Lesson Objectives: get the children to understand that sharing is to participate in activities that benefit others and ourselves; that we should donate supplies but also warmth to others. We should share and cooperate with each other, as we are all children of God.
Note: the class could be divided into two parts, adapting to the time available and maturity of the children.
First: implement the group dynamic called Puzzle.
Second: opening a space for dialogue with the children about what occurred in the group dynamics.
Questioning:
What does the word share mean? (Wait for the answers and then immediately clarify the meaning, if necessary). Share: having or taking part in, participate, share, split into pieces, divide, give, distribute.
Obs.: If necessary, give them a few minutes to exchange the pieces that complete the puzzle.
What was the benefit of sharing the pieces of the puzzle? Everyone could complete the activity, helping one another. What can we share with our neighbour in everyday life? (wait for their answers):
Material Belongings: donating food, clothes, money, medicine... Spiritual Belongings - warmth and good feelings: it can be exercised through prayer, good vibes, sincere forgiveness, feelings of love and affection, solace in times of difficulties, a hug, a smile, a handshake, gentleness, compassion, understanding... If the children question about giving money, saying that a person can spend on something else which was not the reason why they asked the money for, the spiritist teacher should argue that what counts is our intention to help. What the person will do with the money or any other material thing she/he received is not our business but it is of the individual’s responsibility.Third: ask – do we have opponents? (wait for their answers). Immediately conclude saying:
“Yes! We have a great opponent: OURSELVES". When we don’t exercise patience, perseverance, faith, tolerance, detachment from material things, compassion... When we don’t practice solidarity, charity, forgiveness... When we disperse our energy taking care of other people's lives, instead of using it for the sake of our growth... When we see our neighbour as an opponent; that is, when we forget we are all children from the same Father. Therefore, we are all brothers and God loves us without any distinction. He gave us all an equal chance to be happy; we should help each other. If we don’t seek to become better people, overcoming our faults, we won’t progress. These are our main rivals to achieve our spiritual evolution.Fourth: tell them the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Click here to find an adapted version of THE GOOD SAMARITAN that could be used (received from Gisel Haddad / KSSF Kardecian Study Society of Florida - USA). There are several activities related to THE GOOD SAMARITAN available here: Activities.
Fifth: the spiritist teacher should open a space for all of them to make comments about the parable; that is, interpret what Jesus wanted to teach us through this parable.
Sixth: comment that we should not look at life and people as a game. There is not need to have competition among people in life, which should make easier for us to understand the problems of others and find comfort in each other’s embrace. But unfortunately, many still see others as rivals, as if there could only be one winner in life.
Big mistake: the biggest prize of our existence is the ability to share life! Try to welcome rather than judge, to forgive rather than to accuse and understand rather than fight back! It is difficult indeed, but possible and extremely gratifying! Life gets lighter, the path becomes easier and the reward far more valuable. We will only be able to have a better world when we are engaged and committed to achieving results, while respecting everyone and everything equally.
Seventh: comment on how good it feels to have a family, to eat every day, to have a warm bed to sleep in, etc. The spiritist teacher can also comment on the comfort and presents they earn during the year.
Soon after, the spiritist teacher should ask the children to think about the children and young people who don’t have everything they have; especially children living in orphanages or in the streets.
Ask them to stay silent for a moment to reflect on this matter.
Shortly thereafter, the spiritist teacher should ask for suggestions, to brighten these children and young people who need comfort and warmth (the ideal would be to induce them the idea to collect toys, clothes, food...)
After listening to their suggestions, talk about the importance of all of us to engage in collecting toys, clothes, shoes and anything that might bring a little more comfort to these brothers and sisters.
Remember that we are in a privileged situation, but that tomorrow no one can predict; therefore, helping today, we will surely be helped tomorrow, this is called, "LAW OF CAUSE AND EFFECT".
Closing Prayer
Sent to us by Sandra Ramos Medeiros, CEFAC – Spiritist Centre Fé, Amor and Caridade, from Campo Grande/MS.
Suggested Class suitable for: 3rd cycle (11 to 12 years old) and Youth I (13 to 14 years old).
Translation: Carolina von Scharten, London, linked to BUSS - The British Union of Spiritist Societies.
