Session 5: Habitats

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

Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain. — Henry David Thoreau, 19th-century Transcendentalist This session studies the interdependent web through the lens of “habitat,” an environment that supports…
Session-at-a-Glance
From World of Wonder

Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Earth Ball Name Game 5 Activity 2: Story — Habitat at Home 10 Activity 3: Micro-hike Habitat Walk 20 Activity 4: Pinecone Feeder 15 Faith in Action: Creating Backyard Habitats 60 Closing 5 Alternate Activity 1: Welcoming Web Game 10 Alternate Activity 2:…
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. When you feel settled and relaxed, consider: What is your habitat?…
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 - Habitat at Home
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, “Habitat at Home” A large basket Objects to place in the basket that are related to the story such as a picture of a backyard habitat with bird bath, bird feeder, trees A chime or rain stick Optional: Fidget Basket (Session 1, Leader Resourc…
Activity 3: Micro-Hike Habitat Walk
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity String or yarn Magnifying glasses Preparation for Activity Designate a large, outdoor area. Cut string or yarn into five-foot lengths. Description of Activity Children explore, using their imaginations….
Activity 4: Pinecone Feeder
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Pinecones, at least two for each participant String or yarn Vegetable shortening, oats, a large mixing bowl, several additional bowls, and spoons Bird seed, and several shallow dishes Roll of waxed paper Preparation for Activity Cut string or yarn…
Closing
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity World of Wonder Mural from Session 1 Leader Resource 1, Mural Image — Backyard Habitat, and tape Closing song lyrics from Session 1 Taking It Home Preparation for Activity Print Leader Resource 1, Mural Image — Backyard Habitat, preferably in color.
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: Creating Backyard Habitats
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 60 minutes Materials for Activity Information on backyard habitats Preparation for Activity Designate a date and time for a family gathering. Research how to create backyard habitats. Look for information, ideas, and instructions relevant to your geographic area….
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: Habitat Show and Tell
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Natural items such as pinecones, leaves, moss, seeds, twigs, and galls A large cloth Preparation for Activity Clear a floor space where the group can sit in a circle….
Alternate Activity 3: Habitat Hike
From World of Wonder

Activity time: 15 minutes Materials for Activity Lunch-sized paper bags, cloth bags, or small baggies, one per child Optional: Flashlights, magnifying glasses, or handheld dental mirrors Preparation for Activity Inform families of your plan to bring the children outdoors. Arrange all necessary…
Taking It Home: Habitats
From World of Wonder

Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain. — Henry David Thoreau, 19th-century Transcendentalist If you want to save animals, you have to save the Earth, and to do that, you have to be green. — Marisa…
Habitat at Home

Julie Simon

From World of Wonder

Kylie groaned on the sofa. Her best friend Georgia was sick. It was Saturday, and the girls had planned to ride their bikes to Sundale Preserve that morning. But Georgia had a sore throat. Kylie had been looking forward to the trip all week. Sundale was her favorite place to go on weekends….
Leader Resource 1: Mural Image - Backyard Habitat
From World of Wonder

From the website of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation; used with permission. Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing.
Find Out More
From World of Wonder

The Family pages insert in the Fall 2012 UU World magazine has the theme “All God’s Critters… Even the Bat!” Learn how human activity has disrupted bats’ habitats. Find out what some people are doing to help and ways you and your child can get involved….