Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Chalice Children: A Program about Our Unitarian Universalist Community for Preschoolers

Activity 4: Story

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Story book

Preparation for Activity

  • Choose a story from the following suggestions:
    • Keep Love in Your Heart, Little One by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Clara Vulliamy (2007). "It's the only sure way to be happy, The only sure way to be free. Believe in yourself and believe in your dreams, And you'll be what you dream you can be." A joyful tale of parental love and a child's boundless enthusiasm for life.
    • Love Is a Handful of Honey by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Vanessa Caban (2007). "Love is that warm cozy feeling you get when you cuddle your Mum, and love is that feeling of laughing out loud when somebody tickles your tum!"
    • Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud and David Messing (Bucket Fillers 101, 2006,). "Through simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heartwarming book encourages positive behavior as children see how rewarding it is to express daily kindness, appreciation, and love."
  • Review How to Read a Story Book, under Resources in the Introduction.

Description of Activity

Hold up the book and say, in these words or your own:

Here's how I am going to read the story. Does anyone need to move so that they can see and hear?

This will help children move if they need to and then get settled before the story is started, so they don't interrupt the reading. It also serves as a reminder that if they stand or sit right in front of the pages, no one else can see. Invite them to find a place to settle so that everyone can see. When all are ready, read the story. When you finish reading, ask if anyone has thoughts about the story that they would like to share.

Including All Participants

Seat a child with hearing or sight difficulties near the reader.