Religious Education Curriculum - 2011/2012

The goals of the RE program are:

• To encourage children in the development of their own UU identity
• To encourage spiritual growth
• To provide religious literacy
• To encourage a social conscience

There are five themes that are reflected within the RE curriculum:

• UU identity
• Jewish/Christian heritage
• Religions of the world
• Social responsibility
• Concepts of God

PreK (ages 3 and 4)

We Are Many, We Are One

This curriculum offers preschoolers the opportunity to learn about their religious community and tradition, as well as the freedom to discover and express their uniqueness. The four units in the program encourage 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.

Grades K-1

Picture Book UU

This program is based on the best picture books for teaching young children about the love, reason, tolerance and good works that make up our faith. It teaches our younger UUs the art of self-expression, to value individuality, to think for themselves and simplify their lives, and to understand that everything is connected – in fact, radically related. They will hear about people whose novel ideas and discoveries helped to transform our faith – people like Maria Mitchell, Henry David Thoreau, and Fannie Farmer. Plus, they will meet people within their own UU community, who will share their own special gifts.

Grades 2-3

Backyard to the Universe - Dr. Seuss and Unitarian Universalism

Dr. Seuss, himself a Unitarian, has written a treasure trove of stories for young children that serve as wonderful resources for learning more about our UU principles and values. Although highly entertaining, the stories contain profound lessons for children of all ages, based on life situations and experiences that we all experience.

Grades 4-5

Sing to the Power

Sing to the Power affirms our Unitarian Universalist heritage of confronting “powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love.” The program uses the metaphor of the four elements - earth, air, fire, and water - to look at ways we can exercise our power in the world. It encourages children to explore their sources of strength and to think and act as leaders who affect change. Participants experience their own power, and understand how it can help them to be leaders.

Grades 6-7-8

Neighboring Faiths

This curriculum introduces middle school youth to the faith traditions and practices of other religious groups in their community. Through classroom discussion and reflection and visits to other churches, the class builds community among the youth, connects them with their larger community, and strengthens their UU identity.  Download permission slip for offsite visits.