Connecting to a concept such as our first principle, respecting all people, using the visual arts

  • Purchase or make a blank puzzle from cardboard.
  • Begin the session with a guided meditation to encourage the children to think about their personal gifts.
  • Give each child a piece of the puzzle to decorate to represent themselves as individuals.
  • When each person has finished a piece, bring the entire group together. Children may show the pieces they made. Be sure to model appropriate supportive, positive feedback. Children may share anything that they learned about themselves in the activity.
  • Challenge the group to put the puzzle together in a respectful manner without talking.
  • When they have finished, question how the process went and how it was or wasn't a respectful exercise. Was it easy or hard? How did putting the puzzle together in silence make them feel? How did each person participate in the process? Let the children talk with no interruptions from the leader unless necessary. The leader should listen and reflect the points children make to affirm their understanding. Remember that some children will process silently and may not wish to speak. Respect their silence.
  • Have a closing circle where the children can put a stone in a bowl of water and say one word about our first principle.