Trust Me, My Friend

To teach children to trust that God will always be there when they need him

The children will explain Saint Joseph's trust in God and their own trust in God.

• Index cards with each child's name written on a card

• Tell the children this activity will give them an opportunity to trust someone who will not let them down.
• Give each child an index card with another child's name on it.
• Direct the children to write a positive note to the person whose name is on their card. (Example: Carlos, you start my day out right with your cheery greeting at the bus stop.)
• Have the children quietly place their cards someplace in the room, but not in another's desk, and then gather on the floor.
• Choose three children at a time to give directions. Each child will say the name of the person whose card they hid and give the child step-by-step directions to find it. The child will trust the direction-giver and be rewarded with his or her happy note. The children who find their notes may read them and be next to give their directions. Continue until all the messages have been retrieved.
• Conclude by reminding the children of the happy outcome of trusting. Assure them that when they trust in God he will be there for them as he was for Saint Joseph.

Music Smart, People Smart

As the children are trusting each other and following directions, the rest of the group might be singing (to the tune of "If You're Happy and You Know It")

If you're trusting and you know it, follow me. (Sing 2 times.)

If you're trusting and you know it, then your heart will surely show it. (Repeat first line.)

Walk around as the children write their messages. Check for appropriateness, help with spelling, and so on.

Caution children that they should only follow the directions of someone they know they can trust, never a stranger.