Moses, His Life and Times

By Cynthia Berg and Judith Hoehler

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Theme and Description

This introduction to the life and times of Moses includes a beginning study of the Bible, the concept of covenant, the Ten Commandments, and a Seder meal.

Goals for Participants

To come to know and understand why Moses was a prophet, a leader, a law-giver, and an important figure in the history of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions;
To understand the concept of covenant;
To appreciate the Seder ceremony.

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Age Range

9

Size of Group

5 to 20, with adequate teacher assistance

Space Requirements

A room large enough for activities and discussion

Number and Length of Sessions

12 sessions
Length: 1 hour

Leader Training

Knowledge of the developmental characteristics of this age group, teaching techniques, and experience in classroom management are essential. A recommended list of resource books can help with background information.

Leader Preparation

2-4 hours per session

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Strengths

Explores the story of Moses thoroughly.
Introduces children to the Bible and how to use it.
Provides varied and interesting activities, including a time line, role-plays, a mural, a Seder meal, and word games.
Contains clear session plans that list supplies needed, resources, and background reading for leaders.
Offers suggestions for parental contact and involvement.

Limitations

Requires leaders to help the children relate the experience of Moses and his times to their own lives, or to find personal meaning from the Moses story.
May exclude children who don't read well (requires leaders to encourage participants to help each other whenever reading or spelling is called for).
Requires some training or assistance in how to lead discussions in order to stimulate children's thinking about the issues the story raises.

Adaptability

Can be used with any upper-elementary group or a grouping of more than one grade; for example, grades 4 to 6 or 4 and 5. If the program begins just after Christmas, the Seder meal will occur about the time of Passover.

Unitarian Universalist Values

Principles implicit within the program are affirmation of a free and responsible search for truth and meaning; direct experiences of transcending mystery and wonder; and acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations through emphasis on covenant and the transmission of our religious heritage.

Reviewed on June 30, 1996

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100