Tapestry of Faith: Wonderful Welcome: A Program for Children Grades K-1

Taking It Home: The Gift Of Families

One of the oldest human needs is having someone to wonder where you are when you don't come home at night.

— Margaret Mead

IN TODAY'S SESSION... Today your child(ren) talked about ways family members share kindness, respect and caring with one another. They heard a story about Chang Kung, whose very large extended family in ancient China lived together so peacefully that the emperor came to visit to find out their secret. The secret was kindness. The children learned to draw the Chinese character for "shan," one expression of "kindness" in Mandarin.

EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Talk about... Talk together about how you share kindness, respect and caring with one another in your family. Be specific and make sure you identify opportunities for every member to share these gifts.

EXTEND THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Try... The story children heard today, The Picture on the Kitchen Wall, tells the story behind the Chinese custom of posting an image of Chang Kung in their homes. The image reminds family members to be kind to one another. When your child brings home a picture of the Chinese character, shan (kindness), post it in the kitchen. Talk about how "shan" can remind each of you to be kind.

FAMILY ADVENTURE

Find out the next date of Chinese New Year. If you are located near a Chinese community, investigate celebrations that are open to the public. You could lead your congregation in connecting with a local Chinese church group, community center or family, to plan a celebration together.

FAMILY DISCOVERY

Online, research Chinese New Year celebrations. Find out which animal (dog, rat, horse) is the next year's animal. Look for Chinese New Year recipes or decorations you can create at home.