Tapestry of Faith: Windows and Mirrors: A Program about Diversity for Grades 4-5

Activity 1: Create Your Own Language and Gesture

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Slips of paper for all participants (Leader Resource 1, Friends Phrases)
  • Basket
  • Pencils

Preparation for Activity

  • Print Leader Resource 1, Friends Phrases. You will need one copy for every six participants plus another copy to keep intact to use in Activity 3.
  • Cut the leader resource into slips of paper. Fold the slips and place them in the basket.

Description of Activity

Invite each child to select a slip of paper from the basket without showing it to anyone. When everyone has a slip of paper, ask the group to read their slips silently and make up their own language to communicate their phrase. Suggest children repeat the phrase in their new language several times to themselves, to memorize it. Distribute pencils to children who would like to jot down their phrase on their slip of paper.

Then gather the group in a circle. Ask the children to turn their backs to one another and make up a gesture to go with the phrase in their special language. Tell them that, for now, this is a secret gesture they should not show anyone else. Ask them to hold on to their slip of paper and remember their phrase and gesture for later in the session.

Including All Participants

Read the phrase on their slip of paper to any child who has difficulty reading.