The Precious Pearl

We all need to know we're special, important, valued. 

This week's craft reminds us of just that. It's based around the story that Jesus told about a very special pearl of such great beauty, that a merchant was prepared to give up everything he had, just to own it. We used the version retold by Mick Inkpen (see here, not an affiliated link, you can buy it other places also).

Traditionally this parable has been taught the other way around; that God is the pearl of greatest price and we must give up everything for Him. However, having heard John Wimber's interpretation; that God gave up everything for us, I can't shake it off. So that's the angle I went for with this. We are special, we are loved. And in this day and age, where it's too easy to compare ourselves unfavourably by comparison with others, we need to hear that message more than ever.

Here's the craft. Very simple, because our kids this year seem younger than ever and need the very basics. This became evident when we did the craft, as only this one had what I would call 'legible' hand prints! The kids just got their hands in the paint and went mad. But why not? It's all good sensory experiential learning! And I can remember my daughter doing the very same at that age! 😆

Equipment:

Floor covering

Overalls

Baby wipes/bowl of water & disposable hand towels

Poster Paint

Paper Plates (paint pallettes)

Photocopy sheet

Preparation:

cover floor with heavy plastic sheeting

photocopy sheet with heart onto A3

paper plates (paint palettes) with blobs of paint

lay out overalls

get bowl of soapy water ready

Method:

1. Demonstrate to child how to apply paint to hand and hand to paper.

2. Let chaos ensue.

3. Clean up and leave artwork to dry on the 'Home' table.

Oh and here's the sheet I used!

Songs to accompany this craft?

I know Jesus Loves me (Ishmael)

God Love you and I love you and that's the way it should be (Anon)

123, Jesus loves me (Anon)