The RE Curriculum

Children are divided into grade groups and pursue a program designed for their age. Classes are usually about 15 children with two teachers and at least one aide. Each class has four teachers or more, alternating in pairs on a regular basis.

For most classes we rotate between two curricula on a yearly basis.

3 and 4 year olds (Room 9)
Chalice Children—this program nurtures and affirms the children’s individuality and UU identity while developing self-expression and cooperative skills.  We focus on connections to people, to the earth, to the church.  
We Are Many, We Are One—We focus on connections to people, to the earth, to the church

Kindergarten and Grade 1 (Room 8)
Haunting House—is designed to help our children learn about Sacred Space by building and living in a variety of spaces, and by addressing life situations to engage heart, mind and hand.
Adventures—This program uses stories of people real and imaginary to teach our UU principles.

Grade 2 (Room 10)
Free to Believe—explores UU principles and sources while nurturing the emotional, social and spiritual life of children.

Grades 3 and 4 (Room 6)
Hebrew Scriptures—Children and their families will tell stories from the Bible and explore their meaning for today’s world. This program is designed for families to learn together.  Parents are strongly encouraged to attend class with their children, to share the learning experience.
Christian Scriptures/The Life and Times of Jesus—This program is designed for families to learn together.  Parents are strongly encouraged to attend class with their children, to share the learning experience.

Grades 5 and 6 (Room 7)
Questing Years—engages participants in four quests designed to help them seek and develop their own answers to deep life questions about faith and the web of all existence.
Neighboring Faiths—explores the religions represented in our community through discussion, invited guests, and visits to other congregations. 

Music Makers (Room 3)
At 11:20, children in grades K-2 (ages 5-8) can explore music in a joyous, fun environment. Our UU values and principles are reflected in the songs chosen.  The group sings at Sunday service occasionally. The music leader is Christina Hasty, an accomplished music educator. Parent participation is encouraged and enjoyed by all!

Children's Art Program (Room 5)
At 11:20, children in grades 3-6 (ages 8-11) are invited to participate in reflecting on our UU principles through creative visual activities.  The art activities are led by professional artists who like to work with children and youth.

Junior High
The Junior High alternates curriculum annually between Boston Bound and OWL.  Boston Bound is a year long program, which involves the study of the roots of Unitarian Universalism. It partners participants with a mentor from the congregation. The program culminates with a 5-day trip to the greater Boston area—the “home” of Unitarian Universalism—and teaches both UU history and UU Principles and Purposes. Social Action is an important part of this program.

Senior High
The Senior High Youth Program is open to all young people in the church who are in grades 9-12. The group meets on Sunday evenings from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. The Senior High Group is also encouraged to become part of the larger church community by attending the 11:00 service, assisting in the Sunday School and joining our choir. Our youth program includes five key components: 1. Social action & community service, 2. Fun & fellowship, 3. Worship & spirituality, 4. Leadership, 5. Education.

Winter session
In January and February, we offera special series of classes.  Alternating over a three-year period are "UU Principles," "Social Justice through the Arts," and "Our Whole Lives" (OWL), a curriculum about sexuality for elementary-school-age children.

Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Avenue — Evanston, IL   60201
847 864-1330 — info@ucevanston.org