Our Resistant Free Nature
Craft: Finger Paint!
Symbolism of Craft:This week’s craft is a way for the children to practice resistant free, creative expression.
Materials:
Finger Paint
Paper
Clean-up Materials
Directions:
Have Fun!

Lun Fan Eats His Own Fruit
Craft: Reap what you sow pictures
Symbolism of Craft: What we cast as seed is what grows. The flowers symbolize the growth of a plant - each with a word attached of what we desire to reap
Materials:
Paint/markers
paper
Instructions:
Draw a picture of a flower garden 
Use stamps or makers for affirmative sayings.

Silas Marner
Craft: Giving Love
Symbolism of Craft: Give and receive from your heart
Materials:
Paper
Scissors
Markers
Directions:
Have the children cut out paper hearts and think about something nice about the other children in the classroom. Write this nice thought (or have the teacher write) on a heart for each child and give the heart to the others. Ideally, each child will receive one heart from each child in the class.

Let go
Craft: Large and small yarn mazes
Symbolism of Craft: When we struggle against things, it becomes harder to accomplish our goals. 
Directions:
Large: Stretch yarn around the room, under tables, between chairs, with holes large enough for the children to fit through. Have them one by one or as a team move through as many of the ‘holes’ created by the yarn as possible.
Small: Cut 24” of yarn and tie in a circle. Perfect for the children to do Jacob’s Ladder

How the Fly Saved the River
Craft: Whirleybirds: 
Symbolism of Craft: 
We are creating something that will fly! Think of the birds in the air, the dandelion seeds floating and, from the story, the fly who drove off the Moose.
Material
3X8 1/4-inch brightly colored cardstock
Decorative stickers/markers
Scissors
Instructions
How to Make a Whirly Bird Helicopter:
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/paper-helicopters3.htm
Step 1: Download the Helicopter Pattern. 
Step 2: Place Pattern over colorful card stock. Cut out. Make the three cuts as indicated on the pattern.
Step 3: Fold and cut the helicopter. Fold section C forward and section D backward. Bend the stem up at E. Fold A forward and B backward. Decorate with stickers.
Hold at eye level and drop!

An Indian Prayer
Craft: Cupcake Liner Flowers
Symbolism of Craft: 
Flowers are a beautiful part of this planet. We are reminded to appreciate their beauty and form with gratitude for all that is beautiful in our world.
Materials:
Mini cupcake papers in multi colors, glue, white paper, straws or popsicle sticks, beads
Instructions:
Paint the popsicle sticks if desired
Glue button(s) to the center of the cupcake liner
Cut out and glue green leaves to the popsicle sticks
Glue the cupcake liner to the stick

Four Directions Ceremony
Craft: Sun
Symbolism of Craft: 
We bless the Sun and all the power, light and energy it brings to the world.
Materials:
Five Sheets of Yellow Construction Paper
Scissors
Markers/crayons
Glue or Tape
Instructions:
Accordion fold a piece of yellow construction paper. Fold in half. Glue (or tape) the end folds together where they meet in the middle. 
Repeat with three more pieces of construction paper. 
Arrange the four fans together to make a complete circle gluing or taping the pieces where they meet. 
Print the face on yellow paper. Cut out. Glue in the middle of your fan circle.

Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his Moccasins
Craft: Moccasin Walk
Symbolism of Craft: 
Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes or Flip Flop Walk
Materials:   
Flip flops, paper, tape, ribbons, scissors
Directions:   
Have every child trace their feet and cut out.   Set the pairs of feet cut outs to make a trail around the room and tape down.   Give each child a pair of flip flops to put on and follow the path of feet around the room.

Confucius Story: Three Men Walking
Craft: Create a Maze! Symbolism of Craft: As we walk through life, we make choices about the best path to take for each of us. This week we create a maze to symbolize our choices.
Materials:
Paper
Markers
Instructions:
Mazes can be done with all sorts of material. You can create a giant maze to walk through at your center or simply have the children create a maze using markers. 

Aristotle Story: The Influence of the Unseen
Craft: The Five Elements
Symbolism of Craft: Create wheel indicating the 5 elements: Earth, water, air, fire and Spirit. 
Materials:
Paper Plates
Markers
Tissue Paper
Natural Materials/cutouts/balloon/ fire
Instructions:
Around the outside of the plate, put the words Aether, the divine substance that flows in and through all things. 
Divide the plate into four sections to define the four other elements
Glue tissue paper or natural materials in each section of the plate to signify earth, fire, water and air. Or, use color and words to do the same.

al-Farabi Story: The Boy and the Wolf (an Aesop Fable)
Craft: Brad Paper Dolls
Symbolism of Craft: Each of our body parts work together to make our bodies strong. Just as with our societies and neighborhoods where all people work together.
Materials:
Paper
Scissors
Brads
Markers
Instructions:
Cut out the paper dolls parts. Attach the arms and legs using brads. You can write a word on each of the limbs to signify ways we all work together. (i.e. compassion, cooperation, forgiveness, love) 

Download Paper Doll Template

The Judgment of King Solomon  - Adapted from 1 Kings 3:16-28Craft: Crown
Symbolism of Craft: The crown is a symbol for King Solomon and his wisdom. This simple project can be worn by the children after it's been created. Use different colors appropriate for the theme or the child's preferences.
Materials:
poster board or construction paper
scissors,
Paint, crayons, or felt-tip pens
stapler
Directions:
Cut a strip of cardboard 5 or 6 inches with and long enough to go around your head and overlap slightly 
Cut a zigzag in the top edge of the paper 
Decorate the crown using markers, glitter or stickers
Make a ring with the cardboard facing in (toward the head) and the paper facing out and staple to make a crown - adult assistance required for this step.

The Wisdom of the River
Craft: Paper plate Swan 
Symbolism of Craft: Saraswati is strongly associated with flowing water in her role as a goddess of knowledge. She is depicted as a beautiful woman to embody the concept of knowledge as supremely alluring. She possesses four arms, and is usually shown wearing a spotless white sari and seated on a white lotus or riding a white swan.
Materials:
White Paper plate
White Feathers
Orange paper
Markers/Scissors
Directions:
Cut the paper plate to form the swan’s neck
Cut and glue on the beak and feathers
Draw on the eye

Ganesh: Teacher with the Elephant Head
Craft: Paper elephant Symbolism of Craft : An elephant to represent Ganesh  
Materials:
Colored paper (3 sheet per elephant)
Glue
Scissors
Google eyes
Stapler
Directions: 
Glue and stapler most effective
Divide sheet one into 4 equal rectangles for legs, Using sheet two – cut 1 X 11 inch strip and cut in half for trunk and tail, Cut remaining  7 ½ X 11 inch piece into two for body and head, 
With sheet three – cut two large circles for ears. 
Roll 4 pieces of paper for legs and staple together
Glue paper to legs and loop around to form elephant’s body
Loop smaller paper for head and glue on trunk and eyes
Cut out and glue on ears and tail

The Lotus Flower

Craft: Tissue Paper Flowers Symbolism of Craft : Flowers – symbolizing the Lotus flower and unfoldment to enlightenment 
Materials:
Brightly colored tissue paper
Wire (twist-ties) to secure
Long wire to form stem
Stapler
Directions:
to make simple flowers, layer several colors of tissue paper and fold in accordion, wrap pipe cleaner around center and spread out layers of tissue paper.

The Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly - Mark 4: 26-28
Craft: Planting Seed in Cup
Symbolism of Craft: 
Planting bean seeds is an activity that is appropriate for children of all ages. Younger children will enjoy putting their hands in the dirt and watching the seedlings sprout and grow, while older children are able to understand how the sprouted seed is an expression of potential. Bean seeds are the best choice for children because they sprout quickly and easily, are simple to care for and are relatively inexpensive.
Materials:
Soil
Beans 
Water
Cup
Instructions:
Fill the cup halfway with soil. Place 1 to 3 beans in soil. Tip: To speed germination, you can first soak the beans in water overnight.
Add more soil into the cup to cover the bean (this final layer should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep). Water the soil well.
Leave the plant in a warm, sunny spot to sprout. Water as necessary to keep the soil about as wet as a damp sponge. 

The Story of the Butterfly
Craft: Butterfly Mask
Symbolism of Craft: Butterfly masks are a great way for children to get creative and then engage in some play with their new masks. Attach a chopstick (or other sturdy stick) to one side to create a masquerade-ball style mask.
Materials:

1 x  butterfly mask template 
scissors 
colored pencils or markers
glue 
1 x wooden chopstick 
masking tape 
Optional extras: glitter glue, feathers, ribbons, anything you want! 

Instructions: 
Print out the butterfly mask template on sturdy paper and cut it out. Draw shapes and patterns, color it in or decorate it with sequins or glitter glue if you have them. Attach the wooden chopstick to one side of the mask (on the blank side of the mask) with the masking tape.

The Story of Holy Week
Craft: Easter Egg Baskets
Symbolism of Craft: Eggs are a big part of many Easter celebrations and this craft enables children to create a polka dot cup Easter basket with eggs. 
Materials:
Hole punch
Pipe cleaners (any color)
Paper shred or Easter grass
Polka dot or Easter Theme Paper cups
Colored gum balls or jelly beans
Instructions:
Punch two holes in the paper cup, across from each other (this is for your handle).
Thread your pipe cleaner handle through the holes.
Twirl the ends of your pipe cleaner so the ends will not slide back through the holes.
Fill your cup with Easter grass or paper shred.
Top with gum balls or your favorite wrapped Easter candy.
Give to a friend! 

The Butterfly Flaps Its Wings
Craft: Hands of Friendship
Symbolism of Craft: We are interconnected and all part of the whole. These colorful hands will help your children identify with their classmates and their special circle.
Materials:

Colored construction paper 
Scissors 
Markers or Crayons 
Instructions: 
Place children in groups to best match the size of your class. They can trace each others hands on colored construction paper and cut them out to make the Hands of Friendship as shown in the photograph. Cut out four hands for each child so they each have one to bring home. The children can also print their names on the hands

The Story of Buddha
Craft: Pipe Cleaner Lotus Flowers
Symbolism of Craft: 
The lotus flower is a well-known symbol of Buddhism. Its growth from the mud to above the water’s surface represents the journey from darkness to light. To explain this concept to a child you could make this simple lotus flower using pipe cleaners. It makes a pretty decoration, or could be given away to family and friends. You could also add beads to the pipe cleaners, which is a great fine motor activity for little hands.
Materials:   5 pipe cleaners of any color
Instructions: make circles out of 4 pipe cleaners then twist to make figure eights.   Use 5th pipe cleaner to attach the four figure eights together.   Bend half circles upward to create flower.
See Build Pictures

The Farmer's Luck
Craft: Origami Fortune Teller
Symbolism of Craft: 
Japanese origami began sometime after Buddhist monks carried paper to Japan during the 6th century. Paper disintegrates easily so no early origami forms are left for historians to study. Paper is very important to Buddhists because it is how they delivered the message of their scripture. Also, the Japanese use paper, and origami – most notably cranes – in many sacred ceremonies. 
The Origami Fortune Teller should be developed to share spiritual truths with the children. After it is created, the child may write short words of inspiration under the folds, i.e. You are Love, You are Joy, You are Peace, etc. Or, for older children, they may write longer Buddhist sayings. 
It is also a great way for kids to connect with one another and have fun!
Material: 1 sheet of colored paper, cut into 8x8” square.
Instructions:  http://www.origami-fun.com/origami-fortune-teller.html 

The Heavy Load
Craft: Paracord Prayer Beads
Symbolism of Craft: Beads become prayer beads when making and using them is part of a meditation practice. If you string beads as prayer beads, then each time you touch them you’ll remember their purpose. In that moment, you will feel your feet on the floor and your grounding on the earth. If you continually bring small moments of silence into your life, you will stay in the present moment, and your opportunities to notice spiritual connections will grow.
Prayer is a way of being silent and knowing that God is within, and God is taking care of our every need.
Prayer beads can be made with beads on pipe cleaners or cord or wire or Paracord.
Make sure the children attached a good or kind thought to each knot/bead. 

The Greatest Thing
Craft: Generosity Worksheet
Symbolism of Craft: Every karmic ‘debt’ or ‘seed’ from the past brings with it an opportunity to grow in love and understanding. As the proverb says ‘every cloud has a silver lining’. Usually we learn most, and grow most, through difficulties and suffering. But instead of grumbling and being unhappy when we have to face difficulties, we can learn to make the best of them and thank God for every opportunity.  When we suffer, we can learn important lessons. Everything that happens in our life is an opportunity to help us grow closer to God and more loving to others. 
Instructions: Use the worksheet to write down what you can do for others with each of your senses
See Full Worksheet

Don't Hide Your Light Under a Bushel - Luke 11:33
Symbolism of Craft: Represents the light that each of us are. 
Craft: Light under a bushel (if you have less time, just the tea light in a plastic cup will work as well)
Materials:
Disposable Punch Cups
Plastic Tea Lights (or real tea lights)
Assorted colors of tissue paper
Glue
Paint brush
Directions:
Cut pastel tissue paper into small shapes. 
Mix glue 2 parts glue to one part water. Mix in a cup.
Paint the outside of the cup, sticking on tissue paper as you go.
When dry, put the tea light inside.

The Parable of the Tree and its Fruits - Matthew 8:15-20
Symbolism of Craft: Lets eat Figs! This week we eat some different fruits that children may or may not be familiar with. 
Craft: Fun Fruits
Materials:
Share Mediterranean fruits you can find in your local supermarket.
Examples: Figs, pomegranates, kumquats, star fruit, passion fruit, guava or dragon fruit.
Directions:
Cut up and sample. See if the children can name the fruits as each one is offered.

The Birds of Heaven & the Lilies of the Field - Matthew 6:24-34Symbolism of Craft: Lilies are a symbol from the Parable but also a symbol of renewal. Use a hand print cut out and a pipe cleaners to make beautiful lilies. 
Craft: Hand Print Lilly Craft
Materials:
white paper 
green construction paper 
pencil 
scissors 
green and orange pipe cleaners 
tape
Directions:
Fold a piece of green construction paper in half and trace a long leaf shape. Cut out from the fold so you get a double leaf joined in the middle. 
Trace your hand on white paper and cut out. 
Take a short length of orange pipe cleaner and twist it to the end of a long green pipe cleaner so the ends stick up like a "V" with droopy ears. This is the flower's center. 
Wrap the hand print around the top of the green pipe cleaner and tape in place. 
Poke a hole in the middle of the double laves and thread onto the pipe cleaner stem. 
Wrap tape around the stem below the leaves to they stay in place.

 The Parable of the Sower and the Seeds - Luke 8:4-15
Symbolism of Craft: Make an origami Seed Packet to remind us to protect and cherish our ideas.
Craft: Origami Seed Packet
Materials:
Colorful Paper
Seeds (any kind)
Markers/stickers to decorate
Directions:
Cut a 6” x 6” square 
Fold per the instructions
Fill with seeds
Decorate
See Origami Instructions

Symbolism of Craft: A gift box to celebrate giving 
Craft: A gift box with a saying inside
Material:  
Small boxes
Ribbons
Markers 
Stickers (optional)
Directions:
Write a loving message in the bottom of the box (or on a piece of paper and glue it in the box)
Close the box and tie a ribbon around it
Give it to someone you love

Activities:
Symbolism of Craft: Muslim’s pray on a clean surface or rug. This simple craft symbolized a woven prayer rug.
Craft: Prayer Mat 
Material: 
Construction paper
Scissors

Directions:
Fold one sheet of construction paper in half and cut from the folded edge to leave about a 1 inch margin on the other side. Repeat cuts about 1 inch apart. Unfold and cut the other contrasting color of construction paper into 1 inch strips to be woven.  Trim excess strips with scissors.

The Laughing Buddha - How to become the greatest person in the world

Craft: Thumbprint ant (Note: to give the craft more meaning, glue a grain of rice or two above the thumbprint)
Symbolism of Craft: To help the children remember the story of how carrying a grain of sand is a large accomplishment for an ant, while it wouldn’t be for a horse.
Material: 
Ink for Thumbprints
Pen to mark
Glue
Rice

Dance: Expressing Joy
Sufi Muslims Whirling Dervish
Jewish Hora
Native American Ceremony 
Craft: Spinning Top
Symbolism of Craft: The Spinning Top represents the movement of different traditions connecting with spirit through dance.
Materials: 
Plastic bottle caps
Toothpicks or wooden skewers or thin straws
Awl from the Toolbox or nail and hammer to put hole in bottle cap
Small wooden bead
Scissors
Optional: markers, stickers or paint to decorate
Instructions:
Have an adult make the hole in the center of the bottle cap right in the middle of the lid using a drill, hammer and nail or awl
Enlarge the hold if needed for the toothpick or skewer or straw.
Thread a bead through the straw on the top of the bottle cap and secure with glue
Try it out!

Music: The Sound of Spirit
Craft: Kazoo
Symbolism of Craft: Make a joyful noise!
Materials:
Toilet Paper Tube
Wax Paper
Rubber Band
Instructions:
Decorate the toilet paper tube
Cut out a circle from wax paper, about 4″ in diameter and cover the top of the tube, securing it with a rubber band.
 

A Metaphysical Interpretation of the Torah
Craft: Create small Torahs
Symbolism of Craft: As many people as possible are given the honor of an aliyah (reciting a blessing over the Torah reading); in fact, even children are called for an aliyah blessing. In addition, as many people as possible are given the honor of carrying a Torah scroll in these processions. Children do not carry the scrolls (they are much too heavy!), but often follow the procession around the synagogue, sometimes carrying small toy Torahs (stuffed plush toys or paper scrolls). 
Materials:
Smartie Candies
Ribbon
Wrapping paper
Scissors
Tape
Directions:   Cut out rectangles of bright paper to roll around two Smartie Candy rolls, secure with tape and tie a ribbon around the bundle.

Shofar of the High SeasCraft: Shofar
Materials:
Paper Plate
Ribbon
Yarn
Stapler
Hole Punch
Scissors

Jonah and the Whale
Craft: Jonah in the Whale 
Materials: 
Whale Template
Blue paper
Small sandwich bags
Small fuzz ball, marble or gumball
Glue
Scissors
Directions:  
Trace template onto two pieces of 8 ½ X 11 blue paper.  Cut out.   Cut a circle out of one of the whales.  Place fuzz ball, gumball or Lego Figure in small plastic bag to represent Jonah.  Seal bag.   Put glue on the inside edges of the whale with the circle cut out of it – including around the circle.   Center plastic bag over circular hole, press down.    Match the other whale cutout to the glued piece and press together.

The 10 CommandmentsCraft: 10 Commandments Handprints 
Materials:
10 Commandment Template 
Finger paint
Scissors
Glue or tape
Instructions:
Cut out each of the 10 commandments
Have the child color their hands and press the prints on a piece of paper (or cut out hand prints)

Being Present
Craft: A Point In Time
Symbolism of Craft: Our life’s journey is a number of steps. Each step can be taken unconsciously or consciously and deliberately. This craft reminds us that we have a choice in how we take each step.
Materials:
Construction paper
Markers/crayons
Scissors
Directions:
Have the child trace their foot and/or hand on a sheet of construction paper
Cut it out and put your name on the foot - add pictures of things that interest you now/today. Put the date and time on the back.

Publishing the Sutras
Craft: Water Drop Flowers
Symbolism of Craft:. Change can be good and beautiful 
Materials:
Pipe cleaners
Colored water
Paper Towels
Food Coloring
Eye dropper/Medicine Dropper/straw
Directions:
Cut paper towels into 4x4 squares
Mix food coloring in water
Drop different colors on paper towels
Twist the centers of the paper towels together and secure with Pipe Cleaners

People in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones
Craft: Pictures in baby food jars or cups
Symbolism of Craft:. The child’s picture in a glass or plastic container symbolizes that people in glass houses are completely open and loving with the world around them.
Materials:
Pictures (real or drawn)
Baby food jars or clear plastic cups
Directions:
Put the picture in the glass jar to remind students of the story.

Happiness Naturally Expands
Craft: Mentos and Diet Coke Geyser
Symbolism of Craft: This activity is about expansion. It is a fun, outside activity. Prepare for an explosion! 
Materials:
2 Liter Diet Coke bottle
Mint flavored Mentos - 1 roll or box
1 piece of paper
Directions:
This activity is probably best done outside in the middle of an abandoned field, or better yet, on a huge lawn.
Carefully open the bottle of soda. Position the bottle on the ground so that it will not tip over.
Unwrap the entire roll of Mentos and drop them all in the bottle at the same time.