Youth Curriculum, 2-23-25
Curriculum Overview:
Youth learn that letting go of expectations, fears, and the need always to be right allows them to live more fully in the present and connect with others through love. By exploring mindfulness, trust, and release, they gain a deeper understanding of how embracing change leads to personal growth and a more compassionate world.
February Monthly Theme: Love
Week 4 Value: Letting Go: A New Way of Being Together
Affirmation: “I release what I cannot control and open my heart to love, trust, and new possibilities.”
Spiritual Lesson:
Through interactive activities, stories, and discussions, youth will explore the concept of letting go as a path to deeper self-awareness and connection with others. They will practice mindfulness, release emotional burdens, and discover how trust, love, and presence can transform their daily lives.
Mindfulness: “The Release Box”
Youth write down something they are holding onto, place it in a box or envelope, and discuss how letting go can create space for love and understanding.
Active Listening: Book/Music/Video
- Book: What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada
- Music: One Day by Matisyahu (A song about hope and unity)
- Book: Anh’s Anger by Gail Silver (A story about mindfulness and emotions) (younger class)
- Music: Peace Like a River – Traditional Spiritual (younger class)
Creative Expression: Trust & Flow
In a blindfolded partner activity, youth navigate an obstacle course, learning how trust and surrendering control can strengthen relationships. We discuss how letting go is not about giving up—it’s about creating space for love, trust, and new possibilities in our hearts and relationships.
Connecting: Breathing Like the Wind:
Through movement, children explore how their breath and body can shift from a strong wind to a gentle breeze, learning how to calm themselves.