Session 2: The Power of Roots

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

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Part of Sing to the Power, Grades 4-5

In This Section

Introduction
From Sing to the Power

All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted. — St. Theresa of Avila The power of the earth is the power of roots—the power that comes from a sense of history and connection to our origins. Participants learn that we are grounded in all that has shaped our lives,…
Session-at-a-Glance
From Sing to the Power

Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Story — Where I’m From 10 Activity 2: “I am From……
Spiritual Preparation
From Sing to the Power

Find a place where you can be quiet with your thoughts. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for several minutes, perhaps repeating a word or phrase to separate yourself from the activities of the day. When you feel settled and relaxed, consider: How would you complete the phrase “I am from… .?”…
Opening
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Cloth for altar or centering space Opening Words for Basket (Session 1, Leader Resource 1), and basket Symbol of earth, such as a rock, bowl of dirt, crystal, etc….
Activity 1: Story - Where I'm From
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “Where I’m From” Preparation for Activity Read the story and prepare to share it with the group. Read the discussion questions….
Activity 2: "I am From... ." Poems
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Writing paper and pencils Optional: Clipboards Preparation for Activity Optional: Find more detailed instruction for using “I am from… ” as a writing prompt on the Scribd website and on Fred First’s blogsite….
Activity 3: Roots Geography Game
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 5 minutes Preparation for Activity Find a large, open space to use for this activity-ideally, outdoors. Description of Activity Gather the group in a large, open space. Tell the children to imagine the space as a map….
Activity 4: Living Space Memory Plan
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Graph paper, 11x17-inch Pencils with erasers, and color pencils or crayons Optional: One or more architectural-style residential floor plans Description of Activity The place where we live creates and holds our memories and our sense of rootedness.
Closing
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Circle of Elements mural from Session 1 Leader Resource 1, “Roots” Circle and tape Session 1, Leader Resource 3, Circle of Elements Mural Instructions Closing Words for Basket (Session 1, Leader Resource 5), and basket Bracelets from Session 1, plus…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Sing to the Power

Reflect on and discuss with your co-leader(s): How did the timing go today? What might we do to make it work better? What worked well? What didn’t? What connections did we make with the children? What connections did the children make with each other? How was this evident? How could we build the…
Faith In Action: Planning Our Earth Power
From Sing to the Power

Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity This activity is designed to continue the activity begun in Session 1. Research the project the group selected in the previous session. Prepare to share information about the needs, opportunities, and possible logistical…
Alternate Activity 1: Sharing Joys and Sorrows
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Attractive bowl Smooth stones, at least one for each participant Preparation for Activity Fill the bowl halfway with water. Set the bowl on a surface that will not be damaged if a small amount of water splashes out. Set stones near the bowl, where…
Alternate Activity 2: Research Congregational History
From Sing to the Power

Activity time: 25 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Historical items or documents from your congregation Optional: A large roll of paper, washable markers, and tape Optional: Note paper or thank you cards Preparation for Activity Determine a productive source of information about the histo…
Taking It Home: The Power of Roots
From Sing to the Power

All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted. — St. Theresa of Avila IN TODAY’S SESSION… the children heard about the poet George Ella Lyons who was inspired by a friend’s describing a deep sense of place and roots to write the poem “Where I’m From.” They explored…
Where I'm From

George Ella Lyons

From Sing to the Power

Jo Carson is a Southern writer with deep roots—in her case to the town and even the house in East Tennessee where her grandparents lived before her. Her sense of place and roots led her to write a book of poems based on conversations she overheard around her. Jo Carson’s friend George Ella Lyons…
Leader Resource 1: Roots Circle
From Sing to the Power

Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing…
Find Out More
From Sing to the Power

George Ella Lyons’ websiteScribd website and on Fred First’s blogsite.