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Part of Windows and Mirrors, Grades 4-5

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Introduction to Session 16, Choose to be UU
From Windows and Mirrors

It seems to me that if the majority of our kids continue to grow up to be "small U" UUs (but join Episcopalian or Presbyterian congregations because that is what their spouses [and partners] are) or join no congregation at all, then we have not entirely failed but we have failed at something...
Session-at-a-Glance
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Story — Dorothea Dix 10 Activity 2: Forced Choice 5 Activity 3: UU Sorts and Mingle 10 Activity 4: UU Scavenger Hunt 15 Activity 5: Window/Mirror Panel — Choose to Be UU 10 Faith in Action: Worship — What Do I Believe? 30 Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1:...
Spiritual Preparation
From Windows and Mirrors

Find a place where you can be quiet with your thoughts. Make yourself comfortable, lighting a candle to mark the time differently than you do for other activities....
Opening
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Large, round mirror to hold the chalice Reflective materials, such as beads or pieces of stained glass Newsprint, markers and tape Opening Words Basket and opening words (see Session 1, Leader Resource 1)...
Activity 1: Story - Dorothea Dix
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Copy of the Story "Dorothea Dix" A bell, chime, rain stick or other musical noisemaker Preparation for Activity Read the story. Prepare to read or tell it dramatically. Create an atmosphere to set this time apart from other activities of the session.
Activity 2: Forced Choice
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity A space large enough to play the game comfortably Preparation for Activity Arrange a large, open space where participants can move around freely. Become familiar with the rules of the game so you can lead it smoothly. Prepare a list of choices the...
Activity 3: UU Sorts and Mingle
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A space large enough to play the game comfortably Preparation for Activity Ensure that an appropriate space for the game is arranged Become familiar enough with the rules of the game that you can lead with out referencing rules very often....
Activity 4: UU Scavenger Hunt
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 1, Scavenger Hunt Rules Optional: Newsprint, markers and tape Timepiece for each team Prizes for the winners, enough of a treat for them to share with the other group participants Preparation for Activity Review Handout 1, Scavenger Hunt List.
Activity 5: Window/Mirror Panel - Choose to Be UU
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity All participants' Window/Mirror Panels Leader Resource 1, Chalice Template Optional: Items that symbolize your congregation, such as a postcard with a picture of your church, an order of service, a worship notice in a local newspaper, etc., for...
Closing
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers and tape Taking It Home handout Optional: A copy of Session 1, Leader Resource 2, Namaste Preparation for Activity Identify a place for participants to store their Window/Mirror Panels between sessions. Keep in mind, there may be...
Leader Reflection and Planning
From Windows and Mirrors

Reflect 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?...
Faith In Action: Worship - What Do I Believe?
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Large, round mirror to hold the chalice Reflective materials, such as beads or pieces of stained glass Optional: A copy of the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook, Singing the Living Tradition and Opening Words...
Alternate Activity 1: Elevator Speeches
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Pen, paper and scrap paper Newsprint, markers and tape Timepiece Chime, bell or other musical noisemaker Preparation for Activity Write on newsprint, and post: What is a Unitarian Universalist?...
Alternate Activity 2: The Road Not Taken
From Windows and Mirrors

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Handout 2, The Road Not Taken Pencils/pens for all participants Newsprint, markers and tape Preparation for Activity Review the questions about the poem and choose those you think will resonate with your group. The questions are meant to elicit...
Alternate Activity 3: Window/Mirror Panel Group Exhibit
From Windows and Mirrors

Materials for Activity All participants' Window/Mirror Panels Materials for display of Window/Mirror Panels Basket(s) of Window/Mirror panel materials: Sheets of Mylar (R) in several colors, shiny gift wrap, aluminum foil and other reflective paper Sheets of plain or construction paper A variety ...
Taking It Home: Choose To Be Uu
From Windows and Mirrors

It seems to me that if the majority of our kids continue to grow up to be "small U" UUs (but join Episcopalian or Presbyterian congregations because that is what their spouses [and partners] are) or join no congregation at all, then we have not entirely failed but we have failed at something...
Dorothea Dix
From Windows and Mirrors

Dorothea Dix lived in the 1800s. At a time when women had fewer choices than men did, Dorothea made extraordinary choices for herself. She did not grow up a Unitarian, but she chose to become one as an adult. Another choice she made was to work hard on behalf of other people. Dorothea made one of...
Handout 1: Scavenger Hunt Rules
From Windows and Mirrors

1. Your group must stay together. 2. No stealing! You can borrow items, but you must return them—make sure you remember to whom they belong. 3. You must stay in the building or on the grounds. 4. You cannot buy anything. 5. You have 10 minutes. You lose points if you return late. GOOD LUCK!!
Handout 2: The Road Not Taken
From Windows and Mirrors

By Robert Frost Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and...
Leader Resource 1: Chalice Template
From Windows and Mirrors

Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.
Find out More About Session 16, Choose to Be UU
From Windows and Mirrors

Unitarian Universalism's Heritage of Religious Education The words of the Rev....