Curriculum: God Images (4th to 6th grades)
Binding: Three-ring binder
Available From: Mary Ann Moore, 237 Mossman Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776. Phone (508) 443-3066
Pub. Date: 1987
Theme and Description This year-long curriculum engages children in their own religious quests. Allows for personal decision making in the context of lively discussion and creative activity. Presents God images that are derived from the Jewish and Christian traditions, from several world religions, and from modern science.
Goals for Participants
- To explore the questions and issues that lead to the creation of God images
- To identify God images from Judaism and Christianity, from other world religions, and from modern science
- To express their feelings and ideas about God images through a variety of creative activities.
Age Range Grades 5 and 6
Size of Group 6 to 12 is ideal
Space Requirements A medium-sized room with enough display areas for art projects
Length of Sessions 1 to 1 1/2 hours
Number of Sessions 25
Leader Training The program requires knowledge of and experience with 10 and 11 year olds. A careful reading of the introductory material and the session plans is necessary. Teachers must understand the relationship of the art proiects to the discussions and stories. Team teaching is recommended.
Leader Preparation Approximately 3 hours per session
Strengths
- Provides leader background material rich in historical, philosophical, and theological infermation
- Offers well-scripted lesson plans, with clear instructions to leaders
- Contains age-appropriate art activities that are descriptive and well illustrated
- Presents Bible stories in gender-inclusive lan guage.
Limitations
- Includes some stories that may be too young for sixth-grade children
- Requires.that leaders be skilled at using art materials
- Includes sessions that are too long for some religious education programs
- Lacks drama, music, and dance activities
- Leaders and participants who do not have God beliefs may tire of the repeated theme.
Adaptability
- Can be adapted for a small, multi-age church school, or a family setting
- The accompanying filmstrip can be used with a wide variety of ages with adjustments in the script
- An adult version of God Images is available.
Unitarian Universalist Values The Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes are addressed in the introductory and background materials for leaders and in the stories for children. The Principles and Purposes included in Session 1 are referenced throughout. The section in the introduction that relates the Principles to the development of upper-elementary children is valuable.
