2007-2008 RE Curriculum Preschool 2s and 3s (Classes start at 10:25 Sunday mornings) Friendship Finders Friendship Finders is a wonderful program that consists of lessons that help to reinforce the idea that church is a safe and fun place to learn. This curriculum allows children to have hands-on, age-appropriate activities in art, movement, music and ritual that help to teach them about UU identity. Preschool 3s, 4s, and Kindergarten (Classes start at 10:25 Sunday mornings) 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. Topics include families, anger, and good wishes. Children learn to affirm the uniqueness of others and value diversity, and help make the class a friendly and caring place. Grades 1 and 2 (Students go the sanctuary at 10:30 Sunday morning and go to class after the Children's Message) FALL AND WINTER TERMS Experiences with the Web of Life. This course offers children a way to learn about and respect the interdependent web of existence of which we are all a part. This curriculum encourages children's natural curiosity and awe, and guides them in learning to protect the environment, enjoy nature, and respect all living things. SPRING TERM Honoring Our Mother Earth. This curriculum explores some of the philosophy, spirituality, and ritual of Native American people. Classes teach environmental awareness and tie these elements to our UU principles. Children are helped to feel connected to nature and the earth, and to respect all living things. Grades 3 and 4 (Students go the sanctuary at 10:30 Sunday morning and go to class after the Children's Message) FALL AND WINTER TERM Timeless Themes. This curriculum introduces the children to Biblical literature that is central to our UU heritage and explores themes such as loneliness, loyalty, trust, jealousy, forgiveness, and love. The children will become familiar with some of the best-known biblical stories and develop UU values by discussing such timeless themes as transcendent power, human responsibility, and love of freedom. SPRING TERM Holidays and Holydays. These classes explore the origin and meanings of various holiday celebrations. Curriculum goals are to honor the diversity of cultural traditions and to become acquainted with various religious events, stories, and myths. Grades 5 and 6 (Students go the sanctuary at 10:30 Sunday morning and go to class after the Children's Message) FALL TERM Living the Promise. The curriculum familiarizes the children with significant aspects of the Hebrew scriptures and focuses on ideas about trust, personal responsibility, and justice. These classes relate the ancient stories from a UU perspective and explore positive ways to live by focusing on important ideas within the Hebrew scriptures. WINTER AND SPRING TERMS Jesus and His Kingdom of Equals. These classes explore Jesus' radical path to justice and love as a social activist. The children learn the central teachings of Jesus from a UU perspective. Grades 7 and 8 (Class is held from 9:00 a.m. ­ 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings) Our Whole Lives (OWL) OWL is a comprehensive approach to human sexuality, presented in an age-appropriate manner with an emphasis on communication skills, relationships, information, attitudes and openness. The program includes spirituality and ethics, and encourages children and young people to deepen their faith and live out their values. Trained OWL teachers from the congregation lead this course and guide the youth through discussions of facts, questions and concerns about growing up. The OWL curriculum encourages peer interaction, personal responsibility, and respect for others as well as for oneself. Teachers: Jess Jonas and Bruce Carbone Grade 9 (Classes are held once each month at 12:00 p.m. on Sundays) Coming of Age This program serves to guide our children through their transition from child to young adult. Activities include individual meetings and group discussions with the minister, and classes designed to help them to clarify and articulate their religious values and beliefs. Students write a credo statement and participate in a recognition service in which the congregation witnesses and celebrates our youthıs coming of age. Please note that Coming of Age is not a Sunday morning program. Program Facilitators: Kate Holland (DRE), Gary Leonard, and Reverend Detering Grades 7-12 (Students go the sanctuary at 10:30 Sunday mornings and go to class after the Children's Message) Small Group Ministry We are excited to offer our youth an opportunity to join in the small group ministry experience. They will meet during RE class time to discuss topics of spirit and how it relates to their own loves, and to work on a social action project for the year. The group will be facilitated by a senior youth leader and an adult moderator.