This week we plunged head first into the curriculum. The K-2nd and 3rd-6th graders learned about Principle 1 in depth, the pre-K kids toured the fellowship building and learned each room’s function, and the toddlers studied numbers through Cleo’s Counting Book.

In the 3rd-6th grade classroom, the kids warmed up for the lesson by revisiting the human knot activity. They are super good at unwinding now! Larry explained how the knot elucidates Principle 1 (the inherent worth and dignity of every person): UUs value teamwork and cooperation, but also emphasize the importance of individuals. Then they discussed what makes each of them unique. Larry continued the lesson on Principle 1 by teaching them “Forward through the ages,” pointing out that they are the “faithful spirits” mentioned in the first verse. A Unitarian minister, F.L. Hosmer, wrote the words. As Larry spoke and sang, the kids illustrated a chosen lyric.

In the K-2nd grade class, the kids are learning the 7 Principles song – with motions! Today’s focus was principle 1: each person is worthwhile. Molly read a short story about Nelson Mandela. Part of it said that two people could do the same job and one could be paid for one week’s work what another person would have to work an entire year to earn. To demonstrate this idea, Molly had the kids pretend to “dig diamonds” in the carpet. Then they handed their diamonds to her as the “big boss” and she gave four of the kids one piece of candy to split, but gave a single child 12 candies all for himself. The kids realized right away that this was unfair and said everyone should receive the same amount. In the end, they all ended up with 2 candies. After that activity, they played a game where each person had to make it to safety to “win.” No one could win on their own. With a little help, the kids realized they had to toss stepping stones to each other to all make it across. By working together and acknowledging each person’s worth, they won! The lesson ended with drawing rainbows for the bulletin board.

In the pre-K class, the kids took a tour of the fellowship and discussed each room’s function. Kaia led the way with Kieran as the caboose. We stopped to look at the stained glass window behind Sue’s desk, watched the K-2nd grade kids doing their 7 principles dance, picked up a snail, saw butterflies by the fire pit, and checked out the snacks in the kitchen. Then we went back to the pre-K room and talked about our favorite rooms and how they are used. Most of the kids said they love the K-2nd grade room. It’s a good thing – they’ll be there soon! After drawing our favorite rooms, we read an I Spy book. The kids all worked together to find the items. The lesson ended with a snack and discussion of why we love our building so much.

In the nursery, the day was all about counting. Courtney wrote the numbers 1-10 on the board as the focus for the day. Then they read Cleo’s Counting Book and counted objects in the room. After some free play, the lesson ended with the Hokey Pokey. Maia was an enthusiastic participant. The boys – not so much!

You can follow up on all of these lessons at home with your kids. If you have K-2nd or 3rd-6th graders, ask them what the first principle means to them. How do they interpret it? If you have pre-K kids, you can take them on a tour of your house and then ask them to compare it with the fellowship building. Which rooms are the same, which are different, and why? If you have nursery-aged kids, you can count! Count toys, carrot sticks, steps to the bathroom, number of times they can jump – whatever!