This document provides information for teachers of the 2016 summer curriculum at First UU Austin. It discusses: 1) The goals of making it easy for teachers through coordinating lessons, providing weekly emails and classroom helpers. 2) The structure of the classes which will have two groups (PreK-1st and 2nd-5th) learning the same Dr. Seuss-based lesson each Sunday. 3) Guidelines and expectations for teachers, including behavioral expectations, successful classroom techniques, and the morning routine they should follow each Sunday.

1. Dr Seuss Changed
My Life
2016 Summer Curriculum at First UU Austin

2. Thank you for teaching!
We know this is a big commitment – your church
community thanks you for offering your time and
talent to the future of Unitarian Universalism, our
children and youth. We pledge our support to you
this summer! Please do not hesitate, let us know
when you need something. Communication is key.

3. Our goal is to make
it easy for you
• Two classes per service - PreK-1st, 2nd-5th
• Every class teaching same lesson at the same time
• Weekly emails
• “Classroom Helper” in every class

4. Sunday Goals
• Children have fun, make friends, and want to
come back!
• They engage our UU faith through the Dr Seuss
curriculum
• We earn every family’s trust through quality
and consistency

5. Weekly Emails
On Wednesdays, look for an email from us. It
will let you know:
• What lesson/story is on tap for the coming
Sunday
• What the planned activity is
• Who your Classroom Helper is
• Any special circumstances

6. Classroom Helper
• Will likely be the parent of a child in your class
• Two-adult safety policy
• Seat them next to wriggly children
• Take children to bathroom
• Take attendance
• Take pictures
• Extra eyes on playground
• Attend to kids while you greet families, give
take-home note, ask for sign-ups

7. Behavioral Expectations
• Classroom Covenant
• A happy, safe, classroom for all
• Be flexible, but not a pushover
• We are not far away
• Their family members are not far away, either!

8. Successful Classroom Techniques
• Telling children what to do rather than what not to do. For
example instead of, “We don’t throw the toys,” a more helpful
comment might be “Balls are for throwing; blocks are for
building.”
• Letting children know of changes in the routine. Giving notice
near the end of an activity time gives children a chance to
complete their projects.
• Giving choices when possible. Where compliance is necessary or
expected (coming in from playground, etc) use a matter-of-fact,
no-nonsense tone. In some situations, a humorous approach
works well.

9. Successful Classroom Techniques
• Verbally acknowledging children’s feelings. Language can serve to
moderate strong emotions. Assuring children that these emotions
are universal helps them to feel they have an ally in the
understanding adult. Anger, frustration, hunger, fatigue, sadness,
and excitement can all be part of a child’s day.
• Giving children sincere approval when they accomplish a task that
is difficult for them.
• Encouraging growth toward independence. Certainly a child’s
request for help should be honored but in a way that leads
him/her in the direction of self-reliance. Our goal is to help each
child develop the self-esteem that comes with a sense of one’s own
competence.

10. Each Sunday’s Lesson
• Weekly email will be a reminder of what story
is coming up – please read in advance
• Check your curriculum for suggested questions
during discussion time
• Review activity details – craft, game, act, etc

11. Suggested Structures
PreK-1st Grade:
• Take children outside
for 15-20min
• Name tags, gather in
circle on rug, light
chalice, sing welcome
songs, etc.
• Read story and discuss
(see curriculum for
questions)
• Activity
2nd – 5th Grade:
• Name tags, gather
together, light chalice,
sing welcome songs,
etc.
• Read story and discuss
(see curriculum for
questions)
• Activity
• Take children outside
for 15-20min

12. Our Morning Routine
• Please arrive 15 minutes before service starts
• Let Laine know you are here
• Check that all needed supplies are in your
classroom
• Pick up class sign, attend service from
beginning to story

13. Our Morning Routine
• Move to front for story
• Lead children to Gallery with sign
• Greet Classroom Helper
• (Get attendance sheet)
• Greet children, visitors, etc
• Lead children to classroom or playground

14. Our Morning Routine
• Guide children through classroom time
• Redirect behavior as necessary
• Greet family members, give take-home note
• Tidy room, leave as you found it
• (Extra special supplies will be retrieved by us)

15. Questions?
• In Unitarian Universalism, questions are more
profound than answers, you know.