We used this to help the children understand the importance of friendliness and sharing.
Materials Needed:
One envelope for each child
One small chocolate (or sticker) for each child
Directions:
Divide the envelopes equally into groups of three.
• For the first group of envelopes: put in one chocolate (or sticker).
• For the second group of envelopes: put two chocolates (or two stickers).
• For the third group of envelopes: leave them empty.
Seal all of the envelopes. It is a good idea to mark the envelopes for easy identification. We put specific marks on each group. For example: the envelopes with one chocolate had one pencil mark, the envelope with the two chocolates had two pencil tick marks, and so on.
Seal all of the envelopes. It is a good idea to mark the envelopes for easy identification. We put specific marks on each group. For example: the envelopes with one chocolate had one pencil mark, the envelope with the two chocolates had two pencil tick marks, and so on.
Have the children sit in a circle and explain to them that the aunties have a little treat that they want to give them for being such great students! Tell them that they will each receive an envelope with one small object in it ... but that they are not to open their envelopes until Aunty says so. Also it's probably a good idea to instruct them that once everyone opens their envelope, they should place their goodie down on the table in front of them so everyone can see what they got.
Hand out the envelopes to the children, making sure that each category of envelope is distributed equally. Once everyone has an envelope, go ahead and have them open it. Make sure that nobody eats the chocolates yet! Here's where it gets interesting ...
Discuss how everyone feels about the contents of their envelopes. Some children may be very excited that they got 2 chocolates, while others may feel cheated that they did not get any. Those with one chocolate may feel that it is unfair that some got 2 while they only got one .... etc.
Remind the children that our goal was for each child to have one surprise in each envelope. What should we do? How will we be able to change this situation — the aunties don't have any more chocolates to give out ... this is all we have.
Most likely a child suggest that we can all share. However, if they are having a difficult time trying to figure out what to do, then gently guide the children with 2 chocolates into sharing with those who have none. Once everyone has one chocolate, ask them how they feel now. How do those who shared feel? How do those who received feel? And how do those who did nothing feel?
Helpful tips:
1. If the class cannot be divided equally by three, make sure that the remaining envelopes which get distributed contain 1 chocolate.)
2. Make sure to have some extra chocolates or stickers on hand. There may be a child who received two items that is not willing to share. If, after discussing the joy of sharing, the child still wants to hold on to both items, then use this as a good opportunity to discuss with the other children how we can not force someone to share. And, even if they don't share, we should not be angry with them. (It's at this point, that Aunty reaches into her pocket and shares her chocolate or sticker with the child who is left without.)
