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A Child’s Prayer for the World

photo of a child's prayer for the world on top of their painting of the Earth as seen from space

This “Child’s Prayer for the World” lesson is an updated repost (from my archives) of a project my friend, Barb Mendence, did with her 2nd graders every year. A project like this never goes out of style… and our world can use these prayers now more than ever!

Not only is this a fun, easy art lesson that’s adaptable to any grade level, it also makes a great geography lesson and culture study, too. When children learn about other countries and the challenges they face, they develop compassion and begin to think beyond just themselves and their own needs and wants.

Armed with a list that included all the countries of the world, Barb’s class would commit to praying for every country over the course of the year.  Then, as they worked through their list, they would find the countries on a map and learn some interesting facts about them.  Finally, at the end of the school year, each student painted the earth and wrote their own “Prayer for the World”….. a precious keepsake!!!

Materials:

  • 9×12 black construction paper
  • 9×12 white construction paper (heavy-weight), or watercolor paper
  • White tempera paint
  • Paint brush or old toothbrush
  • Watercolors and brush
  • scissors
  • glue stick
  • Pencil and black Sharpie

Directions:

1. Cover your work area with newspaper, then splatter some white tempera paint onto your black paper using either a paintbrush or an old toothbrush. Kids LOVE doing this!! Set aside to dry.
2. Trace a large circle onto your white paper (a mixing bowl works great).
3. Look at a map or globe for reference, then lightly sketch some continent shapes inside your circle.
4. Use blues and greens to paint your circle to look like the earth from space.
5. When dry, cut out your earth and glue it onto your black paper.  Lightly pencil in a few horizontal guidelines across it, if you want.
6. Write your prayer for the world on a separate paper, then copy it carefully onto your painted earth and trace your finished prayer with a black Sharpie.

Visit Teach Kids Art on Instagram for more examples of students’ prayers for the world!

 

 

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2 Comments

  1. Thanks for this great idea. This will be a perfect remote teaching activity. Writing, handwriting, and art. Love this!