Session 15: Working Together to Make a Difference

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

The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.

Part of World of Wonder, Grades K-1

In This Section

Introduction
From World of Wonder

It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees… We can work together for a better world with men and women of goodwill, those who radiate the intrinsic goodness of humankind….
Session-at-a-Glance
From World of Wonder

Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Earth Ball Name Game 5 Activity 2: Story — Growing Green 10 Activity 3: Cooperative Storytelling 10 Activity 4: The Whole World on Our Heads 5 Activity 5: The Whole World with Our Hands 15 Faith in Action: Starting a Nature Club Closing 5 Alternate Activity…
Spiritual Preparation
From World of Wonder

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. Read the quote from Wangari Maathai: It’s the little things citizens do….
Opening
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Chalice and LED/battery-operated candle Cloth for altar or centering space Group Covenant (Session 1) Chalice-Lighting Words (Session 1) Leadership Chart (Session 2) Preparation for Activity Select an area where the group can comfortably sit in a…
Activity 1: Earth Ball Name Game
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Inflatable earth ball or globe, available from http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-k…; Preparation for Activity Inflate the earth ball or globe. Description of Activity This activity engages active learners while…
Activity 2: Story - Growing Green
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “Growing Green” A large basket Objects to place in the basket that are related to the story such as an apple, packet of seeds, garden tools, and a compost bin with compostable scraps A chime or rain stick Optional: Sharp knife to cut the app…
Activity 3: Cooperative Storytelling
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity A notebook and pencil/pen (for adult use) Preparation for Activity Be prepared with story suggestions. Designate a space for a large circle, preferably outdoors….
Activity 4: The Whole World on Our Heads
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Inflatable earth balls or beach balls, as many as possible Preparation for Activity Inflate the earth balls or beach balls. Designate a large enough space for pairs or groups to work together, preferably outdoors….
Activity 5: The Whole World with Our Hands
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 1, Handprint Garden Mural Washable poster paint in rainbow colors A large roll of mural paper Shallow plates for each color of paint Several large paintbrushes (for stems) Optional: Smocks or old tee shirts Optional: Digital camera …
Closing
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity World of Wonder mural from Session 1 Handprint Garden mural from Activity 5, and tape Closing song lyrics from Session 1 Taking It Home Preparation for Activity Download and adapt the Taking It Home section and copy as a handout for all participants…
Leader Reflection and Planning
From World of Wonder

Take a few minutes to evaluate the session with your co-leader immediately after the session, while it is fresh. Share your thoughts with other team leaders and the religious educator. You might find it helpful to consider these questions: Were all children actively engaged?…
Faith In Action: Starting a Nature Club
From World of Wonder

Materials for Activity Information about starting a nature club Preparation for Activity Recruit a small group to plan the gathering and consult with the religious educator to select a day and time for the gathering. Invite World of Wonder families to attend. Optional: Invite any families in the…
Alternate Activity 1: Welcoming Web Game
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Ball of yarn Preparation for Activity Clear an open space where the group can sit in a circle. Make sure you know each participant’s name so you can prompt others in the circle. Description of Activity This activity makes the concepts of…
Alternate Activity 2: Green Sanctuary Tour
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Optional: Scraps for composting Preparation for Activity If your congregation has a Green Sanctuary team or committee, invite them to lead this tour of the grounds….
Alternate Activity 3: Community Puzzle
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Community puzzle available from the Community Puzzle website Markers or crayons Preparation for Activity Discuss with the religious educator whether to extend this project to all RE groups, or to the congregation during coffee hour, and plan…
Taking It Home: Working Together to Make a Difference
From World of Wonder

It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees… We can work together for a better world with men and women of goodwill, those who radiate the intrinsic goodness of humankind….
Growing Green

Janeen K Grohsmeyer

From World of Wonder

Holding up an apple (or other fruit) as you begin telling this story provides a focus. If no one responds to your questions, or if the group is too big, you can give your own answers. If appropriate, slice the fruit and hand out pieces to students. Have you ever eaten an apple?…
Leader Resource 1: Handprint Garden Mural
From World of Wonder

Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.
Find Out More
From World of Wonder

See a good resource for cooperative games on the http://www.learningforlife.org/exploring-resources/99-720/x08.pdf%20coo… for Life website. The community garden is just one of the Green Sanctuary projects taken on by the people of the…