© 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
Acknowledgments
From World of Wonder
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Christine Rafal to Sessions 5, 8, and 12....
Preface
From 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...
Worlds of Wonder Introduction
From 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...
Program Structure
From 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...
Leader Guidelines
From 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....
Implementation
From 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...
Before You Start
From 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...
Resources for World of Wonder
From 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...
Facilitator Feedback Form
From 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....
Participant Feedback Form
From 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....
Principles and Sources
From World of Wonder
Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles:
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