In the mountains of northern Thailand ...
... families work together every year to harvest their rice before the rains arrive. Rice is very important because it helps feed their families all year long.
But these families don’t keep all the rice for themselves. Even though they don’t have much money, they give 10% of their harvest to their local church and Compassion center. The rice is stored in a special “rice bank” and helps feed kids and neighbors who don’t have enough food.
This community shows us something important about compassion: You don't have to have lots of things to be generous. You can share what you have and help someone who needs it.
Now it’s your turn to get hands-on with rice! Make your own rice squish ball. You could even make an extra one to give to a friend! Every time you give it a squish, remember what the generous families in Thailand taught us.
Supplies
- Balloons.
- 1/2 c. rice per balloon.
- Funnel.
- Spoon.
- Permanent markers.
- Optional extras for decorating your creation, like ribbons, cotton balls, googly eyes and craft glue.
Step 1
Adult help needed. Blow up the balloon to stretch it, then let the air out.
Step 2
Place the funnel into the balloon and hold it in place with one hand.
Step 3
Slowly pour the rice into the funnel. Shake or tap the funnel gently to help the rice go into the balloon. You can use a spoon to help. Continue adding rice until the balloon is the size of the squishie you want.
Step 4
Tie a knot in the balloon.
Step 5
It’s decorating time! Use a permanent marker to draw a funny face on the balloon. You could stick googly eyes on it, tie ribbons around the knot or make a pom-pom to give it exciting hair!
Step 6
Your stress ball is ready to use! Squeeze and de-stress!
Supplies
- Balloons.
- 1/2 c. rice per balloon.
- Funnel.
- Spoon.
- Permanent markers.
- Optional extras for decorating your creation, like ribbons, cotton balls, googly eyes and craft glue.
Step 1
Adult help needed. Blow up the balloon to stretch it, then let the air out.
Step 2
Place the funnel into the balloon and hold it in place with one hand.
Step 3
Slowly pour the rice into the funnel. Shake or tap the funnel gently to help the rice go into the balloon. You can use a spoon to help. Continue adding rice until the balloon is the size of the squishie you want.
Step 4
Tie a knot in the balloon.
Step 5
It’s decorating time! Use a permanent marker to draw a funny face on the balloon. You could stick googly eyes on it, tie ribbons around the knot or make a pom-pom to give it exciting hair!
Step 6
Your stress ball is ready to use! Squeeze and de-stress!
Supplies
- Balloons.
- 1/2 c. rice per balloon.
- Funnel.
- Spoon.
- Permanent markers.
- Optional extras for decorating your creation, like ribbons, cotton balls, googly eyes and craft glue.
Step 1
Adult help needed. Blow up the balloon to stretch it, then let the air out.
Step 2
Place the funnel into the balloon and hold it in place with one hand.
Step 3
Slowly pour the rice into the funnel. Shake or tap the funnel gently to help the rice go into the balloon. You can use a spoon to help. Continue adding rice until the balloon is the size of the squishie you want.
Step 4
Tie a knot in the balloon.
Step 5
It’s decorating time! Use a permanent marker to draw a funny face on the balloon. You could stick googly eyes on it, tie ribbons around the knot or make a pom-pom to give it exciting hair!
Step 6
Your stress ball is ready to use! Squeeze and de-stress!
