Bible Stories

By Joan M. Hunt

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Theme and Description

Introduces elementary-age children to the central figures and stories in the Bible. Retells the stories in simple language; invites children to relate their own experience to the human values described in the stories. Arts and crafts projects, games, and creative dramatics reinforce story themes.

Goals for Participants

To become familiar with stories from the Old and New Testaments;
To learn of their Jewish and Christian scriptural heritage and religious tradition;
To relate human problems and religious values found in the Bible to contemporary issues;
To become acquainted with religious concepts and the language of faith.

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Age Range

Grades 2-6

Size of Group

8-12

Space Requirements

A room suitable for active games, dramatic presentations, large arts and crafts projects, and display of completed projects

Number and Length of Sessions

29 sessions
Length: Approximately 1 hour

Leader Training

Provides guidance for leaders and lists resources. Leaders need to be interested in teaching the Bible but do not have to be experts. They may need ongoing support from a religious professional for questions of meaning, interpretation, inclusion, and presentation. Leaders should be comfortable in helping children with creative dramatics and art projects.

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Strengths

Presents good lesson plans.
Presents age-appropriate, varied, and clearly described activities.
Includes a good bibliography and helpful information for leaders.
Instills a sense of the importance of history.
Covers the main themes and stories of Jewish and Christian faith traditions.

Limitations

Includes stories that deal with difficult concepts for this age level.
Has some activities that extend over several sessions.
Written from a UU Christian perspective, which may be problematic for some congregations. The stories refer to God as male.

Adaptability

Can be adapted for grades 1 to 5.
Individual lessons and activities can be used effectively in any curriculum on the Bible.
May be adapted to reflect a different theological viewpoint.

Unitarian Universalist Values

Using Jewish and Christian scriptures and teachings, explicitly affirms our religious roots in and respect for a living tradition. Implicitly raises issues of ethical concern to Unitarian Universalists today, affirms the inherent worth and dignity of all persons, and fosters self-esteem and growth.

Reviewed on June 30, 1996

Unitarian Universalist Association
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