Leader Guide
Optional Opening Game
- Match Card Pages (2)
- Cardstock—two sheets
- Scissors
- Table
- Optional: crayons or markers
Make one copy each of the Match Card Pages on cardstock in color or black and white.
Cut out the sixteen individual cards.
Optional: For black and white copies, use crayons or markers to color the images appropriately.
Shuffle the cards and place them face down on the table in four rows of four cards.
God created us all to be very different and special. We look different on the outside, and we each have different abilities and talents. But one thing is always the same: God created everyone in this world, and He loves us all the same!
In this game, we will match cards that are the same in some ways and different in others.
Have the first player go to the table to select a card and hold it up for all to see.
Identify what the item is specifically and generally. For example, say: What is this? A banana.
What is a banana? A fruit.
Now, pick one more card to try and find a different type of fruit.
The eight categories are coins, fruit, musical instruments, trees, balls, birds, pets, and games.
For each card match, lead a short discussion. For example:
These cards are both a type of fruit, but they also are different. Can you name some ways they are different? Different shapes, different tastes, different colors, grow on different trees.
Can you name some other different kinds of fruit? Children respond.
Some people like bananas, and some prefer apples. Some people like both!
Repeat in this way for each match as time permits.
Leave all selected cards face up to make the game easier or to save time.
Option: To make the game harder, turn the cards face-down in the same locations when a match isn't found.
Conclusion: What if all fruit looked and tasted the same? What if every instrument made the same sound? What if we all liked the same things, talked, walked, and dressed alike? What if we all had the same abilities and strengths? Life wouldn’t be as fun and interesting, would it?
Differences don’t make someone better or more important. We were created by God to be different and unique. He made all kinds of animals, plants, and colors for us to enjoy.
Close the game in a short prayer. For example: Dear God, we praise You for all of the amazing and different things You have created in this world. Help us to show Your love to everyone we meet, no matter how different they may seem. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.