We have started an object lesson series here on Teach me Mommy since it is all good to teach our kids learning skills, but we need to teach them life skills too. Object lessons are lessons demonstrated with an object (or more) to help explain an otherwise abstract concept- like choices. Do see the first lesson in the series Choices 1 and enjoy this second part of Choices- object lesson.
We know it is not easy to make the right decision in life. Sometimes both options look good it even looks exactly the same, yet they will have different results at the end. This activity teaches children that choices can be difficult and the choices we make in life has consequences. The good news is that we don’t have to learn through mistakes only, but we can also learn through mentors. Someone that can help you when you must make a tough decision.
You will need:
– 6 small containers
– spoons
– items that look the same but tastes different, but now dangerous to taste in small amounts (I used cornflour, icing sugar, dish washing liquid, green cooldrink, cocoa and chocolate milk powder)
Activity
The children each come one at a time. They must decide which one of the 2 that look the same they want to taste. They then take a small spoonful and taste. After that they move on to the next two cups. When all the children tasted you can have the discussion.
Discussion
Was it difficult for you to choose between the two cups that looked the same? Yes, it is hard to make the right choice. The worst part of making the wrong choice is that it tastes bad and you have an aftertaste in your mouth. That is the same in life sometimes we must choose and if we make the wrong choice the consequences are bad. It is so wonderful to taste how good something tastes if you choose the correct one. How do we know we are making the right decision? Well we can learn through previous mistakes so if I give you the same cups again I’m sure all of you will make the right decision because now you know which one tastes better. You learned. The other way to learn is by asking an adult to help you in making big decisions.
Examples
– People choose to use drugs or steal things and end up in jail
– You need to study for your test but in stead of studying you play games on your phone. So, what is going to happen? The consequences of that decision will be low marks in your test.
– If you decide which high school to attend an adult can help you and they can help you in subject choices.
Christian view
When we make decisions, we must ask God to direct and help us. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your path” God will speak to us when we ask Him when we have a big decision to make pray about it and then read the Bible and God will show you scripture that will help you.
Written by Ps Natasha Joubert- NBCFC
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