Religious Education Prospectus 

Infants Through 3 Years of Age

• Staffed by Linda Swensson, a professional caregiver, and one volunteer.

• This class gives our infants and toddler the opportunity to learn by simply allowing them to interact with their surroundings in a developmentally appropriate play setting.  Weekly themes tying into our seven UU principles will provide structure and some religious education to our older toddlers as they play and learn with books, activities, and opening and closing rituals.

Four year olds through Kindergarten

• Staffed by Kymm Whitehead, a professional teacher, and one volunteer assistant.

• Chalice Children: In an excerpt from its introduction, the author, Kate Tweedie Covey writes, “Chalice Children is designed to help young children learn about their church and congregation. The curriculum is based on the belief that preschool children gain a sense of belonging to their religious community and the Unitarian Universalist faith when they have concrete experiences with its people and places.”

First through Second Grade

• Staffed by a professional teacher, and one volunteer assistant.

• Picture Book UU: Another Covey creation, this curriculum focus on teaching our seven UU principles and six UU sources through the creative use of picture books. In Covey's words, this curriculum is “fun, friendly and concise with teachable moments that introduce our faith to young children.”

Third through Fifth Grade

• Staffed by rotating volunteer teachers and assistants.

• Spirit of Adventure:  This curriculum was specifically designed for active elementary children. It touches on the lives of famous Unitarian Universalists, covering “unique themes, such as sports, medicine, architecture, science and food,” with “active play such as circus arts, a ‘take apart party,’ obstacle course, and a treasure hunt.” Many parents of young boys have requested more experiential and active learning for the 2nd-5th grade class, and we expect this will do the trick for our 3rd – 5th grade class.
   

Jr. High (Grades 6-8)

• Led by Chad Vahue, volunteer teacher, and one volunteer assistant.

• You the Creator: This year our minister will be teaching an Adult Religious Education and Enrichment course on Identity.  To piggy-back on this theme, the Jr. High youth will be searching for and expressing their own identity with highly qualified teacher, Chad Vahue, and this creative curriculum.

Sr. High (Grades 9 - 12)

• Led by our Youth Advisor.

• Young Religious Unitarian Universalists: Sr. High students and leaders will create their curriculum as they progress through the year by utilizing the elements of worship, community building, social action, learning, and leadership.

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BEYOND OUR CLASSROOM

Chalice Choir

Ages 4 through 12 are invited to join the Chalice Choir led by our Interim Music Director, Jera Cox.  Chalice choir will take place each Sunday from 10:15am to 10:45am.  Throughout the year, children participating in Chalice Choir will be invited to sign in front of the congregation.  See Jera Cox for more details.

Children's Chapel

Instead of religious education classes at 9am, Religious Education will be piloting a program of Children’s worship. According to Michelle Richards in Come Into the Circle: Worshiping with Children “Children are spiritual by nature. They haven’t yet lost their sense of awe, mystery, and reference for the ordinary things in life…Their innate sense of curiosity and wonder and their ability to love unconditionally and fully experience life need to be nurtured so they can develop a deep sense of their faith and beliefs.” This will be a one year trial program lead by the DRE, in collaboration with other members of the congregation. If you are interested in contributing to, assisting with or leading a children’s worship, please contact the DRE.

Special Ceremonies

To honor the rites of passage and the commitment of our volunteers, we have the following ceremonies of recognition/celebration: Volunteer recognition, Kindergarten Step-Up, and Senior Student Recognition.

Intergenerational Services

At least three times throughout the year, all children and youth join their families in the sanctuary for a special service.  Infant / Toddler care is provided, and supervised games are offered.

Special Events

The RE Committee sponsors events throughout the year such as volunteer training, Religious Education's Open House and Registration Event, Easter egg hunts, and field trips.  Please check the newsletter and the RE Happenings section of this website for all of our upcoming special events.

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SPECIAL PROGRAMMING

Coming of Age

Coming of Age (COA) is predominately a Sunday morning program in which Sr. High youth are lead and encouraged to build their own theology.  The four components of COA are:

• Part 1: Curriculum - Youth will gather during Sunday school for workshop sessions which are designed to help them develop their personal credo.
• Part 3: Mentor Program - Mentors provide each youth with an adult roll model outside of parents and teachers. They act as blackboards, a person to bounce theological ideology off of during a time of great self discovery.
• Part 2: Boston Trip - Boston is where the headquarters of the UUA is housed. A perfect destination since the city is also steeped in religious history. Youth will explore this history and the workings of the UUA and UUSC during their visit.
• Part 4: Youth Worship - At the end of the church year, youth will lead the congregation in worship. The youth will describe their trip to Boston and recite their personal credos.

Coming of Age will begin in January.

Our Whole Lives

Our Whole Lives (OWL) is a comprehensive sexuality education program.  This curriculum covers topics such as anatomy, development, communication, emotions, relationships, values, self-image, and social justice.  Classes are held outside of Sunday School and in conjunction with various churches throughout the Cincinnati area.  NEW FOR THIS YEAR: A city wide Sr. High OWL will be offered for  youth in 10th, 11th and 12th grade.  Please see the DRE for more information.