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 Unitarian Universalist Society of Laconia 172 Pleasant Street • Laconia, New Hampshire 03246 • 603 524-6488 |
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About Our Children's Religious Education
Program The following are frequently asked questions about the children's religious education (RE) program at our society. We hope this is helpful to both new and returning families, and encourage you to contact a member of the Religious Education Committee if you need additional information. What ages participate in the program? We have three groups, for children ages 3-12 (preschool through 7th grade.) There are older youth who participate in church activities on occasion throughout the year, but do not meet on a regular basis. Our long range plan is to expand our program slowly, to include our youth right through high school. What topics are covered during the year? Our children's program is based on four elements: Unitarian Universalist Identity, Judeo-Christian Heritage, World Religions, and Values/Character Development. We select curriculum materials for the younger elementary group that allow us to touch on all four elements during the program year. The older elementary/middle school group will utilize selected curriculums that allow for more in-depth exploration of the elements. The pre-K group uses one of three curriculums developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association, on a rotating basis. There are also sessions during the year which bring all of the children together for a large group activity such as a play. Do the children spend all their time in RE program activities? In our church, we believe it is important for the children to feel connected to the larger church family. Every Sunday, they join the adults for the first 15-20 minutes of the service, during which there is a story time specifically designed for them. There are also opportunities for Inter-generational services throughout the church year. Where do the groups meet? The pre-K group meets in the Religious Education room, downstairs toward the rear of the building. The younger elementary group meets in the Fellowship Hall downstairs, and the older elementary/middle school group meets in the Alliance room. The nursery is at the foot of the stairs off the foyer. How can I find out more about the curriculums, and the Sunday topics? The curriculum materials are available at the church in the Religious Education room, and can be reviewed at any time. There are calendars for all three groups which identify the specific topics for each Sunday. The leader sign-up list also lists the topic of each session. Who are the teachers? We don't often use the term "teacher", because in Unitarian Universalist religious education the children are not "taught" specific doctrine or beliefs. Rather, they are engaged in interactive experiences which provide them with opportunities to experience a wide range of religious ideas and develop their own beliefs. The adults serve as leaders and facilitators, and are not expected to have all the answers to the big questions of life! Most of our sessions are led by parents of children in the program, with other members of the congregation also participating. We do not have any paid staff working in our program. If I sign up as a leader, how will I know what to do? It is our policy to match new leaders with experienced leaders until they feel comfortable with the children and the process. Our Child and Youth Protection policy requires participation in our society for three months before serving as co-leader, and six months before leading a group independently. Leaders are given detailed session plans to follow, with specific instructions and background information. Materials are prepared ahead of time and supplies are available in the RE office. Leaders are encouraged to be creative and modify session plans if desired. What if my child is hesitant about attending the RE program? Sometimes children are not ready to join a group until they have spent some time at the church in the company of their parents. Children are certainly welcome to remain in the sanctuary until they are more comfortable here. Parents may also accompany their child to RE activities for several sessions, if that is necessary. Nursery care is available for children under the age of 3. Some preschoolers choose to remain in the nursery a little longer, but generally once they try the RE program they enjoy it very much. Children are expected to attend RE activities or remain with their parents in the sanctuary once they reach kindergarten age. How do I register my child? Registration forms are available in the foyer, along with the yearly calendar. See one of the members of the Religious Education Committee, if you can't find a form. Completed forms may be given to the RE Committee chairperson, mailed to the church or left in the Religious Education mail slot in the Alliance room. How do I sign up to be a leader? The sign-up list is posted on the bulletin board in the hallway just outside the Alliance room. Select the sessions that interest you, and sign your name in the appropriate space. If you are new to the society, speak to a member of the committee before you sign up, so we can be sure you are paired with an experienced leader. Who runs the program? In larger churches, there is usually a paid Director of Religious Education (DRE) who coordinates the program with the support of a Religious Education Committee. Our society is considered a small church, and does not yet have the resources to hire a DRE. There is a volunteer who is the chairperson of the Religious Education Committee and who carries out most of the administrative functions. Members of the RE committee also assume responsibility for assisting leaders on Sunday mornings. Who are the Religious Education Committee members? Peg Tetreault, Colleen Bownes and Mary Michaud |
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