Curriculum: Travel in Time (Gr. 5, 6)
Author: Lois E. Ecklund
Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association
Pub. Date: 1989
Available From: UUA Bookstore
Theme and Description Uses the imaginative device of time travel to help participants explore their religious identity. Participants learn about the origins of Unitarian Universalism in North America and the lives of individuals, past and present, who exemplify our faith.
Goals for Participants
- To come to know and understand the principles of our faith
- To appreciate the relevance of UU Principles in contemporary times and in their own lives
- To explore their own religious community, its origins, and its life today
- To develop a sense of belonging and a commitment to our UU religious community.
Age Range Grades 5 and 6 (can be used 4th -8th)
Size of Group 8 to 15
Space Requirements A room large enough to accommodate active projects and small-group discussions
Number of Sessions 16 (may vary depending on length of session and time allotted to discussions and other activities)
Length of Sessions 1 1/4 hours
Leader Training Leaders should have knowledge of the developmental characteristics of this age group, prior teaching experience, knowledge of denominational principles and history, and fluency with the curriculum and related topics.
Leader Preparation 2 to 3 hours per session
Strengths
- Uses a time travel theme, which unifies the curriculum material for the learner
- Uses a holistic learning approach, including reading, writing, creating, visualizing, and brainstorming exercises
- Contains detailed and well-organized lesson plans
- Addresses stated goals directly
- Engages the participants actively
- Offers processes for building group cohesion.
Limitations
- Requires space for building and storing the time machine
- Underestimates the time needed to complete some session plans.
Adaptability Can be used with a wider age range (grades 4 to 8) if activities are adjusted to the developmental characteristics of participants.
Unitarian Universalist Values Explicitly presents and models UU Principles throughout.
