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Matthew's resolutions

To provide an opportunity for the children to discuss their hopes and dreams for the future and ways in which this might be achieved.

by Jan Edmunds

Suitable for Whole School (Pri)

Aims

To provide an opportunity for the children to discuss their hopes and dreams for the future and ways in which this might be achieved.

Preparation and materials

  • No preparation is necessary but an OHP would help in sharing the poem.

Assembly

  1. Remind the children that this is the beginning of a new year. For many this means making resolutions. These are usually made because people want to improve themselves and become better people.

    Allow time for discussion. Ask your audience if they have made any resolutions or know of someone who has.
  2. Today’s poem is about Matthew. He could be any one of the boys here in this room or maybe even one of the girls. He often found himself in trouble so he decided that he ought to make some new year resolutions.

    Invite your audience to share the poem with you. Listen to the ways in which Matthew feels he ought to try and improve and see if any of his resolutions could apply to you.

    Matthew’s resolutions 
    It’s a new year, it’s a new day.
    I resolve to be better in every way.
    I’ll try to work harder at lessons in school.
    I’ll try to remember to keep every rule.

    I’ll try to be friendly with all that I meet,
    With a smile on my face for the people I greet.
    I’ll try to be tactful in the things that I say,
    So I’m kind and considerate with my friends when at play.

    Learning to share, when to give, when to take.
    Thinking of others when actions I take.
    I resolve not to argue when Mum calls me in
    Or when Dad tells me off for making a din.

    I hope I can manage to keep to my word,
    Not to tell tales or spread rumours I’ve heard.
    As this new year begins I will play my part,
    And try very hard to make a new start.
  3. Discuss the ways in which Matthew feels he can improve. How many things has he decided he will try to do? Go through each example, explaining if necessary. Some interesting and helpful discussion can arise from this sort of session.

Time for reflection

Reflection

Let’s hope that in our discussion today we have seen ways in which we can try to become better people.

Prayer

Lord of the loving heart, make mine loving too.

Lord of the gentle hands, make mine gentle too.

Lord of the willing feet, make mine willing too.

Teach me to grow more like you in all I say and do.

Amen.

Song/music

‘Heavenly Father, may thy blessing’ (Come and Praise, 62)

Publication date: January 2009   (Vol.11 No.1)    Published by SPCK, London, UK.
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