Lesson: The Betterment of Our World
The Betterment of Our World
An activity adapted for reflecting on the world we live in and how we are connected to humanity.
“The betterment of the world can be accomplished
through pure and goodly (excellent) deeds and
commendable (well-approved) and seemly (agreeable)
conduct.”
from the Bahá’í Writings
Objective:
This lesson is for students to study the quote above; to know that they are part of
the world and their “helpful” contributions will make a difference.
Attributes desired:
helpfulness, kindliness, compassion, friendliness,
tolerance, caring, generosity, honesty, truthfulness, trustworthiness,
understanding, empathy for other and a sense of connection, increased
vocabulary and awareness of place and interdependence of humanity.
Discussion Questions:
- What can you do to help your friends and teacher at school so all are in a be a better place?
- What can you do to help your home and neighborhood be a better place?
- What can you do to help your city be a better place?
- What can you do to help your world be a better place?
Activity:
Connect Drawings for a long and beautiful picture or make a mural of all the
wonderful promises of things we all can do!
- Each child has a drawing sheet (later connect with sticky-tape) or spot on the mural for his promises.
- Pictures and virtue words can be used to express their aspirations.
Step 1.
Read the quote with “memorization word cards/phrases”. As you read the quotation place the word/phrase in proper order. For a game, mix them up and have the kids put the cards in the proper order. Talk about the meaning of the quote.
- What is a pure deed?
- What might be a goodly deed?
- It is important to help the kids understand that goodly and seemly deeds are wanted, needed and helpful. As a judgment for such deeds, they should be done in an approved and agreeable way.
Step 2.
Ask the discussion questions which brings the kids to an application of spiritual qualities in action. This can be done while they are drawing their pictures which helps them focus on the actions.
Step 3.
Stand back and appreciate the work while in progress. Make sure when acknowledging the work, everyone is included with observational details in your comments. You might say something like:
- Thank you for working carefully and quietly with your friends.
- You worked peacefully on the mural sharing the colors and markers.
- Look at your work, are you satisfied with your efforts?
- I appreciate the care you’ve taken in drawing and coloring your images.
- I can tell you were doing your best.
- You look happy with your work. It is good to see so much joy while you were working.
- Look at this healthy tree and its leaves and fruit.
- I see this is a grown up person. This must be a little brother or sister.
- Someone likes fish, this is a colorful fish. This is a well-drawn building, it has windows.
Some kids may want to add or change things after the comments. This is very good. They are striving to be better.
Step 4.
Celebrate with a “Show and Tell” to share their efforts and talk about the
connectedness of the peoples of their world the whole world at large.
Please share your experiences with this lesson or lessons related to this theme in the discussion/comment section below.
With love,
Mine Rich in Gems family