Religious Exploration News
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May 17 – End of Year Celebration!
All Ages
Our 4k-1st graders, 2nd-5th Graders, and Crossing Paths students were in the Fellowship Hall celebrating the end of the year. Students got to make “dirt and worm” desserts as well as work on a special project for their teachers!
May 10 – Imagination at Work!
4k-1st
Our 4k-1st graders used their imagination while reading the “Where the Wild Things Are” They participated in making a project to grow in the garden.
2nd-5th
Our 2nd-5th graders learned about their brain functioning in relation to imagination. They used their brains to guess what type of ball was on the screen based on a magnified picture.
Crossing Paths
Our Crossing Paths students had the opportunity to visit the Christ the Rock Church in Menasha to experience attending a Megachurch.
May 3 – The Practice of Imagination!
4k-1st
Ms. Kate shared the classic story of Zhuangzi’s Butterfly Dream, inviting children into a world where imagination and identity intertwine. Afterward, they took part in a creative activity, making cootie catchers, that encouraged them to become storytellers themselves, dreaming up who or what they might transform into and bringing those ideas to life.
2nd-5th
Using imagination as their guide, our 2nd-5th graders collaborate with Ms. Jen to create a shared class story, complete with their own illustrations. Be sure to check out their finished masterpiece on display in the RE Hallway!
Crossing Paths
This Sunday, the Crossing Paths teens had a guest join their class. Barb Hoffman, a Quaker, and a member of the Fellowship, shared her experiences and practices as a Quaker.
April 26 – Embracing Possibilities
4k-1st
Our 4k-1st graders read the book “The Dot” which is a story about a girl named Vashi who learns to express herself through art. The kids made dot art to express themselves and had a moment to share with the group.
2nd-5th
Our 2nd-5th graders learned about Christopher Reeve, a famous UU. They discussed how Reeve kept going even when life threw him for a loop. Additionally, they made JETPIG bracelets after briefly talking about the new UU Values.
Crossing Paths
Our Crossing Paths students finished up their exploration of Paganism. They also celebrated Beltane, which is a celebration of the arrival of Spring! (May Day) There was even a maypole involved!
April 19 – Frogs, Bird Feeders, & Paganism
4k-1st Grade
With the help of Mr. Matt, our 4k-1st grade kids combined creativity, environmental awareness, and compassion in a hands-on activity making bird feeders using plastic eggs. With thoughtful guidance, they transformed everyday materials into colorful feeders, reflecting our shared values of sustainability and care for the natural world.
2nd-5th Grade
Our 2nd–5th grades kids recently had the chance to dive into the fascinating world of frogs during a special session with David Muench. Through engaging stories, hands-on exploration, and lively discussion, the kids learned about frog habitats, life cycles, and the important role these amphibians play in our ecosystems. Did you know? There is only ONE kind of toad in the state of Wisconsin!
Their teacher, Mr. Dan, also taught them about Joseph Priestly, the scientist who through experimentation with animals and plants, discovered oxygen. The kids had a lovely discussion about their own plants.
Curiosity was in full swing as both discussions hopped from one topic to the next, sparking a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Crossing Paths
The Crossing Paths group has been exploring the rich and diverse traditions of Paganism lead by Linda Gardner. This week the teens learned about the symbolism and history of the pentagram, reflecting on its meanings of balance, connection, and respect for the natural elements, and incorporating our UU Value of Pluralism.
As a creative activity, and using small sticks, Linda lead them to carefully craft their own pentacles: the five-pointed star symbolizing earth, air, fire, water, and sky (spirit) — a symbol of perfect balance and the interconnection of all things.