Capstone

OBJECTIVE

The objective for the morality module is to have the children focus on foundational Christian values and how to incorporate them into their lives. In first grade, the children will discuss the Golden Rule, respect for everyone, the parable of the Good Shepherd, and forgiveness. For first graders the best way to teach morals is through their imagination. Bible stories are a great way for them to continue to ponder the morality that is being taught in that story. Let them respond to the Bible story and the Holy Spirit will work inside each of them to guide them along.

INSTRUCTIONS/IDEAS

Write the four memory verses of this module on the board or a poster for the first graders to see. As they participate in the capstone, keep referring back to the Bible verses as a guide for our behavior.

  • Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them. (Matthew 7:12)
  • Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. (Matthew 15:40)
  • 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost' (Luke 15:6)
  • Just as Christ forgives us, we are to forgive. (Colossians 3:13)

Option 1: Kind or Not Kind Game

For this capstone you will play a game. Write out simple scenarios for the children to read or even act out together. Once they are done reading or acting it out have them place that scenario into one of the two bowls. In this picture it says kind or not kind. You can change that to say respectful and not respectful. Make up different scenarios that are from the home, school, church, community. Encourage the children to explain their answers.

Sample scenarios:

Marina, Joe and Christina don't like to do chores at home. When their parents ask them to take out the trash and take the dog for a walk, they complain and don't want to help.

  • How can the children show care and respect to their parents? How would you respond in this situation?
  • Sometimes we don't do the right thing even though we know we should. Why not?
    • What can you do to respond to your parents in a way that you and they would like?

Februnia is really excited about a new skirt. When she wears it to school the next day, the popular girls make fun of it. Monica is Februnia's best friend, and sees the girls making fun of her.

  • How can Monica show care and respect to Februnia?
  • How would you respond if you were Monica? If you were Februnia? Have you ever been in this situation?
  • What can you do to stand up for your friends in a way that is caring and respectful?

Lisa's younger sister, Abby, wants to play with Lisa all the time. When Lisa's friends come over, Abby won't leave them alone, and Lisa gets very annoyed.

  • How can Lisa be kind to Abby?
  • How would you respond if you were Lisa? If you were

    Abby? Have you ever been in this situation?

  • How could you be more patient and inclusive with your

    siblings or with friends?

Mrs. Girgis is always doing kind things for the kids in the neighborhood; especially for Josie and her friends. She bakes cookies for them, picks them up after school when their parents are working, and listens when they have a problem.

  • How can Josie and her friends show gratitude to Mrs. Girgis?
  • Have you ever been in a similar situation as Josie and her friends? What did you do?
  • What are some ways that we can be grateful to others when they do kind things for us?

Michael is in 4th grade at your school. He constantly pokes and bothers other kids in class, is disrespectful to the teacher, and is a class clown. The students are having a hard time concentrating and want Michael to stop but are afraid of him. Antonios is his best friend and decides to talk to him about the problems.

  • What are some respectful ways that Antonios can talk to Michael about the way he is acting?
  • How would you respond if you were Antonios? If you were Michael? Have you ever been in this situation?
  • It might be tempting to treat Michael the same way he treats others. How can you be kind even when it might be difficult to do so?

Luke plays on a Little League baseball team and doesn't like all the trash that people leave at the baseball field after the games.

  • What can Luke and his friends do to help with the trash problem at the baseball field?
  • How would you respond if you were Luke and his friends? Have you ever seen a problem like this and didn't know exactly what to do?
  • We don't always take the time to figure out what we can do to solve big problems. What prevents us from doing so?

Option 2: Kindness Flowers Craft

Cut out flower petal shapes in a variety of colors and pass them out. Allow the children to write out ideas that share God's love with those in their community. Have the students assemble their flower petals into a flower shape and glue it on a piece of construction paper. Allow them to add leaves and stems to make their flower complete. Encourage the first graders to share their completed project with the class, offering lots of praise. The flower ties into the garden of good manners from the third week, discussing respect. Remind the first graders that having good manners is a great way to show respect and spread God's love to those around us.

Example of a completed project: