Children & Youth RE Curriculum Recommendations for 2011-2012
Tapestry of Faith -
www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith
Darwin’s Fish – Grades 9 - 12
A Place of Wholeness
A Tapestry of Faith Program for Youth
Beth Dana and Jesse Jaeger
For many youth, especially those raised in Unitarian Universalist communities, the principles, values, and theologies of Unitarian Universalism are in their bones. A Place of Wholeness is an opportunity to examine their faith journeys to better understand themselves in the context of Unitarian Universalism. Every workshop begins with the same opening reading, the last lines of which are: “We are part of this living tradition. Through it we become whole, and through us it becomes whole.” It is this sense of interdependence that the program reinforces. There are several overarching themes that structure this program. Wholeness—the primary theme of the program—is defined as the way in which our Unitarian Universalist “outsides” match our Unitarian Universalist “insides” by understanding, professing, and living our faith. Wholeness is also important in the sense that each person is integral to the wholeness of the Unitarian Universalist community.
Gods’ Children – Grades 6 – 8
Heeding the Call: Qualities Of A Justice Maker
A Tapestry of Faith Program for Youth
Jr. Hi Ages 12-15
Nicole Bowmer and Jodi Tharan
Heeding the Call is a social justice curriculum that not only explores linked oppressions in our society, but also encourages participants towards personal growth in values that counteract the marginalization of others. Workshops on empathy, courage, abundance, joy, and other qualities ask participants to recognize how these standards can be tools for justice. Additionally, the program includes more concrete tools, such as suggestions on how to be a good ally and tips on the language of conflict resolution. True stories of courage, sacrifice and collaboration, role-plays, games, and a program-long justice project will feed youth’s rising realization that as people of faith we are all called to love justice—not just with our words, but also with our deeds.
Chalice Lighters - Grades 4 & 5
Love Connects Us
A Tapestry of Faith Program for Children
Grades 4-5
Michelle Richards and Lynn Ungar
Love Connects Us celebrates important ways Unitarian Universalists live our faith in covenanted community. Moved by love and gathered in spirit, we embrace our responsibility toward one another and the world at large. We encourage one another's search for truth and meaning. We strive to be active in peace-making and other efforts to improve our world.
Rainbow Riders - Grades 1 – 3
Love Will Guide Us
A Tapestry of Faith Program for Children
Grades 2-3
Rev. Alice Anacheka-Nasemann and Cathy Cartwright
In this program, participants learn to seek guidance in life through the lens of our Unitarian Universalist Sources, with an emphasis on love. Together we ask questions such as, "Where did we come from?" "What is our relationship to the Earth and other creatures?" "How can we respond with love, even in bad situations?" "What happens when you die?" Sessions apply wisdom from our Sources to help participants answer these questions. Participants will learn that asking questions is valued in Unitarian Universalism, even as they begin to shape their own answers.
Busy Bees – Ages 3 – K
Love Surrounds Us
A Tapestry of Faith Program for Children
Grades K-1
Lynn Kerr and Christy Olson
At the core of our Unitarian Universalist community are our seven Principles. The Principles encompass all the ingredients of a good and faith-filled life based on equality, freedom, peace, acceptance, truth, care, and love. This program explores all the Principles in the context of Beloved Community of family/home, school, neighborhood. Participants engage in activities that emphasize the love they feel in community.