Do you have several children around the house like me? Or maybe you teach a children’s class at church or even at a school/preschool? With my kids, especially my oldest daughter, I’ve noticed that she is particularly sensitive when someone that our family knows is sick. Maybe it’s everything that we’ve been through with our little boy, but she tends to tune an ear when she hears of a family member, family friend, or church member is sick. Through my times working with children in church, I’ve noticed that many in her age group have this tendency. Some younger kids tend to worry about those around them, which may also be compounded by the fact that there is nothing that they can do for them. Lately, I’ve been making more of an attempt to involve my daughter in send well-wishes to those that we know need them. In fact, we’ve been getting all the kids involved! I thought that I would share this idea today on a simple idea to help kids let someone know that they care.
Sometimes you may want to let all of your kids create individual cards to give to someone. But this isn’t always ideal. A good alternative that still can include everyone is to make a Many Little Hands card or canvas. The materials are simple. Grab a different color paint for each child, a paintbrush, and either a canvas or a large card (you know, those gigantic ones at the store!)
Brush the paint all over the child’s hands, and let them press their hands on the card or canvas. Continue until all the children have made their handprint.
Let the card or canvas dry, and then allow the children to write their names beside or over their own handprint. To remember which handprint belonged to each child, write their name on the back of the canvas lightly in pencil or place small sticky notes around the card/canvas with the child’s name.
Feel free to write a personal note from your class or family after the kids are finished.
Seeing all of those adorable little handprints is sure to brighten someone’s day!
