FPCU Religious Education Class Binder

1. FPCUReligious Education Class Binder Parent/Teacher Handbook: Important Information & Resources for teaching RE

3. Table of Contents • Weekly Log & Communication Sheets (In front pocket) • Need to Know Info • Class List • Allergy List • Peanut/Nut Free Snack List • Introduction • FPCU RE Calendar • Welcome to RE • Important Information for Teachers • Suggestions for Opening & Closing RE class • Tips for Teachers • RE Class Schedule (general outline) • Discipline Policy & Procedure • Curriculum / Class Supplies • Classroom Materials • Storage/Art Closet Materials • Curriculum Overview • Specific Curriculum Info for this class/grade • Special Programs • Group Lessons, Workshops, Special Holidays • Guidelines for Special Program Leaders • Forms for ordering/buying supplies • Registration Forms -For new students (In back pocket)

4. RE Church Calendar20 -20 Calendar for next RE year will go here!

5. Welcome to Religious Education ~ “Church School” In the religious education program here at FPCU, our interest is in nurturing spiritual growth and development. It may be helpful to consider “church school” as a form of worship, in which participants have the opportunity to experience and praise God, whether one believes God to be a loving creator, a spirit of union and connection, or life-giving and affirming principles and characteristics. When we enter into worship, ordinary time and space are transformed into sacred time and space. There is a RE Class Schedule posted in each classroom, however it is just a basic layout of how class could go, not how it has to go. During this time, you are the worship leader, and your experience of the time and your instincts about the process can guide you. The following pages have more suggestions for making this time a sacred and special time; So, take what works for you and leave the rest. And feel free to try your own ideas for creating a sacred space.

6. First Parish of Westford Cooperative Church SchoolInformation For Teachers • ALLERGIES:Any information the office receives about allergies is listed on the attendance sheet and posted in the classroom. • ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE: Children begin in worship with their parents before going to class. Class begins ~10:45. Class ends 11:30. 4th & 5th grade may be released to go upstairs on their own. PK-3rd grade children must wait in their classroom (or in the rec room) until their parents come down to get them. • ATTENDANCE:Record attendance on the sheet provided. For new students, please have parents fill out a registration form (copies are in the back of the class binder.) Attendance records are critical for our planning! Registration is as well; sometimes church school is the only contact a family has with FPCU, so getting addresses and telephone numbers is crucial to our ministry with them. • CLEAN UP: After class, please return the classroom to its previous state of order and cleanliness. Materials/Supplies away, folder returned to file in crate, chairs stacked, trash picked up, table(s) wiped etc. • CLOSING: Children remember most what happens last. Help them remember a peaceful and positive environment by creating a tradition for the end of class like a prayer, song or story, and encourage them to leave calmly when their parents arrive/when they are dismissed. • COMMUNICATION:Communicating with the DRE about anything can be done via e-mail (fpcu_dre@yahoo.com) or in writing (via the ‘class notes’ section of the class binder or by leaving a note in the DRE mailbox in the main office.) Please let the DRE know of any concerns, complaints and compliments, or if you need help, materials, or assistance with anything. Page 1

7. First Parish of Westford Cooperative Church SchoolInformation For Teachers • CURRICULUM:Curriculum is established by the RE Committee in conjunction with teachers. Class lessons are kept in the classroom crate-files are labeled with the lesson name and date. Teachers are responsible for looking over their lessons prior to class time and preparing for the activities. Folders get returned to the crate when class is over. • INTERGENERATIONAL SUNDAYS & WORKSHOPS: On IG Sundays there is NO CHURCH SCHOOL; all ages worship together. For workshops and group lessons, “assistants” are needed to help the leader(s) with crowd control. • OFFERING:When classes are in session, children share their offering during class time; a basket is in each classroom. A prayer is provided, to say after the offering, but feel free to use/make up your own! Many teachers begin class-after attendance-with the offering, using the prayer to settle the children down. Before class is over, the DRE will come and collect the offering from each room. • SUBSTITUTES:You are responsible for finding your own substitute. Please inform the DRE of any changes as soon as possible. • SUPPLIES: (See Supply Lists.) If you need special supplies, or you notice supplies are running out, please inform the DRE. You can also purchase supplies and be reimbursed by providing the DRE with the receipt and filling out a reimbursement form (reimbursement forms are found in the back of the binder.) Page 2

8. Suggestions for Opening & Closing RE Classes ~These or similar rituals will provide a grounding rhythm for classes, especially as teachers change and attendance is erratic. Feel free, of course, to create your own rituals, and adapt, add or delete each week as needed. • Circle: Begin every class with a worship circle. Kids are instructed to arrive in the class and sit on one of the chairs (or on the floor) in a circle. • Sharing:”Joys & Concerns” gives everyone in the circle a chance to share something significant about their week. You might also review the expectations for class behavior (rules/class covenant) • Candle: A candle is lit (by the teacher); the class is instructed that once the candle is lit, chatter ceases & they listen and focus. You might speak about the symbolism of the candle: the flame as a symbol of God’s presence in this place, a reminder of the spirit that unites us all, whatever candlelight means to you or what the kids are reminded of, etc. • Singing: Music is powerful. Share a simple song like, “The Lord is Good to Me”, “Let there be Peace on Earth”, one of the songs from worship, or a personal favorite. They don’t need to be overly religious-many children’s and camp songs are wonderfully spiritual. • Praying: Offer a prayer to begin the class, as your lighting the candle, after you collect the offering, and to end the class. They can be the prayers posted in the classroom, your own, or ones you write with the children. They do not have to be the same each week. • Closing: At the end of class, try to end with calm togetherness, rather than rushing-off chaos.

9. Teaching Tips & Reminders • Be prepared and ready to teach your lesson! Look through the folder and choose what part(s) of the lesson you want to do in class. Decide on readings, songs, worksheets, games/activities- and make copies of what you'll need to handout. Please note: You can change or add anything you want to the lesson...be creative! If you need help preparing the lesson, locating materials, or coming up with other ideas please e-mail the DRE. • Please take attendance carefully. If a child is not on your attendance sheet, please fill in their name and give their parents a blank registration form (found in the back of the class binder). • Collect offering and say a short prayer. The DRE will collect offering before the end of class. • Leave the classroom as neat as you found it. Return classroom supplies to the cart; storage room supplies back where you found them; lessons back in file folders; trash picked up; table(s) wiped; chairs stacked • Make a note of any ‘Need to Know’ info. There are “Weekly Log” forms in the back of the class binder-please fill out/make a note of anything you want/need to share with the DRE.

10. RE Class Schedule 10:45ish Leave Worship / Go To Classrooms 1. Attendance:Check off children who are here 2. Candle:Light candle-place in a safe spot Recite Prayer: We light this candle, full of gratitude For all of the blessings of our lives. May the light of this candle Be a sign of the light of God that burns within our hearts. 3. Offering:Pass basket around Recite Prayer: God, bless these offerings and the people who gave them. May we all find the joy in giving; For what we give might make a difference in the world. Amen * Joys & Concerns: Brief discussion: Sharing our recent experiences-the good, the bad, and the questionable! "What has brought you joy in the past week?" "Has anything good happened to you in the past week?" "What are you concerned about right now?" "Has anything gone wrong or upset you in the past week?" *Note: "Joys & Concerns" can be done at the beginning or at the end of the lesson. If you prefer, you can wait until the end of class-when everything else is done-and do it if there's time.

11. 4. Lesson: Prior to classyou should get your lesson folder (Folders are located in each RE Classroom Crate) Look through the folder and choose what part(s) of the lesson you want to do in class. Decide on readings, songs, worksheets, games/activities- and make copies of what you'll need to handout. Please note: You can change or add anything you want to the lesson...be creative! If you need help preparing the lesson, locating materials, or coming up with other ideas please e-mail the DRE. Basic Lesson Format: 1. Introduce Topic 2. Read Story 3. Discuss Story 4. Worksheet /Activity / Game / Project 5. Closing Prayer: Go into the world; See it's beauty. Take care of the world; See it's wonder. Enjoy the world; See it's goodness. Love the world; And see your love grow. Amen *Bible(s) Used:(found on bookshelf) *CD(s) Used:(found in/next to CD player; in PK-2nd grade)

12. Discipline Policy & ProcedureReligious Education ProgramFPCU INTRODUCTION Participants in the Religious Education (RE) program are notably respectful, attentive and positive contributors to activities. Occasionally, however, discipline problems arise. In response to several requests, the RE Committee has discussed policies with a number of parents and teachers; the following policy is now in affect. RULES FOR CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR “BEHAVIORAL COVENANT” In the first week or so of class, teachers should work with the class to develop rules for classroom behavior, or a “Covenant” for how we should all treat each other. Thankfully, many children are now familiar with a similar process in their public school classroom. It is hoped that children will be more likely to follow the Covenant when they have had input into its development. The Covenant should be posted in the classroom, and/or reviewed weekly at the beginning of class. Some items for the Covenant might include: “we listen when others are talking,” “we keep our hands to ourselves,” “we respect others and their property,” etc.

13. Consequences of Misbehavior “Discipline problems” are defined as:*Any violent act (hitting, throwing objects)*Ongoing repeated behavior (disrespecting, swearing, constant disruption) WITHIN THE CLASSROOM A sequential pattern is recommended for handling discipline in the classroom. These steps may be followed as a general rule, but teachers should use their discretion for each situation: IGNORE: Know when to be deaf and blind; An isolated or unobtrusive breach of discipline is frequently best overlooked. EYE CONTACT: Silently make the child aware that you see/are paying attention to their behavior. GENTLY CALLING A CHILD’S NAME: As with eye contact, if the child knows that he or she is being watched, his or her behavior may improve. INVOLVEMENT IN THE LESSON: Distract the child from misbehavior by bringing him or her into the lesson. Ask the child a question (that they know the answer to), or give them a “job”/responsibility. COVENANTAL REMINDER: Point to the Covenant posted in the classroom, or verbally remind the child of the class’ rules. MOVE CLOSER TO CHILD: Your physical presence may help the child calm down. PAUSE LESSON MOMENTARILY: Begin by praising those children that have been listening, “Thank you –so and so- for sitting so nicely.” Then speak directly to the disruptive child, “It makes me sad that you’re not listening/disrupting the story/activity that your friends want to hear/do…” Let the child know that if their disruptive behavior continues, he or she will be sent to the DRE. SENT OUT OF THE CLASSROOM If the techniques within the classroom have been pursued without success, the following steps will take place: • The teacher will send the child to the DRE. 2. The DRE will explain to the child what behavior is expected within the classroom, and the child will be returned to class, once ready-until then they will remain with the DRE. • The teacher and/or the DRE will notify the child’s parents. • If the problem persists, the DRE and teachers will contact the parents and work together on a solution. Any parent or teacher with thoughts or concerns about this or any other aspect of the RE program should not hesitate to speak with the RE Committee, the DRE, or the Pastor. Established January 2003; Revised June 2003; Slightly Modified March 2012

14. ClassroomSupply ListIf any of these items are missing from the classroom please inform the DRE directly or make a note on your weekly log sheet.Thank You Teacher Supplies: Pens & Sharpie Stapler & Staples Scotch Tape (& dispenser) Masking Tape Scissors Staple Remover Hole Punch Paper Clips Push Pins (Tacks) Ruler Post-it Notes Labels/Name Tags Index Cards (small & large) Matches (for candle) Dry Erase Markers & Eraser Paper Fasteners Band-Aides Hand Wipes & Disinfectant Wipes Kid Supplies: Pencils Colored Pencils Crayons Markers Scissors Glue / Glue Sticks Scrap Paper Lined Paper Construction Paper** Magazines Water Color Paints Misc Collage Materials** (cotton balls, popsicle sticks, Q-Tips, string, pipe cleaners) Coloring Sheets / Books ** Additional colors, items & other supplies found in RE storage closet **

15. Storage Closet SuppliesIf any of these items are missing from the storage closet, please inform the DRE directly or make a note on your weekly log sheet.Thank You Basics - Construction Paper - Banner Paper (small & large rolls) - Sticky Paper - Scrap Paper - Lined Paper/Notebooks - Poster Board - Paint - Paint Brushes - Food Coloring/Dye - Glue - Glue Gun / Glue sticks - Clay/Play-dough - Chalk - Bubbles - Bells - Candles/Candle Sticks - Elastics Recyclables - Toilet Paper Rolls/ Paper Towel Rolls - Popsicle Sticks - Empty Coffee Cans - Shoe Boxes - Paper Bags - Various Containers: Paper Plastic Tin - Paper/Plastic Plates / Cups Other - Soil - Various Craft Kits - Christmas Pageant Props & Costumes -Holiday Lesson Materials Advent & Passover - Maps -Posters Collage Materials - Glitter - Tissue Paper - Pipe Cleaners - Sequence - Beads - Google Eyes - Felt Pieces - Wallpaper Pieces - Pom-Poms - Cotton Balls - Foil Paper - Wrapping Paper - Yarn / String - Fake Flowers - Card Board Pieces

16. First Parish Church UnitedRE Curriculum FPCU is affiliated with both the United Church of Christ & the Unitarian Universalist Association. We believe "church school" should present religious content & knowledge with sensitivity to the diversity of belief present in our congregation. We encourage families to discuss the lessons with their children & help them to see the lesson through their own belief structure. Religious Education for children at FPCU emphasizes bible stories up through 3rd grade. 4th & 5th gradereflect on the qualities of our UU faith, and they also explore conflict and unfairness issues and positive ways of resolving conflict and promoting peace in their relationships. Middle School has a 3 year cycle: focusing on world religions, and then personal values & morals, culminating in an affirmation program in eighth grade. High School meets once a month for open discussion. **More specific info on each curriculum, and how to use it can be found in each grades classroom binder.** Pre-School/Pre-K The curriculum for PS/PK is based on the belief that preschool children gain a sense of belonging to their religious community and the Unitarian Universalist faith when they have concrete experiences with its people and places. Pre-School & Pre-K students will be using the UU curriculum Chalice Children: A Tapestry of Faith Program for Children. This curriculum will introduce the basic tenets of our UU faith to young children and their families. Those tenets are our love, our covenantal community, our celebration of diversity, a personal sense of wonder and awe, and our hope and work for a better world. In Chalice Children, young children learn about their congregation's people and explore the physical building and surroundings that the congregation calls "home." Kindergarten-2nd Grade The curriculum for grades KG-2 is based on bible stories; Children will become familiar with stories from both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures (Old and New Testaments.) The focus is to gain a basic understanding of the story and characters, as well as exploring possible interpretations of these stories. Bible stories are taught as meaningful stories, but "what to believe" is left to parents-and, later, children themselves- to determine. Lesson materials come from the UU curriculum Picture Book Bible Tales. This curriculum is fun, friendly and concise with teachable moments that introduce classic Bible tales to young elementary children. This program teaches Bible stories through a UU lens of cultural and historical context. It teaches children to be wise and informed decision makers in their journey toward spiritual maturity. It acquaints them with tales that are part of our culture and show them how to find universal messages of inspiration and hope. 3rd Grade Religious Education in 3rd grade marks a special milestone at FPCU, as students spend their final year exploring Bible stories and get ready to move onto UU based curriculums, in an effort to help our children define who they are in the larger faith community. 3rd grade RE lessons continue to build on the foundations of Bible Stories learned in earlier grades and also take a closer look at what our church and faith deems important. Attention is focused on the Bible as a collection of individual stories and verses in two large sections, The Old Testament and The New Testament. At the end of the RE year, 3rd grade students will receive 2 special books: • The Newly Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Gift & Award Bible is a bible that speaks in words that are used in everyday language, making it easier for young people to read and understand. *Children get to choose the color bible they want & their name is inscribed on the front cover! 2. Unitarian Universalism is a Really Long Name by: Jennifer Dant. "Simple language and appealing illustrations offer children accessible answers to commonly asked questions such as: Who are we?"

17. 4th & 5th Grade: The curriculum for 4th & 5th grade has had focus on a range of topics; Students at this level have taken a closer look at our denominational affiliations, the UCC and the UUA. More recently, they have been alternating the following two curriculums: 1. Toolbox of Faith.This curriculum invites participants to reflect on the qualities of our Unitarian Universalist faith, such as integrity, courage, and love, as tools they can use in living their lives and building their own faith. Each of the sessions uses a tool as a metaphor for an important quality of our faith such as reflection (symbolized by a mirror), flexibility (duct tape), and justice (a flashlight). Reflecting on the qualities (tools) of our faith, children and leaders gain insight into what makes faith important in their own lives and how they can grow within that faith. 2. Windows & Mirrors-A Tapestry of Faith Program for Children. This curriculum nurtures children's ability to identify their own experiences and perspectives and to seek out, care about and respect those of others. The program teaches that there are always multiple viewpoints and everyone's viewpoint matters. The metaphor of windows and mirrors represents the dynamic relationship among our awareness of self, our perceptions of others, and others' perceptions of us. Youth Group Our older youth in Middle School and High School (6th-12th grade) has laid the foundation to building a strong and lasting youth group that will have powerful impacts on the lives of many students. Focus this year: Self Reflection Introspection, and Faith. We will be focusing on faith, what that means to us, and how it affects our beliefs, philosophies, and daily lives. Through 10 planned Sunday lessons, various service trips, and reflections we want to help the youth to gain a firmer grasp of their own faith and what it means to them as well as themselves as a whole. -Youth Group will meet in the cozy corner on all “RE Lesson” Sundays. Students will also have opportunities to help lead group lessons and workshops for the PK-5th graders! -Any outings/field trips will be announced as they are planned, and will require chaperones and drivers! -We will be looking into a City Reach trip for March 27th!

18. Special ProgramsWorkshops, Group Lessons & Holiday Lessons Workshops There are approximately 4 workshops each year; 2 focusing on World Religions and 1-2 focusing on Social Justice. Workshops allow for great hands-on learning, cooperation and team work amongst the children PK-5th grade. Each year FPCU focuses on one World Religion to discuss/learn about; the World Religion Workshops are based on that one Religion. The workshops expose children to different traditions/customs and teach them about the beliefs of that religion. Through stories, visual aids, activities and crafts the children learn about the 'ways of others;' relating to the similarities in their own lives, while recognizing & appreciating the differences as well. The Social Justice Workshops focus on applying Christian values, recognizing current issues/events, helping others & making a difference. The lesson that takes place helps children gain a better understanding of the issue/event at hand and helps them to appreciate the importance of values-theirs and those of others. Hands-on activities have included bartering/trading (role-play), making/baking things to sell and donating the money to a charity/foundation, and making/giving something to someone in need. Volunteers for workshops have it easy...the workshop is planned and prepared by a specific leader(s) - usually the DRE or student minister- who gets everything ready and leads the lesson; those who volunteer come only to help with crowd control, aide the leader in any activities, and help with clean up! However, volunteers are more than welcome to lead a workshop, as well- please see “Guidelines for Special Program Leaders.” Group Lessons Group lessons are flexible and fun. They occur on long holiday weekends and the 1st Sunday of each school vacation week (Nov., Feb., April). They revolve around a theme, although there's not always an actual 'lesson' taught. The theme is usually seasonal based-not necessarily religious- focusing on the time of year or a specific holiday that is near. Volunteers for Group Lessons also have it easy; The lesson is planned and prepared by a specific leader -usually the DRE- who gets everything ready and leads the lesson; those who volunteer come only to help with crowd control, aide the leader in any activities, and help with clean up! Again, volunteers are more than welcome to lead a group lesson, as well (see 'Guidelines for Special Program Leaders' for more info.)

19. Holiday Lessons Holiday Lessons are similar to both group lessons and regular class lessons; Depending on the activity, it could be led by 1 person directing a large group, or it could be each of the volunteer teachers leading the lesson in their classrooms. Volunteers should prep by reading over any materials either way, but most likely, much of what is needed for the lesson and activities will be prepared already. Holiday Lessons are based on a specific holiday: Chanukah, Advent, Passover & sometimes Easter (depending where it falls on the calendar!) Focus on the lesson is based on how each holiday is celebrated. Chanukah:the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. It also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for 8 days. Activities include: making & playing with dreidels, making/decorating cookies, playing games, counting chocolate coins, making & eating latkes Advent:meaning "coming" or "arrival". The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). Activities include: making advent wreaths Passover:the 8 day observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II. A time of family gatherings and lavish meals called Seders, the story of Passover is retold through the reading of the Haggadah. With its special foods, songs, and customs, the Seder is the focal point of the Passover celebration. Activities include: making a Seder plate/tasting various Passover foods & learning what each food represents Easter:the springtime holiday marking the resurrection of Jesus and the renewal of the Christian faith. Activities include: various spring time crafts/activities, celebrating 'new life'

20. Guidelines for Special Program Leaders(Holiday Lessons, Group Lessons, Workshops) Workshops & Group Lessons Thank you for agreeing to help with the special programs in RE at FPCU! These opportunities to learn about religious traditions (ours and those of others) as well as opportunities to learn about things like music, nature, ways of life and outreach, are the days that make church school at FPCU unique. The guidelines below detail the steps you need to complete as a leader of a special program, as well as some of the resources available to you. Your participation and feedback are greatly appreciated. Responsibilities • When: Confirm the date(s) of your program with your own calendar and the DRE (and the church office-if your program doesn't fall on a Sunday!) Please complete this 3 months before the event, or as soon as possible. • What: Determine the topic/theme of your program. Please complete this 2 months before the event and be prepared to present your lesson & plan at an RE meeting. Feel free to speak to the DRE, RE Committee, or the Pastor about the overall curriculum, perspective of FPCU, etc. as you decide what you will address in the lesson(s). The DRE will provide you any materials they have regarding your topic/lesson. Also, take the following into account: * Generally, these are multi-age activities (5-12years) * "Class time" is approximately 45 minutes * Communicating 1 or 2 basic ideas is more successful than a broad overview. THIS CANNOT BE OVEREMPHASIZED!! Time is short, attendance is erratic, kids vary greatly. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO SHARE WITH THEM? *Interactive/hands-on activities are usually more interesting and instructive for kids. If there is a snack that ties in to the program, that's usually very successful too! • Who: Usually K-5th participate in the group lessons & workshops, determine what age/grades your program is suited for...will it accommodate all, some or more (i.e.: middle school)? Determine how much help you will need- how many parent volunteers? (The DRE will usually recruit volunteers-unless you have pre-determined helpers!)Determine what/how much help you will need from the DRE, if any.Please complete this 2 months before the event, or as soon as possible. • How Much: Confirm the budget for your program with the DRE. Determine ahead of time what materials /special supplies you will need, and if they need to be ordered/purchased.

21. Guidelines for Special Program Leaders(Holiday Lessons, Group Lessons, Workshops) • Communication: You are responsible for communicating your plans for the program with: - RE Committee, DRE, Pastor, Church Office - Church School parents & kids - Congregation as a whole, community and press as appropriate Communication resources include: - Sunday bulletin, Sunday morning announcements, Parish Post - Notices sent home, phone calls, e-mail - Attending 1 or more RE Committee meeting Items to communicate include: - Inform the entire congregation of what is happening, and when (at least 1 article in Parish Post before event & one in bulletin the day of) - Remind kids of special things they are supposed to prepare or bring - Remind chaperones to be present and detail their responsibilities - Provide "tie-ins" for the rest of the congregation through bulletin inserts - Get everyone excited about the program • Space: Usually the open area downstairs ("Rec. Room") is used for group lessons & workshops. Depending on group size and number of activities, the classrooms can also be used, or more tables can be brought out into the open area. Take into account the space needed for each activity and the estimated attendance, and decide before the event how you're going to set up/what you're going to use (tables & chairs). Make sure you clean and put things back, where you found them. • The Children: The safety of the children is, of course, our highest priority. Please reflect on how the children will get to the program as smoothly as possible, how to help all ages feel included, how to keep track of all the children participating, and how to dismiss them to parents in a relatively orderly manner. The DRE will assist with this! Attendance MUST be taken, as always! • The Big Day: Make sure everything is set up...children get impatient and rowdy when made to wait- the more you have prepared, the better! Have everything on hand...and inform helpers/chaperones of what is going to happen (what you need them to do), so they can help to make transitions run smoothly. • After the Big Day: Make notes regarding what worked, what didn't, what you'd do differently, and what you'd retain. Keep a copy of your lesson/plan, along with all the resources you used, and notes about the program and give them to the DRE to file away for future reference.

22. Guidelines for Special Program Leaders(Holiday Lessons, Group Lessons, Workshops) Resources People: These people are particularly willing and able to give you any support you need, including directing you to other resources. *Director of Religious Education *Pastor *RE Committee *Youth Group Advisor Supplies: Supplies & materials can be found downstairs in the RE Storage Closet; there are also more basic materials found in each classroom, along with the shelf in the rec room. Please check there for anything you need, and return materials when finished. The DRE can help you locate supplies, or purchase them for you; please speak to the DRE at least 1 month before event if supplies need to be purchased. You can also purchase supplies yourself and be reimbursed. Please check with the DRE regarding the budget before purchasing! Books: FPCU has a large "library" of books, with all sorts of resources for research, activities, and story time. Story books, bibles & song books can be found on the bookshelves down in the rec room (few can be found in the classrooms as well). Activity books (activity, craft & project ideas) can be found down in the rec room on the shelf labeled "Parent/Teacher Resources" (some may also be found in the DRE's office). Resource books & Files (info on curriculum, lesson topics, and world religions can be found in the DRE's office (few can be found in the rec room & storage closet as well). The DRE can help locate the books you're looking for-just let them know in advance what you need. Throughout the process please remember how grateful we are for your creativity, energy, and leadership. Please let the RE Committee know immediately if they can do anything to help. Thank You Again!

23. Special Program Lesson PlanThis form will help you get organized and prepared for your program; It will also serve as a reference in the future, please save it!~Thank You Program Leader(s): __________________________________________ Date(s) of Program: ____________________________ # of Volunteers/Helpers Needed: _______ Estimated Budget: __________ Space Needed / # of Tables Required: ______________________________ Special Program Category: (Circle One) World Religion WorkshopSocial Justice WorkshopGeneral Group Lesson Program Title/Theme: ____________________________________________ What will the children learn/gain through this lesson?  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Reading/Story/Book/Song: ______________________________________________________________ Discussion:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Activity 1: ________________________________________________ Materials/Supplies Needed: ____________________ ___________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ___________________ Activity 2: ________________________________________________ Materials/Supplies Needed: ____________________ __________________ ____________________ ____________________ __________________ ____________________ *Feel free to use the back of this form, or another piece of paper, to write down anything else of importance to your program lesson! ~Thank You Again!!