Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

• A copy of story, "The Memory Table"
• Optional: “The Memory Table” coloring sheet, and crayons

Preparation for Activity

• Review and print out story, "The Memory Table."
• Practice reading the story aloud to ensure you can present it effectively to your group.
• 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

Gather participants in a circle where they can sit comfortably and hear you tell the story, "The Memory Table."

Pause at the conclusion. Ask the group, "How can a table hold memories? How can it be that Steven's family table brings with it many wonderful memories that go where the table goes?" Allow several responses.

Then, ask the children if any of them have a piece of furniture or a special object at their homes that holds good memories for the family. Suggest a kitchen table, like Steven's in the story, a candle stick, or a couch everyone likes to jump on. Whatever items children mention, thank them for their contributions and affirm the positive place of memories in the home.

Including All Participants

Be aware of participants who may need to sit close to you in order to hear well or to focus their attention as you read aloud.

Offer children the opportunity to color the illustration provided for “Circles of Light” 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.