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

Activity 1: Story - Henry Hampton

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Copy of the story "Henry Hampton"
  • A bell, chime, rain stick or other musical noisemaker

Preparation for Activity

  • Read the story a few times and practice telling it, perhaps dramatically. The stories here are written for a Story for All Ages moment-part performance, part ministry.
  • Review the questions and choose some you think might resonate with the group and help these particular children interpret the story and relate it to their own lives.
  • If the group is very large, plan to form smaller groups for discussion. Each group should have at least three participants and an adult facilitator.

Description of Activity

Ring the chime (or other noisemaker), make eye contact with each participant and read or tell the story.

Sound the chime (or other noisemaker) again at the end. Invite participants to think silently on their own about the story. Say:

Now we are going to practice listening and discussing skills-both are needed to better understand the story from multiple perspectives as we find out what one another thought about the story.

Ask everyone to use "I think" or "I feel" statements. Remind them not to assume others see or feel the same way. You may suggest that a brief silence be maintained after each person's comment.

Invite the participants to retell the story, briefly, in their own words. What participants recall and relay tells you what they found most meaningful or memorable. Then use the following questions to facilitate discussion. Make sure every child who wants to speak has a chance.

  • How do you think people's ideas about our country would be different if only white people made newspapers and television shows?
  • How do you think it might have felt to be an African American child reading a magazine or watching a television show in those times?
  • How do you think it would have felt to be a white child?
  • What ideas might those children have about their world?
  • How do you think Henry Hampton changed how people viewed African Americans? Why did Henry Hampton see a different picture of America ?
  • Why do you think Henry Hampton thought Eyes on the Prize needed to be made and viewed?