Curricula for 2010-2011

Nursery (ages 6 weeks to about 2)

Our youngest members and friends learn about Unitarian Universalism being the church of the loving heart and welcoming hands through loving care with our nursery care provider. The nursery is located near the Sanctuary for easy access and adjustment for the child and parents, and is staffed by two paid care providers. Quiet babies in arms are welcome in the service and there is a quiet room in the balcony as well.

Story Time Class (ages 2-3)

Our young preschoolers meet for a class with some simple rituals, some fun songs and sometimes even a very simple craft. The Story Time class meets on the lower level in the North Classroom. link

Spirit Play Class (ages 4-5)

Children join together in a fun-filled active time, led by specially trained volunteers. This group uses a Montessori based approach called Spirit Play. Each week the children will see a story presented in a specific way. Following the story the children will choose to play out one of the stories from previous weeks, or to create some art, or another activity available on our shelves. The class ends with a closing ritual. Children who are nearing four may attend this class on a trial basis, with an evaluation by the teachers after two weeks of attendance. This class meets on the lower level in the South Classroom.

Early Elementary (K-1st grade)

Our focus for these growing children is nurturing their spiritual and religious growth through connections to their ever-widening environment. They explore selves, friendships, families, church, nature, and religious and cultural days. Through ritual, sharing times, quiet times, crafts, activities, singing and music, games and movement, stories and talks, they learn to appreciate the worth of each person, to express feelings, to celebrate human diversity, and to feel part of their faith community. This class meets on the Sanctuary level in the Fireside Room.

Middle Elementary (2nd-3rd grade)

Our middle elementary class begins the journey toward a very individual identity and faith formation. The class is interactive with concrete stories and activities but begins to engage their emerging conceptual thinking skills. The 2nd and 3rd graders meet on the stage in the Social Hall and are using the solid "Spirit of Adventure" curriculum by Katie Covey.

Older Elementary (4th and 5th grade)

This class will engage our older children in exploration of self that is designed to help them seek and begin to develop their own answers to deep life questions about human faith and the web of all existence. This group uses curriculum "The Questing Year" by Richard and Tirrel Kimball and meets on the top floor in the Library.

6th and 7th grade

The Unitarian Universalist faith comes from a long tradition of questioning and searching. We also come from a long tradition of loving kindness and good works. We have powerful stories and visions of hope. Our teachers will share this living history with our middle school class as they begin the process of shaping their own faith. The 6th and 7th grade class will use "Traditions With a Wink" by Katie Covey and meets on the top floor in the Youth Room with couches and a mini-fridge.

8th and 9th Grade

The older teens explore their own faith through the lens of other faiths. Following a long Unitarian Universalist tradition that included “The Church Across the Street” and “Neighboring Faiths” our congregation has been selected to beta test a new curriculum called “Building Bridges” which invites a deep and respectful study of many faiths. This class includes some field trips during non-church times to visit other houses of worship. This class meets in the Administrative Office on the Sanctuary level. Visiting 8th and 9th grade students are welcome to join the 6th and 7th grade class if this group is away on a visit.

Middle Age Group (6th-8th grade)

Pre-teens and teens who are interested in fun outings and activities with friends from church will enjoy time with the MAGs! We have about four outings per year planned to places like the West Seattle Bowl and Laser Quest.

Youth Group (7th-12th grade)

Our youth are invited to participate in a fantastic opportunity to grow and learn within our youth programming. Social activities combine with social action, spiritual growth, learning together and positive youth and adult interaction to form a strong youth group. The group meets the first and third Sundays of the month; refer to the congregation's calendar posted on the website for details of meeting times.