Thoughtfulness
Week 14
Kindness (1)
In this block we discover that we are thoughtful; we plan ahead, we are kind to others, we can consider others and act upon it, and we can easily share. To highlight these precious traits, we compare these to specific animals that do not exhibit these traits.
Point to emphasize
We can be kind to one another.
References
Eph. 4:32
[You can begin by singing No one likes to be left out from suggested songs below]
Sample content and conversation with children
Today we are going to talk about how God made us in a way that it is easy to be kind to others. But first, I want to show you a snapping turtle to see how it behaves when someone comes close. Let’s watch a few seconds of https://youtu.be/imBGkODYEfw. [After watching the clip ask the children what they noticed.]
We might be used to seeing turtles being cute and gentle, but if you take a closer look at the snapping turtle [show pictures below] you will notice it has sharp beaks for digging and gripping. And not only that, but they are also called snapping turtles because of their habit of snapping at anyone who tries to hold them! They even make a hissing sound when someone gets close to them or scares them. When it is approached, it hisses and lunges at the object.
Wow! That turtle did not look friendly or welcoming in any way! The snapping turtles can never be kind like you and me. In fact, they are not kind at all. But, what about us? God made us in a way that it is easy to be kind!
Let’s see what ways in which we can be kind:
[Choose 3-4 of the scenarios below and ask the children how they can be kind when… giving them a chance to respond every time.]
- When our parents or a relative comes home from work or to visit…
Sample response: we run outside to greet them and help bring things inside.
- When playing with our friends, but we want to play different games…
Sample response: We take turns playing our favorite game
- When we meet someone new…
Sample response: we can greet him or her with a friendly smile, say hello, and introduce ourselves. It is not nice to ignore someone.
- Whenwe’re walking through a door and we see an elderly person coming…
Sample response: We can hold the door open for them.
- When we see someone who is hurt…
Sample response: We can help give them what they need or seek for help.
God made us in such a way that it is easy to be kind to others. [If time allows, sing last stanza of suggested song My God Is Kind to Me]
I’d like to be so kind.
I’d like to be so kind.
To always care for others first –
I’d like to be so kind.
Suggested activities/games
Activities for Home/In-Person
This week, we can practice being kind.
- With the help and permission of your parents, call someone you’ve missed (whether it is your grandparents or cousins or friends from school) and spend a little time to talk to them and ask them how they’re doing.
- Share with neighbors some cookies or muffins you and your family bake.
- Have a picnic with your family or friends (each bring a favorite food and share with everybody)
Activities via Zoom
- Play a game that involves turn-taking or have the children roll a ball back and forth with a parent/sibling. Point out that games are so much more fun when you play with someone else.
- Mystery box – put different items in the box and describe to children (and show shape) so they can try to guess what it is.
Crafts
Make a card and send it to someone to show them you care about them
Suggested songs
No One Likes to Be Left Out
My God Is Kind to Me