Tapestry of Faith: Wonderful Welcome: A Program for Children Grades K-1

Activity 1: Wonder Box

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Wonder Box
    • Cardboard box with fitted lid. It should be large enough to hold various items such as stuffed animals, books, etc.
    • Decorative wrapping paper or foil
    • Optional: Ribbons, stickers, glitter and other decorations

Preparation for Activity

  • Make the Wonder Box by wrapping and decorating the bottom and the lid separately, making sure the lid remains easy to remove and replace. In this session, the Wonder Box remains empty. Prepare to open the box with obvious enthusiasm, because the children will not see anything in it.

Description of Activity

Use the Wonder Box to help participants understand the concept of intangible gifts.

With the children still in a circle around the chalice, invite them to guess what could be in this big, beautifully wrapped box. After receiving some guesses, open the box with wide eyes and much enthusiasm. You could say something like:

Oh my goodness! This is the best gift that anyone could ever get!

When the children peer into the box, tilt it so that they clearly see there is nothing in it. As they show disappointment or confusion, immediately explain that the box has a precious gift that cannot be touched or seen: the gift of love. Ask, even though we can't really see love, it is very important, isn't it?