All
classes are led by teaching teams of two or more volunteers. Our
volunteers are long-standing members and friends of UUCT who have
shown their dedication to the RE Program by committing to at least a
year of service to the program and undergoing an application and
interview process. All teachers participate in a teacher training
workshop and complete all safety requirements.
The offerings
of the Youth RE Program cover five major areas of emphasis on a
rotational basis. These five areas are:
UU
Identity
Jewish and Christian Heritage
Peace, Social Justice,
and the Interdependent Web
World Religions
Personal Spiritual
Growth and Development
Each
year, the Youth RE Committee reviews past offerings to determine the
appropriate topic for each age group. RE
Classes
meet
most Sundays except for Intergenerational Services and UU Kids
Camp Sundays.
The Nursery for ages birth to 5 opens Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Care provider, Emmy Barthel-Mackie, along with adult volunteers, provides a nurturing, safe environment for the youngest of our community. Stories, crafts, indoor/outdoor play, and the always-important snack time are offered weekly.
The Explorers ages 3 to 5 meet some Sundays in Room C, with teacher Nancy Bass.
The Artists grades K, 1, 2 meet in Room K. Teachers include Pam Hoskins, Hollie Lloyd, and Isabel Sheridan.
The Bridgers grades 3, 4, 5 meet in Room 2. Sally Andersen, Parker Collins, and Terri Martin are Bridgers Teachers this year.
The curriculum for Explorers, Artists, and Bridgers is We Believe. Class activities are adjusted for age-appropriate learning. September, October, and November classes include: Inherent Worth: What Does It Mean? Fair to Everyone. Inner Peace. Teachers and Learners. Deciding Together.
Youth Group Middle/High School meets most Sundays in Room 3/6 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Youth Group Advisors Jennifer Carver (402-0622) or Scott Geraci (877-6301).
In addition to the RE curriculum, children have several opportunities to participate in intergenerational services held throughout the year and two Youth Celebrations! with Rev. Robin Gray. The Intergenerational Service calendar is listed at the back of our RE Brochure. Feel free to pick one up whenever you visit our congregation.
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
In addition to our regular RE offerings, every three years UUCT offers Our Whole Lives , a series of sexual education curricula for grades K-1, grades 4-5, and grades 6-8. High School and adult courses are available as needed. Our Whole Lives is occurring in 2007 and 2008. The grades 6-8 OWL will occur throughout the year on Sunday evenings; OWL for grades 4 and 5 will be held in spring 2008. Parents are required to attend a mandatory orientation for all courses.
Our Whole Lives helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health and behavior. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Grounded in a holistic view of sexuality, Our Whole Lives provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills, and understand the spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of sexuality.
All OWL teachers receive UUA-recognized training and fulfill all safety requirements. Please contact DRE Keitha Whitaker (uukeitha@comcast.net) for more information.