Session 12: Making a Difference

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Moral Tales, Grades 2-3

In This Section

Introduction
From Moral Tales

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. — Edward Everett Hale This session introduces the concept of responsibility. It reinforces the ideas in the seventh…
Session-at-a-Glance
From Moral Tales

Activity Minutes Welcoming and Entering 0 Opening 3 Activity 1: Gems of Goodness — Responsibility 12 Activity 2: Story Basket and Centering 5 Activity 3: Story — “It’s Not My Problem” 10 Activity 4: Role Play — We Can Make a Difference 10 Activity 5: If I Had a Magic Wand 15 Activity 6:…
Spiritual Preparation
From Moral Tales

To prepare for leading and fully engaging in this session we suggest that you reread the quote at the start of the session by Edward Everett Hale. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of need that we see in this world….
Welcoming and Entering
From Moral Tales

Materials for Activity Mosaic gemstones, at least three per participant A colorful cloth A small notebook, approximately two by three inches, and a marker for each child who is new to the Gems of Goodness project Optional: Stick-on gems or other stickers for children who are new to the Gems of…
Opening
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 3 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice candle or LED/battery-operated candle Lighter and extinguisher, if needed Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Decide whether you will use the provided opening words, an adaptation of Reading 418 in Singing the Living…
Activity 1: Gems Of Goodness - Responsibility
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 12 minutes Materials for Activity Clear glass jar or vase Copies of Handout 1, I Make a Difference for all participants Small notebooks, approximately two by three inches, for any newcomers Markers and stick-on gems or other stickers for children who are new to the Gems of Goodness…
Activity 2: Story Basket And Centering
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity A large basket Objects to place in the basket that are related to the story, “It’s Not My Problem,” such as a jar of honey A chime, a rain stick, or another calming sound instrument Optional: Box or small table and a cloth cover Optional: A globe or…
Activity 3: Story - It's Not My Problem
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story, “It’s Not My Problem” A chime, a rain stick, or another calming sound instrument Preparation for Activity Read the story several times. Take time to picture the story in your mind so its setting is clear….
Activity 4: Role Play - We Can Make A Difference
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Sound making instrument Role play scenarios Preparation for Activity Choose one scenario from the suggestions below. Description of Activity Gather the children in a seated circle, with room for actors to play roles. Lead a role play using the…
Activity 5: If I Had A Magic Wand
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Magic wands for all participants, made in Alternate Activity 2: Making Magic Wands, made by you in advance, or store-bought Participants’ “I Make a Difference” handouts begun in Activity 1, Gems of Goodness — Responsibility Markers or pencils…
Activity 6: Clean-up
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 3 minutes Materials for Activity Plastic tubs or baskets to store markers, pens, stickers and other art materials Waste basket lined with a bag Bag(s) for recycling paper products and/or empty plastic containers Damp sponges or paper towels to wipe tables used in group feast…
Closing
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 2 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Moral Compass poster A bold marker, or a piece of card stock and tape or a stapler Optional: One copy of the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook Singing the Living Tradition Optional: Music CD or tape, and music player…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Moral Tales

Take a few minutes to evaluate the session with your co-leader immediately afterward, while it is fresh. Share your thoughts with any other team teachers and your director of religious education. You might find it helpful to consider these questions: Which activities worked well?…
Faith In Action: Long-term - Responsibility Steps
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity One copy of Leader Resource 1, “I Make a Difference” Grid Newsprint, markers and tape Copies of the Leader Resource 2, “I Make a Difference” Commitment to Act for all participants Copies of Handout 1, “I Made a Difference” Certificate for all…
Alternate Activity 1: Candles Of Joys And Sorrows
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Large container, such as ceramic or metal bowl Play sand (can be found at local hardware store) or unscented cat litter Large number of candles Basket for candles Matches or lighter Preparation for Activity Fill your container with the play sand or…
Alternate Activity 2: Making Magic Wands
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Sticks or dowels, approximately 1/4-inch diameter and a foot long, or long, stiff straws for all participants Decorative arts and crafts materials such as ribbons, glitter, feathers, stickers and color markers Glue sticks, tape, stapler and scissor…
Alternate Activity 3: All My Friends And Neighbors Make A Difference
From Moral Tales

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of Leader Resource 3, All My Friends and Neighbors — Making a Difference Optional: A piece of paper or large, flat books for each child Optional: Small carpet squares Preparation for Activity Make sure you have a large enough space for every…
Taking It Home: Making a Difference
From Moral Tales

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. — Edward Everett Hale IN TODAY’S SESSION……
Story 1: It's Not My Problem
From Moral Tales

Adapted from a Thai folk tale. Once upon a time, a queen sat on her balcony eating rice cakes and honey with her chief advisor. As they ate, they gazed down at the busy street below. The Queen pointed to something in the distance, and as she did a drop of honey from her rice cake landed on the…
Handout 1: I Make A Difference
From Moral Tales

I Made a Difference This certificate is to honor the fact that Name___________________________________________________________ Did something about the problem of: They did the following: We appreciate this act of caring, kindness and responsibility (add other traits that apply). Signed:…
Leader Resource 1: I Make A Difference Grid
From Moral Tales

Problem Small step Small step Small Step Global Warming Turn out lights. Recycle school papers. Start recycling bin in class. Loneliness in nursing homes Visit and bring cookies. Visit and listen to residents’ stories. Bullying at school Tell a teacher. Ask the bullied child to play….
Leader Resource 2: I Make A Difference Commitment to Act
From Moral Tales

“I Make a Difference” Name_________________________________________ Is concerned about the following problem: ________________________________________________ They will to the following to make a difference: ___________________________________________…
Leader Resource 3: All My Friends and Neighbors - Making a Difference
From Moral Tales

Use these questions once the children have got the hang of the game. As you play, make your criteria for friends and neighbors more specific, and encourage children to be specific in their own suggested criteria. The more specific the criteria in this game, the more everyone will learn. I want to…
Find Out More About Making a Difference
From Moral Tales

Versions of the Burmese and Thai folk tale on which the story, “It’s Not My Problem,” is based appear in many books: “Not Our Problem” in Margaret Read Macdonald’s Peace Tales: World Folktales to Talk About (Linnet Books, 1992)….