• Construction paper in various colors
• Scissors, including left-handed scissors
• Markers for participants
• Tape
• Covenant from Activity 4, We Covenant Together

• Note: This activity is a longer version of Activity 5: Making a Paper Chain. You will need more time and some children who are confident writers or copyists.
• Cut colored construction paper into strips at least 8" long.
• Post the newsprint with the covenant promises (rules) the group generated in Activity 4, We Covenant Together.

Distribute paper strips and markers at work tables. Invite each child to take several strips of paper. Ask children to write their names on strips of paper. Ask for volunteers to use additional strips to write key words of the promises the group generated in Activity 4, We Covenant Together. Children who choose not to write can draw symbols and decorate more strips of paper for the chain.

When the strips are done, show the children how to form a circle by attaching both ends of a strip of paper together. Tape your circle closed to make the first link of a paper chain. Invite each child to add a link to the chain to make it grow. As each child adds the link with their name on it, ask them to repeat after you:

I agree to follow the covenant, the promises we have made.

After each child has added one link to the chain, say:

We have made a covenant together and we all agree to do our best to keep it.

Have the children add the remaining links to the chain.

Writing skills can vary widely in this age group. Some children may need help writing their names. Ask for volunteers to write key words of the covenant; do not assign anyone a task that may be too hard. Make sure children know it is okay to write their initials or draw a picture instead of writing their names.