"So that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us."
- 1 Corinthians 2:12

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All rights reserved.
Copyright (c) 2006 (c) 1999 (c) 2000 Charlene A. Costanzo 
Photography Copyright (c) 2000 by Jill Reger
Artwork Copyright (c) 2000 by Wendy Wassink Atkinson
 

Click here to download twelve coloring pages based on photos from The Twelve Gifts of Birth.  Talk about what might be happening in the picture.  Help children recall a time they used each gift.

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Collect symbols of each gift

Give children a "treasure" box that will hold a symbol of each gift.  You can either give the symbols yourself or have the children collect them. The symbols can be anything that represents each gift for each individual child.  Perhaps an acorn or seed for faith, a heart-shaped stone for love, or a flower for beauty.  Let the child's creativity flow!

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Creative Expression

Have the children write a story or paint a picture of themselves or others using one or more of the gifts.  They might find a few photos of themselves in a situation when they used the gifts. They may even make their own books that feature them using each of the gifts.

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Seizing Opportunities

Be on the lookout for evidence of the gifts! Encourage the children to do the same.  Point out and offer praise when you see examples of a child being Compassionate, calling upon Courage, contributing a special Talent.  
You can also find and discuss examples in the news, TV, and movies.

Discuss examples and ask children how they feel when they use the gifts. What does it feel like to have Compassion for others? Or Faith in themselves?  Doesn't it make them feel good?

Point out examples of times to use the gifts. For example, if one child doesn't understand something, or drops his or her
papers or books, what a great time for the rest of the classroom to use Compassion to understand that child's frustration and embarrassment.  Encourage children to remember a time when they felt the same way, and to stop to help.

When an animal or a scary spider shows up on the playground or in a locker, remind the child of Reverence.  The spider is more afraid of the child than the child is of the spider; remind the child of that, and encourage him or her to leave the animal alone, or to gently move it out of harm's way.

Every day we are all faced with opportunities to put the gifts to use.  It's all a matter of paying attention and making choices.  Help children (and adults!) to see these opportunities, to pay attention, and to make good choices. 

The world will be a better place!

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Books That Demonstrate the Gifts

The majority of the following list was submitted by Sherry Warren of the Tempe Public Library in Tempe, Arizona.   Thanks, Sherry!

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The Twelve Gifts of Birth Companion Guide is comprised of:

* An Overview Section that offers key understandings and objectives for each lesson and lists supplies as needed.

* 14 Basic Lessons that include an opening lesson, a lesson for each of the 12 gifts, and a closing lesson. Each basic lesson offers presentations for children at three developmental stages—preschool through grade 1, grades 2-3, and grades 4- 6. Each lesson is designed to be completed within approximately 30–45 minutes. Lessons can be condensed or expanded to fit time frames and adjusted for student needs.

* Activity Sheets are provided for lessons, when needed.

* The Ideas from Teachers section offers ideas that can be used to extend the basic lessons or create new ones. Before beginning each lesson, you may wish to take a moment to center yourself. Get in touch with your own experience of the gift you will be discussing that day.

We’ve found that it’s a good idea to open and close each lesson with a cue that sets apart these “mini workshops” as special times of respect and discovery. Suggestions for cues include the sound of a bell, a chime, a song, or the flicking of lights off and back on.

It is important to create a relaxed, safe atmosphere in which these messages of dignity can be received and enjoyed. A climate of trust must be established and maintained so that every child feels heard, accepted, respected, and valued. It is helpful to set ground rules so that everyone listens carefully to others, is accepting of diverse points of view, and keeps shared thoughts and feelings confidential. It is important, too, that everyone understands that laughing at the expense of another or any other display of disrespect is not acceptable. The lessons themselves will help build respect as you move through them. Also, as feelings are shared, remember that feelings are neither right nor wrong. They just are.

To reinforce the lessons’ messages, consider posting signs or quotes around the classroom that are related to the gifts. Another idea is to weave awareness of each gift into your daily curriculum.

Be on the lookout for evidence of the gifts and encourage the children to do the same. Offer praise when you see a child calling upon courage or contributing a special talent. Point out ways children can use the gifts. For example, if a child doesn’t understand something or makes a mistake, use such experiences as opportunities for classmates to experience compassion.

Start discussions of these “in-the-moment” examples by asking children how they feel when they use the gifts. Always acknowledge children for their contributions. At times, as a result of discussions about the gifts, you may become aware of situations that call for special attention. For example, you might identify a child who has very low self-esteem or one who is dealing with inner conflict. As always, these situations need to be treated sensitively and in the way that is recommended by your particular group.

The Twelve Gifts of Birth is not just about children. Notice the gifts in staff members, too. To nourish one another, you might consider incorporating an acknowledgment of the gifts at staff meetings. Don’t forget to notice them in yourself and family and friends as well. The more aware you are of these gifts, the more enthusiastic your students will be about discovering them.

Be creative as you proceed through the lessons. Feel free to pick and choose and to shorten or expand the lessons as you see fit for your students.

Finally, please let us know what worked in your classroom and what didn’t. We welcome your ideas and comments. Please send them to editor@thetwelvegifts.com. Thank you in advance for sharing your insights and suggestions. With your permission, we may post them on our website.

May you always recognize your own gifts and help others to see theirs!

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