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Religious Education News - March 2005
REjuvenation! ArchivesA Note from Reverend Bonnie
Our Whole Lives
I am in the middle of teaching this sexuality-education curriculum to our 7th -9th graders. This process has been absorbing my time and attention, but it also occurs to me that several points about good sexuality education may be made to families with younger children.
- The first point to be aware of in very young children is that they should be allowed to feel comfortable in their bodies. As they grow, it is natural for them to explore their bodies at bath time or at other times. Adults need to be aware of teaching them about basic health issues, such as not transmitting bacteria from their bottoms to other places on their bodies. Otherwise, however, this exploration is natural and no special attention should be paid to it. Children should also be encouraged to be active and enjoy physical movement.
- Teach children early that they have a right to privacy when it comes to their bodies. But be careful about language or attitudes that they should be ashamed or embarrassed about any aspect of their bodies.
- Children are naturally curious. They will ask questions. Answer their questions calmly and truthfully, but don't give them more information than they are asking for. They may see behavior in the media, at home, or at school that they don't understand. Explaining things calmly is better than letting them decide for themselves, or in conversations with friends, what that behavior means.
- Finally, the most important factor in healthy relationships when they grow older is learning good communication skills now. You can't really teach children good communication skills by telling them about these skills. Good communication needs to be modeled. Adults should take time, whenever possible, to listen to children, ask them questions, and repeat back to them what the adults understand them to be saying. I know you don't always have time for this! But try to make it a priority whenever possible. Also, modeling good communication skills in adult conversation will also help your children learn these skills.
The Our Whole Lives curriculum is very comprehensive and sensitively presented. It will be an excellent resource for your children when it is time . Meanwhile, you are your child's first "sexuality educator." I hope these ideas to keep in mind will give you some resources for that role.
Faithfully,
Bonnie
March RE Calendar
| March 6, Sunday | 9:15 am Nursery - 5th grade RE classes only 10:45 am Nursery - Senior High classes Both services Children K-5th grade begin in service for first 15 minutes, then attend class as usual 8:30 - 9:00 am & 10:00 - 10:30 am - Teacher Planning Coffees in room 001/childcare provided in room 006 10:15 - 10:45 am Chalice Choir rehearsal in music room |
| March 11, Friday | 9:30 - 11:00 am Playgroup meets in the nursery
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| March 13, Sunday | Youth Service Both services Children K-3rd grade begin morning in Children's Chapel Children 4th-5thgrade end morning in Children's Chapel RE Classes as usual 10:15 - 10:45 am Chalice Choir rehearsal in music room |
| March 20, Sunday | Both services Children K-3rd grade begin morning in Children's Chapel Children 4th-5th grade end morning in Children's Chapel RE Classes as usual 10:15 - 10:45 am Chalice Choir rehearsal in music room |
| March 27, Sunday |  Intergenerational Easter Sunday3 services 9:15, 10:15, & 11:15 am Children K-5th grade attend adult service Childcare in room 107 for Intermediate-Pre-K children Nursery in session as usual |
Mitrata-Nepal Night
For their spring social action project, our GATE * partners are sponsoring an enlightening evening of fun for the whole family - including Nepalese food, crafts and games - as a fundraiser for the Mitrata-Nepal Foundation. We'll even have a raffle! Tickets will go on sale in early April and will cost $5 per person, $10 for families.
The Mitrata-Nepal Foundation is an orphanage in Kathmandu. To quote their mission statement: "Mitrata, which means friendship in Nepali, was born out of the deep friendship between people of different cultures but with the same hearts. Many children in Nepal are without food, on the streets and/or unable to go to school because they are too poor. Medical care is not free. The country is very poor and government services are scarce or nonexistent. Because all US board members and program directors are volunteer staff, the donations go directly to the support of the children's programs not to administrative costs."
We are proud to be helping such a wonderful organization and hope that you will mark your calendar and plan to attend the festivities. Donations will be accepted if you are unable to attend the evening itself. We hope to see you there!
Teacher Planning Coffees - March 6
The Teacher Support Committee is hosting a planning coffee for spring teachers on Sunday, March 6 from 8:30 - 9:00 am & 10:00 - 10:30 am. There will be refreshments (bagels, donuts, coffee, juice) in Room 001 of the lower level, with childcare available down the hall in Room 006.
Teaching teams are strongly encouraged to meet for curriculum planning, any concerns or problems, or just for team building. Experienced teachers & RE Committee members will be on hand as well.
We hope to see many, if not most, of our spring teachers this morning.
Canned Foods Needed
We need canned foods for the Easter services. Please drop off your donations in Joan Casey's office no later than March 20.
Calling All Parents
Oh no! Children have been running amok in Adams Hall on Sunday mornings! While we love our little ones and their natural exuberance, we would like to remind parents that:
Running Children + Hot Coffee + Less Steady Folks = Accident Waiting to Happen
Please help us keep everyone safe and happy on Sundays. Thank you!
Additionally, children of any age should be supervised by an adult when playing on the playground. Younger children could get hurt and older children may hurt the equipment, as the equipment is designed for preschool aged children. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
Junior High Youth Project
The Jr High Youth Group will present their UUA Principles Project on March 4th at 6:30. There will be a scavenger hunt! Each principle will be hidden somewhere in Eliot Chapel for you to find. We are blessed at Eliot Chapel with creative and reflective youth. Come see what they have been up to. A Jr High Youth lock-in will follow to celebrate their work on the principles. For more details contact Susan Maginn at .
Playgroup Fun
If you've got a little one, come join us in the nursery at 9:30 am on Friday, March 11 for play (the kids) and conversation (the adults). See you there!
Easter
Note that there will be three Intergenerational Easter services on March 27. The nursery will be open as usual and childcare for preschoolers will be available in room 107 during all 3 services.
This newsletter is a product of the Eliot Chapel Religious Education Department. Please direct any articles, comments, or questions to Joan Casey (Religious Education Director) at 314-821-0911 or at . An article must be submitted no later than the 20th of each month to ensure it appearing in the next issue.
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