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CURRICULUM MAPPING: Primary Resources

Timeless Themes
Stories from the Hebrew and Christian Bibles for Grades 3 and 4

Authors: Nannene Gowdy, Mary Ann Moore, and Marjorie Skwire
Publisher: Unitarian Universalist Association
Pub. Date: 1991
Available From: UUA Bookstore

Theme and Description
Introduces children to religious literature that is central to North American culture and to Unitarian Universalist heritage. Children become familiar with their cultural heritage, and to the human issues that inspired these scriptures: the timeless themes of transcendent power, human responsibility, love of freedom, speaking out against injustice, respect for the beliefs of others, love of one's neighbor, and forgiveness.

The Bible stories are taught from a UU value structure. God is referred to as "God," not "he." The stories, drawn from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, are gender-inclusive. Violence is not avoided, but recognized and used to guide participants toward an understanding of non-violent ways to resolve conflicts.

Goals for Participants
  • To become familiar with some of the best-known stories in biblical literature
  • To feel connected with the writers of the Bibles by exploring such universal human themes as jealousy, forgiveness, and healing
  • To develop UU values by discussing biblical issues that support or challenge them.
Age Range
Ages 8 to 9 or grades 3 to 4

Size of Group
5 to 15

Space Requirements
A space large enough to accommodate gathering, discussion, and large tabletop activities. Ideally, the ceremonial and discussion space should be separate from the project and activities space.

Number of Sessions
34

Length of Sessions
60 to 70 minutes

Leader Training
Leaders need little teaching experience

Leader Preparation
1 to 1 1/2 hours per session

Strengths
  • Includes a good introduction and background material
  • Is teacher-friendly: easy for leaders to determine what they want to do, knowing they will be supported with ideas and activities
  • Is thought-provoking for leaders and children
  • Songbook and tape provide music for every session
  • Most lessons stand alone, and are not dependent on regular attendance
  • Includes many physical activities for active children
  • Meets the needs of parents who want their children to be biblically literate.

Limitations

  • Sessions are so streamlined that teachers may be tempted to wait until the last minute to prepare
  • Stories do not always fit with the liturgical calendar and may need to be moved
  • Parents who are anxious about teaching biblical, and especially Christian, material may benefit from an introductory session
  • Includes limited hands-on experience with actual Bibles
  • Does not include enough stories about women.

Adaptability

  • Open-classroom instructions make this curriculum especially adaptable. To be used in this manner; however, additional resources are necessary.
Unitarian Universalist Values
Each session invites children to think about issues that either support or challenge Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes.

Review by Judith Frediani

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