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

Alternate Activity 2: Language Audit

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Newsprint, markers and tape
  • Optional: Paper and pencils

Preparation for Activity

  • On newsprint, list these activities: build, compute, dance, play, read, write and sing. Post the newsprint.

Description of Activity

Gather the group and invite them to participate in a survey of the activities they like most. Tell them to raise their hand for each activity you name that they like to do. They can raise their hands for more than one activity.

Read the activities, one at a time, using tally marks to record the number of responses to each.

You may comment on the numbers when the list is done, but refrain from commenting on individuals' choices (e.g., "I'm surprised you like to dance, Mary.")

Form at least four groups according to the activities children say they like to do. (You may have to merge some activities into a broader category such as active sports, indoor games, traveling.) Then, invite the groups to think of the activity they chose as a language. Ask the small groups to come up with a way to say "welcome" in the language of reading, singing, building, etc. Give groups about five minutes to find a way to present their "welcome" to the larger group.

Allow each group a minute to present. Then, ask the group, "How in our congregation do we use these languages? What is the message we are giving in the way we read (dance, play, etc.)?