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2011-12 Religious Education Curriculum
for Children & Youth |
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Our Religious Education (RE) program is run by the Director of Lifespan Religious Education, supported by the RE Assistant, RE Committee, Early Childhood Coordinator, Youth Coordinator and many generous volunteers, mostly RE parents. We strive to provide a quality learning experience in a nurturing, inclusive environment. All childcare providers and volunteer teachers are trained. |
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Unitots & Chalice Children
Our Unitots nursery (with paid staff) keeps 0-2 year olds active with playtime, stories and music. While the older Chalice Children (ages 3-5) begin to learn about spiritual and social growth, creativity and connection to our congregation and the natural world. |
Kindergarten through 3rd Grade
Spirit Play
We are excited to offer Spirit Play for our children grades K-3. Spirit Play is a Unitarian Universalist adaption of Godly Play by Gerome Barryman and the Montessori Method proposed by Maria Montessori. Our congregation creates story baskets for the teachers which incorporate all world religions, historical Unitarian Universalists, our Principles and other myths or stories that allow the children to begin to wonder about their existential existence. We tell the story in a very specific way and allow the children a chance to think about what they heard before making a “work” or activity choice. The children are allowed to choose from art, science and nature, houses of worship, meditation corner, desert ancestors, and the story baskets themselves for their work time. The children are encouraged to work independently or with a small group in a calm manner. We close with a “feast” where all the children sit together and enjoy food and water. This allows a period of reflection for the students before their parents pick-up after service.
If you are interested in making materials for stories, teaching or if you have questions about Spirit Play, feel free to contact UUCA Early Childhood Coordinator Melissa Blazen (uucachildcare@uuasheville.org). |
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4th & 5th Grade
Toolbox of Faith
Toolbox of Faith invites fourth and fifth grade participants to reflect on the qualities of our Unitarian Universalist faith, such as integrity, courage, and love, as tools they can use in living their lives and building their own faith. Each of the 16 sessions uses a tool as a metaphor for an important quality of our faith such as reflection (symbolized by a mirror), flexibility (duct tape), and justice (a flashlight). |
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6th & 7th Grade
Fall: Gender Specific
Sacred Sisters' Circle
In this interactive circle, adult and young women will learn, share stories, create rituals, do fun crafts and projects, play games, and enjoy outdoor adventures and retreats as they explore personal connection to the Earth’s cycles and seasons and images of female divinity across different cultures and religions. We’ll also examine how the concepts we learn about impact the realities of being young women in today’s world.
Heroes' Journey
Using myths, ritual, archetypes, games, music, physical activities, active listening and personal sharing, we will explore topics such as risk, values, self-awareness, power, and goal-setting. Interspersed with fun activities, outdoor adventures and retreats, young and adult men will spend time reflecting on themes such as, "Where do I find truth and meaning? What matters to me in my life? Where is my journey headed? How do I find strength and courage?" This class may include retreats at nominal fees to parents; families will be notified regarding details.
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8th Grade
You the Creator
You, the Creator is an activity-based program of creative empowerment reflecting Unitarian Universalist values. Its basic message is expressed in its title: You, the participant are, can be, and should be one of the creative forces in the world.
Each session is packed with creative activities like role-plays, continuums, drawing, photography, sculpting, constructing spaghetti bridges, designing perfect pets, and making gods, goddesses, and more creative people. The theme of spirituality touches every session. |
9th Grade
Coming of Age
In this class, youth explore their own personal beliefs and faith development. They conduct interviews, get involved with social justice issues, go on weekend retreats, and work one-to-one with a mentor. At the end of the year, they compose a personal credo statement which they read before the congregation. The experience culminates with a heritage trip to Boston paid for through fundraisers organized and operated by the students. |
10th-12th Grade
Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU)
YRUU or Young Religious Unitarian Universalists, invites youth in grades 10-12th to explore their emerging spiritual beliefs and UU values and traditions within a safe and nurturing community of peers and adult youth advisors. Youth will engage in activities and events designed to enhance leadership skills, social justice awareness and practices, youth-adult relationships, religious education and worship, and community building.
Youth have the opportunities to attend district youth conferences, social events and special trips such as the New Orleans trip. |
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