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 different set of curricula for our age groups (though of course we have our favorites!) and adjust the group configuration depending on the age distribution of our children. The RE Committee, with input from parents, plans curriculum offerings in early spring for the following church year.
Sunday Morning Program
- 9 AM Worship Service
- 9:00-10:15: Nursery Care.
- 9:00 -9:20: Worship in the Sanctuary for ages 3 ½ to adult. (Children attend the first 20 minutes of service before going into their RE groups).
- 9:20-10:15: Religious Education Groups meet for age’s preschool through grade 12.
- 11 AM Worship Service
- 11:00 –12:15: Nursery Care.
- 11:00-11:20: Worship in the Sanctuary for ages 3 ½ to adult.
- 11:20-12:15: Spirit Play Religious Education Program.
- 9 AM Children’s and Youth Religious Education Program for 2007-2008
During the 2007-2008 church year, during the 9 am Religious Education program, children and youth in the preschool through eighth grades explored Unitarian Universalist history and identity, considered their own beliefs and values, and investigated ways to live out ones beliefs in our community and in the larger world. Groups used age-appropriate curriculum led each morning by a pair of adult leaders rotating throughout the year. Nursery care was provided at both the 9 am and the 11 am worship services.
The Preschool and Kindergarten Group- Chalice Children
Based upon a philosophy that a child’s spiritual development is related to direct experience, this curriculum helps young children learn what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. Using a chalice theme, children learn about their religious community, engage in sharing with others, and explore a sense of belonging. This group is intended for children who are at least 3 ½ years old. Children in this group should exhibit the ability to be independent from their parents; parents are welcome to stay in the group with their child(ren) to help with this transition.
1st & 2nd Grade –Free to Believe
This program explores Unitarian Universalist principles and sources while nurturing the emotional, social, and spiritual life of children. Its first sessions focus on UU principles, values, and beliefs through hands-on activities, stories, games, songs and discussions. Children address the conflicts they often face, and create an accepting classroom community. Later sessions focus on life's big questions (about God, death, the creation of life) through the lens of UU sources. .
The 3rd and 4th Grade –Spirit of Adventure
This UU-identity curriculum has been designed specifically to meet the needs of active children and features themed sessions including sports, medicine, architecture, science and food –all through the lens of UU achievements and values. Sessions include time for projects, activities and group reflection.
The 5th and 6th Grade- The Questing Year
The Questing Year engages young people in four quest areas designed to help them seek and develop their own answers to deep life questions about human faith and the web of all existence. The class uses music and meditation to experience religious mystery, creates personal aliens and mirror boards for exploring self, runs a social action project to help others outside the church, and explores the lives of outstanding Unitarian Universalists.
The 7th and 8th Grade- The New You the Creator
This activity-based program empowers participants to explore and use their creative talents. It includes spiritual elements and sessions on Creating Community and engages youth through a variety of formats and learning styles. Its basic message is expressed in its title: each participant is, can be, and should be one of the creative forces in the world. Activities include role-plays, continuums, drawing, photography, sculpting, making gods, goddesses, and more.
11 AM Spirit Play Program for 2007-2008
Spirit Play is a multi-aged Montessori based curriculum that relies on central stories that share important UU and value-based themes. The program encourages a child-centered space with many choices and options from which participants can choose. The program is offered for children preschool through 4th grade with possibilities for older children to be involved if interested. This program is led by Robin Lea, Director of Religious Education with help from members of the congregation.