World of Wonder
Tapestry is Sunsetting
The UUA is no longer updating Tapestry of Faith programs.
By Alice Anacheka-Nasemann, Julie Simon, Pat Kahn
© 2013
This program delves deep into our Unitarian Universalist seventh Principle. It instills respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part and appreciation of its beauty, excitement, and mystery. It is founded on the premise that direct experience in nature is essential to children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development. Time spent experiencing and exploring during the kindergarten and first grade years begins a practice that can bring lifelong openness to the wonder nature can spark.
Contents
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AcknowledgmentsFrom World of Wonder
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Christine Rafal to Sessions 5, 8, and 12….
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PrefaceFrom World of Wonder
Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, said in an interview in the March/Apr… 2007 Orion Magazine: Studies show that almost to a person conservationists or environmentalists—whatever we want to call them—had some transcendent experience in nature when they…
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Worlds of Wonder IntroductionFrom World of Wonder
The Program If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life. — Rachel Carson, 20th century environmental activist…
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Program StructureFrom World of Wonder
All 16 sessions in World of Wonder follow the same structure. Between an opening and a closing ritual, participants engage in up to five or six activities. The opening includes a chalice-lighting and a community-building activity. Every session revolves thematically around a central story which…
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Leader GuidelinesFrom World of Wonder
As you adapt sessions to fit your resources and the needs of the group, take care to preserve the intent of a session and its purpose in the overall program. Read each session at least several days before leading it….
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ImplementationFrom World of Wonder
Every congregation has its own approach to structuring religious education. You can implement the World of Wonder program with any model your congregation uses. As leader, you will choose the combination of activities for each session. You know best how to shape the World of Wonder program to fit…
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Before You StartFrom World of Wonder
One of the most important goals of the World of Wonder program is for the children to engage directly with nature, thus the culminating session is designed to be a shared experience in nature, in a nearby natural area or park. Consult with the religious educator to plan all necessary arrangements…
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Resources for World of WonderFrom World of Wonder
Background Reading for Leaders The Gift of Faith: Tending the Spiritual Lives of Children by Jeanne Harrison Nieuwejaar Second Edition (Boston: Skinner House Books, 2003) Welcoming Children with Special Needs: A Guidebook for Faith Communities by Sally Patton (Boston: Unitarian Universalist…
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Facilitator Feedback FormFrom World of Wonder
We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations….
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Participant Feedback FormFrom World of Wonder
We welcome your critique of this program, as well as your suggestions. Thank you for your feedback! Your input improves programs for all of our congregations….
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Principles and SourcesFrom World of Wonder
Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles: …
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Session 1: The Web of LifeFrom World of Wonder
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Session 2: Nature's PartnershipsFrom World of Wonder
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Session 3: Thanks Be for Trees!From World of Wonder
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Session 4: Balance in Our EcosystemFrom World of Wonder
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Session 5: HabitatsFrom World of Wonder
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Session 6: LifecyclesFrom World of Wonder
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Session 7: DecompositionFrom World of Wonder
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Session 8: Life-Giving PlantsFrom World of Wonder
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Session 9: Creativity in NatureFrom World of Wonder
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Session 10: Joy in Nature: Animal PlayFrom World of Wonder
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Session 11: Kindness in NatureFrom World of Wonder
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Session 12: Beauty in NatureFrom World of Wonder
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Session 13: Green EnergyFrom World of Wonder
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Session 14: Enough StuffFrom World of Wonder
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Session 15: Working Together to Make a DifferenceFrom World of Wonder
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Session 16: Using Our Senses of WonderFrom World of Wonder
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Stories in World of WonderFrom World of Wonder
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Handouts in World of WonderFrom World of Wonder
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Leader Resources in World of WonderFrom World of Wonder
Download all of World of Wonder (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.