1. “It’s a Zoo!” Lesson 3.7 Created By: Pam Gunter

2. Preparation Materials Needed: Paper and crayons for each child. Classroom Setup: Sit at desks or on the floor in small groups of 5-8 students.

3. Challenge for the Week – Follow Up Would anyone like to share an experience how they have show respect to someone in the past week? How have you demonstrated honesty? Or, how have you shown courage? How did it make you feel?

4. The Activity Have each student draw their favorite zoo animal. Once their pictures are complete, have them write one sentence why they have chosen that particular animal as their favorite. (i.e. a lion because they are strong, a koala bear because they look cuddly, a cheetah because they are fast, a polar bear because they protect their cubs, etc.) After they are finished, have them meet with their groups and choose one picture to talk to the class about. Have them share what characteristics they like about that animal.

5. The Object of the Lesson Points instructor needs to bring out: Explain that just like animals, our friends, family, teachers, grandparents, principals, etc., all look different and have different strengths, characteristics, and talents. Some are very wise, some are strong, and some are more kind and caring. We need a nice mix of people in our lives to help us grow and become better students, family members and friends. We need a mixture of friends, family and leaders to help us learn, by supporting and encouraging us to become stronger in character, knowledge and talents. Have the children share stories about people in their lives that mean a lot to them and why. Write their relationships on the board such as teacher, friend, mother, grandmother, etc.

6. Challenge for the Week During the week, think about many of your favorite family members, friends, teachers, and leaders at church and in the community. Who do you admire? Think about the reasons why you like them and enjoy being with them.