Helping toddlers, hearing the eclipse, and getting arrested LEGO style.
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
As you move from discover to explore to discern, the themes go deeper. But any of these stories can work for conversation with the whole family. We’ll also include a Conversation Kickoff to help you break the proverbial ice if your kids aren’t ready to dive deep right away.
This week, we’re noticing themes of dignity and inclusion. Look for examples of human dignity and the importance of inclusion as you explore these stories.
Toddlers are on the move.
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
Health insurance often doesn’t cover wheelchairs for small children. That’s why students at Tulane University in Louisiana built wheelchairs for toddlers.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Consider the theme of God’s gifts. How did students at Tulane use their God-given abilities to love their neighbors? How can you use your gifts to love your neighbors? Notice our themes for the week. How are some children excluded by not having access to wheelchairs? How does the gift of mobility honor their dignity? With older kids, consider a discussion about healthcare. Why don’t insurance companies often provide wheelchairs for small children? What works in our modern healthcare system, and what is broken?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Many people have medical needs they can’t afford to meet. Consider how you and your family could help someone meet those needs in ways that honor his or her dignity.
Hearing and Feeling the Eclipse
(Read it at WORLDkids.)
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
On April 8, many people in North America will see a total solar eclipse. New technology helps visually impaired people hear and feel this rare event.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Look for our theme of inclusion. How do the creators of LightSound help include others? How does this technology help more people appreciate creation—and its Creator? Consider the theme of God’s design. What do cosmic solar eclipses tell us about God? What sort of universe did He create?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
If you live in the path of the solar eclipse, prepare to observe!
Remember to use proper eye protection. You can find eclipse-viewing glasses
online and maybe in local stores. Use the eclipse as an opportunity to thank
God for the intricate Solar System He created.
Conversation Kickoff! If you could take a cosmic vacation—and the real rules of space travel didn’t apply—where would you want to go? The Moon? Mars? Gas giant ROXs 42Bb?
LEGO Loophole
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
To skirt California’s privacy laws, a police department posted booking photos to social media—but covered faces with LEGO minifigure heads. The LEGO company asked the department to stop.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Why does California law usually prevent posting suspect photos to social media? What happens to such images on social media if a suspect is found innocent? Look for our theme of dignity. What makes privacy important? Why should even suspected criminals have a right to privacy? Lastly, notice the theme of loopholes. What makes something a “loophole”? Should law enforcers ever skirt the law?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Using LEGO to cover up mugshots might not be the best plan, but building with LEGO is always a good idea! Spend creative time as a family building with LEGO or other materials. With adult supervision, your class or family could also look up your local police department on social media. Does it have an account? What does it post? What appears to be the department’s motivation for having social media accounts?
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. — Philippians 2:3-4
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
