Life Issues for Children
Our Whole Lives (OWL)
Dealing with issues about justice, and our place in the interdependent web of life. This is also when we offer Our Whole Lives (OWL) the nationally renowned program on human sexuality.
Note: Because of changing demographics, this class plan may be modified to meet the needs of our families in the best way possible.
We choose programs from national resources as well as homegrown ideas that best fit our goals and engage our children. Children’s (Preschool — 5th grade) classes are offered simultaneous to the adult services at 9:00 and 11 a.m. The teen program is offered at the 11 a.m. service only.
BVUUF OWL classes are:
Grades K / 1
First Grade Our Whole Lives
10 sessions offered 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings
Tuition: $50.00 for members ($75.00 for non-members) sliding scale fee available.
Registration Form
This component supports parents in educating their young children about birth, babies, bodies and families. It helps establish a life long family pattern of communication around sensitive topics. Following a Parent Meeting and Parent/Child Orientation, the eight class sessions engage children with stories, songs and activities and include a weekly HomeLink—a homework project for parents and children to do together. Families covenant to have their child attend all 8 sessions to promote trust and sharing. After the Orientation Session, the class is closed to drop-ins and new participants. Focusing on the “three R’s” of human sexuality—respect, relationship, and responsibility—it emphasizes that we believe every person should be treated fairly and kindly. BVUUF’s O.W.L. sessions will take place over a 4 month period, September – early December with breaks for holidays, long weekends, and school vacations. It is our intention to offer it every year after this year for first graders.
Recommended but not required books:
- It’s So Amazing by Robie Harris.
- The Parent Guide to Our Whole Lives Grades K-1 and Grades 4-6
A session-by-session guide to what children will learn through the Our Whole Lives curricula for grades K-1 and 4-6. BVUUF has several copies for loan or a family may order their own copy from the UUA bookstore.
Grades 4 / 5
Fifth Grade Our Whole Lives
10 sessions offered 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings
Tuition: $60.00 for members ($85.00 for non-members) sliding scale fee available.
Registration Form
Participants learn about and discuss the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Participants will examine topics such as values and sexuality, communication and decision making. This component helps establish a life long family pattern of communication around sensitive topics. Each session includes a HomeLink—a homework activity for parents and children to complete together. Following a Parent Meeting and Parent/Child Orientation, families covenant to have their child attend all 8 sessions to promote trust and sharing. After the Orientation Session, the class is closed to drop-ins and new participants. Focusing on the “three R’s” of human sexuality—respect, relationship, and responsibility—it emphasizes that we believe every person should be treated fairly and kindly. The required book, It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris, is included.
BVUUF’s O.W.L. sessions will take place over a 4 month period, with breaks for holidays, long weekends, and school vacations. It is our intention to offer it every year.
Recommended but not required books:
- The Parent Guide to Our Whole Lives Grades K-1 and Grades 4-6
A session-by-session guide to what children will learn through the Our Whole Lives curricula for grades K-1 and 4-6. BVUUF has several copies for loan or a family may order their own copy from the UUA bookstore.
Jr. High
Jr. and Sr. High OWL classes are listed on the Teen Page
For more information, visit the national OWL Web site.
For more information on the BVUUF OWL program, contact the Director of Religious Education, Katie Erslev.