"Religious Education" Page of IdahofallsUU.org Website

Unitarian Universalist Church in Idaho Falls A welcoming religious home celebrating the inherent worth of every person

About Us	Our Minister	Contact Us	Find Us	Home

Sundays

News and Events

Behind the Scenes

What UU's Believe

UU Links

Watch a video to learn more:

Voices of a Liberal Faith (10-minute video)

Is God Keeping You From Going to Church? (30-second video)

UUCIF Religious Education & Exploration

A "Cooperative" program for children and youth emphasizing values clarification, spiritual development, social responsibility, and honoring our relationships with one another and with all life.

The objective of our Church School is to provide the setting, the resources, the incentive, and the compassionate and interactive instruction which will enable our children to better understand themselves and others, the world around them, and some of the important aspects of the worlds religions in order to achieve religious liberty.

We help children to understand some of the important aspects of the world's religions and respect for the faith of others.

We offer an opportunity for children to learn about their own "spirituality" and the diverse ways that people honor the mysteries of life.

Children are encouraged to develop compassion and a socially responsible attitude toward others.

Programs integrate Unitarian Universalist principles, history and values.

...honoring our relationships with one another and all life...

Methodology

The Unitarian Universalist Association has developed a broad range of classroom topics that cover ages from preschool to high school, as well as adult continuing religious education classes. The children's program is a cooperative one; parents will be expected to participate by taking turns as teachers or classroom aides. This allows families to experience and grow their UU failth together.

Though each week's lesson is a unified class, children benefit from regular attendance which will help them to build relationships with their peers and members of the congregation and will provide them a sense of belonging in their church home.

Classes usually include a gathering time, a story to reinforce the principle or theme and a craft or activitiy,a discussion period, and closure of the topic. Children are encouraged to express their opinions and ideas.

Features

Childcare is provided in the Rainbow Room for those toddler age and below. The Rainbow Room has a crib, chaning station, rocking chair, books, toys and music. Parents and nursing mothers are welcome. Toddler gates and experienced, personable childcare is provided.

Preschool classes usually include the three to five year olds and are held in the Teton Room. The course material emphasizes personal awareness and awakening to others and the external world. There is a focus on activities to keep both hands and minds busy.

Elementary classes for six to eight year olds addresses a variety of life situations, such as birht, death, fears and relationships.

Preteen classes learn about the various aspects of the worlds religions, as well as the origins, history of famous people who were Unitarian Universalists. Students are encouraged to consider the ways that culture and environment influence what pople believe and how they determine what to value and what is true.

These 9 to 12 year old students have an opportunity to participate in age-appropriate programs and activities that will help them develop as sense of community.

Teens-Youth Group. Our Young Religious Unitarian Universalists are youth with their own ideas and we encourage them to explore their own beliefs, attitudes and values within a safe environment. Our Youth Group Advisors work with UU Youth to plan educational, spiritual, social and social justice activities and projects.

School Year 2008-2009 Classes

If you have any questions, would like to enroll your children, or would like to participate, please contact Rev. Cameron or Diane or members of the RE&E committe.

Preschool Program - Celebrating Me and My World
   A year-long program which has sections on uniqueness of self, understanding the senses, relationships with others, and investigating the world of nature.

Elementary program - Experiences with the Web of Life
   A curriculum designed to involve the children in the Unitarian Universalist Principles of respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

   The children will develop awareness of their place within the web of life, a sense of awe and comfort with change, including birth and death, respoect for all living things and a desire to protect the earth and its natural resources.

Preteen - Travel in Time
   A "Time Machine" is employed to go back to the beginneing, explore the early settler's religions, freedom of religion, human rights, and UU history, culminating in poanning and creating a newspaper with the assistance of experienced adult members.