Topic

We are connected

inglesWhat stimulates: compassion, curiosity

Preparation and materials:

For 3-5 years:

  • Approximately 60 cm of thread/string
  • Toilet paper rolls (inside) cut to width (to create rings) or beads

For 5-8 years:

  • Plain paper
  • Crayons/Colored Pencils/Ink
  • scissors
  • glue or tape

Recommended ages:

3 to 5 years

5 to 8 years

Why is this activity important?

This activity is a practical example of interconnection – a concept that describes the close connection of ourselves with others, nature and God. It supports children to develop their sense of belonging not only to their families but also to the wider community. Children think about those who support them in their lives, from parents/caregivers to doctors and shop workers, and show compassion for these people. This activity also shows how we are all connected through equal relationships.

How can you do:

FOR AGES 3 TO 5 YEARS:

1. Prepare the above materials on a table or floor, with space for you and your child to sit together. Explain that you will create one of all the people in your child's life who help them live and grow.

2. Take a rim of the toilet paper roll and tell your child it's me (the caregiver). On the string, place the hoop and tie, so that the hoop does not fall off the end.

3. Now, encourage your child to pick up a hoop and say it's them. When adding hoops to the chain, you might ask:

  • This is me, daddy. This is you, (child's name). Who is it? (holding another hoop)
  • Grandma helps you to dinner. Can you add grandma? (Add another rim)
  • Who helps you the most? Does the dentist/bus driver/your teacher help you?

After you're done, talk about how the people in the network help us and how we're all connected. We all need each other to live happily and well. You can use the chain for decoration or your child can wear it as a necklace!


FOR AGES 5 TO 8 YEARS:

1. Prepare the above materials on a table or floor, with space for you and your child to sit together. Explain that you are going to create a paper chain with all the people in your child's life who help them to live well and grow.

2. Take the paper and decorate as you like. Remind your child that this paper will be cut into strips so there is no need to create a design, just decorate with colors and patterns. After you are done, use scissors to cut the width of the paper into strips approximately 3-4 cm wide.

3. With a strip, create a hoop and glue the two ends with masking tape. You have your first hoop! Tell your child it's them, now they need to add all the other people in their life. With the next strip of paper, tuck it inside the first hoop and glue the ends together. Now you have two hoops together! Each rim represents a person, you can name each rim. Use the following questions to guide your child:

  • Besides your family, who else helps you to live well?
  • Where do you get your food from? Where does the market get food from?
  • Who makes sure your body is growing strong and healthy?

When you're done ironing and creating your paper chain, you can rename all the people who help you in your life. We all need each other to live happily and well. You can use the chain for decoration or your child can wear it as a necklace!


Tips on how to do this activity in a group

Before starting the activity, sit in a circle on the floor and talk about all the people you help in your life. You can start by talking about close family members and then try to include other members of the community, such as shopkeepers and teachers. Encourage the children to think about why these people help them, what they do, and how we can show that we are grateful. When doing the activity, some children may feel shy or lacking in confidence to complete some steps. Encourage them and show them how, without doing it for them, so they feel capable and confident with their creations.

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