World of wonder class pages
Lesson 15: Working together to make a difference
It's the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees... We can work together for a better world with men and women of goodwill, those who radiate the intrinsic goodness of humankind. — Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of the Greenbelt Movement
Throughout this program, children have explored the wonder of the interdependent web of all existence and their place in that web; they have seen that their individual actions have an impact. In this session, children learn the power of working together cooperatively to make a difference by hearing about the Green Sanctuary Program of the Unitarian Universalist Association. They hear the story of how the First Unitarian Church in St. Louis engaged people of all ages to make a difference in their congregation and in the community. |
Session 14: Enough Stuff
People overestimate the pleasure they'll get from having more stuff. This does not apply to new rose bushes, crayons, or yarn stashes. — Dr. Sun Wolf
This session helps children identify the difference between need and want and introduces relevant actions that make a difference in caring for the web of life. While some participants may be familiar with the 3 Rs (Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle), this session introduces another R, Refuse, which is demonstrated in the central story about a very fun "no presents" birthday party. The 5th R is Rot (decomposition), explored in Session 7.
This session helps children identify the difference between need and want and introduces relevant actions that make a difference in caring for the web of life. While some participants may be familiar with the 3 Rs (Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle), this session introduces another R, Refuse, which is demonstrated in the central story about a very fun "no presents" birthday party. The 5th R is Rot (decomposition), explored in Session 7.
Lesson 13: Green Energy
Question: How do energy conscious people think about wind power? Answer: They're blown away! — United States Energy Information Administration
Energy is used to do work. Energy gives us the ability to do things such as climb a mountain, play soccer, and even think. And there are many types of energy—some stored in our muscles and brain cells to help our bodies move around and play, other types of energy we use to light a street lamp, heat or cool our homes, cook our food, and power buses, planes, and cars. Children learn that we get much of our energy from burning nonrenewable fuels—coal, petroleum or oil, or natural gas. But green energy comes from sources that are cleaner and less-polluting than most nonrenewable fuels. In this session, we introduce the concept of green energy and its importance in the interdependent web. |
Lesson 12: Beauty in Nature
Imagine a glorious full moon coming over the tops of the spruce, big and yellow, shedding a mysterious light on everything... the moonlight had colour, you could see to paint and be able to appreciate the colour of things. — Arthur Lismer, Canadian Unitarian artist, 1948
This session explores the universal need for beauty and cultivates children's appreciation of nature's beauty. Activities draw from the UU Source, "Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces that create and uphold life." We experience great awe and wonder when contemplating the elegance of the systems and the beauty of the materials that sustain all of Earth's abundant and diverse life forms. Perhaps along with our survival needs, it is the love and appreciation for the planet's beauty that moves us to protect it.
This session explores the universal need for beauty and cultivates children's appreciation of nature's beauty. Activities draw from the UU Source, "Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces that create and uphold life." We experience great awe and wonder when contemplating the elegance of the systems and the beauty of the materials that sustain all of Earth's abundant and diverse life forms. Perhaps along with our survival needs, it is the love and appreciation for the planet's beauty that moves us to protect it.
lesson 11: Kindness in nature
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be measured by the way its animals are treated. — Mahatma Gandhi
This session highlights kindness and altruism in the web of life and encourages participants to act for the welfare of other living beings. Kindness as a central tenet of Buddhism is introduced in the central story, "The Noble Ibex," in which an ibex saves the life of a king who was hunting for sport. The children hear real life examples of animals acting to save the lives of other species and act out the stories out in role plays that foster empathy and kindness. |
session 10: joy in nature: Animal play
The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful. — e.e. cummings, 20th-century American poet (Unitarian)
Playing helps animals (including humans) learn and practice skills, develop social bonds, and relieve stress. Participants experience the joy of play in a session that demonstrates the well-being that results from maintaining a spiritual orientation of joy.
Playing helps animals (including humans) learn and practice skills, develop social bonds, and relieve stress. Participants experience the joy of play in a session that demonstrates the well-being that results from maintaining a spiritual orientation of joy.
session 9: Creativity in nature
Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. — Langston Hughes, 20th-century African American poet
This session looks at creativity in the web of life, exploring the idea that humans are not the only creatures that exhibit an urge to create. The central story, "The Most Beautiful Bower in the World," introduces the elaborate structures that male bower birds make to impress females. Female bower birds select mates based on the creativity shown in the bowers the males make. Children's creativity is fostered in a recycled art activity that encourages self-expression and imagination. |
session 8: Life-Giving Plants
All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar. — Helen Hayes, American actress
This session introduces the abundance and diversity of plants through the central story "Noah's Wife: The Story of Naamah." Kinesthetic learners will enjoy embodying the life cycle of a seed. The children learn "The Garden Song"
This session introduces the abundance and diversity of plants through the central story "Noah's Wife: The Story of Naamah." Kinesthetic learners will enjoy embodying the life cycle of a seed. The children learn "The Garden Song"
session 7: decomposition
Life is like a compost heap. The rotting debris of everyday trials just keeps piling up... but if we wait long enough and remain steadfast and strong, even the stinkiest pile will bear good and worthwhile things. — posted on the Earth Friendly Gardening blog, author unknown
Children continue exploring circles of life by studying decomposition. The story, "And It Is Good," shows the important role decomposition plays in the cycle of life. |
session 6: lifecycles
Awaken to the universe's simple gift of the butterfly. Watch with fascination and joy as a jeweled treasure glides by and gently touches your soul. — Kristen D'Angelo, freelance writer, blogger, and photographer
This session introduces the mystery and wonder of life cycles through the concept of metamorphosis. This age group is fascinated by the "magic" that turns a caterpillar into a butterfly, or a tadpole into a frog.
session 5: Habitats
Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain. — Henry David Thoreau, 19th-century Transcendentalist
This session begun on 12 January, studies the interdependent web through the lens of "habitat," an environment that supports the life needs of all the plants and creatures living in it. Children think about the many needs a habitat supplies. Through the story "Habitat at Home," children discover ways they can act in their own environment to help animal co-dwellers meet their basic life needs. |
session 4: balance in our ecosystem
Session 4: Balance in our Ecosystem begins 10 November. From the Tapestry of Faith pages on the UUA web site, "The interdependent web of existence has evolved over millions of years to include extraordinary diversity of life. The long-term sustainability of each and all depends on balance. In Unitarian Universalism—an ecologically—minded religion—living in balance with all Earth becomes a critical spiritual practice.
This session uses role play to demonstrate how balance can be maintained in a large, interdependent system and suggest the effects of imbalance."
The links below will take you to the story used in the lesson and related enrichment materials and activities.
This session uses role play to demonstrate how balance can be maintained in a large, interdependent system and suggest the effects of imbalance."
The links below will take you to the story used in the lesson and related enrichment materials and activities.
Session 3 "Thanks be for Trees!"
Session 3: "Thanks Be for Trees!" begins on 13 October. The links below will take you to the story read in Session 3, the Taking it Home and Find Out More components and more about trees. The "Identify That Tree" button will connect you with a very accessible Ohio based program. A Google search for "trees" yields many interesting sites with info the whole family can enjoy.
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Session 2 "nature's partnerships" info & resources
Session 2: "Nature's Partnerships" began on 29 September and continues on 6 October. If your child missed class or you would like to review the story click on the Session 2 story link story.
To extend and deepen the lesson and explore the topics covered in Session 2, please click on the Session 2 Taking It Home and Find Out More links below.
To extend and deepen the lesson and explore the topics covered in Session 2, please click on the Session 2 Taking It Home and Find Out More links below.
Session 1 "the web of life" info & resources
On 15 and 22 September the class worked on Session 1: "The Web of Life". If your child missed class or you would like to review the story by clicking on the link below.
To extend and deepen the lesson and explore the topics covered in Session 1, please click on the links below.
The children also worked on a class covenant. When finalized it will be posted here as well as in the classroom. The link below brings up a page from another Tapestry of Faith program called Wonderful Welcome. The pamphlet referenced at the end of the article is available in the DRE's office. Email a request to: [email protected]
To extend and deepen the lesson and explore the topics covered in Session 1, please click on the links below.
The children also worked on a class covenant. When finalized it will be posted here as well as in the classroom. The link below brings up a page from another Tapestry of Faith program called Wonderful Welcome. The pamphlet referenced at the end of the article is available in the DRE's office. Email a request to: [email protected]