We strive to be a welcoming and growing spiritual community of religious liberals advancing acceptance, pursuing reason, nurturing love, furthering justice, and promoting peace.
Elementary School Age Religious Education (RE)
Our program for 5-12 year olds aims to provide a Comprehensive Religious Education guided by Unitarian Universalist principles.
General Format for Elementary School Age Program:
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11am to ~12pm
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Parents sign-in child in RE room.
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RE group joins congregation for first part of service in the sanctuary. Sometimes specific music or readings will be aimed at the children during this time.
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Children light chalice and share their Joys and Concerns in RE room.
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Lesson topic introduced by Director of Religious Education or assistant.
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Lesson presented utilizing a book, video, or other resource.
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Discussion held on the topic to help children understand the content.
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Extension activity may be provided such as a craft related to the topic.
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Snack provided (related to topic when appropriate).
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Free Play (games, toys, outside).
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Sign-out. Parents receive hand-out for the day’s lesson and can ask any questions regarding the content or lesson plan.
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Check out Religious Education Lesson Examples
Progress Tracking and Incentives:
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All children receive an annual tracking map.
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Children who follow RE Rules and complete a lesson successfully, receive a sticker to add to their map for a specific location.
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For families able to commit to regular attendance for at least 3 months
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Child receives 11x14 poster of annual tracking map, displayed on RE wall
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Child can make up missed lessons by working with DRE.
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Children’s progress celebrated in sanctuary at end of year.
Communication:
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Parents receive a weekly lesson hand-out with summary, definitions, and resource links (example)
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Enrolled families receive a weekly RE newsletter keeping them informed of upcoming lesson topics and events.
Every August (usually second weekend) we hold our famous Hogwarts summer camp. Camp has a different overall theme each year and a featured exhibit (e.g., Magical Universe- StarLab from Imagination Station). Kids are sorted into houses and attend themed classes with same-age peers. There is also a featured craft, giant water slide, scavenger hunt in our prairie, movie on big screen, Candy Shop, and of course quidditch! It’s a great community event!
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Last update 5-8-24
