Curriculum: Special Times - honoring Jewish and Christian Heritages
Honoring Our Jewish and Christian Heritages for Grades 1 and 2
Author: Betty Jo Middleton
Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association
Pub. Date: 1994
Available From: UUA Bookstore
Theme and Description Acquaints children with the Jewish and Christian heritages and engages them in celebrating Jewish and Christian holidays and other "special times" such as the Shabbat/Sabbath, Thanksgiving, and everybody's birthday.
Goals for Participants
- To appreciate our Jewish and Christian heritages
- To understand and appreciate the special qualities of worship and celebration
- To honor diversity and universality in religious traditions
- To grow in Unitarian Universalist community and religious meaning-making.
Age Range Ages 6 to 7
Size of Group 10 to 12 ideal
Space Requirements A space large enough for the group to gather in a circle and for various activity centers
Number of Sessions 26
Length of Sessions 1 hour
Leader Training No special training required; two co-leaders recommended
Leader Preparation 2 to 3 hours per session
Strengths
- Contains detailed, well-scripted sessions
- Suggests engaging celebrations
- Includes a variety of imaginative activities
- Contains excellent teacher resources
- Is appropriate for the developmental level of this age group.
Limitation Requires gathering a variety of materials for each session
Adaptability
- Can be used with ages 6 to 8
- Each session stands alone; session sequence can be modified.
Unitarian Universalist Values Addresses all the UUA Principles, particularly the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth in our congregations; the right of conscience; and the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and iustice for all.
