Renaissance Program Curriculum Planning Module

1. Curriculum Renaissance Module WELCOME! renaissance program

2. Life becomes religious whenever we make it so: when some new light is seen, when some deeper appreciation is felt, when some larger outlook is gained, when some nobler purpose is formed, when some task is well done. The function of the church for both young and old is not to give us on Sunday certain kinds of religious experiences… but rather to teach us how to put religious and ethical qualities into all kinds of experiences. Sophia Lyon Fahs renaissance program

3. Introductions I am________from____________where I ________________. One thing you don’t know about me is ________. Something I left behind is_______. renaissance program

4. Orientation Game • Stand up…. • If your title is DRE • If you have lifespan responsibilities • If you work full time • If you work half time • If you work quarter time • If you work as a volunteer in the RE program • If you’re and RE Committee chair or member • If you are a parish minister • And so on… renaissance program

5. Covenanting Handout 1 If there anything missing that would make our learning community safe and productive? renaissance program

6. Renaissance ProgramHandout 2 Administration Adult Faith Development Curriculum Planning Ministry with Youth Multicultural Religious Education Philosophy of Religious Education Teacher Development UU Identity UU History (online) Worship for All Ages UU Theology (coming soon) renaissance program

7. Curriculum Planning Module Goals • To clarify and expand understanding of curriculum, religious education and faith development • To learn about Tapestry of Faith as a core UU curricular resource; how to adapt and use it with various models and many different contexts for lifespan faith development • To learn about other curriculum sources and resources and where to find them • To understand the total curriculum planning process and consider strategies to use the process effectively in ones own congregation • To practice evaluating and adapting curricular plans • To learn how to use curriculum choices and implementation to foster inclusive, multicultural, multigenerational faith communities • Working in teams, to develop useable curricular projects to bring home to congregations • To network with other religious educators and be affirmed and nurtured by a supportive community. What are your goals? renaissance program

8. Curriculum Planning Module Outline Handout 5 Session 1 What Is Curriculum? Session 2 Tapestry of Faith: Planting Seeds Session 3 Growing the Program Session 4 Curriculum Planning Teams at Work Session 5 Group Presentations and Closing Worship renaissance program

9. Defining Curriculum What words or phrases come to mind when you hear the word, “curriculum?” renaissance program

10. Journal How would you define curriculum? Discuss How does Maria Harris define curriculum? renaissance program

11. Explicit Curriculum Implicit Curriculum Null Curriculum renaissance program

12. Group Work What examples of the explicit, implicit and null curricula can you think of in your congregation? What are their implications in your RE visions and goals? How do they impact your curriculum planning? renaissance program

13. Planned Learning Opportunities Planned – It is OK to identify something worth learning. Learning- To learn is to change, not all changes are equally significant. Some changes are so significant they are transformational. Opportunities – A curriculum provides opportunities…. It cannot guarantee participation or specific outcomes. renaissance program

14. What is Religious Education? Journal What was your most significant religious education experience? renaissance program

15. Journal Religious education is…. You will be asked to read your definitions in the next session. renaissance program

16. Each participant is invited to share their definitions of religious education. renaissance program

17. * What are the commonalities among these different definitions? * What was your source of your definition? * What is the relationship between religious education and faith development? * What terms are used in your congregation for “religious education” and why? * Does your congregation share your understanding of what constitutes religious education? * Think back to the most significant religious education experience you identified in the last session. What does that say about your understanding of religious education? At the most basic level, what is it all about? What is the purpose? renaissance program

18. Tapestry of Faith Who has used any Tapestry of Faith programs? Which ones? Briefly, what was your experience? What challenges did you face? What successes have you had? Power Point Presentation renaissance program

19. David and Goliath Activity and Five Smooth Stones Discussion –Tapestry of Faith as a versatile resource renaissance program

20. The Curriculum Planning Process • Curriculum Planning – An Ongoing Process • Religious Education Philosophy • Assess the Needs • Set Goals • Review Resources • Develop a Curriculum Plan • Implement the Program • Evaluate renaissance program

21. UU Curriculum Eras What did you learn from this discussion? Any surprises? Does this history explain anything about Unitarian Universalism for you? In what ways is your religious education program a product of our time? In what ways is your program prophetic? renaissance program

22. Extending Radical Hospitality What are your challenges for including the diversity of children, youth and adults who come through your doors? How have you met these challenges? What has worked and not worked? Who are your allies in this effort? What resources are available? renaissance program

23. Journaling Spend some time reflecting on your own response to the concept of applying anti-bias, inclusive lenses to all your curriculum planning renaissance program

24. Curriculum Planning Teams Form groups of 3-6 people 3 ½ hours to plan /create report Create 20 minute report 10 minutes for questions/feedback renaissance program

25. Group Presentations and Worship Module evaluations online State something you will take home with you from the module renaissance program