Moses, His Life and Times

			Moses, His Life and Times

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Authors: Cynthia Berg and Judith Hoehler

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Christian Fellowship 1978

Pub. Date: 1978

Available from: The UU Christian Fellowship, c/O First Church of Christ Unitarian, PO Box 66, Lancaster, MA 01523-0066. Phone(S08)365-2427

Theme and Description This introduction to the life and times of Moses includes a beginning study of the Bible, the concept of covenant, the Ten Commandments, and a Seder meal.

Coals for Participants

To come to know and understand why Moses was a prophet, a leader, a law-giver, and an important figure in the history of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions
To understand the concept of covenant
To appreciate the Seder ceremony.

Age Range Age 9

Size of Group 5 to 20, with adequate teacher assistance

Space Requirements A room large enough for activities and discussion

Number of Sessions 12

Length of Sessions 1 hour

Leader Training Knowledge of the developmental characteristics of this age group, teaching techniques, and experience in classroom management are essential. A recommended list of resource books can help with background information.

Leader Preparation 2 to 4 hours per session

Strengths

Explores the story of Moses thoroughly
Introduces children to the Bible and how to use it
Provides varied and interesting activities, including a time line, role-plays, a mural, a Seder meal, and word games
Contains clear session plans that list supplies needed, resources, and background reading for leaders
Offers suggestions for parental contact and involvement.

Limitations

Requires leaders to help the children relate the experience of Moses and his times to their own lives, or to find personal meaning from the Moses story
May exclude children who don't read well (requires leaders to encourage participants to help each other whenever reading or spelling is called for)
Requires some training or assistance in how to lead discussions in order to stimulate children's thinking about the issues the story raises.

Adaptability Can be used with any upper-elementary group or a grouping of more than one grade; for example, grades 4 to 6 or 4 and 5. If the program begins just after Christmas, the Seder meal will occur about the time of Passover.

Unitarian Universalist Values Principles implicit within the program are affirmation of a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; direct experiences of transcending mystery and wonder; and acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations through emphasis on covenant and the transmission of our religious heritage.