In "Love Will Guide Us," a Tapestry of Faith program
The children create a strand of beads they can use to calm themselves when they feel angry and learn a tactile counting practice to use with it.
Affirm that is okay to get angry sometimes. However, when we stay angry we hurt ourselves. This activity is about making something we can hold onto instead of holding onto our anger.
Invite each child to choose a large bead. Distribute the lengths of cord. Point out the smaller beads on the work tables.
Explain, demonstrating as needed::
1. String one end of the cord through the starter bead.
2. Then string at least ten smaller beads on the cord, while keeping hold of the end.
3. Pull the cord through the starter bead again. Keep the cord loose enough so the beads can move back and forth, then knot the cord.
4. If the starter bead has a hole too large for the knot, tie another small bead on the end: String both ends of the cord through the smaller bead and tie a knot. You can add even more beads to this "tail."
When everyone is done, call children into a circle and invite them to admire one another's work. Show participants how to take the Calming Beads into their hands, looped over their fingers, and can finger along, bead-to-bead. Ask the children to sit quietly, closing their eyes if they wish, while you repeat these centering words:
As you breathe in, feel your body opening up with air. As you breathe out, feel yourself relaxing.
Breathe in and out as each bead passes through your finger.
Repeat the centering words a few times. Then say, in your own words:
Just like you can put yourself to sleep at night, you can also calm yourself when you are angry. These beads are a great way to help you. Keep them in your pocket or around your wrist to use whenever you need.
Invite participants to continue holding the beads and using them to count quietly. Ask the group:
Have children make extra sets of Calming Beads to include in the Fidget Objects basket.
This activity requires manual dexterity and in some cases, patience. Large beads are much easier to string.
For more information contact web @ uua.org.
This work is made possible by the generosity of individual donors and congregations.
Please consider making a donation today.
Last updated on Thursday, October 27, 2011.
Sidebar Content, Page Navigation
More Ways to Search
Donate to Support This Program and the Ongoing Work of the UUA
Read or subscribe to UUA.org Updates for the latest additions to our site.
Learn more about the Beliefs & Principles of Unitarian Universalism, or read our online magazine, UU World, for features on today's Unitarian Universalists. Visit an online UU church, or find a congregation near you.