Our Animal Friends Teach Us the Value of Work

Non-fiction nature story reinforces what the Bible tells us - No work, no eat!

Do you have a little one, or even a big one, that doesn't like doing chores?  Many children do not like doing chores.  Let's be honest, many adults do not like doing chores either.  After many attempts at trying to get one of our children to help with chores willingly, we heard 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 preached in Daily Mass.  My favourite line was verse ten:

"For also, when we were with you, this we declared to you:  that, if any man will not work, neither let him eat."

My youngest thought that rule was for others, but not children, and certainly not her.  I prayed for a way to show her that everyone should help out willingly.  The next day my heart was pulled to reach for a book from the shelf called, Animals in Winter (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1) by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. Van Gelder.  This wonderful little read shared facts about how all kinds of animals prepare or survive in winter.  Animals such as bluebirds, bats, butterflies, woodchucks, pikas, squirrels, mice, deer and rabbits are highlighted in this easy to read book. 

The fantastic thing about reading this book is that it provides lots of great examples of how animals work in preparation to be able to eat later on in the year.  The pika, for example, will have gathered up to fifty pounds of grass over the summer to eat later in the winter.  These are great practical examples of why we must all work to earn our food.  Our Lord shows us that He expects all of His creatures to follow the same rules for working and eating.

Animal Traits Graphic Organizer

As a go-along resource for this story, you may want to use these worksheets to help children explore more about the animals mentioned in the story.  A few animals are mentioned specifically, but the templates can be used for any animal you want.  This graphic organizer style worksheet is easy to use for learners of various ages.  Confident writers can write out information while newer and younger writers can draw out information in a simpler style.  This style sheet is great for independent learning or even to use with a specific work like Animals in Winter because the amount of information presented is limited.  This can help build confidence in younger learners.

Animal Detective Sheets

As an alternative to a graphic organizer you may enjoy our popular Animal Detective worksheets.  These sheets require learners to find specific information about an individual animal.  It is fun and engaging and very non-threatening.  We have gotten great feedback about these sheets in the past.

St. Joseph Trading Card

Another little resource that your child may enjoy having as a go along to the scriptural reference is a saint trading card for the patron saint of workers, St. Joseph, the foster father of our Lord.  If working and doing chores isn't a well received idea for your young Catholic, perhaps asking St. Joseph for a bit of intercessory help could be wise.  You may also want to remind your beloved that even our Lord had to do chores - he would have had to sweep up and help maintain the carpentry shop. :)

Click HERE to see our animal worksheets and templates.

Click HERE to see our printable saint trading cards.

We hope you'll enjoy this read and that it helps make happier little helpers in your home.

Blessings,

Kalei - That Resource Team