Religious Exploration for Children Our goal is to educate our young members to be good citizens of the world, to be able to articulate their faith, and to put their faith into action.                                                        Congregational sharing Our Religious Exploration program uses curricula based upon the Purposes and Principles of the UUA. Our children will explore in a three year repeating cycle these aspects of our UU heritage: Unitarian Universalist identity, our Judeo-Christian heritage, religions of the world, peace and justice, and our interdependence with nature. Sunday Morning in R.E. Sunday morning programs are offered for our children at each service with the with the exception of the first Sunday of each month when we hold a meditation Sunday service.  Classes are grouped by age and use age-appropriate curricula incorporating the Unitarian Universalist Principles. Community worship is an important component of our religious experience. On most Sundays our children join the rest of the congregation for Sharing Services in the sanctuary which include a story for all ages before we sing them off to their five classrooms. Curriculum for 2011-2012: Each Classroom is named after a historical Unitarian Universalist: Beatrix Potter Room (age 0 to 4):  This colorful nursery and preschool classroom contains a variety of games, toys, puzzles, art supplies for our youngest attendees. If there are enough 3 and 4 years olds, a simple story and art activity will be shared.  Otherwise, we let the youngsters pick what they wish to play with under the guidance of the nursery care provider.  Parents who choose to stay with their child can hear the worship service through speakers in the classroom. Susan B. Anthony Room (Kindergarten to 3rd grade):  This colorful classroom is ready for kindergarteners to 3rd grade students.  This year they will be using "In Our Hands", a UU peace and social justice program with age appropriate activities, art projects, and stories.  The focus moves from peace among friends, family, in the classroom, in the natural world, and culminates with the creation of a classroom peace quilt which will be displayed in our Sanctuary. Henry David Thoreau Room (4th to 6th grades):  This classroom is set up to resemble a Forest Grove with cozy places to gather.  The 4th to 6th graders also are using the upper primary "In Our Hands" curriculum, and will learn about ways to be peaceful and fair in groups and in the natural world.   This class will have supplemental field trips that will explore the natural world during different seasons and incorporate some native american spiritual teachings. Emerson Alcove (7th and 8th grades):  Our 7th and 8th grade class begins their two year study of "Neighboring Faiths".  This year focuses on Western religions and progresses from Judaism, to Christianity including learning about Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Religions.  The Muslim religion will be the topic during the months of April and May.  The classes will have visits from guests from some of these religions who will share their experiences.  The kids will also visit different churches and communities of faith in the valley.  Next year, this class will move on to learn about Hinduism, Buddhism, Native American and other Earth Based religions, Fundamentalism and Cults.  Thomas Jefferson Room (9th to 12th grades):   Our Highschoolers will meet one Sunday a month (usually the 2nd Sunday) in their classroom for topics and activities they will plan themselves.  They will also be helping in the nursery, in other classrooms, and as musicians and readers in our Sunday services. Youth Group: Our 6th to 12th graders meet twice a month on Wednesday evenings with the Community Congregational Church Youth for a Youth Group event which includes dinner and activities.  These  often have a social justice theme, with theater, music, and games incorporated.  Other special Youth Group led dinners and services happen regularly.   Please look at latest happenings for what is going on this month.  Your Role as a Parent or Guardian The success of our cooperative program of Religious Exploration rests primarily with you--the parents and guardians of these wonderful children. What follows are a few suggestions for working with us and fulfilling that commitment: · Arrive on time and come regularly. Children develop a sense of belonging by attending regularly; they learn to value religious education by the importance you give it. The teachers appreciate knowing when a child might not attend as it can affect their lesson planning. · Introduce yourself to the teachers. Ask questions about the program. The R.E. Directors and R.E. Committee members want to hear from you, too. Come visit on Sunday mornings. · Help in the classrooms. You will get to know some wonderful adults, see your child in a group setting, and learn about the program. Be sure to sign up to bring a snack. Religious education is a cooperative effort. · Share your point of view. Let your children know your thoughts, opinions, and values. Be patient with them and with yourself as you struggle to understand one another. Teachers Teachers are parents and non-parents from all walks of life who enjoy interacting with children and working with the UUFC approved curriculum.