The kids explored how individuality creates the lens through which we view others and all life that shares our planet. Here’s the next project from the Tapestry of Faith, Windows and Mirrors curriculum.

Learn more about the children’s program on the Children’s Religious Exploration (CRE) page.

Learning Objectives

• Make observations about themselves which they use to create an outer self-portrait
• Learn about symbols and how they are used to represent larger ideas.
• Explore their true selves and recognize that the self is a lens through which people view others
• Learn that Unitarian Universalism asks them to be true to their inner selves—to rely on their own observations, values and experiences to know what is right and important to do—and yet, to be ready to question their own perspectives as part of honoring the perspectives of others.

Story: Charles Darwin

We did not read the story Charles Darwin Adapted from “Charles Darwin” in Stories in Faith: Exploring Our Unitarian Universalist Principles and Sources Through Wisdom Tales, (Boston: Unitarian Universalist Association, 2007). However, it went home with them to read later.

Activity

The children were asked to consider who they are in the world. How might others who are meeting them for the first time see them? They were asked to think about not only their physical appearance, but the ways they like to spend their time. Do they like baseball, ballet, both? Do they like to go to a library, swimming pool, playground, shopping mall, your church? Are they animal lovers, outdoor people, video-game players, fashion lovers, music fans, musicians? Do they think they are smart, funny, shy, a good friend?

They were also asked to think about what symbols might represent them. The portrait shows who they are on the outside through symbolism.

Unfortunately, I forgot to get pictures of their self-portraits before I sent them home with them.