In Our Hands

			In Our Hands

Click here for comments about this curriculum.

A Peace and Social Justice Program, Grades 1-3

Authors: Samuel Goldenberg, Eleanor Hunting, and Mary Thomson

Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association

Pub. Date: 1989

Available From: UUA Bookstore

Theme and Description In this program, children explore peace and fairness through stories, discussions, and activities. Participants learn constructive ways of resolving conflict and promoting peace in their own lives. They learn to see their connections to the larger community, to the natural world, and to the Unitarian Universalist peace and justice heritage.

Goals for Participants

To examine their knowledge and feelings about peace and fairness by focusing on relationships with family and friends
To gain awareness and understanding about peace and conflict, fairness and unfairness
To develop skills for promoting peace and fairness in their own lives
To evaluate attitudes and feelings about nature
To consider ways of acting fairly and peacefully in relation to nature
To learn about Unitarian Universalist who have made contributions to peace and fairness in the world
To feel empowered to promote peace and social justice.

Age Range Ages 5 to 9

Size of Group 4 to 12 (8 to 12 is ideal)

Space Requirements A bright, cheerful room with open space for a work table and circle areas

Number of Sessions 16

Length of Sessions 1 hour

Leader Training Training in group skills, storytelling, and classroom techniques is necessary. Familiarity with the characteristics of S to 9 year olds is important, especially when the entire age span is represented in a class.

Leader Preparation Team leadership recommended; requires team meetings. Individual leader preparation will be 1 to 3 hours per session (may include song practi ice.

Strengths

Presents lesson plans that are clear and detailed
Fosters solid group-building
Relates directly to the children's experiences
Emphasizes Unitarian Universalist values
Provides age-appropriate perspectives of personal, community, and global issues.

Limitations

May be difficult for younger children to understand some stories
Exceeds time estimates for certain sessions, particularly for larger groups
Sensitive or painful issues, such as abuse, may surface
Requires leaders, who may not be musical, to recruit or tape accompaniment to the songs.

Adaptability

As part of the In Our Hands series for ages 5 and up, this program could be part of an all congregational semester focusing on peace and justice May also be used with a wider primary age range, or intergenerational with some changes in activities.

Unitarian Universalist Values Principles explicitly emphasized are the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; and respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. The program also stresses the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. A group process models the living of UU Principles.