Fun with Character: Going Without

Begin a discussion in class about a time when storms knocked out power for an extended period of time. Ask them what they missed most about not having electricity. Ask about if there has been someone in their life who has taken a long trip or was ill for a long time. How did it feel to go without seeing that person? Did they appreciate them that much more when they returned? Have any of them ever broken a bone or sprained a joint that required a cast or a brace that prevented you from using the injured body part? What accommodations did they have to make to not use the injured part? Did it put a strain on other working parts? How did they feel when the use of it returned? Ask if anyone has lost a toy or another treasured belonging? How did it feel to know that something important was lost? What did it feel like when you found it again? Did you treat it any differently? Has anyone been lost or separated from their parents in a public place? How did it feel to not know anyone and not be able to locate the person you were with? Did you actively look for them or stand still and hope they found you? What did the reunion with them feel like? Did you hold onto them even tighter?

To process this activity, ask these or similar questions:

• Did everyone have an example of at least one of the discussion items?

• When others shared about losing something, could you feel that loss and the joy when it was found?

• Did some of you have very similar stories?

• Can you think of someone or something that you have today that you would miss greatly if they or it were gone?

• All of these examples help us to see people and things that we take for granted. Instead of waiting for a time when something or someone is gone, tell them now that you appreciate them.