Patience - Games, Crafts, and Stories

Welcome to my new blog. It is a supplemental resource that accompanies the books in my series, “Nana’s Heartwarming Tales,” featuring child-centered enrichment activities. My three books are called “Tiny Whispers,” “Little Echoes,” and “Mighty Ripples.”  The series was inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and highlights fifteen tried-and-true virtues. When children learn values such as patience, kindness, and trust, they acquire valuable tools for life that help them develop social and emotional skills, fostering trust, hope, and love for others.

What is Patience and Why is it a Whisper?

Imagine patiently waiting for an ice cream cone, only to be told they don’t have your favorite flavor. When you feel content to be yourself and desire to help others, whispers tug at your heart. The act of patience is a whisper.

Read "Mama Bird's Egg" found in "Tiny Whispers."

 Enrichment Games, Crafts, and Stories that go with the story, "Mama Bird's Egg."   

Aimee’s Listening Game

Enjoy spending time with two or more children and have them sit together to share three things that happened during their day. Please encourage them to take turns and listen to one child at a time, without interrupting. If they interrupt, you could have them surprise the speaker with a high-five or a hug. This activity helps children practice patience in a fun and engaging way.

Buddy’s Seedlings

Children feel a sense of accomplishment when they plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs from seeds and watch them grow in planters or a garden. Take time together to enjoy watering and caring for the seeds as they sprout. Discuss the value of patience as the sprouts develop into beautiful flowers, healthy vegetables, or tasty herbs. This activity will help children recognize and appreciate the rewards of waiting.

Jed’s Cookie Countdown

Children can learn patience by watching and waiting for their favorite homemade cookie to be baked. Arrange for a child or a group of children to sit together in the kitchen with a timer or clock to count down the time until the cookies are made, baked, and ready to eat. Whenever possible, involve the children in gathering the supplies, stirring the ingredients, and washing the dishes. Don’t forget to encourage them to guess how many minutes it will take until they can taste their favorite cookies. Reward the child who makes the closest guess with an extra cookie! Baking is a delicious way to teach patience.

Cara’s Patience Stones

This activity will help children understand the importance of waiting. First, gather supplies such as smooth stones, pebbles, paint, markers, and stick-on plastic gemstones, and place them on a suitable craft table.  Encourage the children to decorate the stones/pebbles with their favorite designs and colors. They can also add words like “patience”, “wait”, or “grow”.

Once they have finished decorating them, they can come up with fun ideas for where to place the stones or pebbles, such as by their bed, in their backpack, or in the car, so they can easily find them when waiting becomes challenging. This activity not only emphasizes the value of patience but also provides children with a source of comfort and security during difficult moments of waiting.

Cory’s “Love A Lot” Stories

1.    “Waiting is Not Easy” by Mo Williams

2.    “Patience is my Superpower: A Kid’s Book about Learning How to Wait” by Alicia Ortego

3.    “A Very Impatient Caterpillar” by Ross Burach

4.    “A Little Spot of Patience” by Diane Alber

5.    “Teach Your Dragon Patience: A Story About Patience and the Power of Waiting” by Steve Herman

I have enjoyed creating the activities and crafts listed above for the children you cherish. I sincerely hope that the concept of “Whispers of Patience” becomes a meaningful part of their lives, inspiring them to make a positive impact on those around them. Stay tuned, next month's focus is on “Whispers of Kindness.”

Sharing love,

Vicki/Nana