During this topic we will cover this somewhat sensitive theme. The experience of ‘family’ in society today is varied, with many joys and sorrows. Whatever the experience, family still remains the first place for growth and development, the basic social unit. We will look at questions such as:
- What does the word ‘family’ mean to you?
- What people do you associate with ‘family’?
- What joys and sorrows do you remember of family life?
For Christians the pattern and ideal of family life is found in the Scriptures. God is the loving parent of the human family and Jesus was born and lived in a human family. While offering ideals for family life, it is important to acknowledge and respect the real experience of some children which is not ideal.
The following scripture summarises perfectfully what we want to God to reveal to us:
“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. Above all clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.” (Colossians 3: 12-15)
We will ask ourselves:
- In your daily life, how can you be ‘clothed with compassion’ or ‘with love’?
- In practical terms, how can these be expressed?
At the end of the topic, we aim for the children to respond to it by asking themselves and each other:
- What positive message about the family of the school is put across in the classroom?
- How does the school ensure that when it welcomes a child, it welcomes that child’s family?
- In what ways can the partnership between home and school be developed?
I’m sure the children will tell you more about the topic as it progresses over the next four weeks. Do ask them what they have been learning- it’s always nice to include you too.
Mrs Gallaher