• A copy of the story "Muddy Children: Hosea Ballou"
• A chime, rain stick or other calming sound instrument
• Optional: Fidget object basket (See Leader Resource 2.)

• Read the story a few times. Try using different voices for the different characters in the story.
• Consider telling the story rather than reading it. Practice telling it aloud.
• Think about how you might use items from the story basket as props.

In this activity you will tell the story "Muddy Children: Hosea Ballou," which presents an example of someone acting based on our first Unitarian Universalist Principle, the inherent worth and dignity of all people. In addition, the story introduces children to basic Universalist history and theology.

Sound the instrument to indicate the story is over. Take a few minutes to guide the children in a brief discussion, using these questions:

• Have you ever been really tempted to do something your parents told you not to do?
• I wonder, why did Hosea Ballou think God would not send people to hell, even though the grown-ups around him thought God would?
• I wonder, what does it mean when Unitarian Universalists say we believe all people have inherent worth and dignity?