Church School

Overview

The Reading Unitarian-Universalist Church offers formal Religious Education classes to our young people from age three to grade eight, with nursery care for babies and toddlers and youth programs for teenagers.  Church School classes meet from 10:30 to 11:30 on Sunday mornings.  Classes are held in the church's Community Hall, and at Sawyer House (adjacent to the church on Woburn Street), and Loring House (next door to the church on Summer Avenue.)

Cooperative Teaching

All teaching is done by teams of parents or other concerned adults on an 8-week, “quarterly”, system.  Parents of children in the program are expected to volunteer.  Detailed curriculum materials and guidance from the class coordinator and mentors are provided.  Most adults who teach or help in the classroom discover a new sense of community, fun, and learning for themselves.

What Do Children Learn in a Unitarian Universalist Church School?

Using a variety of curricula, our children learn about:

• our Unitarian Universalist heritage and principles
• the beliefs and customs of many of the world's religions
• Jewish and Christian scriptures and traditions
• the goal of ethical living

At Church School, your child will be encouraged to ask life's big questions: · What is the nature of the world? · Is there a God and, if so, what is God like? · What happens when we die? · Why do bad things happen? · How can I make decisions about how to live my life? In an atmosphere of acceptance, tolerance and respect for individual beliefs, your child will be challenged to develop his or her own answers to these questions. This happens through worship, celebration, learning activities, service projects and observance of traditional holidays and rituals. Our hope is that your child will experience Church School to be a comfortable, yet stimulating, place that will nurture her or his spiritual development.

Worship, Special Programs, and Music

Monthly, in the sanctuary, children participate in intergenerational services where common values are affirmed in ritual, music, stories, prayer, and poetry. Young People's Worship is held weekly to reenforce the importance of consistent Worship in our lives. The theme used in the Sanctuary service for the larger community is shared in an age-appropriate manner in the Young People's Worship. Drama and movement, music, creative writing, art, fellowship, and social action experiences are woven into special activities, festivals, and forums at various times in the year. AYouth Choir, for young people in grades 4-8 provides music for special services throughout the year. A Children's Choir, for children in kindergarten through grade 3, also performs periodically.

A Word to Parents

What are your responsibilities as a parent in your child's religious education?  Children learn by example.  We believe that when children see their parents actively involved in the church school, they become more actively involved themselves.

Regular attendance and prompt arrival make a big difference.

Share YOUR beliefs with your child.  Church school is only one hour a week, and  it only supplements your  work as the primary religious educator.  Let your child know your religious beliefs.  Share your "used-to-thinks" about God, prayer, heaven, etc., and what your ideas are now.  Let your child know why you chose this church, and what it means to you.  Talk about how you act on your beliefs about fairness, tolerance, caring for the earth, etc., and provide your child with opportunities to act on his/her beliefs.

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UU Playschool (infants to 4 year olds) Sawyer house, first floor.

This program is based on our philosophy that a balance of structure and play enhances a child’s experience at church.  Infants and toddlers are given loving care in a safe environment in our Playschool, which is under the supervision of our professional Playschool Supervisor.  The Playschool is open from 10:15 a.m. until the end of the church service.

A typical morning begins with a circle time, a story and a related activity.  The children then have free play.  For all of our younger children, our aim is a happy introduction to coming to church.

Pre-Kindergarten
Curriculum: "Chalice Children"

This curriculum is designed to help young children learn about their church and congregation, using the theme and symbol of the chalice in a community of people and in a sacred special place.

Kindergarten

Parents Please Note: Our "Kindergarten Entrance Policy" follows that of the Reading School System. Children must be five years old by September 1 to be included in our Kindergarten class. If you have questions about the policy, please speak with the Director of Religious Education.

Curriculum: "Around the Church, Around the Year"

In this curriculum children become acquainted with their own Unitarian Universalist community -- the people, buildings, rituals, and celebrations -- and the basic tenets of Unitarian Universalism.
 

Grade One
Grade One Curriculum: "Stories About God"

"Stories About God" helps children to understand that God can take many forms and is called by many names. Stories from world religions, from feminist insights, from science and from the ordinary and extraordinary experiences of life encourage children to explore the meaning of God for themselves.

Grade Two
Curriculum: "Rainbow Children"

"Rainbow Children" is a racial justice and diversity program designed to develop positive attitudes toward people of racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds different from one's own.

Grade Three
Curriculum: "Timeless Themes"

Building upon the richness of our Judeo-Christian heritage, "Timeless Themes" uses stories from the Bible to teach the timeless lessons of faith, freedom, responsibility, respect, forgiveness and love. Music, games, and creative activities complete the picture.

Grade Four
Curriculum: "Holidays and Holy Days: A Whole Year of Celebration"

Young people will learn about the origins and meanings of holiday and holy day celebrations throughout the world. The authors state, "A holiday is not something to talk about . . . it's something to DO." Class members will explore the rich customs and beliefs of others, while reaffirming Unitarian Universalist ideals.

Grade Five
Curriculum: "Travel in Time" and "In Our Hands"

"Travel in Time" uses the imaginative device of time travel to help young people explore their UU 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. "In Our Hands" allows children to explore their knowledge and feelings about peace and justice. The focus is on ways to promote peace and justice within themselves, in their relationships with others, and as Unitarian Universalists.

Grade Six
Curriculum: "Living the Promise" and "A Kingdom of Equals"

"Living the Promise" looks at the covenants we make in our lives, with ourselves, family, friends, the world. The creative, group-building activities, rituals, and cooperative games of this lively curriculum bring its central theme of "covenant" to life, while teaching timeless lessons of the Bible's Old Testament. "A Kingdom of Equals" takes an historical look at the life and teachings of Jesus, and the stories of the New Testament.

Grade Seven
Curriculum: "Neighboring Faiths "

Students using the "Neighboring Faiths " curriculum choose to learn about the religious beliefs of their friends and neighbors and then visit different houses of worship. In years past they have traveled to Hindu and Buddhist temples, Jewish synagogues, Quaker meeting houses,and local Catholic and Protestant churches.

Grade Eight
Curriculum: The"Coming of Age" Year

This will be a year of exploration and discovery, which will include participation in church programs, mentor relationships, projects, and committees. Emphasis is placed on learning to articulate personal beliefs. The year will end with the the young people's very own "Coming of Age" service in the sanctuary, celebrating their accomplishments with the whole church community.

"Our Whole Lives" (OWL) &"Sexuality and Our Faith: a Companion of OWL"

(Grade 7 and 8 - Time and location to be determined.)

This program, created by the Unitarian Universalist Association, offers comprehensive sexuality education which helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, society and culture. It helps participants clarify values, bolster social skills and understand the spiritual, emotional, social, ethical and political aspects of sexuality as well.

Parental consent, as well as attendance at a parent's orientation meeting, is required prior to youth participation in this valuable program.

Annual Registration Information

Church School registration for children is important! It helps us to know how many children to prepare for, and who they are. It gives us a way to notify you of program changes, and tells us of any special needs your child might have. RE families should fill out a registration form, available in Community Hall on the RE table, and bring or send it to the church office. Registration must be repeated each year in September.

Extra registration forms are available from classroom teachers as well as the Director of Religious Education.