Session 1: The Web of Life Part of World of Wonder In This Section Introduction From World of Wonder We did not weave the web of life; We are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, We do to ourselves. — attributed to Chief Seattle, chief of the Duwamish Nation This session introduces our human relationship to the earth, the basis for this program which is expressed in our seventh... Session-at-a-Glance From World of Wonder Activity Minutes Opening 5 Activity 1: Earth Ball Name Game 10 Activity 2: Group Covenant 10 Activity 3: Story — The Grumpy Gecko 10 Activity 4: Paper Geckos 10 Activity 5: Song — We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands 5 Faith in Action: Grounds Clean-up 30 Closing 10 Alternate Activity 1:... Spiritual Preparation From World of Wonder Find a place where you can be quiet with your thoughts. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for several minutes, perhaps repeating a word or phrase to separate yourself from the activities of the day. When you feel settled and relaxed, consider: What does interdependence mean to you?... Opening From World of Wonder Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Chalice and LED/battery-operated candle Cloth for altar or centering space Optional: Poster board Preparation for Activity Select an area where the group can comfortably sit in a circle.... Activity 1: Earth Ball Name Game From World of Wonder Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Obtain an inflatable globe. One source is http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-k…; Preparation for Activity Inflate the earth ball or globe.... Activity 2: Group Covenant From World of Wonder Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity Post newsprint where the children can easily see it. Write "Our Covenant" across the top. Optional: If this group has already established a covenant, make sure it is posted in the meeting space. Activity 3: Story - The Grumpy Gecko From World of Wonder Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Story, "The Grumpy Gecko" A large basket Objects to place in the basket that are related to the story such as a toy gecko, tiger, or other character in the story, or pictures of a jungle A chime or rain stick Optional: Leader Resource 1, Fidget Bas... Activity 4: Paper Geckos From World of Wonder Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Construction paper, several colors Glue sticks Scissors, including left-handed pairs Handout 1, Paper Gecko Template, or draw your own gecko Optional: Crayons or markers Optional: “Googly eyes” Preparation for Activity Decide whether to pre-cut... Activity 5: Song - We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands From World of Wonder Activity time: 5 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 3, "We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands" Lyrics Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Computer with Internet access, or a recording of the song Preparation for Activity Learn the song so you can teach it from memory. Or, invite a... Closing From World of Wonder Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 2, Creating the World of Wonder Mural Leader Resource 3, "We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands" Lyrics Leader Resource 4, Mural Image - Gecko, and tape Taking It Home Optional: Newsprint, markers, and tape Preparation for Activity... Leader Reflection and Planning From World of Wonder Take a few minutes to evaluate the session with your co-leader immediately afterward, while it is fresh. Share your thoughts with any other team leaders and the religious educator. You might find it helpful to consider these questions: Were all children actively engaged? If not, who was not and why? Faith In Action: Grounds Clean-up From World of Wonder Activity time: 30 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 3, "We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands" Lyrics Trash bags and/or recycle barrels Disposable plastic or latex gloves Optional: Rakes or other seasonal yard tools Preparation for Activity Consult with your congregational leadershi... Alternate Activity 1: Welcoming Web Game From World of Wonder Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Ball of yarn Preparation for Activity Clear an open space where the group can sit in a circle. Make sure you know each participant's name so you can prompt others in the circle. Description of Activity This activity makes the concepts of... Alternate Activity 2: Decorating the World of Wonder Mural From World of Wonder Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Leader Resource 2, Creating the World of Wonder Mural Yarn, glue, and nature stickers (e.g. spiders, other insects, flowers, various animals) Optional: Digital camera, a printer, and scissors Preparation for Activity Using Leader Resource 2, sketch... Alternate Activity 3: Spider Web Nature Walk From World of Wonder Activity time: 20 minutes Materials for Activity Paper lunch bags, one per child Optional: Flashlights, magnifying glasses, or handheld dental mirrors Optional: "Family pages Preparation for Activity Communicate with families in advance and inform them of the plan to spend time outdoors. Arrange... Alternate Activity 4: Beaded Geckos From World of Wonder Activity time: 10 minutes Materials for Activity Beads Cord or yarn Handout 2, Beaded Geckos Preparation for Activity Practice making a gecko so that you can lead the activity. Recruit some extra adults or teens to help out. Optional: view video (5:45).... Taking It Home From World of Wonder We did not weave the web of life; We are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, We do to ourselves — attributed to Chief Seattle, chief of the Duwamish Nation IN TODAY'S SESSION... we heard the story, "The Grumpy Gecko," which showed that all living beings on the Earth are connected on... The Grumpy Gecko From World of Wonder Adapted from "The Grumpy Gecko" in The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales by Dawn Casey and Anne Wilson (Cambridge: Barefoot Books, 2009). Used by permission. In a shady glade, the chief of the jungle slept. Until, GECK-O! GECK-O! GECK-O! Tiger woke up with a snort. He opened one yellow eye.... Handout 1: Paper Gecko Template From World of Wonder From the “Gecko Scissor Skills Craft” by Leanne Guenther found on DTLK’s Crafts for Kids website.For use in Activity 4, Paper Geckos. 1. Print the instructions and the gecko template from the “Gecko Scissor Skills Craft” by Leanne Guenther found on DTLK’s Crafts for Kids website. 2. Make... Handout 2: Beaded Geckos From World of Wonder Posted by Iceman1987 on the Hub website; permission pending. For use in Alternate Activity 4, Beaded Geckos. For each gecko: 1. Cut 4 feet of ribbon 2. Run ribbon through the bottom of the lanyard hook, and tie a simple knot. 3. Run ribbon in opposite directions through the beads, following the... Leader Resource 1: Fidget Basket From World of Wonder A fidget basket is a simple, inexpensive way to include and welcome children who find it difficult to sit still or who learn better while moving. Provide a basket for fidget objects. Fill it with pipe cleaners, Wiki Stix (TM), Tangles (TM), and other quiet manipulatives. When you introduce the... Leader Resource 2: Creating the World of Wonder Mural From World of Wonder In each session's Closing, you will add an image to the World of Wonder mural, illustrating the web of life of which we are a part. This web can be a semi-permanent creation in your room or attached to a bulletin board or other removable object. Customize it to fit your space needs. Draw a simple... Leader Resource 3: We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands Lyrics From World of Wonder Based on the traditional American Christian spiritual "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." We've got the whole world in our hands. We've got the whole world in our hands. We've got the whole world in our hands. We've got the whole world in our hands.... Leader Resource 4: Mural Image Gecko From World of Wonder An image of a Gold Dust Day gecko from Wikipedia. Printing This Handout Download a high-resolution copy of this Handout (PDF) for printing. Find Out More From World of Wonder Hear the call of a gecko on the Soundboard website. Learn how Unitarian Universalists are involved in taking care of the Earth: Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth The Green Sanctuary Program... PREVIOUS: Principles and Sources UP: World of Wonder NEXT: Introduction Download all of World of Wonder (Word) (PDF) to edit or print.