THIRD TO SIXTH GRADERS

Children of this age are more logical thinkers. They can take a series of distant events and relate them together. They understand the ability to feel more than one emotion at a time such as love and hate. They are more aware of leadership roles and the world than early elementary school children.

As with younger children, find out what they know and provide them with facts. It is not helpful to give them false reassurance, “Don’t worry we are totally safe now.” This will just make them feel like they can’t really discuss the issue with you. Let them know that the leaders in this country and other countries are working very hard to make sure this does not happen again. Let them know that you are there for them and that God is watching over us all.

Activities

  • Pray – Make sure your child has a prayer book. If they do not, you can help make one using, hymns of the church, Psalms and prayers from Orthodox prayer books. Encourage children to write their own prayers and a list of people they want to pray for. 
     

  • Make a Donation – Encourage them to give to the relief effort. Children at this age are becoming aware of money and teaching them to give of their money as well as their time and talents is important. Have them send money to the relief fund from their allowance. 
     

  • Creating A Story - Children at this age enjoy creating stories. Have them either write or draw a story based on the events that have occurred and their feelings. You can make it a collective family project and have everyone contribute. You can have someone write, someone draw and someone to find a prayer to add to the end of the story. 
     

  • Make an Emergency Plan – As a family, sit down and come up with a plan for emergencies. Look specifically at some of your child’s fears. For example, if they are scared that they won’t be able to get in touch with you to find out if you are okay because the phone lines are jammed, give them an out of state relatives number to use as an emergency check in for all family member (since it is easier to dial out of the area than in). 
     

  • American Caroling – Organize a group of your child’s friends an visit a convalescent hospital. Have them sing American songs such as, “God bless America” and The Star Spangled Banner.” Also have them sing a hymn from the church such as, “Save O Lord Your People.” They could also pass out American flags or make tribute ribbons. In addition, you could call your local fire department and stop by there to sing and drop off some cookies or a cake to say thanks for all they do (make sure to call first).

Suggested Reading

  • What’s Heaven by Maria Schriver A wonderful book that discusses death and what happens to people after they die. The author wrote this in answer to questions her own daughter was having after the death of a loved one. 
     

  • Feelings by Aliki – Another great way to explore what your child’s feelings are. This book explores feelings in a lighthearted way that makes it interesting for children. 
     

  • The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wild A beautiful tale for all ages. This is a story of a mean person turned kind through the love of a child…Christ. This book deals with death, resurrection and love. 
     

  • The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Hunt – Another book that can be appreciated by all ages. This classic shows how God is able to take something that at first seems bad and makes it good.