Reflect on these questions and discuss them with your co-leader: How do we feel about what went on during this session? Why? What was the best part of this session? Why? What preparation do we need for the next session?

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Taking It Home handout Markers or crayons Preschool chalice Optional: Envelopes, hole punch, and yarn or ribbon Preparation for Activity Download and adapt Taking It Home and make a copy for each child....

Description of Activity The theme of Unit 5 is "We celebrate holidays." Use one of the many traditional service projects associated with various holidays or design your own Faith in Action activity based on the customs and practices of your congregation....

Description of Activity In the Chalice Children program, sessions begin with Activity 1, Free Play rather than a formal Opening. The chalice is lit in Activity 3, Circle Time.

Take time before the session and find a quiet place for reflection. What are your memories of Halloween as a young child? Were there houses you would not approach because they were too scary? Were you attracted, or repelled, by the decor and costumes?...

Activity Minutes Activity 1. Free Play 15 Activity 2. Circle Rhymes Transition 5 Activity 3: Circle Time 5 Activity 4: Story 5 Activity 5: Ghosts 15 Activity 6: Circle Games 10 Faith in Action: We Celebrate Holidays Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1: Popcorn Party 15...

You got to do when the spirit says do! — "When the Spirit Says Do," Hymn 1024 in Singing the Journey Halloween can be a scary time for preschoolers embedded in magical thinking. Perhaps the child wearing the mask really does transform into a monster! Celebrate the gentler aspects of the holiday...

Materials for Activity Items needed for the service Service altar items Materials for a supplementary, sensory activity Optional: Digital camera or smartphone Preparation for Activity Choose an activity to supplement the special worship service, ideally one with a sensory component (sight, touch,...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Pretty tablecloth Variety of breads, including some that are gluten-free, and baskets Cutting board and knife Plastic wrap Moistened paper towels Materials for a supplementary, sensory activity Optional: Toppings, such as jam, butter, and honey, an...

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, The Flower and Water Ceremonies Pretty tablecloth Attractive, clear vase or pitcher of water Clear plastic cups, one for each child A large bowl Paper towels Materials for a supplementary, sensory activity Optional: Digital camer...

Activity time: 10 minutes Preparation for Activity Familiarize yourself with the games and songs. Display any posters you have made. Two new songs and games-Five Little Flowers and Ring Around the Rosy-appear in this session in honor of the flower ceremony....

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, The Flower and Water Ceremonies Fresh flowers of many different varieties, at least one for each child and extras for the altar Pretty tablecloth Vase(s) or basket(s) Materials for a supplementary, sensory activity Optional: Digi...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Story book Preparation for Activity Choose a story from the following suggestions: "The Flower Ceremony, A Plain and Simple Beauty," adapted from a story by Janeen K. Grohsmeyer in her book Lamp in Every Corner: Our UU Storybook (Boston: Unitarian...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, The Flower and Water Ceremonies Chalice-lighting words, written on newsprint Chalice with tea light flame or other preschool chalice option Feelings Chart or Feelings Flashcards by Todd Parr Preparation for Activity Post the...

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Circle Rhymes posters Preparation for Activity Display the Circle Rhymes posters from Session 1. Description of Activity Using the same songs and chants each week will help the children transition smoothly and predictably from free play to Circle Time.

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Name tags Variety of free play options, such as toys, a puzzle, a storybook, manipulatives, dramatic play props, and markers and paper Preparation for Activity Make name tags for the children you are expecting and set these out with a few extra bla...

Read more about the Flower Ceremony. Explore Carl Seaburg's The Communion Book and other resources for special services that are available from inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop. Look through Tapestry of Faith, the free online UUA curricula, to learn more about special UU worship services....

Reflect on these questions and discuss them with your co-leader: How do we feel about what went on during this session? Why? What was the best part of this session? Why? What preparation do we need for the next session?

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Taking It Home handout Markers or crayons Preschool chalice Optional: Envelope, hole punch, and yarn or ribbon Preparation for Activity Download and adapt Taking It Home and copy it for each child. Bring the "lit" preschool chalice to the activity...