The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica

Elementary Schoolers

Lower Elementary Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Curriculum: Spirit Play
Class names: Seekers at 9:00 and Imagineers at 11:00
Meets in the Southeast room of the Cottage

Based on the Montessori method, and drawing on a “morning-as-worship” model, “Spirit Play” embraces self-directed learning, creative expression, multiple learning styles, cooperation and respect within a classroom community, the sacred mystery of life, and a commitment to freedom in spiritual exploration. Through story, wondering, and creative art response, children make meaning of the language of our faith and life's questions.

Stories that will be presented in the Spirit Play class will relate to our three areas of focus for this year: UU Principles (Sept.-Nov.), Faith in Action (Dec.-Feb.), and Jewish and Christian Heritage (Mar-May).

Upper Elementary 3rd – 5th Grade
Curriculum: We Believe, Faith in Action, Bibleodeon
Class names: Centerquest at 9:00 and Explorers at 11:00
9:00 class meets in the Library (center room) of the Cottage
11:00 class meets in the Churchview room of the Cottage

Through both active and reflective learning models, 3rd-5th graders will begin the year with in-depth exploration of Unitarian Universalist principles. Our seven UU principles are a beautiful articulation of what we have in common as UU’s—not always what we believe, but how we believe. Then in December we’ll shift to a service-based Faith in Action theme. Building on our exploration of the principles, student and teachers will work together to choose and carry out service projects to make a difference in our church community, in our city, and in the world. In March we’ll move on to our third trimester, with a focus on exploring our Jewish and Christian heritage, with lessons from a UU curriculum called “Bibleodeon.” We feel this is an important unit of study to help our young people build cultural literacy, an understanding of our own Unitarian and Universalist roots, and familiarity with the sacred stories of these two major world faiths.

This year’s themes in both of our elementary classes are part of a three-year theme rotation in our elementary programs which also includes exploring World Religions, Spiritual Practices and UU History.