Activity time: 8 minutes

Materials for Activity

• A copy of the story "Honoring Life: A Story of Beatrix Potter"
• A chime, rain stick or other calming sound instrument
• Optional: Fidget object basket (Session 2, Leader Resource 2)

Preparation for Activity

• Read the story a few times. Think about how you might use items from the story basket as props.
• Consider telling the story rather than reading it. Practice telling it aloud.

Description of Activity

The story about Unitarian Beatrix Potter, who spent her isolated, younger years observing and drawing nature and who grew up to write and illustrate children's books about animals, exemplifies our seventh Principle, respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

Before you begin, look around the room and make eye contact with each person. Read or tell the story.

Sound the instrument to indicate that the story is over.

When you have finished the story, guide the children in a brief discussion using these questions:

• When do you feel closest to nature?
• Do you ever have conversations with pets or other nonhuman beings?
• What are some times and ways you make a connection with animals, fish, trees or plants during a typical day?