Activity 5: Story - Belonging - Fannie Barrier Williams
Part of Faithful Journeys, Grades 2-3
Activity time: 8 minutes
Materials for Activity
- A copy of the story "Belonging: Fannie Barrier Williams"
- A chime, rain stick, or other calming sound instrument
- Optional: Fidget object basket (Session 2, Leader Resource 2)
Preparation for Activity
- Read the story a few times.
- Consider telling the story rather than reading it. Practice telling it aloud. Note: The name W.E.B. DuBois is pronounced "du-BOYS."
- Think about how you might use items from the story basket as props.
Description of Activity
The story about Fannie Barrier Williams, who devoted her life to working against injustice and exclusion by organizing and founding clubs, is an example of our second Unitarian Universalist Principle: justice, equity, and compassion in human relations.
Before you begin, look around the room and make eye contact with each person. Read or tell the story.
Sound the instrument to indicate that the story is over. Take a few minutes to guide the children in a brief discussion, using these questions:
- I wonder, why did Fannie Barrier Williams work so hard to make clubs where everyone could belong?
- Is it fun to be part of a club? What makes it fun?
- I wonder, how does it feel when you can't be part of a club?
- I wonder, how does being part of a club or group make it easier to work on a project or change unfair situations?
- I wonder, is there ever a time when it is OK to tell someone they cannot be part of your club?