1. Use a version of the attached presentation to start the Assembly with the question - what do you do if someone is annoying you? (If you can, you might display
).
2. If you can, tell a personal story about coping with annoying siblings or other family members or ask for children to share their own experiences. There will be plenty! Make the point that sometimes we have to be equally tolerant with those we know as with those we have never met.
3. If you have shared your own story - ask the children to give you advice on how you could have coped better with the tribulations of a younger brother or sister. Ask the children to watch
and come up with some further tips for your younger self.
4. Who was the first baby to be born in the Bible? Were the first brothers tolerant of each other? Share the story of Cain & Abel and discuss what the message of this story might be for frustrated siblings...
5. Prayer/Reflection: Think of a time a friend or relative has really annoyed you. Remember the feelings of frustration and anger that were inspired... think how you can deal with them better and respond positively next time.
6. So what? (putting the value into action): Remind the children that "tolerance is not just for strangers"...
(7. You might like to finish with Mr Stanley singing about Tolerance:
)
Tolerance - Not just for stangers.