Celebrating childhood
Aim:
To appreciate childhood and what makes it special.
You will need:
Large piece of paper (e.g. wallpaper), coloured pens.
Duration:
45 minutes
Childhood can pass very fast. Suddenly it may be time to start school, you may find you have a younger brother or sister you now have to help look after, you may have homework you need to concentrate on, or chores around the house to help out with. Before you know it you are growing up, and leaving your childhood behind.
What are the best things about being young? Ask what is the best thing about being 8? Being 11? (or the age of the group).
Use a large strip of paper, draw around one of the group - this is the outline of your young person. Fill in the features and clothes on the body. Around the outside draw pictures and write words to represent all the best things about being young. Think about your life in contrast to that of your parents and other adults. These are some prompts - responsibilities, obligations, stresses, money, time, family, work, household.
When the drawing is finished, use it to talk about children who might not benefit from all these advantages. Ask the group questions like 'would a child soldier have time to play with his friends?', 'would a child labourer be able to go to school?'
The idea is not to end up feeling bad, but to appreciate what we have, and to make the most of our childhood.
You can follow up this activity with older children, by discussing what needs to change in the world to ensure children do not suffer from exploitation, and are able to enjoy their childhood.