Children's Love Your Neighbor Activities

It is very easy to teach children how to love their neighbors and have a lot of fun while doing so. The Good Samaritan story found in the book of Luke of the Bible is the "love your neighbor" lesson that teaches people how to have compassion and love for everyone. Although taught primarily in Sunday school classes, it can be extended beyond the classroom into the neighborhood and communities in a variety of activities.

  1. Kid Activities

    • Create a figure of a person out of two pool noodles and give it an easy name for kids to remember. Tell the story of the Good Samaritan and bring it to life by giving it a name the kids can easily remember. This will help them relate to the story and understand how it applies to their lives today encouraging sharing and compassion. They may also be encouraged to include him in classroom activities. After the story teach them how to make their own noodle finger puppet out of paper towel rolls. Have them make two necklaces or bracelets out of rigatoni noodles -- one for themselves and one for another person.

    Preteen Activities

    • Pre-teens can participate in a bake sale.

      Plan a fundraising event by having a charity bake sale or a garage sale when working with preteens. When they can participate, preteens will have fun raising funds and awareness for a cause. It teaches them how to have love and compassion for others that are not in their immediate family or circle of friends reinforcing the love your neighbor story. Also take them to visit the elderly to deliver a basket of goodies to them to brighten their day and they will feel great about doing something good for someone. If they want to start a love your neighbor project on their own, a lemonade stand can be a fun charitable cause for preteens to start. They are not only learning to love their neighbor but also are learning leadership skills.

    Young Adult Activities

    • Encourage young adults to participate in a volunteer group that is just for them. Since their favorite pastime usually is talking and being with their friends, it should be more like a sorority or fraternity to keep them motivated to participate in love your neighbor activities. A good activity to start with is washing cars to raise funds for a charitable organization, or helping children in orphanages or community programs. The children can be included in helping wash the cars. Young adults enjoy parties so let them plan a party or barbecue where the cost of admission is a donation of canned food. A silent auction for young adults can be a lot of fun because they can be playful with the variety of items and services to offer bidders.

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