July 17th, 2011 "Kindness"

Kids PM Time Schedule (5pm-6:30pm)
4-4:45 Prep
4:45-5:10 Meet & Greet/Centers
5:10 Gather for Circle Time
5:10-5:20 Pass the Peace & Go around
5:20-5:25 Hand out Snacks in Circle
5:25-5:45 Readings & Dialogue
5:45-5:50 Solidarity Prayer
5:50-6:00 Music & Dance
6:00-6:30 Art Making & Centers
Tips:

-Go over schedule each week at the beginning of your “Go Around”.
-Give kids a heads up before transitioning into each new thing, 

and give them directions on how to transition.
-Give 5 minute warnings for clean up times.

Center suggestions: These do not necessarily need to be connected to the theme of the evening. Having 2-3 places where kids can engage in an activity is enough (coloring, playing a game, etc.). Give them a heads up to let them know what time they will be called to gather in a circle.


Gathering Time suggestions:
Think of a fun way to round up the kids (sing a song, clap your hands in a call and response, flash the lights). Show and tell kids where and how to gather.


Pass the Peace &Go around suggestions:
Take a moment to have kids pass the peace to each other. Maybe think if a fun way for kids to do that (high five, elbow bumps, etc.) 


Who knows what kindness is? Tell me what kindness looks like? What does kidness  not look like?
(You can also try "Show me what this looks like" & "Show me what this doesn't look like". Kids might have more fun acting this out!) 

Reading & Dialogue Suggestions:
This season we are learning about the Fruits of the Spirit.
Let's look at the bible verse we have been using. 
 

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. There is no law against things like this.

Do you remember what " fruits of the spirit" means?

Which fruit of the spirit do you think we are going to talk about tonight?

Let's read a story in the bible that talks about kindness.

While I read to you, look for 2 times where you see someone showing kindness and I will ask you about them when I am done reading. (giving kids a "job" helps them pay attention and stay engaged).

Scripture/Story: The Story of Josiah or The Story of Esther (consider paraphrasing, or google short kids versions.

Having visual aides are always a plus (pictures, props, etc.)! 

Suggested dialogue questions:

Can you think of a time when you showed kindness? What are some ways you can remember to show kindness this week?

Solidarity Prayer:
This season we are thinking about/praying for _______. This week we are praying for______. In 2-3 phrases, explain who this is and ask the kids how they think we can pray for them. Consider writing it down on a large piece of paper, and then have the kids take turns praying for each part. 

Music Suggestions: 

Although it's fun to at least have one song that  is connected to our theme, it is not mandatory. Check out some of our music links for some ideas. 

Art Making/Process Suggestions:
Often Tibetan Monks create Mandalas together to meditate on things like goodness. Let's make a Mandala together.
Click HERE to learn how to make a Mandala. 
I would suggest bringing in a picture of a Mandala as well as pre-cutting the large circle, and pre-drawing the circles within to help kids have boundaries.
Ask kids to think about what symbols and patterns they would use to show goodness. 
This could end up being a 2 week project. Discuss with those who are leading next week.

Materials Needed: (see above link for materials list)


If you want, check out some of our links for coloring pages and word games and print them out for your centers.
HERE is one for Mandala Coloring Pages.