Circle: 
- Name tags should be available so
each child can create one for himself
or herself upon arrival
- Chairs should be arranged so that
children sit in a circle
- A teddy bear should be placed on
each chair
- The group leader begins the circle
session by welcoming the children
and reviewing the purpose of the
group
- The leader introduces the theme
for the evening
- Each child is asked to introduce
himself or herself, give his or her
age and tell the group who it is
they love who has cancer (mom, dad
or other)
Purpose of
Session:
This session concentrates on the discussion
that "love never goes away." The leader
should ask the children to talk about
their families, identifying situations
when parents may be unhappy, upset
or not feeling well. Using these situations,
the leader should help the children
understand that no matter what happens,
they are still loved.
Then reverse the theme. Discuss how
the children feel when they have the
same feelings. Continue to include
each person's individual gifts and
explain all the different ways we show
love.
Activity:
Leaders should choose an activity:
- Love hearts:
- After the discussion, the group
gathers around an almost life-sized
paper body
- Each child is asked to give
an example of how he or she has
felt unloved
- Send each child to check the
pocket over the heart Here they
find a "love heart" that reads
"love never goes away." Be sure
to place enough "love hearts"
in the pocket for the entire
group
- A large puzzle of a bear with a
heart is put together piece-by-piece
by the children, which demonstrates
each child contributes to the group
Story:
The
Kissing Hand
Craft:
To make Valentine heart pouches, have
the children:
- Make two hearts out of felt
- Stitch them together to make a
pouch
- Decorate the pouches as they wish
using:
- Glitter
- Beads
- Sequins
- Puffballs
- Create coupons with love messages
on them to put in pouch
Refreshments:
Cherry-chocolate heart cookies Hawaiian
punch
Session Held:
February
