Each program year, we have an overriding theme for GIFT. The themes are on a 4-year rotation, since any given child is in GIFT for no more than 4 years (grades 1-4). This year's theme is "Our Faith Story." While each parent/child session will have its own topic, this theme will weave through them all in how we approach activities and crafts. For example...
Progressive Craft: "My Faith Story" Book
I started doing a progressive craft about 3 years ago. The children begin the project at our first session, and then add to it at subsequent sessions throughout the year. I have gotten great feedback from the parents about kids looking forward to adding on to their craft each month, and it also makes a great hands-on review tool.
This year we're making a book that literally shows kids how they fit into the Catholic faith. We will begin at our first session by taking photos of all of the children and printing them on heavy paper in wallet size. Kids will make a book using foam covers. I purchased the foam sheets pre-cut to 4x6 size at the dollar store; I think there were 32 per pack. On the front cover, kids will use a 1/2-inch circular shape punch (available at craft stores) to cut a round window. Inside of the back cover, they will glue their photo so it shows through the window. (using craft glue dots, possibly the best invention ever!) They will also color the first page of the booklet, which is a collage of important people from history with a window space to punch out. This way, the child's photo shows up in the center of the collage. The page reads: "The church has a long history, and I am part of it!" At each future session, kids will add another window page to the book that fits with that month's lesson.
Bible Stories
With so much Catholic Tradition, ritual, and theology to teach, we sometimes fail to focus on the Bible stories we think everyone already knows. But in fact, many kids may not be as familiar with Moses, Noah, and Joseph's colorful coat as we may assume. This theme will allow us to spend some time with these important stories. We will also have some fun with the parables of Jesus.
Other Stories
There are some wonderful fables and storybooks out there that teach Christian values. One oldie-but-goodie that we'll be talking about this year is "Stone Soup." I also found a story online about a cricket who is afraid to share imperfect music - we'll be using that story in the spring when we talk about sharing our gifts.
Kids' Ideas
At our first session, I will ask kids to brainstorm different ways we tell stories, such as movies, poems, music, puppets, etc...and we will incorporate some of those things into the rest of our year.
A Note to My GIFT Parents:
Chances are your children have been asked by their teachers to "read every day." Why not choose some books that teach Bible stories, Christian values, lives of the Saints, etc? Some of these you will find at the county libraries, but you can also find a nice assortment at our parish library. Yes, we have a parish library! Stop in when the office is open (you may want to call ahead to make sure nobody is holding a meeting in there), or check it out next time you're here for Mass or programs (like GIFT). If you need help finding something or ideas for good secular-but-spiritual stories, give me a call or drop me an email at desire.sobiech@risensavior.org.
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