Help Your Neighbor

To teach the children to offer help willingly to others

The children will look for ways to share God's love by helping others in small ways.

• Yarn, cut in approximately 10? pieces, enough for each child

• Tell the children they are going to role-play helping each other in order to see how important it is to share God's love by helping those in need.
• Have the children work in pairs.
• Give each child a piece of yarn. Ask the children to tie the yarn in a bow around either of their wrists. Suggest that since they won't be able to do this themselves, they will have to help each other.
• Tell them the yarn is a reminder that they may not use that arm; they might pretend the arm is broken and in a sling.
• Suggest that each partner think of an everyday activity he or she would like to do but will be unable to do by himself or herself. (Examples: tying one's shoes, making a braid or pony tail, writing a note, carrying a box)
• Have partners take turns role-playing offering help and helping each other with their tasks.
• Conclude by pointing out that people often need help from one another to do simple, everyday tasks. Tell them that God wants them to be aware of ways they can share his love by helping others.

Body Smart, People Smart

As you walk around, comment on the children's positive attitudes and cheerful offers of help.

Make appropriate adaptations for children with physical disabilities.