Play and Pray Through Lent
What’s inside...
This material draws on a child's natural sense of playfulness to enable children to engage with the story of Easter during the six weeks of Lent. It uses very simple visual items, such as a story cloth and card figures, to provide an ongoing focus. Additionally, it includes a simple song each week sung to a well-known nursery rhyme tune.
Age
4-8
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about the Lent season from this book?
Which activity from the book would you like to try and why?
How can we practice kindness and giving like the characters in the story?
What does prayer mean to you, and how can it be a part of our daily lives?
How do you think the characters felt during their Lent journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and patient tone to encourage open and honest responses.
Relate the themes of the book to the child's everyday experiences to make connections more tangible.
Praise efforts to understand and articulate thoughts, making the child feel valued and heard.
Prepare to share your own thoughts and feelings about Lent to model open dialogue.
Encourage drawing or acting out favorite scenes to deepen understanding and retention of the book's messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The book 'Play and Pray Through Lent' presents scenarios where characters display understanding and care towards each other, reflecting the Lenten themes of kindness and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with kindness, whether it’s sharing a toy with a friend or offering a comforting word.
Example Lesson: Importance of Prayer
Explanation: Characters in the book engage in various forms of prayer, emphasizing its role in seeking guidance and expressing gratitude, particularly during the Lenten season.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt the habit of praying at set times of the day or before meals, fostering a routine that nurtures spiritual growth and reflection.
Example Lesson: Developing Patience
Explanation: Throughout the Lent period depicted in the book, characters learn to wait and reflect on their actions and the teachings of Lent, which reinforces the value of patience.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice delaying gratification, such as waiting their turn in games or patiently working through challenging tasks at school or home.
Example Lesson: Generosity and Giving
Explanation: The story includes moments where characters give to the needy and share what they have, mirroring the Lenten practice of almsgiving.
Real-World Application: Children can participate in charity drives or help out in community services, learning the joy and importance of helping others in need.