Session 24: Block Sunday 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 We are building a new way. — from “Building a New Way,” Hymn 1017 in Singing the Journey This session’s theme is “We are community.” Children work cooperatively to build a neighborhood with blocks. Preschoolers’ social development can vary greatly. The youngest children may still engage in… 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: Building a Neighborhood 15 Activity 7: Circle Games 10 Closing 5… Spiritual Preparation From Chalice Children Take time before the session and find a quiet place for reflection. How do you live in community with others? How do you live a sharing and caring life? It can be as easy as a smile for lonely 12-year-old, or as difficult as a phone call to the family of an elderly neighbor who needs help…. 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 storybook, manipulatives, dramatic play props, and markers and paper Items for a free play activity relating to community Preparation for Activity Make name tags for the children you… 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: When I Build with Blocks by Niki Alling, 2012. Step into the block area of a pre-K/kindergarten classroom, through the eyes and imagination of a child. Each block… Activity 5: Building a Neighborhood From Chalice Children Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Wooden building blocks Toy people, animals, cars, and other items for the neighborhood Blue painter’s tape Optional: Digital camera or smartphone Preparation for Activity Clear a space or spaces large enough for children to build cooperatively. Set… 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. Description of Activity Gather in a circle on the floor. Play the games and sing the songs. 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? Taking It Home: Block Sunday From Chalice Children We are building a new way. — from “Building a New Way,” Hymn 1017 in Singing the Journey IN TODAY’S SESSION … the theme was “We are a community.” We built a neighborhood together out of blocks, using our sharing and caring skills and working cooperatively. EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER . . …. Find Out More From Chalice Children Explore T… Blocks and Construction Toys: A Guide for the Science-Minded, by Gwen Dewar, on the Parenting Science website. Consider the Stages of Block Development described by Sharon MacDonald. Read “The Work That Is Play,” a UU sermon preached by Jeff Merkel, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of… PREVIOUS: Find Out More UP: Chalice Children NEXT: Introduction Download all of Chalice Children (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.
