A Special Gift

Curriculum Context

Te Whāriki – He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa: Early Childhood Curriculum
This lesson draws on New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum Te Whāriki, specifically within the following strands and goals:

• Belonging | Mana Whenua – Children experience an environment where they know they have a place.
• Contribution | Mana Tangata – Children are affirmed as individuals and encouraged to learn with and alongside others.
• Communication | Mana Reo – Children develop verbal communication and a knowledge of symbols and their meanings, including spiritual stories and values.
• Exploration | Mana Aotūroa – Children develop working theories for making sense of the natural, social, physical and spiritual worlds.

The learning experience relates to spiritual development through story, play, and creative expression, providing a gentle introduction to an aspect of Christian belief in an age-appropriate and emotionally sensitive way.

---

Learning Focus

Big Idea: Jesus’ death is understood in the Christian faith as an act of love and a special gift.
Theme: Love, kindness, and giving.
Learning Outcome: Children will be introduced to the idea that Jesus loved people very much and made a great sacrifice, which is remembered by people around the world.

---

Duration

10 Minutes
Group Size: 10 Preschool-aged children (Approx. 3–5 years old)

---

Learning Intentions

By the end of the session, ākonga (children) will:

• Have engaged with the story of Jesus’ love through a story-based activity.
• Begin to build an understanding of love, kindness, and sacrifice through creative expression.
• Feel safe and secure when talking about emotions and big ideas in a supported environment.

---

Materials Needed

• A large heart cut-out made from red cardboard
• A small story stone (e.g. smooth painted pebble with a cross or heart)
• Illustrated storybook / teacher-led picture sequence (simple version of the Easter story – Jesus' love and his act of giving)
• Small boxes or decorated paper "gift boxes"
• Ribbon or yarn
• Tissue paper and crayons

---

Lesson Flow (10 minutes total)

1. Nau Mai, Welcome (1 minute)

Begin seated in a quiet circle on the mat. Welcome the children and use a gentle chime to signal beginning, supporting calmness and mindfulness. Use warm tone:

“Today, we are going to hear a story about someone very special, someone who gave a very special gift of love.”

2. Story Time – Jesus’ Gift of Love (3 minutes)

• Present the heart-shaped card and ask, “What does this heart make you think of?” Affirm responses such as “love,” “family,” etc.
• Use a simple pictorial sequence or speak in child-friendly terms:

“A long time ago, there lived someone named Jesus. He showed kindness and love to everyone. He helped the sick, told people good news, and made people feel special. One day, Jesus gave people the biggest gift of love—his whole heart. It was a very hard thing to do—he died so others could live with love in their hearts. His friends were very sad, but also remembered how loving Jesus was.”

Offer the story stone around the circle to hold gently before passing on.

⚠️ Note: The emphasis is on love and giving, not suffering or death details. Keep the tone soft, respectful, and emotionally safe.

3. Reflective Talk with the Heart (2 minutes)

Hold up the red heart. Ask questions:

• “What does it feel like when someone loves you?”
• “How can we show love to others like Jesus did?”
• “What kind things can we do for our friends or whānau?”

Allow them to each say one word or example. Teacher models soft affirming language.

4. Creative Response – Love Gift Box (3 minutes)

• Give each child a tiny paper box with ribbon and a piece of tissue.
• Say: “Jesus gave a gift of love. What would you put in your love box to make someone feel happy?”
• Children draw on the tissue with crayons – e.g. smiles, flowers, hearts.
• Close the box and place it into a shared ‘basket of love’.

This fosters symbolic thinking and links action to the concept of giving.

5. Closing – Karakia or Quiet Waiata (1 minute)

Quiet moments to end the session:

“Let’s whisper thank you for love in our hearts.”

You might sing a soft waiata about kindness or say a simple karakia acknowledging love, peace and friendship.

---

Adaptations

• Neurodiverse learners: Offer sensory tools (soft fabric, squeeze balls) and allow for quiet observation if participation feels overwhelming.
• Te Reo Māori Integration: Use kupu like aroha (love), whānau, and taonga (gift).
• Cultural Inclusion: If your children come from a variety of faiths, frame the story as “some people believe…” and emphasise shared universal values like kindness and love.

---

Assessment for Learning

Teacher observes and documents:

• Children’s verbal responses showing understanding of the concepts of love/kindness.
• Willingness to share or create a symbolic item reflecting giving.
• Emotional reactions and engagement during story and reflective time.

---

Extension Ideas

• Include a weekly “kindness circle” connected to different Christian parables.
• Create a mural of “Our Love Garden” where children add flowers representing kind actions.
• Connect with whānau by sending home a “Love Gift Box” for children to gift someone at home.

---

Prepared with respect for New Zealand’s bicultural foundations and cultural inclusiveness in early childhood education.

Letting young minds engage with sacred stories through calm interaction, symbolism and creative response helps nurture empathy, spiritual exploration and a sense of belonging.