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:
    • The Earth and I by Frank Asch, 2008. This story celebrates friendship that one child has with the Earth. They play together, listen to each other, and nourish each other. But when the Earth is sad, the child is sad, so he finds a way to make his friend, the Earth, happy.
    • The Earth Book by Todd Parr, 2010. With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Todd Parr explores the important, timely subject of environmental protection and conservation in this eco-friendly picture book.
    • The Curious Garden by Peter Brown, 2009. One boy's quest for a greener world... one garden at a time. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world.
    • I Can Save the Earth: One little monster learns to reduce, reuse and recycle (Little Green Books) by Alison Inches and Viviana Garofoli, 2008. Little Green Books educate children on ways they can be eco-friendly.
  • Review How to Read a Story Book, under Resources in the Introduction.
  • Consider taking the group outdoors to read the story. Identify an appropriate spot and make sure you have enough adult supervision to bring the children outdoors.

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 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.