I recently read about an activity that I am going to try with my children this year for Advent. It is called a “Good Deeds Chain”. Due to the fact that our children are so young, I am going to change it a little bit to better meet our needs. I am hoping it will help make my children more aware of the actions they are taking and how they are treating each other.
To begin, cut a piece of purple construction paper into one inch strips along the shorter edge of the paper. Place the strips of paper into a basket along with a pen so that they are visible throughout the day. Explain to your family that you are going to help each other recognize when someone has done a good deed just as John the Baptist did good deeds for others as he prepared them for the coming of Jesus Christ. Each time a member of the family is ”caught”, write the action on a strip of paper. For example, “Aidan helped Madison button her coat.”
Fold the paper over to make a ring, and staple it together. Continue to add sections of chain throughout all of Advent. During the third week, switch to pink paper instead of purple. Your family will be amazed at how long the chain gets as the weeks go by.
Add the chain to a Christmas tree as garland or hang it in a prominent spot in your home. When a guest asks what it is for, allow your child to explain its purpose.
Note: If you do not celebrate Advent, you can still utilize this activity by using red and green paper instead.
Resource: Information for this activity was found at http://www.loyolapress.com/good-deeds-chain-advent-activity.htm
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