Sharon and Sky and I had a very productive discussion after church today about the future of the children's program, and we agreed that we need to have a meeting with all the parents and/or teachers to plan where to go from here.
Some things that we need to talk about are:
1. Trying out and choosing a new curriculum so that teachers feel more supported in planning lessons and there is more continuity for the kids.
2. Possible teacher training workshops to help us all feel more comfortable using a child-centered teaching style--Sky says that Lindsey Mainland has written a book on the subject and might be willing to help us with that.
3. Finding a regular mechanism to get feedback from the kids to help us all reflect on how well we're meeting their needs and how we can improve.
4. Choosing and planning activities to help the kids find community with one another, maybe even just having fun activities some Sundays in lieu of a lesson.
5. Finding and paying someone who will teach the younger children. It has been suggested that they use the Unity lessons we already have.
6. Finding a safe way for the kids to be active during after-church discussion groups and meetings--maybe installing some playground equipment?
That's a lot to discuss, but I know we can do it! Sharon suggested that I write a couple of "Vision Statements" (Unity versions of Mission Statements :) about the Children's Program and I am working on those. For now, let's just focus on the theme of "Empowering Children" as we formulate ideas to bring to the discussion. Some examples are giving them active and engaging learning experiences that help them construct their own spiritual values, and creating a dynamic learning community where every child feels that he or she has something valuable to contribute.
Can everyone meet after church on March 9th? It's the Sunday that the kids will be rehearsing. Please let me know.
Thanks and Peace,
Christy
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2 comments:
Here is what I am going to work on:
1. Lifting up your Leadership
2. Developing "Kid Magnet Sundays" so that we can have more of a critical mass of kids at church for Sunday School (maybe on an every other week basis)
3. Lifting up an intention for the emergence of teachers. I am thinking two, three, or four teachers who would be willing to make a bigger commitment for a set period of time, maybe three months, maybe six month, maybe for a year. Maybe teams of teachers?
How does this intention sound to you? I am sure that if we all get a single clear intention in our minds, it will appear.
Thanks for your generous spirit and energy!
Sky
Christy,
Even though I no longer have small kids, I so appreciate your dedication and enthusiasm regarding the Unity Youth. I sure wish I could have found Unity when my kids were growing up!
Thanks for all your work.
Blessings,
Peggy
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