Seeker Space (grades 4-6)
Our Philosophy
The Seeker Space is designed to capture the energy and enthusiasm that are characteristic of this age group. Lessons around our shared values are kept short and interactive, and followed each week by child-initiated project-based learning and community building.
In this space, we prioritize:
- Open communication of needs between children, parents, and RE staff so that the highest needs of each child can be honored.
- Facilitated investigation of truth, beauty, and wonder.
- Social-forward projects and play that are centered on the passions and interests of the children who share this space, and emphasize learning through doing rather than learning through listening.
Registering for Seeker Space
Before the service, we ask that parents register their children for Seeker Space. You can do this by scanning the QR code that is on the bulletin board outside of the classroom and at the Greeters’ Desk, OR by using this link. Registering helps us create the safest possible learning experience for your child!
Please do not allow your children to be unsupervised in any of our classroom areas, and please make sure you check out with one of our classroom volunteers before leaving with your child. When a child is not properly checked out, it initiates an emergency protocol and creates panic. We also ask that you pick up your child before attending coffee hour so that our volunteers may have plenty of time to engage with their spiritual community as well. If this becomes difficult, check in with Skyla for help coordinating a pickup plan.
Where To Go, And When
Children should obtain a nametag, just like their parents, either at the welcome desk or from the nametag racks, depending on how long they’ve been attending.
Children begin with their families in the sanctuary for shared worship. It is important to us that our children experience being part of our larger congregation. We want them to know and be known by all the members of the Fellowship, and understand their importance to our community.
After the time for all ages, one of our Junior Worship Associates will light the lantern to carry the light of community to the classroom wing. As the congregation sings Go Now Children, and all of the children and youth will follow the lantern to their classrooms.
The Guides
Seeker Space is staffed with enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides who have been hand-selected for their adventurous spirit, patience, and fun-loving energy.
Our guides model the values of curiosity and joy as they share stories and answer questions. They seek to create a calm and engaging environment that is conducive to exploration and community building.
Everyone who works with children and youth at the Fellowship undergoes a criminal background check and, in alignment with our Safe Congregation Policies, works in teams of two unrelated adults so that no child is ever one-on-one with a non-parental adult while in our care. The safety of our most vulnerable members is our highest priority!
The Experience
This year’s Seeker Space kids are exploring antiracism through the UUA’s Mosaic curriculum. They meet in room 9 for a brief lesson, and then engage in embodied activities that help them build deep connections with one another and their adult guides.
You may find them creating art for the holiday fair, learning to tie knots, or playing chess and ping-pong on the mezzanine. When they are not in the classroom at pick-up time, they will leave a note on the bulletin board outside the room to let parents know where to find them. This group moves around!
Please send any questions about our children’s and youth programs to the Director of Religious Exploration, Skyla King-Christison at dre@uucorvallis.org
