Appreciating Nature – Lesson Plan

1. Start by taking the time to stop and enjoy watching this video which gives a glimpse of the beauty of nature: Creations Call with Lyrics

2. Take some time to think of one special living thing/creature which you like most.  It could be the tall trees, the rough seas, the warmth of the sun, a mighty animal or an awesome creature.
3. Now you can cut around the circles of the caterpillar templates provided below.  It would be a nice idea if you do this together with others who live in the same house as you, maybe your sisters, brothers and grownups. Remember to help younger siblings to cut out their circles.

If no one can do this activity with you you can think of more than one living thing you like and repeat steps 4 and 5 for each of the living things you admire in nature.  You can also encourage your friends to do the activity and share your ideas on social media.

4. Take a circle each and draw on it your favourite living thing or creature.
5. Now take some time to think of, say and write a thank you prayer to God for what you like in nature.  Example:- Thank you God for blessing us with the warmth of the sun because it reminds us of your warmth and constant presence with us.
6. Now, if other members are doing the activity with you,  you can discuss together the different things you are thanking God for.  It is nice to share with each other what we appreciate in nature, and why and while listening to each other we get to know more about each other. 

If no other could do this activity with you, find some other time and ask others living in the same house with you what they like best in nature and so you get to know more about each other’s likings and you will have a good starting point for a healthy positive conversation.  You can also invite them to see the video in step 1 some other time with you.

7. Finally, you can get a piece of cardboard and on it stick the caterpillar’s head.  The template of which is with the rest of the resources that you can download. Following, stick your circle along your other circles or those of other family members to form a caterpillar.
8. Place the cardboard somewhere you can all see to remind you to thank God for the beauty of nature around you.
9. Gratitude is an attitude which we all need to develop. For some food for thought while deepening this sense of gratitude/thankfulness every week after our lesson you can refer to the #beandappreciate link provided here and take time to stop, reflect and grow in your sense of gratitude and appreciation.