Blog Post Three - Whispers of Contentment

Welcome to my third blog, featuring contentment through fun activities and creative crafts that accompany the third story, "Catching Fish," in my book “Tiny Whispers.” When children learn the importance of contentment, they acquire a valuable life tool that helps them develop social and emotional skills, fostering trust, hope, and love.

Contentment is a whisper. More often, children are caught up with having a primary focus on what they have, rather than who they are. This month, Nana’s Heartwarming Blog is a supplemental resource with enrichment activities and crafts that help explain the meaning of contentment.

What is Contentment and Why is it a Whisper?

When you feel contentment, you feel pride, such as doing your best on a spelling test, even though you barely passed; it is a whisper.  When you feel satisfied being yourself, whispers tug at your heart, and you find joy in being exactly who you are. Whispers of contentment help children cope better with disappointments and feel more confident facing everyday challenges.

 Enrichment Games, Crafts, and Stories that go with the story, "Catching Fish."   

Aimee’s "Contentment Jar"

“Aimee’s Contentment Jar” is a simple activity that brings New Year’s cheer throughout the year. It encourages children to appreciate who they are and what they have. To get started, help children, whether at school, home, or church, find a jar, container, or box to decorate. Provide art supplies so they can personalize the container.

Once they finish decorating, encourage the children to write or draw things that bring them happiness or gratitude on small slips of paper. Afterward, have them fold the papers and place them in their beautifully decorated jar. When the time feels right, whether it's on the same day or a week later, invite them to read their thankful notes aloud and discuss contentment.

Buddy’s " Nature Walks"

Buddy is happiest when he’s outdoors, whether on a hike or a nature walk, especially if he has his sketchpad and pencils with him. He loves this activity so much that he hopes all children have the same opportunity.

On sunny days during Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall, Buddy invites you to take your children or students on a nature walk, equipped with sketchbooks and pencils. Please encourage them to draw chirping birds, budding flowers, shimmering rocks, beautiful trees, colorful leaves, or the clouds floating by. Remind them to take deep breaths, enjoy the fresh air, and draw to their heart’s content. Once the sketches are complete, encourage each child to discuss their pictures and explain why they represent thankfulness and how it makes them feel content.

Jed’s "Three Steps, One Step" Game

Jed’s “Three Steps, One Step” Game

Jed never truly understood the meaning of contentment until he played this game. It’s simple to play and conveys a meaningful message that can be enjoyed at school, home, or church.

First, fill a bowl with snacks, popcorn, candy, chips, crackers, or a favorite cereal. Place the bowl on one side of a room and have the children hold small bowls on the opposite side.

To play the game, the leader instructs the children to take either three slow steps or one fast step at a time. When the children reach the snack bowl, each adds one snack to their bowl, then returns to the starting side of the room. Once all the children have returned, the leader begins the activity again. The children must follow the step instructions precisely; if they take more steps than allowed, they must take their snacks and sit on the sidelines. The leader continues to guide the children back and forth until the bowl of snacks is empty.

 When the game is over, ask the children these questions to encourage meaningful discussions about contentment. Did you feel content walking back and forth slowly in the room to get one snack? Were you content with the number of snacks you received? What does contentment mean to you?

Cara’s "Paper Chains"

Cara’s favorite pastime is to make paper chains. She came up with the idea of adding messages of contentment on paper chains to use throughout the year.

To get started, gather materials: paper of various colors, white paper, glue, or tape. Cut the colorful and white paper into strips, about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.

Begin by taking a colorful strip, forming it into a loop, and securing it with glue or tape. Next, take another colorful strip, thread it through the first loop, and glue or tape it in place.

Have the children write something that they’re thankful for on a white strip. Then, thread the white strip through the second loop, and fasten it to the chain.

Continue adding two colorful strips and one white “contentment strip” until the chain reaches your desired length.

Enjoy decorating windows and rooms with messages of contentment.

Cory’s “Love A Lot” Stories

Cory’s “Love A Lot” Stories

Here are some of Cory’s beloved books that celebrate the spirit of contentment:

1.     “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud

2.    “Last Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña

3.    “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires

4.    “Thank You, Omul” by Oge Mora

5.    “A Chair for My Mother” by Vera B. Williams

I hope the New Year brings contentment for you and your family.

Please share my post with your family and friends and encourage them to read my next post on “Whispers of Thoughtfulness.”

Sharing love,

Nana/Vicki