Celebrating Our Roots and Branches

			Celebrating Our Roots and Branches

Click here for comments about this curriculum.

Author: Betty Jo Middleton

Publisher: Joseph Priestley District of Unitarian Universalist Congregations 1986 (revision)

Pub. Date: 1986(revision)

Available From: Joseph Priestley District, 730 Halstead Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803. Phone (302) 478-1018

Theme and Description This curriculum explores the similarities and differences in North Americans of various cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. Gives children an opportunity to experience and celebrate our rich and varied heritage.

Goals for Participants

To gain an appreciation for diversity among people and within cultures
To develop an understanding and appreciation of individual similarities and differences
To become aware of problems caused by racism and sexism
To celebrate the contributions to humankind of people from various cultures
To value their own uniqueness.

Age Range Ages 5 to 8

Size of Group 8 to 20

Space Requirements A room with enough space for learning centers, games, cooking, dancing, and large craft activities

Number of Sessions 35

Length of Sessions 60 to 90 minutes

Leader Training No specialized training is required if leaders are familiar with the developmental characteristics of the age group and have teaching skills and experience,

Leader Preparation Team teaching recommended. The team should meet and plan several weeks in advance. Weekly preparation responsibilities may be shared by the team members. A leader working alone or with one assistant may need 2 to 4 hours of preparation time for each session.

Strengths

Offers detailed lesson plans, complete with background for leaders, supplies needed, and how to's
Includes music, stories, crafts projects, and cooking ideas in each lesson
Suggests individual, small-group, and total group activities
Uses an experiential learning mode
Includes several opportunities for parent involvement
Guides children toward inclusive images in an effective way.

Limitations

Themes may be too abstract for some younger children
Activities may be difficult for some 5 and 6 year olds
Requires good team-teaching coordination
Requires substantial leader preparation.

Adaptability ? Can be used with older children or a wider age range; for example, 5 to 10 year olds or 6 to 11 year olds A congregation could include a unit focusing on its own ethnic heritage.

Unitarian Universalist Values Session 10 compares Unitarian Universalist values and attitudes with those of other religious groups. The curriculum promotes the inherent dignity and worth of every person, but leaders will need to help the children make connections between what they are doing and its relevance to Unitarian Universalist values.