Celebrationg Me and My World

			Celebrating Me and My World

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A Unitarian Universalist Preschool Curriculum

Author: Debora Chandler Pratt

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association

Pub. Date: 1995

Available From: UUA Bookstore, 25 Beacon St., Roston, MA 02 Z 08. Phone (800) 215-9076

Theme and Description This full-year curriculum celebrates the wondrous qualities of children and the animals, objects, and people around them. Provides preschoolers with experiences and opportunities to grow in trust and caring and to develop their self-identity and sense of connectedness with all of life.

Goals for Participants

To develop a positive self-image
To feel safe and accepted at home and in the church
To become familiar with the terms "Unitarian Universalist," "Unitarian Universalism," and "chalice"
To engage in the joy of sharing and living in a group
To become aware and appreciative of our interconnectedness with nature
To develop cooperative skills
To express what they see, feel, think, remember, and prefer
To extend the boundaries of what they regard as "their world."

Age Range Ages 3 to 5

Size of Group 8 to 12 ideal

Space Requirements A large, cheerful room with appropriate furniture, equipment, and space for circle time, preschool activities, and snack time. Occasional access to safe outdoor space is needed.

Number of Sessions 37

Length of Sessions 1 1/2 hours

Leader Training No special training is required, team teaching is recommended.

Leader Preparation 1 to 2 hours per session

Strengths

Includes excellent teacher background and guidelines Presents clear, detailed session
Features sessions that can stand alone
Engaging activities and a closing ritual promote a sense of belonging to a religious community
Contains effective, simple, varied, and meaningful activities and resources
Includes an extensive bibliography and music resource list.

Limitations

Teachers must choose among activities to fit time limit for each session
Requires gathering many resources and materials for each session
Requires coordination by teachers.

Adaptability

With careful planning, this program can he effective with children ages 2 1/2 to 5
Session sequencing can be adapted to seasons.

Unitarian Universalist Values

Each session helps children identify with their classmates and religious community and affirm acceptance of one another, and nurtures spiritual and ethical growth. Unitarian Universalist principles and values that are implicitly promoted throughout the program include the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; and respect for the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part.