Youth Curriculum, 1-24-26

Announcements: 

Parents— We’re excited to share that we will be launching our Quarterly Parent Meet-Up Workshop Series beginning the second week of February. These gatherings will continue every second month and the second week of each quarter, offering space for connection, conversation, and support around what youth and teens are experiencing. More details and your invite for our first meet-up on Friday, February 13th, at 5:30 pm will be shared soon—we look forward to growing a strong family together.

January Theme: Revolutionary Agreements – Living in Truth
Week 4 Value: I Agree to Keep Doing What Works and Change What Doesn’t
Affirmation: I agree to keep doing what works and change what doesn’t.

Curriculum Overview

This week invites youth and teens to practice flexibility and conscious growth as spiritual skills. Rather than staying stuck in habits that no longer serve them, youth learn to notice what supports their well-being and what is ready for change. This lesson reinforces that growth is not about being wrong—it’s about being awake, responsive, and willing to choose differently when needed.

Spiritual Lesson

It can feel easier to repeat familiar patterns than to pause and reassess them. This Agreement teaches that wisdom comes from noticing results and responding with intention. Youth explore how habits, thoughts, and reactions either support their values or limit their growth. Changing direction is framed as self-respect and maturity, not failure. Awareness allows youth to keep what works and gently release what doesn’t.

Spiritual Practice: Truth Tune-Up Pause

Youth are guided through a short reflective pause, noticing how their body and emotions respond when something is working well versus when it feels off. They silently reflect on a habit or behavior and ask, Does this support me? This practice strengthens discernment and reinforces that inner awareness leads to empowered choices.

Active Listening: Book / Music / Video

Younger Children (Ages 4–7)

• Book: What If… — Samantha Berger (encourages trying new ideas)
• Music: “Take a Breath” – Kira Willey
  Encourages pausing and breathing when big feelings arise.
• Video: Butterfly Breath for Kids (1:26)
  Introduces simple breathing for emotional regulation.

Children & Preteens (Ages 7–12)

• Book: Out of My Mind — Sharon M. Draper (emotional awareness & voice)
• Music: “Try” – Colbie Caillat
  Encourages self-reflection, gentleness, and self-acceptance.
• Video: “Pause & Think” – GoNoodle (3:00)
  Reinforces pausing before reacting through movement and humor.

Teens (Ages 13–16)

• Reading: Revolutionary Agreements by Marian Head – excerpt on conscious choice and adaptability
  Supports reflection on growth through awareness and intentional change.
• Music: “Unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield
  Celebrates possibility, agency, and choosing new directions.
• Video: Why We Get Stuck in Habits – TED-Ed (4:30)
  Explores how habits form and how conscious change becomes possible.

Creative Expression: Truth Tune-Up Wheels

Youth complete Truth Tune-Up Wheels, identifying habits, thoughts, and behaviors that support their well-being and those ready for adjustment. Younger youth use colors and symbols, while teens label patterns and set small, realistic shifts. This activity reinforces that self-reflection leads to empowered growth.

Connecting: Keep It / Change It Toss

Youth engage in a playful tossing game using two labeled baskets: KEEP IT and CHANGE IT. As examples are called out, youth decide where each belongs based on what supports healthy choices. This embodied activity reinforces discernment, flexibility, and joyful participation in growth.