Children’s programs create a space for young people to develop their own beliefs as they explore ideas like justice, love, community, god, spirituality and the earth, using developed curricula. Children (and parents!) do best when they know what to expect, so we try to be consistent in the program that we offer on Sunday mornings. Of course, occasionally there are extra special days where there might be changes! Here is an outline of our program for your information.
Each year (September – June) we offer a rotation set of curricula for our age groups and adjust the group configuration depending on the age distribution of our children.
Sunday Morning Program
9 AM Worship Service
11 AM Worship Service
2011-2012 Children and Youth Religious Education Offerings
Sundays 9:00am - 10:15 am
NURSERY CARE- Infants through 3 years old
Click Nursery for a description of our loving nursery care for infants and toddlers.
AGES 3, 4 and young 5
Curriculum:
A DISCOVERING YEAR: UU IDENTITY
Authors: Tirrell and Rick Kimball
In this group, children explore themselves, friendship, family, church, nature, religious and cultural holidays, rituals, and being part of the larger UU family. It includes circle time, stories, songs, art and craftwork, snacks and being together with people who may become friends.
AGES older 5, 6 and 7
Curriculum:
Experiences with the Web of Life
In this group we go outside every Sunday, rain, shine, and snow, to experience nature first-hand through our five senses and our minds. Children’s curiosity about the myriad details of all living things are encouraged through exploration, observation, stories, songs, and art projects. We emphasize our Unitarian Universalist values here by modeling respect for all living things, and nurturing our sense of wonder and awe at our discoveries.
AGES 8, 9 and 10
Curriculum:
STORIES ABOUT GOD: WORLD RELIGIONS
This group explores ideas about God throughout history and around the world. Telling stories is one of the most powerful ways we connect with others, either those next to us, or far away in time or space. Children and RE leaders together consider the gifts and challenges of various beliefs. The curriculum is anchored with hands-on activities that reinforce the central ideas of each story.
AGES 11, 12 and 13
Curriculum:
RIDDLE AND MYSTERY: UU RESPONSES TO BIG QUESTIONS
Author: Rick Kimball
Riddle and Mystery assists middle schoolers in their own search for understanding. Each session introduces and processes a Big Question. Topics include "Religion to the Rescue”, "Stuff Happens”, "To Tell the Truth”, and "The Future and Me”. The young people and leaders engage in these topics through the "television programs” produced by TV station WCUU (helpfully located in their classroom), reflection, and activities to help them put their faith into action.