Tapestry of Faith: Signs of Our Faith: A Program about Being UU Every Day for Grades 2-3

Alternate Activity 3: We Are the Ones

Materials for Activity

  • Copy of the story, "The Journey of the Birds"
  • Recording of the song "We Are the Ones (We've Been Waiting For)" by Sweet Honey in the Rock, and a music player
  • Optional: Scarves

Preparation for Activity

  • Obtain a recording of the Sweet Honey in the Rock performing "We Are the Ones" (2:51). You can purchase the song from an online music store such as iTunes. Set up and test the music player. Cue the song.

Description of Activity

Children relate to the story "The Journey of the Birds," through dance.

After children have heard the story, say, in these words, or your own:

The birds realized they had all the qualities they needed to build a strong community. Because of all their different, individual gifts and their willingness to help one another, they were enough-they did not need a leader from outside their community. A song "We Are the Ones" expresses this sentiment.

Invite children to move to the music, by:

  • Dancing free form
  • Dancing with scarves
  • Pantomiming the story

Encourage them to dance their own, individual gifts and how they can share their gifts to help others in the group.