Session 10: Helping Others

Beautiful orange sunset over a deep blue ocean. — Tapestry is Sunsetting

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of Chalice Children, in Preschool

In This Section

Introduction
From Chalice Children

What wondrous love is this that brings my heart such bliss, and takes away the pain of my soul … — “What Wondrous Love,” Hymn 18 in Singing the Living Tradition Affirming children for being helpful increases their feelings of self-worth and of being part of a family and community. Children…
Session-at-a-Glance
From Chalice Children

Activity Minutes Activity 1: Free Play 15 Activity 2: Circle Rhymes Transition 5 Activity 3: Circle Time 5 Activity 4: Story 5 Activity 5: Making Cards 15 Activity 6: Circle Games 10 Closing 5…
Spiritual Preparation
From Chalice Children

Take time before the session and find a quiet place for reflection. Listen to this instrumental version of “What Wondrous Love,” which may especially affect you if the tune is new to you. The simple, Southern folk hymn has a plaintive melody that pulls at the heart strings. Our UU words, “To love…
Opening
From Chalice Children

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.
Activity 1: Free Play
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Name tags and markers Variety of free play options, such as toys, a puzzle, story books, 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 f…
Activity 2: Circle Rhymes Transition
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Circle Rhymes posters Preparation for Activity Display the Circle Rhymes posters (Session 1). Description of Activity Using the same songs and chants each time they meet helps the children transition smoothly and predictably from free play to Circle…
Activity 3: Circle Time
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity 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 chalice-lighting words on the wall near the Circle Time…
Activity 4: Story
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Story book Preparation for Activity Choose a story from the following suggestions: How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham, 2008. In a city full of hurried people, only young Will notices the bird lying hurt on the ground. The Lion and the Mouse by…
Activity 5: Making Cards
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper or card stock Markers and crayons Doilies, glitter, and other decorative add-ons Glue sticks Scissors (child-friendly), including left-handed scissors Envelopes big enough to hold 4 1/4 x 5 1/2-inch cards Paper towels, moisten…
Activity 6: Circle Games
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 10 minutes Preparation for Activity Familiarize yourself with the games and songs. Display any Circle Games posters you have made. Description of Activity Gather in a circle on the floor. Play the games and sing the songs. Keep the pace brisk to help the children stay focused.
Closing
From Chalice Children

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….
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Chalice Children

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?
Taking It Home: Helping Others
From Chalice Children

What wondrous love is this that brings my heart such bliss, and takes away the pain of my soul … — “What Wondrous Love,” Hymn 18 in Singing the Living Tradition IN TODAY’S SESSION … the theme was “We care for one another and help one another.” We made cards for people in our congregation…
Find Out More
From Chalice Children

Sangha means community. Dharma Talk: Sangha, a talk by Thich Nhat Hanh, published on the Mindfulness Bell website, describes how and why the next Buddha may be a Sangha, as mentioned in the Spiritual Preparation for leaders. Read an April 2, 2006 UU sermon, “Wh… Wondrous Love Is This?” by Dottie…

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Session 10: Helping Others

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