Tapestry of Faith: World of Wonder: A Program on the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism for Grades K-1

Introduction

Part of World of Wonder

Awaken to the universe's simple gift of the butterfly. Watch with fascination and joy as a jeweled treasure glides by and gently touches your soul. — Kristen D'Angelo, freelance writer, blogger, and photographer

This session introduces the mystery and wonder of life cycles through the concept of metamorphosis. This age group is fascinated by the "magic" that turns a caterpillar into a butterfly, or a tadpole into a frog. The central story, "A Caterpillar Grows Up," describes the awe and wonder one family feels when they watch the metamorphosis of a cabbage worm into a butterfly. For kinesthetic learners, the children embody the life cycle of a frog. The Faith in Action activity introduces the concept of "citizen scientists," offered in the book, Citizen Scientists, by Unitarian Universalist Loree Griffin Burns.

Goals

This session will:

  • Lift up science as a Source in Unitarian Universalism, by teaching the changes that occur in the life cycles of butterflies and frogs
  • Foster awe and wonder toward the process of metamorphosis
  • Empower participants as leaders in the group
  • Reinforce the seventh Unitarian Universalist Principle, "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part."

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Experience the life cycle of a butterfly through a story
  • Embody the life cycle of a frog
  • Learn the word "metamorphosis" and understand the concept
  • Perform leadership roles.