The Human Body
Week 8
I am different than guinea pigs
The Human Body: We begin discovering the preciousness of our humanity by enjoying that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. In this block we explore how we were made in contrast to the grass, plants and trees. God has created us in ways that are unique to other living things.
Point to emphasize
Guinea pigs are fun animals and they make wonderful pets but they are not at all like us. (Discover differences in physical appearance, anatomy, locomotion, and functions of physical features)
References
Proverbs 20:12; Psalms 139:14
Sample content and conversation with children
You can start the conversation by asking “Does anybody have guinea pigs as pets?” If you have guinea pig as pets, bring them! If not, play a short video showing a close-up view of a guinea pig. Enjoy with them the stout body, the eyes (which are set on the sides of their head), the fur on their body and observe the way they move. Ask them, do the guinea pigs look like you and me?
- [While continuing the conversation, you can show a picture of guinea pigs and point out the eyes, fur, and legs.] Guinea pigs have eyes to see, BUT do you know how far guinea pigs can see? They can only see things 3-5 feet away. You can show a picture 3- 5 feet away from the children and ask them if they see what is in the picture. Wait for them to answer yes. You can have the children step on a step and point out that it is easy for us to jump off because we can see well. But if a guinea pig were on the step, it would fall off and hurt itself because it cannot see that far. We can see much further than guinea pigs so we can take care of them as pets.
- If left out in the sun too long, guinea pigs can get sick from the heat because they can’t sweat like you and me. I’m so glad God made me in such a way that when I get too hot, I sweat in order to cool down. God made us in such a wonderful way.
- Guinea pigs walk on four paws but we can stand up straight and walk on two feet. This lets us climb, jump, and reach for things.
- Guinea pigs are called “guinea pigs” because they squeal. We don’t squeal but we talk.
Suggested activities/games
- Play I Spy or play copy cat. One person does something like winking or jumping on one foot and everyone else must watch and then copy it.
- [Home activity] Can create a simple obstacle course that would get children moving and sweating. You can incorporate movements such as climbing, jumping jacks, and reaching for items
Obstacle course ideas
Suggested songs
Wonderfully, wonderfully, God made me wonderfully
God made me
Video and picture of close-up view portrait of a guinea pig
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DRztv8dqUs