We are building a new way. — from "Building a New Way," Hymn 1017 in Singing the Journey

This session's theme is "We are community." Children work cooperatively to build a neighborhood with blocks.

Preschoolers' social development can vary greatly. The youngest children may still engage in parallel play; four-year-olds may be learning to express their feelings; kindergarteners may be more willing to conform to goals and norms established by parents, teachers, congregational leaders, and society.

This session emphasizes both imaginative and cooperative play. Children share with and care for one another, to celebrate being in community together.

Goals

This session will help preschoolers:

• Explore ways to care and share through cooperative play
• Experience the Chalice Children group as safe and caring
• Feel a growing sense of belonging to and identity with a Unitarian Universalist congregation.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• See themselves as cooperative and caring friends in a community
• Practice the skills needed to work cooperatively with others
• Connect the story they read in this session with living in community.