It's All in a Name

To teach the children to reflect on qualities they would like others to see in them, so that they can work on developing these qualities in themselves

The children will explain the meanings of Jesus' different names, how those names are reflected in his life, and try to live up to the qualities for which they would like to be known.

• Index cards
• Pencils

• Tell the children that in this activity they will discuss some personal qualities that they would like to be associated with their names.
• Remind children of Jesus' various names, which reflected his personality (Emmanuel-God is with us, Jesus-God saves us, Christ-the anointed one).
• Divide the children into small groups and send each group to a comfortable area.
• Ask them to spend two or three minutes thinking of and listing on their cards a few descriptions they would like others to associate with them. Start them off with some examples: strong as the oak tree; helper to all; protective of little kids.
• When the lists are complete, invite the children to share some of their ideas with their group, explaining why that particular quality is important to them and how they might work on developing it in themselves.
• Conclude by having the children talk about how we associate Jesus with his names and how they should be aware of living up to their goals.

Nature Smart, Self Smart

If possible, take children outdoors with their cards and pencils, as they may get some inspiration from nature.

Caution the children to be respectful of what others say about themselves, just as they would like others to respect what they say.