Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

• A copy of the story, St. Francis and the Wolf
• Optional: "St. Francis and the Wolf" coloring sheet, and crayons

Preparation for Activity

• Read the story carefully. It comes from the Catholic tradition. You may wish to adapt the story as appropriate to your congregation's faith culture.
• Optional: Print the coloring sheet and copy for all participants. Place coloring sheets and crayons where children can use them when invited but will not be distracted beforehand.

Description of Activity

Tell the children this story comes from the Catholic tradition. You may say:

Francis of Assisi was a man who loved animals. The Catholic faith finds him so special that he is called a saint. This story is about him.

Read or tell the story.

Including All Participants

Offer children the opportunity to color the illustration provided for “St. Francis and the Wolf” to engage different learning styles and to help children focus on or relate to the story. A coloring activity can be a "preview" of a story. It can work as a quiet activity to help children physically settle. You might use it afterward to help the group recall and respond to the story.