Through stories, crafts, games, and hands-on activities, children explore religions and cultures from around the world while discovering Unitarian Universalist values of love, justice, equity, pluralism, transformation, generosity, and interdependence. This class celebrates the many ways people find meaning and helps children appreciate both differences and common ground.  Sessions include:

ABCs of the World’s Religions–Explore the sacred spaces, holy days, and rituals of world religions.  People celebrate and believe in many different ways–and that diversity is something to honor and learn about.

 

Elle the Humanist–This story explores humanism nd its relationship to religions.  Many UUs are humanists, including atheistic, agnostic, spiritual, and religious folks.

 

Eve and Adam and Their Very First Day–In this retelling of the Garden of Eden story, we’ll explore how there are lots of different stories of how humans and our world began, and they can be both beautiful and scary.

 

The Everything Seed–Exploring the Big Bang–what science tells us about the origin of our world.  This story can be beautiful to many people, whether they consider themselves religious, spiritual, humanist or other.

 

How the World Was Made: A Cherokee Story–An indigenous origin story of how the plants and animals worked together to create the Earth from a great ocean of water.

 

Grandmother Fish–A journey through evolution, from Grandmother Fish to Grandmother Human. Children wiggle, chomp, squeak, hoot, and talk their way through the story of how all living things are connected.

 

Each Breath a Smile–An introduction to mindful breathing for young children. Mindful breathing helps us feel calm and enjoy a deeper relationship with our friends, family, and the world around us.

 

Lighting a Lamp: A Diwali Story–Diwali is a festival of lights that helps us learn about Hindu traditions of celebration, family, and the triumph of light over darkness.

 

The Brave Little Parrot— A retelling of a Jataka Tale in which Buddha, in a past life as a parrot, pours tiny droplets of water over a raging forest fire. His compassion moves a god to tears, and those tears extinguish the fire.  Moral–Even the smallest act of courage and compassion can make a big difference— just like the brave little parrot.

 

Junior Kumbhakarna–Every night, Kukku asks his father to tell him about Kumbhakarna, the giant from the Ramayana who sleeps for six months straight. As Kukku listens, he drifts off to sleep just like the giant — dreaming of the hilarious efforts to wake him up.

 

Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti–Anansi sets out on a difficult journey and is saved by his sons. What follows explains how the moon came to be.  Many cultures around the world have stories that help explain natural things and these stories can teach us wisdom about family and fairness.

 

This is the Stable–An introduction to the Christian story of the birth of Jesus in a stable surrounded by animals and visited by shepherds and wise men.The Nativity is an important story in Christianity that teaches about hope, humility, and welcoming new life into the world.

 

Our Table–A girl remembers when her family gathered around the table to share meals and make memories. Her story is a gentle reminder of the importance of connection and spending meaningful time with loved ones.

 

The Big Orange Splot–Mr. Plumbean lives on a street where all the houses look the same, until a seagull drops paint on his roof and he transforms his house to reflect who he truly is. The message–our world is more beautiful when everyone lets their true self shine.

 

The Day You Begin–Through courage and connection, children of diverse backgrounds discover that their unique experiences are beautiful and worth sharing.  Big idea: If we share who we are, we will find connection and belonging.

 

The Rabbit Listened–When something sad happens to Taylor, different animals offer their own solutions — but none feel right, until the rabbit arrives and simply listens. This story teaches the comfort and healing power of being heard and understood.

 

Not Quite Narwhal–Kelp always assumed he was a narwhal, but goes on a journey of self-discovery and learns he can identify however he wants. Message–you can identify however you choose and be in community with whomever brings you joy. 

 

I Am Enough–—Diverse characters affirm that every child is enough.  No matter who you are, you matter.

 

Stone Soup–Three monks encourage a town to embrace generosity by showing how a little whimsy and a lot of cooperation can create plenty out of scarcity. When everyone contributes a little, we can create something wonderful together. Generosity and cooperation make our community stronger.

 

They All Saw A Cat–Different animals encounter the same cat, but each one sees something completely different based on who they are. Our unique perspectives shape the way we see the world around us.

 

Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr Story–A simple introduction to the Islamic festival of Ramadan. Follow a family as they fast each day, go to the mosque on the Night of Power, and enjoy a delicious feast at Eid.

 

The Girl with Big, Big Questions–A curious girl loves asking big questions about the world around her — questions so big that the people in her life don’t always know what to do with them. But when she discovers that her questions can actually help her community solve problems and see things in new ways, she learns that curiosity is a powerful tool for making the world a more fair and caring place.

 

I Am Human: A Book of Empathy–A child explores what it means to be human through moments of joy, sadness, mistakes, and learning. This story teaches us that we all have the power to make kind choices and build just communities.

 

Hilwa’s Gifts–Ali visits his grandfather in Palestine and learns about the ancient tradition of olive harvesting from their favorite tree, Hilwa. This story teaches us to be grateful for community and what the earth gives us. 

 

Earth Day Birthday–We will celebrate the Earth Day holiday by reading (or maybe singing!) a book set to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”, honoring twelve North American species in their natural habitats.

 

Henry Builds a Cabin–Bear Henry builds a cabin bit by bit. Friends say it’s too small, but Henry shows them how parts of his home are outdoors — like his vegetable garden dining room. We learn that we can find joy and purpose in simple living connected to the world around us.

 

My Friends–A young girl shares all the things she has learned from her friends — both human and animal — like jumping, climbing, and running. The book celebrates how we learn valuable lessons from everyone around us.

 

Henry Hikes to Fitchburg–Two friends decide to meet in Fitchburg. Henry walks while his friend works all day to earn the train fare. His friend misses what Henry discovers: nature’s beauty along the way.

 

I Am Connected–We are all connected. Whether it is with your family, the mossy earth beneath your feet, the warm guidance of your ancestors, you belong in connection with all around you.

 

Whoever You Are–We celebrate the diversity of children around the world and the many things they have in common — showing that despite different homes, languages, and customs, children everywhere laugh, cry, and love.