Tapestry of Faith: Moral Tales: A Program on Making Choices for Grades 2-3

Introduction

Part of Moral Tales

When one tugs on a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world. — John Muir

In today's world, one cannot speak of morality, goodness and justice without considering human impact on the Earth. The Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes promote and affirm both an attitude of respect and actions that honor the interdependent web of life of which we are a part.

This session focuses on interconnections. It communicates to children both facts and meaning of the interdependent web of life, and aims to instill the need to act responsibly. Participants will hear a true story about human attempts to control nature with unexpected (and undesirable) results. With an emphasis on living in balance and harmony with nature and being mindful — even shrinking — the footprint we humans leave on planet Earth, "Balance" will be added to the Moral Compass poster.

Goals

This session will:

  • Expand participants' understanding of the seventh Unitarian Universalist Principle, respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
  • Introduce the concept of balance in nature
  • Provide opportunities for participants to learn about and discuss how nature's balance "works" and how human actions can help or harm it
  • Empower participants to act as agents for the Earth
  • Convey that caring for the Earth is as an act of justice and goodness.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Hear a story that demonstrates interconnections in the web of life
  • Explore their own physical balance in an interconnected circle
  • Make "Live in Balance" posters
  • Learn some things that the Earth needs in order to be in balance
  • Practice evaluating whether particular actions will help or harm the Earth
  • Optional: Take action to help the congregation care for the Earth through a Faith in Action project.