Curriculum: Holidays and Holy Days (3rd, 4th grades)

Binding: Three-ring binder

Authors: Charlene Brotman and Barbara Marshman

Publisher: Brotman-Marshfield 1983

Pub. Date: 1983

Available From: Melinda Anderson at (781) 275-2762

Theme and Description In this program, participants learn about the origins and meanings of holiday and holy day celebrations. The authors state, "Holidays are the natural, age-old vehicle of religious socialization. Their festivities tell a story which children absorb with delight, through experiences far more than through words. Decorations, colors, costumes, dances, lights, songs, foods, festivity, gifts, excitement, pageantry, solemnity, ceremony, and ritual-it is of these that tradition is woven, that memories, beliefs, values, fears, hopes, and reverence are transmitted. A holiday is not something to talk about... it's something to DO." The program is divided into three calendar sections: fall, winter, and spring.

Goals for Participants

• To become aware of values that Unitarian Universalists find important
• To learn that celebrating is part of a universal response to life
• To honor the diversity and particularity of cultural tradition and the commonality of the human condition
• To develop an interest in and an understanding of the ethnic traditions of our world neighbors
• To "meet" some of the heroes and heroines of our liberal tradition
• To become acquainted with a few great religious events, stories, myths, and persons
• To have opportunities for expressions of social concern.

Age Range Ages 8 and 9

Size of Group 5 to 15 (although larger groups are manageable with adequate leadership)

Space Requirements A medium- to large-sized room for discussions and activities. Occasional use of a kitchen is necessary.

Number of Sessions 1 session per holiday, with more than 30 holidays included in the program

Length of Sessions Approximately 1 hour

Leader Training Individualized training for teaching this program is not required, but leaders should have a knowledge and understanding of the developmental characteristics of elementary-age children. Teaching experience is desirable. Participation in a training workshop for teaching elementary children is essential for the inexperienced leader.

Leader Preparation 2 to 4 hours per session, possibly longer for some sessions

Strengths

• Offers stimulating, participant-centered activities that hold the children's interest
• Self-contained session plans make erratic attendance more manageable
• Includes enough material to allow leaders to tailor activities individually
• Relates each celebration to a specific Unitarian Universalist value or belief
• Includes clear, well-illustrated directions for each activity
• Suggests intergenerational involvement for each celebration
• Includes a leader's guide and a "Planning Ahead" page for each session
• Contains excellent illustrations throughout.

Limitations

• Makes little effort to help children with the concepts of and beliefs about God--even though many of the religious holy days acknowledge and celebrate God in some way
• Offers few time estimates for steps within the session, which may cause planning difficulties for beginning teachers
• Leaves little time for expressions of reverence, empathy, and personal aspiration
• Leaders may want to raise for discussion patriarchal concepts of God, which are common to several religious groups.

Adaptability

• Can be adapted to varying numbers of participants across a wide age range, including intergenerational groupings
• Selected holidays can be celebrated in camp and conference settings, on retreats, and on family weekends.

Unitarian Universalist Values A specific value, or "belief," is stated for each holiday celebration. That belief is acknowledged and celebrated by the participants as they reenact the holiday or holy day. All the Unitarian Universalist Principles are addressed in some way during the program.