7 Useful Ways to Integrate Peace Using Children’s Books and the Beatitudes.

Blessed are the Peacemakers. In today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world, finding moments of peace is more important than ever. And what better way to cultivate peace than by instilling its values in our children? Children’s books have long been a powerful tool for teaching important life lessons, and integrating the Beatitudes – the eight blessings found in the Sermon on the Mount – into these stories can have a profound impact.

Among the Beatitudes, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” Using a children’s book, this article will explore seven useful ways to integrate peace in different subjects. From fostering empathy and kindness to promoting forgiveness and understanding, these activities will help children develop a deeper understanding of peace and equip them with valuable skills for navigating the complexities of life. So, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone passionate about nurturing peaceful minds, join us as we uncover the transformative power of children’s literature and the timeless wisdom of the Beatitudes.

Little Pot’s fruit-bearing journey

Peace is a part of the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives. Welcome to Little Pot‘s fruit-bearing journey. Little Pot is a character in the children’s books about Potter and the different vessels he creates. It is a vessel that holds many additional items for the Potter. As it does, it tries to discover its purpose. Eventually, Little Pot learns it is a fruit pot, and the Potter can grow his fruit inside it. Therefore, Little Pot is a fruit-bearing vessel created by the Potter. Likewise, Little Pot’s process to grow strawberries mirrors how our creator produces the fruit of the Spirit through us. You can sign up to learn more about that process here:

A part of the process includes pollination. That sometimes happens with the help of bees. Consequently, Little Pot refers to the 8 Beatitude blessings as “Bee Attitudes.” Alongside Little Pot, we explore these attitudes, examine their meanings, and discuss practical ways to integrate them into different subjects using children’s books. Let’s join in and learn a lot from Little Pot as we explore the sixth Beatitude:

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5:9

Lessons on the 8 Beatitudes

8 lessons to teach beatitude activities with Little Pot — Little Pot’s eight lessons to teach the Beatitudes.

Likewise, the eight lessons full of Beatitude activities are listed below. Click on each to read that specific lesson.

Go here if you haven’t read Little Pot’s introduction to the Beatitudes in Matthew 5.

Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall…

Making peace requires us to know the peace Jesus Christ gave us by dying on the cross and what He has to offer others. God offers us peace, and once we accept it and live peaceably in Him, we can help others to obtain peace.

The following children’s book, “Shaoey and Dot,” will tell the story of a baby being adopted. We do not always think of peace when babies cry. Shaoey needs a family. This story will connect our adoption in Christ, making us His children and bringing peace to each of us.

Dot is a ladybug who discovers an orphan baby in China. When Dot starts to fly away, she hears the baby cry and decides to stay with the child. Dot and the baby journey to the States and are adopted by a family. When the baby, now named Shaoey, is with a family, she is at peace and ceases to cry. Jesus wants us to be a part of HIs family, too. He died for our sins, rose again, and will adopt us when we receive Him as our Lord and Savior.

Buy books about Shaoey and Dot.

blessed are the peacemakers the bee attitudes for Matthew 5:9 is to be the one for peace and fun. — Blessed are the peacemakers. This bee’s attitude is to be the one for peace and fun!

Blessed are the Peacemakers. Bee 🐝 the one for peace and fun.

Introduction: Did you ever imagine you were a little bug who could hide in places? You could journey with people; they wouldn’t even know you were there. Today, we are going to read about a tiny ladybug named Dopt. She makes a very special friend. Let’s read together and see who Dot meets.

After reading the story, use the following ideas to extend the learning across other subjects.

1. Bible Integration:

Children will learn they were created for a special purpose, just as God had a special plan for Shaoey.

“ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”
Psalm 139:14

2. Language Arts Integration

Dot is a ladybug. We put “dots” that are called periods at the end of sentences. Why? Sometimes we put a question mark or an exclamation mark. Give the students a list of sentences, and together, put the correct punctuation at the end of each.

The children's book, Shaoey and Dot helps to explain how we can be peacemakers. — The children’s book, “Shaoey and Dot,” helps to explain how we can be peacemakers.

3. Reading/Writing Integration

After reading the story, have the students imagine they are a bug. Create a story about themselves from the perspective of a small bug. They can write about something that happened to them as a baby or a recent event.

Using a stuffed ladybug, have the toy travel home with different children. Then have each child write in a journal about the adventures the ladybug experienced at their house. The journal entry should be written as if the ladybug is talking.

4. Math Integration

Using several ladybug patterns, draw a different amount of spots on each. Have students count, add, subtract, or multiply the spots on each.

5. Social Studies Integration

Dot and Shaoey come from China. Find China on a map. Then, discuss the pictures from the book and learn certain characteristics about the landscape and people who live in China. Research the country for further information. Have them map how far Shaoey and Dot traveled to be with their new family in America. What other places could they visit along the way?

6. Science Integration

Dot wears six different shoes on her feet. Use pairs of their shoes to experiment with different combinations a six-legged ladybug could wear. How many combinations can be created?

7. Art/Drama

Use a large sheet of yellow paper. Cut the paper into a circle. Then cut a slit in the circle from the edge to the center point. Overlap the cut edges, creating a hat like Dot wore in the book. Each child can decorate their hat to describe themselves and what makes them a special part of God’s family. To secure the hat, use string across the top point, thread through two holes, and tie under the chin. Wear the hats as they sing the Beatitudes song.

A Beatitudes Song. (Blessed are the Peacemakers)

We’ve created a song to help us remember and learn the 8 Beatitudes. You can download a free copy of the song. Each line matches a Beatitude within the Biblical text. You will also be added to our Fruitful Friday email list so you can continue to … “Learn a lot from Little Pot!”

Growing Peace and the Fruit of the Spirit

We can be a peacemaker when the Holy Spirit grows peace through us. Little Pot discovers that it is a vessel created to be a fruit pot. Little Pot’s fruit-bearing cycle explains more. Add your first name and email below, and we’ll send you the seven steps to growing the fruit of the Spirit. You will also be added to our Fruitful Friday email list so you can continue to … “Learn a lot from Little Pot!”

what is fruit of the spirit — Learn how the Potter grows the fruit of the Spirit through you.

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