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Taking It Home
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. — Maya Angelou, poet and author
IN TODAY'S SESSION... we learned how we use respectful words and actions in our relationships. Respectful words and actions illustrate the first UU Principle, "We believe each and every person is important." The children heard a story about Jesus teaching the Beatitudes and explored how those lessons affirm our UU beliefs. We played a circle game and role-played situations in our lives where respectful words and actions are needed.
EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Talk about... respectful words and actions and the first UU Principle at dinner, in the car or at bedtime.
- I wonder why some people are not respectful. How could they change their attitude to one of respect?
- Why is everyone important?
- How do you feel when you know that others respect you and think you are important?
EXTEND THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Try... making a stop sign together. Whenever someone feels disrespect, use the stop sign to stop the interaction so you can discuss feelings.
A Family Adventure. Take the family as a group to a soup kitchen or clothing closet. Work together to show respect to people you encounter with material needs greater than yours. Use smiles and respectful words to make each person feel important.
Family Discovery. Books to read:
- Wake Up, World by Beatrice Hollyer (Henry Holt and Co., 1999)
- Rabbit Ears Treasury of Christmas Stories, Volume Two: Gingham Dog and Calico Cat, Lion and Lamb (audio book), by Amy Grant and Christopher Reeve (Listening Library, 2008)
- Being Respectful: A Book About Respectfulness (Way to Be) by Mary Small (Picture Window Books, 2006).
A Family Ritual. Write each person's name on tongue depressors or wooden ice cream spoons. At a meal, invite each person to place their name in the middle of the table and name one way they were respected or one way they respected another.