Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Love Surrounds Us: A Program on the UU Principles and Beloved Community for Grades K-1

Alternate Activity 2: Altar Symbols

Activity time: 15 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Clay that air-dries or can be baked, various colors
  • Parchment paper

Preparation for Activity

  • Separate clay into small pieces about 1/4-cup size, or 2x3 inches square.
  • Set clay on work tables.
  • Place parchment paper on a clean, dry surface where completed sculptures will not be disturbed.

Description of Activity

Explain that in addition to a chalice, people place other things on a centering table or an altar-things that are special to them. Sometimes people have something that tells everyone about what they are interested in.

Ask each participant to sculpt a symbol that represents one of their interests. It might be a book, some type of animal, a computer, or a sun. Let the participants know they will explain to everyone what their sculpture is, so it is not important to make it look exactly like the item it represents. It is only important that the person who made it recognize what it symbolizes. Let them know that the next session they come to, they can take their symbols home.

Including All Participants

For children lacking fine motor skills, have another participant or an adult leader ask them what they want sculpted and shape the clay according to their directions.