Family Faith and Fun Friday: Alphabet Artists
For the word of God is alive and powerful.
It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. -Hebrews 4:12
Welcome to Family Faith and Fun Fridays. As the week winds down and I anticipate more family time over the weekend, I often ask God for one good idea that will enable me to bring the Word to life and bring our family together. Usually, the activity overflows out of something the Lord has been teaching me through His word during the week. I’d like to invite you to join me and my family in the adventure. Sometimes I’ll post things we’ve tried; other times I’ll post an idea in the works. If you’ve got thoughts to add or suggestions on how to adapt or improve the suggested activity, please don’t hesitate to post a comment. Enjoy!
Delightfully Different
Since this week I was reminded of how differently my children all see the world, we’re going to celebrate their diversity this weekend with a favorite game. Though I’ve used this idea time and again, the kids rarely tire of this activity. We call it Alphabet Artists.
Simply gather the family and give each person a pile of blank paper and some crayons.
1. Explain the activity like this: I want you to draw the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the letter I say. Don’t show anyone else your picture until we’re all done.
2. Name a letter of the alphabet and let everyone draw. When all illustrations are complete, share the pictures. Take note of the different ideas. If two people drew the same thing, ask what prompted that drawing and see if the idea originated in the same way.
3. Take turns naming letters. Play as long as you wish.
4. When you’ve finished, discuss these things with your children:
*Why did we draw different pictures for the same letter? (We all think differently; we have different likes and dislikes, etc.)
*Was anyone right or wrong in this game? (no- just different)
*What are some ways that God has made you different than your brothers and sisters or mom and dad? (I love to hear the kids’ perspective on this one!)
*So you’re all different by design! What do you like about how ____ (name a specific child here) is made that is different than how you’ve been made?
*Can you think of examples from nature that prove God loves variety? (different animals, leaves on trees, colors, no two snowflakes alike, the sunset looks different each night,etc.) If God made a world with so many differences, don’t you think He loves all different kinds of people, too?
Read the Creation account in Genesis 1 and notice how different things God created. Take time to praise God for thinking up so many unique creations. Celebrate your differences by making ice cream sundaes. Offer a variety of toppings- crushed cookies, rainbow sprinkles, chocolate chips, gummy bears, etc. Point out how each family member created a different kind of sundae,
and each dessert is a special treat.
Have a Great Weekend!
What a wonderful game! I love that you intentionally ask God to help you integrate Truth in your children. You challenged me today.
Blessings,
Sandy