Definition:Someone who is grateful is thankful for people, nature, and things. Stewardship means taking good care of what we’ve been given.

In short:

Thankful for every blessing, big or small. 

Summary:

Jeremy tells his grandma he wants some fancy shoes that will help him run fast, but she tells him he needs boots, not shoes, because it’s going to get cold. Finally, grandma takes him to buy the shoes he wants, but they’re too expensive. They go to the thrift shop and he finds the right shoes, but they’re too small. He buys them but they are uncomfortable and useless. Finally Jeremy realizes that his new friend Antonio’s feet are just the right size for the thrift store shoes. Life gets better for Jeremy when he decides to give the shoes to Antonio. The first snowfall arrives, Jeremy doesn’t have to wear the hand-me-down shoes anymore. Instead he wears his brand new boots, perfect for the weather! 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students grow their generosity, are more willing to share what they have with others (Jeremy gave his shoes to Antonio).
2. Students talk about the difference between “needs” and “wants.” Teacher note: Everyone needs food, shelter, clothing, education, a family/community, health care, and safety. “Wants” are things  that we desire, but can live without. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. Jeremy wanted special shoes, but new ones were too expensive so his grandmother took him to a thrift store. Describe what a thrift store is, and why it could be a good place to look for clothes and all kinds of things. If you don’t know what a thrift store is, ask someone. 
2.  Does everyone need shoes? Does everyone need expensive, brand new shoes? 
3. Why did Jeremy buy the high top shoes even though they didn’t fit? 
4. Why do you think Jeremy kept saying while playing with Antonio, “I’m not going to do it?”
5. What does Jeremy do with the too-small shoes? 
6. Why was Jeremy excited when it snowed while he was at school? 
7. Do you think it was hard or easy for Jeremy to do what he did for Antonio? 
8. What do you think the difference is between needing something and wanting something? Here’s a hint. We need food, shelter, clothing, fresh air, water, a family (and a few more things). We may want fancy, expensive shoes, the best bike you can buy, or more than one dessert for dinner, but we don’t need those things in order to live. 
9. Perhaps Jeremy could have found a way to raise money for the shoes he wanted by asking neighbors if they needed help with anything. Have you ever tried to earn money by doing something for others? If so, what did you do and how did you spend the money? 
10. Antonio was very grateful to Jeremy. Have you ever given something special to someone, or received something you really needed from someone? Tell what happened.