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PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 2: BEING PART OF JESUS’ FAMILY
Explanation for children:
You are part of Jesus’ family. It is a big family! Jesus loves you and everyone. He asks that you love others too. Jesus is always with us in Spirit, but we can’t see him. He asks that we help him do his work in the world. How can you use your hands to help someone? Do you know someone that could use a hug from you? Could you use your feet to run an errand for someone?
At school:
1. Periodically discuss the above explanation with children. Then suggest they watch each other. If one child sees another being the ‘hands’ or ‘feet’ for Jesus, he can get a heart-shaped sticker from you to bestow on the child who performed the good action.
2. If your class does projects, such as making drawings for nursing homes, help children realize that by these actions, they are doing Christ’s work in the world.
3. Draw around children’s hands and feet (and enjoy the giggles!) on paper. A variety of bright colors are preferable. When a child feels she has done Jesus’ work, write the action on a hand or foot and start a wall display of ‘Jesus’ work in the world.' If possible, put this where visitors and other adults can see it. Add the quote from St. Teresa (from the introductory page). When other see this display, it will help the children recognize their own abilities to be active in the world.
4. Introduce children to diversity and similarities of people around the world. The youngest children may not ask questions, but you will have given them an awareness at an early age, which will develop later into compassion and a desire for social justice.
• Provide books that show children in many cultures and in many different economic situations (see sidebar for title suggestions). Talk about the children in the books as being part of Jesus’ family too. This means they are all sisters and brothers!
• When using these books, display a world map and help children find the countries portrayed in the books. While not all children will have a clear understanding of what a map represents, you are preparing them to become familiar with the greater world.
• At snack time, pray for children who do not have enough food or a home.
5. If you and your children are ready to take action in the world for Jesus’ sake, look into the program ‘Pennies for Peace.’ This enables children to make a real difference to other children, and the program is easy to implement.
At home:
1. Periodically, discuss the St. Teresa quote. Ask each other how you all have acted as Jesus’ hands, feet and eyes. Keep a family journal about this: Cover a notebook with cut-out outlines of your child’s hands and feet. After a discussion on what has been done recently, the child can write or draw these acts of kindness or assistance in the notebook.
2. During an election time, as you are educating yourself about the candidates, explain to your child: I want to know if this person agrees with what is important to me. I must find out if he/she will do the work Jesus wants us to do. Then I will know if I should vote for him/her.
3. If possible, take your child(ren) with you when you vote.
4. Together learn about a political issue that interests your child. Many children are fascinated by nature. If your family fishes, research water pollution in your area. If raptors fascinate your child, learn about endangered and recovering species. Help your child formulate questions on this. Then, in your child’s words, write a letter to an elected official, asking about his/her policies. This lets your child know at an early age that political involvement is possible for him or her.
5. Send a variation of this letter to your neighborhood newspaper. If it is printed, it will give your child a sense of the power one individual can have.
6. Like teachers, parents should also help young children develop an awareness of the greater world. Provide books and magazines that show children in many cultures and in many different economic situations. (See sidebar for book suggestions). Speak of the children in the books as ‘our sisters and brothers’ and as ‘part of Jesus’ family.’
7. When praying with your child, pray for children who do not have enough food or shelter.
8. If your child is not doing the ‘Pennies for Peace’ program at school, consider starting one through your church, extended family, neighborhood, etc.
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BOOK SUGGESTIONS: These books help readers to appreciate the diversity of the world’s peoples. Understanding how your own country is similar and different from others is a step towards learning to live as a responsible citizen. Let’s Eat! What Children Eat Around the World and Wake Up, World! A Day in the Life of Children Around the World Be My Neighbor and Back to School Children from Australia to Zimbabwe Houses and Homes; Bread, Bread, Bread; and Families HarperCollins. Wonderful Houses Around the World Children Just Like Me A Life like Mine, How Children Live Around The World, Dorling Kindersley Limited, in association with UNICEF. Hungry Planet, What the World Eats |
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