Circle of Grace Lesson
Kindergarten
SYMBOLS
Symbols are a way of telling us something or reminding us of something
Circle of Grace Symbol
What do you see in the symbol?
This is a symbol of our Circle of Grace...It reminds us that God loves us and His love is around us. Everyone has a Circle of Grace.
Each part represents something:
- Red Circle of Grace Words: Color of the Holy Spirit
- Person: Child of God
- Yellow Circle: Grace
- Dove: Holy Spirit
- Blue Background: The World in Which We Live
Your Circle of Grace
- Raise your hands above your head
- Bring your arms slowly down
- Extend your arms in front of you and then behind you
- Embrace all the space around you
- Reach down to your feet
Know that God is in this space with you
This is the Circle of Grace in which you live
Do you remember that Jesus told us how he would always love us and be with us?
- If God is always with us, we are always in a special, holy place.
- That place is our Circle of Grace. God is present in our Circle of Grace because he wants a close relationship with each of us. This is the place the Holy Spirit is with us and within us.
- When we remember that we are in a Circle of Grace, with God and surrounded by God’s love. God wants us to be safe and to behave with the respect for ourselves and for others.
Happy and Sad Emoji Chart
Make a Chart with Two Columns on a Piece of Paper
- What are some nice things that other people do or say?
- What are some hurtful things that other people do or say?
- What are some nice things you do or say?
- What might be some hurtful things you do or say?
List on the board in the appropriate column
Behaviors listed in the happy face column are those that respect our Circle of Grace.
The words and behaviors in the sad face column are those that do not belong in anyone’s Circle of Grace
Stop, Be careful, go ahead
Why do we have stoplights?
- The reason we have stoplights is to protect people and keep them safe.
- What does each color of the stoplight mean?
Red means stop
Yellow means slow down and be careful
Green means go
feelings
- Most of the time you know what is safe and good to allow in your Circle of Grace.
- Sometimes, though, you need others who respect your Circle of Grace to help you know what is safe and what is not, people like your parents or teachers.
- God has given each of us our own kind of signal to keep us safe and protected.
- Sometimes these signals are called feelings.
- Our feelings are one of the main ways the Holy Spirit helps to guide us.
Green signal
Green Means Go Ahead
Some things are definitely safe.
- Some examples are telling the truth, being kind and respectful, helping others, and caring about others.
- You are also safe when others respect your body and feelings.
- Could you name some other things that would always be safe to do or let someone else do with you?
Point out that everything written on the happy face column of the poster would be a green signal word or action.
red signal
Red Means Stop
- Bullying- review general concepts of bullying, ask children to define it and what does it look like
- Some examples of bullying(being mean to someone on purpose), are lying, hitting, fighting, etc.
- Can you help me think of other things that are never good to do or let someone do to you?
Point out that everything written on the sad face column of the poster would be a red signal word or action.
When this happens, tell someone that you trust, like your mom, dad, leader, or other trusted adult.
Yellow Signal
Yellow Means Be Careful
- You might feel confused or unsure about it.
- These are like a yellow signal. It may seem like just a funny feeling in your heart or tummy.
When this happens, tell someone that you trust, like your mom, dad, leader, or other trusted adult.
RED SIGNAL GREEN SIGNAL ACTIVITY
Red Signal Green Signal- Secret
Safety Plan
- Remember when you are feeling unsafe, uncomfortable or unsure and you have that funny/ uncomfortable feeling, it is the Holy Spirit prompting you to get help from a "trusted adult".
- Today we are going to learn what to do if someone comes into your Circle of Grace without your permission or does something that makes you feel unsafe
Trusted Adult
How do you know you can trust someone?
You know someone is trustworthy when they help you to be safe, when they tell the truth, and when they are there for you in good times and bad.
Identifying Trusted Adults
- Can anyone name a person who loves you and helps you to stay safe? Encourage the children to name adults in addition to their mom and dad.
- You are encouraged to bring in photos or magazine clippings of typical trusted adults. These can be of parents, teachers, doctors or clergy. It is important NOT to show the photo until it is mentioned by the children.
- List children’s responses on the board.
- These are people whom you can ask to help you if you are unsafe or confused. We call these people trusted adults.
- Give each child a piece of paper and crayons or markers.
- Instruct the children to think of one or two trusted adults besides mom or dad whom they could ask for help.
- Tell a person next to you the names of the trusted adults that you picked.
- Draw a picture of each of your trusted adults. Remind children that mom and dad may be trusted adults even if they are not in the picture.
How to Ask My Trusted Adult for Help
- Look at the person. (Picture of an eye)
- Say to the person “I need help. I do not feel safe.” (Picture of a child speaking/mouth)
- Tell the person what is wrong, why you don’t feel safe. (Picture of “?”)
- Tell the person, “Thank You.” (Words “Thank You”)
This is how we ask for help. You can use these steps whenever you need to ask anyone for help.
Role-Play
Practice asking for Help
Practice asking for help with the prompts below
- Look at the person. (Picture of an eye)
- Say to the person “I need help. I do not feel safe.” (Picture of a child speaking/mouth)
- Tell the person what is wrong, why you don’t feel safe. (Picture of “?”)
- Tell the person, “Thank You.” (Words “Thank You”)