Talking · Writing
Our family motto
Read a few sayings together, choose the one that fits your household best, and write a family motto of your own beside it.
- 30 minutes
- Small group
- Ages 7–9, Ages 9–12, Ages 12+
- At home
- Printable: planning sheet
What to do
- Read the four sayings and their meanings aloud. Everyone says which one sounds most like your home.
- Talk about why. Give one real example each from the last month.
- Agree on one saying. If you cannot agree, take the two most popular and keep both.
- Together, write a family motto in your own words. Keep it short, one line if you can.
- Write the saying's meaning and your motto on a card and put it up where everyone sees it.
Questions to talk about
- Is the motto something we already do, or something we want to do more?
- Would our motto be different in ten years?
You will need
- The printed motto sheet
- Pens or markers
Make it fit
Simpler: Use two sayings only, and the adult writes the motto while the child decorates the card.
More of a stretch: Each person writes a draft motto alone first. Then combine the best words from each draft.
Sayings used
Any saying works
This activity works with any saying. Browse the full collection to choose one that suits your group.
Printables
The instructions card is for the adult running the activity; the worksheet is for the children. Prints on A4 or US Letter at 100% / actual size; colour is optional.
The planning sheet
Our family motto
Name
Tick the saying that sounds most like your home.
- Ní neart go cur le chéileThere is strength in unity.
- Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoineWe live in one another's shelter.
- Céad míle fáilteA hundred thousand welcomes.
- Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féinThere is no place like home.
The instructions card
How to run it · Talking · Writing
Our family motto
Read a few sayings together, choose the one that fits your household best, and write a family motto of your own beside it.
30 minutesSmall groupAges 7–9, Ages 9–12, Ages 12+
What to do
- Read the four sayings and their meanings aloud. Everyone says which one sounds most like your home.
- Talk about why. Give one real example each from the last month.
- Agree on one saying. If you cannot agree, take the two most popular and keep both.
- Together, write a family motto in your own words. Keep it short, one line if you can.
- Write the saying's meaning and your motto on a card and put it up where everyone sees it.
You will need
- The printed motto sheet
- Pens or markers
Talk about
- Is the motto something we already do, or something we want to do more?
- Would our motto be different in ten years?
Make it fit
Simpler: Use two sayings only, and the adult writes the motto while the child decorates the card.
Stretch: Each person writes a draft motto alone first. Then combine the best words from each draft.
Goes with the printable planning sheet.