Session 23: My Shadow

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

Gathered here in the mystery of the hour….
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: Shadow Play 15 Activity 6: Circle Games 10 Faith in Action: Reaching Out in Friendship 60 Closing 5…
Spiritual Preparation
From Chalice Children

Take time before the session and find a quiet place for reflection. How do mystery and shadows intersect for you? From the point of view of a young child (and sometimes, perhaps, an adult), shadows contain or come from the unknown, which can cause of fear. A large, threatening shadow that stands…
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 Variety of free play options, such as toys, a puzzle, a story book, manipulatives, dramatic play props, and markers and paper Equipment or supplies for a free play activity relating to shadows Preparation for Activity Make name tags for t…
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 from Session 1. Description of Activity Using the same songs and chants each time you meet will help the children transition smoothly and predictably from free play to…
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 A bright work lamp or flashlight Preparation for Activity Post the chalice-lighting words …
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: Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch, 2000. Moonbear tries to outwit his troublesome shadow in this beloved classic….
Activity 5: Shadow Play
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity A bright light with a focused beam, such as a flashlight or desk or work light Variety of toys and shapes to cast shadows Paper and markers Optional: Tape Optional: Camera or smartphone Preparation for Activity Watch this YouTube video on making…
Activity 6: Circle Games
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 10 minutes Preparation for Activity Familiarize yourself with the games and songs listed in Posters for Chalice Children, under Resources in the Introduction. Display any posters you have made. A new finger play-What Is a Shadow?-appears in this session, in honor of today’s theme….
Closing
From Chalice Children

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 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?
Faith In Action: Reaching Out in Friendship
From Chalice Children

Activity time: 60 minutes Materials for Activity Lined paper or stationery; plain drawing paper; pens or pencils; and markers, color pencils, or crayons Envelopes and stamps Optional: Globe or map Optional: Pictures of and information about recipients Optional: Digital camera and printer, or phot…
Taking It Home: My Shadow
From Chalice Children

Gathered here in the mystery of the hour. — from “Gathered Here,” Hymn 389 in Singing the Living Tradition IN TODAY’S SESSION … the theme was “My shadow.” Sophia L. Fahs identifies play with one’s shadow as one of 12 main types of experiences connected with natural religious development in…
Find Out More
From Chalice Children

Look over the http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/development/fear/top-toddl… 10 Toddler Fears on the Parents Magazine website. Toddlers exhibit many fears, and it can be tough to know how to reassure them of their safety. Dr. Ayelet Talmi, associate director of child development and…

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Session 23: My Shadow

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