Learning about helping others is an important concept to teach youngsters. In the tenth chapter of the New Testament book that was name for him, the writer Luke wrote an account Jesus' parable of a good Samaritan who helped a man who had been beaten and left for dead. While others in the story passed the man by, the good Samaritan sacrificed his time and resources to care for the man. Using crafts to teach about this story helps children to grasp the concept of helping others in a more tangible way.
First Aid Kit
Help your class to make a special first aid kit for a friend or family member. Instead of stocking the kit with medical supplies, stock it with things that will encourage the person. Decorate paper bags with paint and stickers. Write an encouraging Bible verse (such as John 3:16) on an index card. Have the kids draw or colour a picture to place inside. Add some candy or gum. Let the kids also include a personal note for the recipient telling that person why he is special.
This activity helps students to think about who are "neighbors" are in reference to the good Samaritan story. Have your students look through magazines and cut out pictures of people. Tell them that any pictures of people are OK. Have the kids glue the pictures to pieces of construction paper. Display the collages and discuss how "neighbors" can be anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.
Cover a section of the wall with a sheet of butcher paper. Divide the paper into several sections. Break your class into small groups and have each group use markers or paints to depict a part of the story on their section of the paper. Once everyone is finished, you will have a mural that represents the story of the good Samaritan.
This craft produces a keepsake that kids' parents will appreciate. Talk about how God uses our "helping hands" to help others. Discuss ways that you can use your hands to help others. Have each child dip her hands into finger-paint and press her handprints on a sheet of construction paper. Write a paraphrased verse, such as "Love one another; John 13:34," under the prints. Laminate or frame the papers, if possible, for the children to take home.