Special Friend Symbols

To encourage the children to think about the special qualities their friends possess and express these qualities in a symbol

The children will explain how the rock and keys are symbols of Peter and will appreciate the qualities that make their own friends special.

• Drawing paper
• Crayons

• Tell the children that in this activity, they will talk about Peter's symbols and think of symbols to represent the qualities they admire in their friends.
• Read Jesus' message to Peter when he made Peter the leader of the Church and discuss the symbols: Peter said he believed Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus replied, "Peter, you are the rock upon which I will build my church. Even death will not destroy it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven." adapted from Matthew 16: 18-19.
• Read the following to the children and discuss: The rock and the keys are symbols of Saint peter. What do you think of when you see a rock? What do keys make you think of? Talk about why these things remind us of Peter.
• Suggest that this time they will think of a symbol to represent a friend they admire who has a quality that makes him or her special.
• Pass out drawing paper and crayons. Brainstorm for a few moments for some examples. (a bird for a free-spirited person, a flower for someone gentle and lovely, a tree for someone who is strong and can be leaned on)
• Give the children time to think of and draw their symbols. Then have a sharing time in which the children can explain their pictures and the qualities they represent. They may or may not want to name the person.
• Conclude by reminding the children how important it is to recognize the special qualities in our friends as Jesus did.

Art/Space Smart, Nature Smart

Walk around as the children work to make sure they are portraying positive qualities of their friends.