construction of the Tabernacle reflect the Israelites' dedication and the instructions given by Moses?
• Explain the significance of the 'divine spirit' mentioned in relation to Bezalel and Oholiab. How did this influence their work?
• How did the construction of the Tabernacle reflect the Israelites' dedication and the instructions given by Moses?
Building blocks activity
Build the tallest block tower you can in pairs or small groups.
Reflect on the activity:
• Which group built the tallest tower?
• How did everyone react to towers falling?
• How did this make you feel?
• How did this experience relate to the story you heard about the building of the tabernacle?
• Consider the scripture reference: Ecclesiastes 4:9 – ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour.’ How does that relate to the story above and your own experience of building a tower?
Drawing reflection
Draw a picture of your group building the tower and show your feelings about the activity by drawing an expression on your face.
Help participants understand how different feelings create different facial expressions:
1. Draw a circle – Start by drawing a circle for the face. This is the base where all the emotions will be shown.
2. Add eyes – Draw two small circles or ovals for the eyes, placing them evenly apart. Explain that the eyes can show a lot about how someone feels. For example, wide eyes might show surprise, and squinted eyes might show anger.
3. Draw eyebrows – Add eyebrows above the eyes. The shape of the eyebrow changes with emotions:
• Happy – Eyebrows curve up.
• Sad – Eyebrows curve down.
• Surprised – Eyebrows are raised high.
4. Add the nose: Draw a small line or dot between the eyes for the nose. It stays simple, but its position helps keep the face balanced.
5. Draw the mouth
• Happy – Draw a wide, upward curve for a smile.
• Sad – Draw a downward curve for a frown.
• Angry – Draw a straight or downward curve with sharp edges.
• Surprised – Draw an ‘O’ shape or wide open curve.
6. Show cheeks and other details – Add cheeks or dimples for a smile, or lines around the mouth to show stress or anger. Explain that these details can show more about how a person is feeling.
7. Colour and shade – Add colour to the face. For example, bright colours can show happiness, while darker or more muted colours might show sadness.
Discuss feelings and expressions
Ask questions – What do you think this face is feeling? How can you tell?
Match emotions – Show different pictures or use mirror exercises to help kids match facial expressions with different emotions.
Review and reflect – Look at your drawing and think about how well the expression shows the feeling you wanted. Adjust any details to make the emotion clearer.
Going further – End with a round of Ignatian Spiritual Conversation.
Spiritual conversation reflection on the Building Blocks activity
Ignatian spiritual conversation is a reflective dialogue method rooted in the teachings of St Ignatius of Loyola, where individuals share personal experiences of prayer, discernment, and spiritual insights. It emphasises active listening, speaking from the heart, and recognising the presence and movements of the Holy Spirit within and between participants. This practice fosters deeper understanding, communal discernment, and spiritual growth through intentional, respectful, and prayerful communication.
First round of conversation
Individual sharing:
• Share your experience from the Building Blocks activity.
• Focus on the main feelings, insights, and movements you experienced during the activity.
• Begin with ‘During the activity, I felt . . .’
Active listening:
• Profoundly welcome and listen to each person.
• Notice how the Holy Spirit might be speaking through their experiences.
• Reflect on how you are affected by their sharing.
Intentional speaking:
• Speak from your own experience during the activity.
• Share honestly from your heart.
Practical matters:
• Speak one after the other, moving clockwise around the circle.
• Timed (two or three minutes per person).
• No comments or crosstalk.
Second round of conversation
Reflective sharing:
• Reflect on how you were affected by what you heard in the first round.
• Begin with ‘I heard in the group . . .’ or ‘I was moved by . . .’
• Consider common themes, striking comments, harmony, or dissonance from the activity experiences.
• Share what you are feeling now.
Practical matters:
• Be intentional in speaking.
• Speak only once. No cross talk.
• Do not add anything you forgot to say in the first round.
• Timed (two or three minutes per person).
Third round of conversation
Open discussion:
• Reflect on and name the spiritual movements recognised in the second round of conversation.
• Maintain the same attentiveness and sincerity as before.
• Formulate any questions or feedback for the larger group related to the Building Blocks activity and the learnings about teamwork, perseverance, and support.
Practical Matters:
• Use a popcorn style for speaking.
Conclude with a ‘Glory Be’.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Vocabulary list for ‘The Building of the Tabernacle’ (Exodus 35-36)
Sabbath – A day of religious observance and abstinence from work, traditionally observed on the seventh day of the week.
Tabernacle – A movable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their journey through the desert, and a central place of worship.
Offering – A gift or contribution made to God, often in the form of materials or valuables.
Ephod – A sacred garment worn by the high priest, which included a breast piece with stones representing the tribes of Israel.
Vestments – The robes or garments worn by priests or other religious figures during worship.
Artisan – A skilled worker who creates or crafts items by hand, especially in a religious or ceremonial context.
Divine spirit – The presence or influence of God that provides wisdom and skill.
Freewill Offering – A voluntary gift given willingly without compulsion or obligation.
Cherubim – Angelic beings depicted in the Bible as guardians of sacred spaces, often depicted in artwork or sculpture.
Bronze – A metal alloy used in ancient times for various tools, weapons, and religious artifacts.