God Images

			God Images

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Author: Mary Ann Moore 1987

Publisher: Mary Ann Moore

Available From: Mary Ann Moore, 237 Mossman Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776. Phone (508) 443-3066

Pub. Date: 1987

Theme and Description This year-long curriculum engages children in their own religious quests. Allows for personal decision making in the context of lively discussion and creative activity. Presents God images that are derived from the Jewish and Christian traditions, from several world religions, and from modern science.

Goals for Participants

To explore the questions and issues that lead to the creation of God images
To identify God images from Judaism and Christianity, from other world religions, and from modern science
To express their feelings and ideas about God images through a variety of creative activities.

Age Range Grades 5 and 6

Size of Group 6 to 12 is ideal

Space Requirements A medium-sized room with enough display areas for art projects

Length of Sessions 1 to 1 1/2 hours

Number of Sessions 25

Leader Training The program requires knowledge of and experience with 10 and 11 year olds. A careful reading of the introductory material and the session plans is necessary. Teachers must understand the relationship of the art proiects to the discussions and stories. Team teaching is recommended.

Leader Preparation Approximately 3 hours per session

Strengths

Provides leader background material rich in historical, philosophical, and theological infermation
Offers well-scripted lesson plans, with clear instructions to leaders
Contains age-appropriate art activities that are descriptive and well illustrated
Presents Bible stories in gender-inclusive lan guage.

Limitations

Includes some stories that may be too young for sixth-grade children
Requires.that leaders be skilled at using art materials
Includes sessions that are too long for some religious education programs
Lacks drama, music, and dance activities
Leaders and participants who do not have God beliefs may tire of the repeated theme.

Adaptability

Can be adapted for a small, multi-age church school, or a family setting
The accompanying filmstrip can be used with a wide variety of ages with adjustments in the script
An adult version of God Images is available.

Unitarian Universalist Values The Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes are addressed in the introductory and background materials for leaders and in the stories for children. The Principles and Purposes included in Session 1 are referenced throughout. The section in the introduction that relates the Principles to the development of upper-elementary children is valuable.