New Friend Game

For the children to learn about each others' favorite things in order to develop new friendships and to introduce each other to the group.

The children will understand that God wants us to make others feel welcome and that by loving others, we love God.

Pictures of the following:

• an animal or pet
• food (for example, a slice of pizza, an ice cream cone)
• an activity (for example, a baseball bat and a ball)

• Explain to the children that God wants us to make others feel welcome and that by loving others, we love God.
• Pair the children up, making sure they are not paired with someone they already know. Tell them their job is to find out three things about the other person to share with the group: What is your favorite pet or animal? What is your favorite food? What is your favorite thing to do?
• After a few minutes, gather the group together.
• Have each child introduce his or her partner to the group by giving his or her answers to the three questions.
• After all the children have been introduced, remind them that when they care for others, they show their love for God.

People Smart

Display the three pictures with the three questions in a prominent place so that all the children can see them. Tell the children they should look at the pictures if they don't remember what they're supposed to ask their partner.

You may have to encourage shy children to talk.

Remind the children not to share information that is extremely personal or meant to stay private.