Session 11: A Special Jigsaw Puzzle

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

There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle. — Deepak Chopra The activities in this session help children feel as if they are part of a wonderful variety of Unitarian Universalist…
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: A Special Jigsaw Puzzle 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. Reflect on the variety of families who make up your congregation. Hold each in your mind’s eye, observing their smiles, their concern for one another, their difficulties, their sadness, their joy and their love for one another….
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: The Family Book by Todd Parr, 2010. The Family Book celebrates the love we feel for our families and all the different varieties they come in….
Activity 5: A Special Jigsaw Puzzle
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity A large, blank jigsaw puzzle Multicultural markers or crayons Optional: Digital camera or smartphone Preparation for Activity Buy a large, blank jigsaw puzzle at a retail craft store, or online; this “community puzzle” would work well. Or, make a…
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: A Special Jigsaw Puzzle
From Chalice Children

There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle. — Deepak Chopra IN TODAY’S SESSION … the theme was “There are many different kinds of families, and we all are part of our church…
Find Out More
From Chalice Children

Family Diversity Projects creates books, curriculum, and easy-to-display exhibits to help eliminate prejudice, stereotyping, bullying, and harassment of people who are discriminated against due to sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, national origin, religion, and disabilities of al…

Download all of Chalice Children (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Session 11: A Special Jigsaw Puzzle

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Opening