- It is easier for teens and adults to find activities that allow for quiet meditation, but young children must be entertained, also. Have special toys for them that are quieter and geared toward Bible teachings, such as flannel board Bible stories, gospel games, Bible quizzing and scripture story books. Only use these items on the Sabbath to help young children learn the significance of the day.
- Have your children think about people who do things for them or who help them, or who are special to them. It can be a teacher, someone from church, a grandparent, friend or family member. Gather the children at the table and give them each a notecard and a pencil, with instructions to write a thank you note to the person. Each child should include the reasons for the appreciation. Small children can be given a crayon to draw a small picture at the bottom of the card. Have the children put the cards in envelopes, address them and stamp them. They are then ready to be put in the next day's mail to deliver a special greeting to someone.
- After song, prayer and scripture, have everyone go outside and get leaves from different trees. Once inside, have the children place their leaves upside down under a piece of white paper. Give each one a crayon that has had the paper removed and let them make a rubbing of the leaf underneath. Once this is done, have them all look at the rubbings; discuss the differences, such as shape and size, then discuss the similarities. Each leaf has a stem, the main vein and other little ones. Have a discussion about people being the same, but from different families, races or religions. We also have different hair and eye colors and different last names. You can also do this exercise using ice cream and toppings for a special treat, but the ultimate goal is to teach them that there is unity in diversity.
