Bible Stories

			Bible Stories

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Author:Joan M. Hunt

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship 1987

Pub. Date: 1987

Available From: The UU Christian Fellowship, c/o First Church of Christ Unitarian, PO Box 66, Lancaster, MA 01523-0066. Phone (508) 365-2427

Theme and Description Introduces elementary-age children to the central figures and stories in the Bible. Retells the stories in simple language; invites children to relate their own experience to the human values described in the stories. Arts and crafts proiects, games, and creative dramatics reinforce story themes.

Goals for Participants

To become familiar with stories from the Old and New Testaments
To learn of their Jewish and Christian scriptural heritage and religious tradition
To relate human problems and religious values found in the Bible to contemporary issues
To become acquainted with religious concepts and the language of faith.

Age Range Grades 2 to 4

Size of Group 8 to 12

Space Requirements A room suitable for active games, dramatic presentations, large arts and crafts projects, and display of completed projects

Number of Sessions 29

Length of Sessions Approximately 1 hour

Leader Training Provides guidance for leaders and lists resources. Leaders need to be interested in teaching the Bible but do not have to be experts. They may need ongoing support from a religious professional for questions of meaning, interpretation, inclusion, and presentation. Leaders should be comfortable in helping children with creative dramatics and art projects.

Leader Preparation 2 to 3 hours per session. Requires leaders to read program, collect materials, and plan an introductory meeting with parents. Team teaching, which is recommended, includes planning meetings before the course starts, as well as occasional team meetings.

Strengths

Presents good lesson plans
Presents age-appropriate, varied, and clearly described activities
Includes a good bibliography and helpful information for leaders
Instills a sense of the importance of history
Covers the main themes and stories of Jewish and Christian faith traditions.

Limitations

Includes stories that deal with difficult concepts for this age level
Has some activities that extend over several sessions
Written from a UU Christian perspective, which may be problematic for some congregations. The stories refer to God as male.

Adaptability

Can be adapted for grades 1 to 5
Individual lessons and activities can be used effectively in any curriculum on the Bible
May be adapted to reflect a different theological viewpoint.

Unitarian Universalist Values Using Jewish and Christian scriptures and teachings, explicitly affirms our religious roots in and respect for a living tradition. Implicitly raises issues of ethical concern to Unitarian Universalists today, affirms the inherent worth and dignity of all persons, and fosters self-esteem and growth.