chalice with rainbow flame
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Essex County

Religious Education Program for Children, 2006-07

last updated September 8, 2006

DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION:


Our Mission:

To provide a safe, emotionally supportive environment where children can begin the lifelong process of spiritual discovery. In keeping with the Unitarian Universalist
principles, we encourage respect for various religious traditions, service to the community, care for the environment, and equitable treatment of all people. Children will develop an understanding of these principles through curricula and activities that encourage reflection, creativity and joy.

Overview

This year we have two age groups, pre-Kindergarten through 2nd Grade and 4th Grade through 6th Grade, meeting separately on most Sundays. Child care is also available for pre-schoolers.

On one Sunday of every month (with a few exceptions) we have intergenerational worship in the church sanctuary which allows adults and children to form connections with each other and build friendships on spiritual foundations through intentional acts of liberal religious worship. These regular intergenerational services help the children to feel an integral part of the congregation and also introduce them to the rituals of our worship. Children are encouraged to participate in meaningful ways in the rituals of our worship service (i.e. by assisting the ushers, sharing a reading, or lighting the chalice) when they are comfortable doing so.

Curriculum Plan for 2006-2007 School Year

This year in our Religious Education program, we will offer two classes for combined grade levels.

Pre-K to 2nd Grade: We Are Many, We Are One. "This curriculum encourages children to use their minds, bodies and emotions to develop their sense of identity and self-esteem within their Unitarian Universalist community and their world. The lessons are based on the philosophy that young children learn about religion through their relationships. What is a person? Who am I? How am I related to others? How do I treat other people? What are my responsibilities? What kind of world do I live in? These are religious questions that children begin to answer as they become acquainted with themselves, other people and their environment; all responses are mediated by the significant adults in their lives." –Collen McDonald, Curriculum Author

4th to 6th Grade: Bibleodeon. "This curriculum is an experiential program that introduces young Unitarian Universalists to stories of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles. Why the Bible? Both Hebrew and Christian Bibles have had profound impact on world and western cultures. Many millions of people today base their lives and actions in their understandings of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles. Unitarian Universalists can best practice the acceptance and tolerance their religion advocates by understanding where others find motivation and meaning." –Richard S. Kimball and Tirrell H. Kimball, Curriculum Authors

The Religious Education Program is a Cooperative:

Participants from the Congregation share their talents and skills in the classroom as teachers, or by organizing or assisting with a specific project. Each class has at least four teachers who teach on a coordinated rotating basis (usually two are present for any given class).

The Director of Religious Education works with the teachers to plan teaching schedules and activities and prepare curricula.

The Religious Education Committee facilitates communication and continuity by meeting to review the program on an ongoing basis and to plan for upcoming months.

Our Classroom Covenant