Our Religious Education Program Offers Six Religious Education Classes

The RE curricula is designed to help children and youth understand UU principles, to provide them with a structured and safe environment in which to discuss openly topics of religion, to help them begin to identify their religious/spiritual experiences, to give them stories and vocabulary for a framework of a belief system, and to nurture their personal and spiritual growth.

Pre-school (ages 3 & 4)

We are Many, We are One by Colleen McDonald

This program offers children the grounding of a religious community & tradition, along with the freedom to discover and express their uniqueness.  The underlying theme throughout is anti-bias and multicultural education which celebrates diversity and interdependency.

Kindergarten

Creating Home by Christy Olson & Jessica York. Online at this URL

This UUA Tapestry of Faith curriculum helps children develop a sense of home that is grounded in faith. Participants explore the purpose and functions of a home for people and for other animals. The program describes home as a place of belonging and introduces the concept of the congregation as a “faith home.” Like a family home, a faith home offers its members certain joys, protections, and responsibilities.

Grades 1 & 2

Super Heroes: Bible People by Gaia Brown

A value-based curriculum which introduces children to the stories of people from the Bible, who have acted with courage and wisdom in their attempts to lead their lives fully and make the world a better place.

Stories about God by Mary Anne Moore

This curriculum introduces stories of God inspired by images and issues from world religions, feminist studies, science, and human experience.

Grade 3

Holidays & Holy Days by Charlene Brotman & Barbara Marshman

A standard favorite in many UU RE programs, this curriculum relates the beliefs and celebrations of many world religions to UU principles. The format and content are appealing to children of all ages.  Additional themes addressed are: UUism, Judeo & Christian Heritage, Peace & Justice, Respect of the Web of Life, Life Issues.

Grades 4 & 5

Toolbox of Faith by Kate Tweedy Covey. Online at this URL

This UUA Tapestry of Faith curriculum invites participants to reflect on qualities of our UU faith, such as integrity, courage, and love, as tools they can use in living their lives and building their own faith. Each of the 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). Reflecting on the qualities (tools) of our faith, children and leaders gain insight into what makes our faith a faith for life.

Grades 6, 7 & 8

Neighboring Faiths by Christine Reed & Patricia Hoertdoerfer

This curriculum explores different faith traditions, from their historical origins to their presence in today’s multi-religious world.  Participants plan their own program by choosing the religious groups they want to learn about, visit and relate to their own growing faith.  Includes historical resources and tips for visiting other faiths, hosting guests, and creating worship experiences.