Bowl of Nature Wonder

We live in Omaha, so it's not as if our children are growing up in a cement jungle, but we do introduce another way to approach nature in our Spirit Play classroom. If their homes are anything like mine, there are few opportunities to just sit down with a leaf or a stone and look at it closely. To study it. Magnify it.

That's what this bowl is all about.

I've put items in there that they may encounter often. And some they may have never encountered. Horsetail grass is a weed. If you look closely to the seed head, the "tail" has little serrated edges. They can certainly feel them. There are bones where they can see the internal structure - that they are not solid all the way through. And that "weakness" makes them stronger. Seashells whose patterns get more complex through magnification. The different parts of a feather. Geometry found in seed pods.

It's a great way for them to quietly explore the world, and share the wonder.

Altar of Exploration & Expression

This is one of the most popular items in our Spirit Play classroom. I wanted to do something like this so that kids could explore values, spiritual needs and other religions through tactile items. Children will take out the tray and start to explore the items, sometimes taking out 5-6 items to place on the altar area  that interest them. Some will talk with or ask the class adults about some of the items. What I have tried to instill in the adults is that if you don't know what something is, don't be afraid to admit it. They need to know that no one has all the answers. Old hymnals and a lovely glazed chalice with a flameless candle round out the top.

What I have is tray with several compartments - it's like a typesetter's tray. You could use a crafting bead tray or even a shallow bowl. Adults within the congregation have really enjoyed filling it up with items. I often go to put something away in here and find new additions! I have religious items from many different faiths (evil eyes, mini torah, hamsa, cross with 12 stations on back, chalices). A yo-yo. A compass. A key. A small glass jar of glitter. Items representing the 4 seasons. Items from nature and man-made. Dollhouse items are a great source of props for this, esp. for "books."

For what it's worth, the cabinet is an old TV cabinet that had a swivel top. Sometimes these odd pieces of furniture can be really useful. I never had a good place or use for it, until I found the perfect home for it in this classroom. I removed the swivel top and placed the tray on the VCR space. It's the right height for these kids. Plus, it has enclosed storage below for me to store upcoming lessons. When I need more space to store lessons or extensions, I can remove the doors and I'll have that.

Five Wise Guys and a Pachaderm

Last Sunday, we tackled that popular UU parable, The Five Wise People and the Elephant. I wanted to share this one with you because I used chess pieces for my figures, instead of peg people.

Here is an overview of the story:

And here is a close-up of the people. The Bishop figure was perfect for Buddha. I found this set at the local Goodwill for a $1. You can also ask members if they have a set (emphasize that a complete set is not necessary).

I also am quite happy with the plow. Chop sticks, some microsuede fabric, a piece of sculpted cold porcelain and paint. And a glue gun. (Always with the glue gun...) There. You have a plow.

My elephant is a method that I often have used for more complex figures - cutting microsuede into shapes. I did add some cold porcelain eyes and tusk. (You would look shocked, too, if you had all these strangers touching your various body parts...)

FYI - if you use a lot of fimo in your creations, try out cold porcelain. It's made of glue and cornstarch. Doesn't require cooking. I like it a lot.

Activities for Valentine's Day

We are doing an intergenerational service on Sunday about Love. We are very lucky to have some talented teens who are going to help us with a play during the service. We're doing a modified version of this service.

One thing I try to provide on Sundays are some activities to do in the back for those with active bodies/minds that ties into the service. This Sunday, I found three activities and made little handouts so even those who cannot read will hopefully be able to follow the pictures and figure out how to do the craft. Often a reader will be sitting with them, but if I can help them learn to use their powers of observation and deduct how to do the craft, all the better!

Here's the PDF in case you're interested in using it. I didn't waste too much time on layout and design, but I did spend a little too much time on photography... Ah, well.