RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Children and Youth
Just for Teachers
Adult Religious Enrichment
Just for Teachers
(3/08) A shout out to all the teachers and helpers who are making things happen on Sunday mornings! We couldn't run a program without you. Keep up the energy and let us know if you need anything.
Classroom Nuts & Bolts
We continue to meet upstairs in the sanctuary. Teachers should be at the back of the sanctuary to lead the children downstairs when we sing them out.
Basic Class Outline:
Opening words and Chalice Lighting
Sharing Circle
Song
Lesson - often a story for younger children
Activity or discussion
Closing words or ritual
Preparing for class:
Take time to read over the lesson and plan your morning. Most lesson supplies are available in the RE closet, but if you know you need something special, check the week before. The Assoc. DRE can help locate special supplies if given advance notice. If you purchase something, you may either submit a Check Request for reimbursement or fill out an In-Kind Donation form. Please do one or the other so we can track our expenses accurately.
Plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before service begins. Younger children should remain in class until their parents come down from the worship service. If the service runs late, have some games or fun activities available to pass the time.
General policies that relate to providing a safe church:
- Two teachers in classroom at all times. (No one-on-one discussion.)
- Teachers and regular classroom helpers agree to a background check.
- No email between youth and adults without copying parent(s).
- Permission slips for field trips and media use.
- Mandatory reporting policy
Teaching as a Spiritual Practice
Teaching Religious Education in a Unitarian Universalist congregation is both rewarding and challenging. How do we guide children and youth along a spiritual path of discovery without telling them what to believe? As a teacher or guide a primary goal should be to awaken and nurture the spiritual growth of your class and build a community that respects and understands the 7 principles of Unitarian Universalism. There are many resources available to help you and we hope this page will provide you with valuable information and link you to resources and volunteers outside our congregation.
Teacher Resources
http://www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith/index.shtml - see newest information on Tapestry of Faith, the new UUA curricula that will be free and downloadable.
www.rec-room@rec-room.org - Curricula descriptions, comments, creative ideas, email lists for teachers
www.uua.org/re/teachers - Resources about teaching and learning in lifespan faith development
www.uua.org/re/faithworks - Stories, curriculum and worship ideas for RE leaders and volunteers
www.uua.org/clf/re - The Church of the Larger Fellowship offers help with answering children's questions, an email list for educators, on-line activity site and chat list for children, support for parents as religious educators, and updates on education theory and practices.
www.uua.org/layleader - Contains InterConnections Resources, online newsletter, leadership events and Lay leader FAQ pages
Updated February 26, 2008