Youth RE Curriculum Overview

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion with roots in the Protestant Reformation. Its’ religious principles are non-creedal. Unitarian Universalists do not promise to live by religious creed but instead, coventant together in relationships based on seven fundemental principles and purposes.

The Emerson UU Religious Education program teaches our children and youth theses principles by using the ROY G BIV formula of the colors of the rainbow.

The Rainbow Principles:

• Respect all people
• Offer fair and Kind treatment to all
• Yearn to learn throughout life
• Grow by exploring responsibly
• Believe in our ideas and act on them
• Insist on peace, freedom, and justice for everyone
• Value our interdependence with nature
  
  

2009-2010 Curricula for Religious Ed for Children & Youth

Chalice Kids Class (for PreK, Kindergarten and 1st Graders)

The Chalice Kids class is a place full of wonder! Children and teachers learn through telling classic stories and the process of inquiry to explore the world around them, the wonder of nature, their friendships and our church community. Experiential learning is key - come dressed for play, art and outdoor exploring.

Seekers Class (for 2nd-5th Graders)

Students in our 2nd-5th grade group love to keep on the move! This year’s curriculum starts with fun activities to help teach the 7 Prinicples of Unitarian Universalism and then transitions into a very popular program that introduces World Religions through festivals and celebrations. Students and teachers will explore and compare many world religions to their UU faith focusing on common themes within religions. This class also focuses time on building community through friendships and doing service projects to help others.

Junior Youth Class (for 6th–8th Graders)

This year’s Junior Youth curriculum teaches an understanding of UU faith that can gives shape and meaning to our friendships, work, play, helping others and a call for each of us to promote peace.

"We come from a long tradition of questioning and searching.

 We come from a long tradition of loving kindness and good works.

 We have powerful stories and visions of hope." – Author unknown

Sunday morning Religious Ed class time is the time to share these sources of faith with our older students as they begin the process of shaping their own faith beliefs.

Students and leaders explore UUism as a place of Science and Reason; learn the different ways UUs create community; discover our tradition of good works, our music and hymns and our Purposes and Principles. The roots of UUism will be explored while learning about our faith’s Judeo-Christian culture along with hands-on activities to study and compare many World Religions to UUism. Field trips extend our learning to sacred sites of other faiths in our area.

Senior High Youth "the CRUU" Crazy Rockin' UU's (for 9th–12th Graders)

Join our CRUU on Sunday mornings this year to explore World Religions in a current events and field trip oriented program. Last year’s study of the New Testament gives way to a year of looking at Eastern Religions like Hinduism, Taoist, Buddhist and some Earth-Centered religions- their influence historically and culturally. Advisors will explore topics using “Sacred Threads” UU curricum and NPR’s “Speaking of Faith” resources. Field trips will extend our classroom experiences to the sacred sites of other faiths in our area.

Come meet our nationally recognized Youth Advisors and the kids in “the CRUU” this Sunday! Visitors always welcome!