Youth Curriculum, 9-8-24
Announcements:
Join us Saturday, September 14th, from 3-5:30 pm, for the Youth & Family Parent Workshop: “Growing Together: Nurturing Spiritual Growth in Children and Families.” Dive into strategies for deepening family connections, fostering your child’s spiritual development, and creating a spiritually enriched home. Enjoy snacks, childcare, and the chance to connect with like-minded families. Let’s learn, share, and grow together!
Curriculum Overview:
Youth will explore the concept of Oneness, learning how to recognize and honor the divine in themselves and others. Through stories, discussions, and interactive activities, they will begin to understand that we are all connected and that by embracing this connection, we can create more peace in our lives and the world around us. The children will be introduced to the idea that even when we feel different from others, we can still find common ground by seeing the good in everyone and practicing compassion.
September Monthly Theme: Pieces into Peace
Week 2 Value: Waking Up to Oneness
Affirmation: The Divine in me recognizes and honors the Divine in you
Spiritual Lesson:
The activities in the lesson will help the youth actively engage with the theme of Oneness. Younger children will participate in a Namaste Circle, where they will experience the power of acknowledging the divine in each other, followed by creating artwork that represents peace. Older children will delve deeper into these concepts through a Namaste Walk, where they will pair up to share appreciation and collaborate on a Peace Mural that symbolizes their collective understanding of peace and unity. These experiences are designed to foster a sense of connection, empathy, and the importance of choosing peace in their interactions with others.
Spiritual Practice: Namaste Walk
Youth walk around the room or outdoor area, stopping periodically to face each other, say “Namaste,” and share something they appreciate about each other.
Active Listening: Book/Music/Video
Book: “The Peace Tree from Hiroshima: The Little Bonsai with a Big Story” by Sandra Moore
Book: “Today was a Difficult Day,” said Pooh by A.A. Milne.
Music: “We Are One” by Brian Tate
Music: “Namaste Song” by Karen Drucker
Creative Expression: “Peace Mural”
Youths work together to create a mural that represents Peace and Oneness, incorporating symbols, words, and images that convey their understanding of the topic.
Connecting: Peace Squares
Youth design their own Peace Squares, which symbolize what peace means to them. These squares will be put together to form a Peace Quilt for the center.