Session 9: The Gift of Mutual Caring Part of Wonderful Welcome In This Section Introduction From Wonderful Welcome We know from science that nothing in the universe exists as an isolated or independent entity. — Margaret Wheatley, American author and management... Session-at-a-Glance From Wonderful Welcome Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: The Wonder Box 5 Activity 2: Story — Leila Raises a Puppy 10 Activity 3: Animal Friends Pretend Play 20 Activity... Spiritual Preparation From Wonderful Welcome Folk tales, sacred texts and contemporary stories tend to either glorify or demonize our relationship with animals.... Opening From Wonderful Welcome Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice and candle or LED/battery-operated candle Lighter and extinguisher, if needed Newsprint, markers... Activity 1: The Wonder Box From Wonderful Welcome Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Wonder Box (See Session 1 or instructions.) A toy, stuffed dog (preferably, a guide dog dressed for work... Activity 2: Story - Leila Raises A Puppy From Wonderful Welcome Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story, Leila Raises a Puppy Optional: "Leila Raises a Puppy" coloring sheet, and crayons... Activity 3: Animal Friends Pretend Play From Wonderful Welcome Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Copies of Handout 1, My Animal Friend, for all participants Color markers or crayons to share Preparati... Activity 4: Blessing Of The Animals From Wonderful Welcome Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Toy or stuffed animals for all participants A copy of chalice-lighting words and words for blessing the... Closing From Wonderful Welcome Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Wonder Box poster Leader Resource 1, Guide Dog, and tape or glue stick Copies of Taking It Home for all... Leader Reflection and Planning From Wonderful Welcome Take a few minutes and think about how this session went. Reflect on the children's reactions to the story and the activities. Were any of the children... Faith In Action: We Appreciate Our Animal Friends From Wonderful Welcome Activity time: 60 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of Leader Resource 2, Vegan Dog Treats Recipe, which includes all materials, ingredients, and... Alternate Activity 1: Visit From A Guide Dog From Wonderful Welcome Activity time: 60 minutes Materials for Activity Preparation for Activity Identify a guide dog training facility, an agency that places guide dogs with... Alternate Activity 2: Story - St. Francis and the Wolf From Wonderful Welcome Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A copy of the story, St. Francis and the Wolf Optional: "St. Francis and the Wolf" coloring sheet, and... Taking It Home: The Gift of Mutual Caring From Wonderful Welcome We know from science that nothing in the universe exists as an isolated or independent entity. – Margaret Wheatley, American author and management... Leila Raises A Puppy From Wonderful Welcome Read or tell the story. Have you ever had to give something away that you really loved? This is a story about a little girl who gave away a puppy she... St. Francis and the Wolf From Wonderful Welcome This telling of "St. Francis and the Wolf" was written by John Feister, editor of AmericanCatholic.org, based on the story recorded by Thomas of Celano... Handout 1: My Animal Friend From Wonderful Welcome Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing. Leader Resource 1: Guide Dog Picture From Wonderful Welcome Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing. Leader Resource 2: Vegan Dog Treats Recipe From Wonderful Welcome This recipe comes from the Gourmet Sleuth. After mixing all the ingredients and kneading, divide the dough into small batches.... Find Out More About Session 9 From Wonderful Welcome Children and Wildlife Not all animals are appropriate candidates for mutually caring relationships with young children.... PREVIOUS: Find Out More UP: Wonderful Welcome NEXT: Introduction Download all of Wonderful Welcome (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.