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Activity for 12 year olds
As our young ones stand at the threshold of adolescence, the pre-teen years mark a significant period of self-discovery and spiritual growth. In the midst of these changes, the time capsule activity offers a unique opportunity for your child to reflect on their identity, values, and dreams. Let us guide you through this meaningful journey of creating a time capsule that encapsulates the essence of this precious stage in their lives
Being 12 is the limit between being a big boy or girl and a young teen. Hormones are starting to work harder and harder, giving most eleven and twelve year olds the title of pre-teens.
With all the changes that are silently happening on the inside, and that will soon express themselves exteriorly, this is the perfect time to sit down and reflect on our lives: Who am I? What things do I like? What things do I dislike? How do I like being called? Where is my favorite place? When do I prefer to pray? Who do I want to be when I grow up? How is my relationship with God? What do I want to improve? What things should I change? What are my greatest gifts/virtues? etc.
Write all the answers to your most pressing questions, and put them in a box. You may choose to put important things in it too. The idea is to make a time capsule that you open when you are 18 years old, and look back on who you thought you were, what your aspirations for the future were, etc. and compare them to all you accomplishments and the place you are then (at age 18).
Here I offer a step-by-step to creating a successful Time Capsule. Come along!
Prayer: Always begin your activities by invoking God's name and the Holy Spirit's presence so you know you'll be successful in what you propose to do.
Reflection: Create your own questions or write a small biography as if you were writing it for someone else. Take into account Name and nickname; favorite foods like fruits, vegetables, meals, snacks, drinks, places, friends, shows, songs, prayers, etc.; your virtues and talents; views of the world and the future; among others. Here are a few questions and phrases that can guide you.
Things: If you have a very dear stuffed animal, an action figure, or something you cherish but are having trouble keeping it with your things (because you feel like you have outgrown it, because it is too old, or any other reason), this is the perfect time to find those important objects and put them in a box with the paper that holds your answer to your questions and the letter to your future self.
Box: Now you can put everything inside the box, and seal it. Decorate it however you want. Some good ideas are to use old holiday cards (family pictures, christmas letters, birthday wishes...) and use them to cover the box. You can also draw, paint, color, wrap, etc. with whatever materials you feel like. The sky is the limit! Just remember to make it physically appealing so you know exactly what it is (and don't throw it away by mistake) and so you are encouraged to open it when the time comes.
Storage: Put your box in a place that is out of sight, but not out of mind. Make sure you and your family know where you are storing your box so you can access it in the future, and so it stays put and safe until then.
As you embark on this journey with your child, may the process of creating this time capsule become a cherished memory, strengthening the bond between you and your pre-teen. In the years to come, as you open the capsule together, may it serve as a beautiful reminder of the growth, dreams, and shared faith that have shaped your family's journey. We encourage you to share your experiences and reflections in the comments below, fostering a community of support and inspiration for fellow Catholic homeschooling parents. May God bless your family on this reflective and joy-filled adventure.
I hope you enjoy this activity as much as I did when, long ago, I created my own time capsule. May God guide you in all you do. Thank you for reading.
God bless,
Maria Ignacia