WORLD OF WONDER
A Tapestry of Faith Program for Children
SESSION 7: DECOMPOSITION
BY REV. ALICE ANACHEKA-NASEMANN, PAT KAHN, AND JULIE SIMON
© Copyright 2013 Unitarian Universalist Association.
Published to the Web on 11/9/2014 2:33:18 AM PST.
This program and additional resources are available on the UUA.org web site at
www.uua.org/religiouseducation/curricula/tapestryfaith.
SESSION OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Life is like a compost heap. The rotting debris of everyday trials just keeps piling up... but if we wait long enough and remain steadfast and strong, even the stinkiest pile will bear good and worthwhile things. — posted on the Earth Friendly Gardening blog (at earthfriendlygardening.wordpress.com/2006/05/06/silly-saturday-fun-compost-quotes/), author unknown
Children continue exploring circles of life by studying decomposition. The story, "And It Is Good," shows the important role decomposition plays in the cycle of life. The main activity is the creation of an Earthworm Wonderland. The Faith in Action activity and Alternate Activity 1 engage the children in a congregational composting project.
GOALS
This session will:
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Participants will:
SESSION-AT-A-GLANCE
Activity | Minutes |
Opening | 5 |
Activity 1: Earth Ball Name Game | 5 |
Activity 2: Story — And It Is Good | 10 |
Activity 3: Earthworm Wonderland | 25 |
Activity 4: Decomposition Chorus | 10 |
Faith in Action: Worm Composting Bins | 60 |
Closing | 5 |
Alternate Activity 1: A Visit to the Compost Bin | 15 |
Alternate Activity 2: Decomposers Hike | 25 |
Alternate Activity 3: Log Dissection | 20 |
SPIRITUAL PREPARATION
Find a place where you can be quiet with your thoughts. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for several minutes, perhaps repeating a word or phrase to separate yourself from the activities of the day. When you feel settled and relaxed, consider:
Allow your sense of reverence, wonder, and awe to be present as you lead this session.
SESSION PLAN
OPENING (5 MINUTES)
Materials for Activity
Preparation for Activity
Description of Activity
The opening circle rituals reinforce the theme of interdependence and the web of life and provide leadership opportunities for participants.
Gather participants in a circle around the chalice. Using the Leadership Chart created in Session 2, assign roles for this session. Briefly describe each job. Explain that next time you meet the jobs will change and anyone who did not get a job today will have a chance during another session. Throughout the session, prompt those with leadership tasks at the appropriate times.
Remind the group that each session starts with the ritual of lighting the chalice. In these words or your own, say:
All around the world, Unitarian Universalists of all ages light chalices when they gather together. With this ritual, Unitarian Universalists are connected to one another, even though they might never meet each other. Now we will light the chalice, the symbol of our Unitarian Universalist faith; then say together our chalice-lighting words.
As needed, help the designated leaders light the chalice and lead the chalice-lighting words:
We light our chalice to honor the web of all life.
We honor the sun and earth that bring life to us.
We honor the plants and creatures of land, water, and air that nourish us.
And we honor each other, gathered here to share the wonder of our world.
— adapted from words by Alice Anacheka-Nasemann
Point to the covenant the group created in Session 1 and briefly review it. Invite any newcomers to sign their name. You might have the Welcoming Leader or Justice Leader invite newcomers to sign the covenant, if those roles have been assigned.
Remind the children that each time we meet, we will explore something about our seventh UU Principle: respect for the interdependent web of life. In these words or your own, say:
Today we will talk about decomposition. Have you heard that word before? Do any of you have a compost pile at home? Decomposition is what happens after plants or animals die and become part of the earth again. Sometimes we call it rotting. It's another way that everything is connected in our interdependent web.
Including All Participants
At this age there is a wide span in reading ability. Point out words as you read them to the children, but do not expect them to be able to read.
ACTIVITY 1: EARTH BALL NAME GAME (5 MINUTES)
Materials for Activity
Preparation for Activity
Description of Activity
This activity engages active learners while helping everyone learn the names of participants and leaders.
Stand in a circle with participants. Say, in these words or your own:
One important way to make connections and help everyone feel welcome is to know each other's names. We will use this earth ball each time we are together to help create connections in our group. When someone throws the "earth" to you, catch the ball and say your name.
Demonstrate by throwing the ball gently to a co-leader. Have the co-leader say their name.
Then everyone says "Welcome, [co-leader's name]." Then, that person will gently throw the earth ball to someone else in the circle, who will say their name and be welcomed by the group.
Continue until everyone in the circle has been introduced.
Including All Participants
If throwing and catching the ball is difficult, do the activity seated with legs out and feet touching, rolling the ball instead of throwing it. If any participant cannot stand or sit on the floor, have everyone play in a circle of chairs.
ACTIVITY 2: STORY — AND IT IS GOOD (10 MINUTES)
Materials for Activity
Preparation for Activity
Description of Activity
Gather the children in a circle in the storytelling area and show them the story basket. Say something like:
This is our story basket. I wonder what is in it today?
Take the story-related items from the basket, one at a time, and pass them around. Objects that are fragile or cannot easily be passed around can be held up for all to see and then placed on the altar/centering table or any table or shelf.
Take the chime or rain stick from the basket and say in these words or your own:
Each time you hear a story during World of Wonder we will use this instrument to get our ears, minds, and bodies ready to listen. Sit comfortably and close your eyes. When I sound the chime (turn the rain stick over), listen as carefully as you can and see how long you can hear it. When you can't hear it anymore, open your eyes and it will be time for the story to start.
Sound the chime or rain stick. When the sound has completely disappeared, read or tell the story, "And It is Good."
When the story is finished, lead a brief discussion with questions such as:
Including All Participants
Fidget objects, described in Session 1, Leader Resource 1, can provide a non-disruptive outlet for anyone who needs to move or who benefits from sensory stimulation.
ACTIVITY 3: EARTHWORM WONDERLAND (25 MINUTES)
Materials for Activity
Preparation for Activity
Description of Activity
Tell the children they will each make an "earthworm wonderland." Say in these words or your own:
Worms are decomposers. They help turn garbage into soil and keep the soil loose and aerated, by burrowing through it. They make soil by eating compost, things like vegetable trimmings and grass clippings, and leaving behind their own waste called castings (aka worm poo). Worm poo is soft and fine and perfect for gardening.
Instruct the children to put the aluminum can, open end down, inside the jar. Next, spoon moist soil around the can, so the can stays in the center and the soil fills the area around it (the can keeps the worms on the outside of the jar so you can view them).
When the jar is full, add the worms. Help any children who are uncomfortable handling the worms. The worms will burrow into the soil within a few minutes. Have an adult punch several holes in the jar lid with a hammer and nails, so the worms can get air. Label each lid with the child's name.
Have an adult cut the black construction paper to fit around the jar. Tell the children to decorate one side with interesting designs using color chalks. Tape the ends together to make a ring that fits around the jar. Leave the black paper shade covering the jar for a few minutes. Ask the children what they think is happening in the jar while it is covered (the worms will burrow next to the glass, so you will be able to see them better).
After a few minutes, tell the children to slide the paper shade up and spend some time watching the worms. Point out how quickly they burrow away from the light when you are watching them. Slide the shade back down over the glass when you are finished. Distribute Handout 1, Caring for Your Earthworm Wonderland. Tell the children they may take home their jar, shade, and handout.
Including All Participants
Some children will be eager to handle the worms, while others may be afraid. Allow each to choose their level of contact. Remind children to handle the worms gently, and with respect.
ACTIVITY 4: DECOMPOSITION CHORUS (10 MINUTES)
Materials for Activity
Preparation for Activity
Description of Activity
Children perform a fun song (or rap, or reading) that explains decomposition.
Teach everyone the three parts of the chorus with the respective hand motions (or, alternate motions you have made up). If the group is large enough, form three small groups to sing the three different chorus parts simultaneously.
Group 1: Muncha, muncha, muncha. Muncha, muncha, muncha...
Motion 1: Make hands into little munching mouths that move to the beat of "muncha, muncha, muncha."
Group 2: Decomposition, decomposition, decomposition...
Motion 2: Gently pound fist into hand to the beat of the decomposition.
Group 3: I get down, I break down...
Motion 3: Do the wiggle. Wiggle your body down, as you bring each arm one after the other overhead and down in front of your body. Keep your hands in a fist with the thumbs out and pointed down. Keep going.
Once the children are ready to perform their parts of the chorus, sing, rap, or say the verses, indicating to the children when it is time for their chorus parts and accompanying motions. Feel free to make up new motions. Have fun!
CLOSING (5 MINUTES)
Materials for Activity
Preparation for Activity
Description of Activity
Gather in a circle by the World of Wonder mural. Say in these words or your own:
Today we learned about decomposition and how important it is in the web of life. Unitarian Universalists believe all people and animals and plants are part of an invisible web of life, like the web on our mural. Each time we meet we add something new to our World of Wonder mural. Today we add a picture of a worm bin to remind us that decomposition—or, composting—is one way we can help make our interdependent web strong and healthy.
Attach the picture to the mural.
Indicate the lyrics to the closing song "We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands." Invite the Song Leader to start the song with accompanying hand motions. Participants can help each other remember hand motions or can create new ones.
Distribute Taking It Home. Thank the children for participating and invite them to return next time.
FAITH IN ACTION: WORM COMPOSTING BINS (60 MINUTES)
Materials for Activity
Preparation for Activity
Description of Activity
Children practice leadership and stewardship of the web of life by building worm compost bins for the congregation (or helping their families build compost bins for home use).
Build a congregational or a demonstration compost bin together. One family might like to take home the demonstration bin. To encourage families to replicate this project at home, provide materials they will need and create instruction handouts.
Have volunteers take photographs or video to document the project.
Optional: Teach and lead the Decomposition Chorus (Handout 2) to this multi-age group. Offer participants a copy of Handout 2 and ask the children to teach the motions.
At the close of the event, ask the World of Wonder children to lead participants in the song "We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands."
Share the photos or video with the children in a subsequent session.
Including All Participants
Ensure that the shared work area is accessible to all.
LEADER REFLECTION AND PLANNING
Take a few minutes to evaluate the session with your co-leader immediately after the session, while it is fresh. Share your thoughts with other team leaders and the religious educator. You might find it helpful to consider these questions:
TAKING IT HOME
Life is like a compost heap. The rotting debris of everyday trials just keeps piling up... but if we wait long enough and remain steadfast and strong, even the stinkiest pile will bear good and worthwhile things. — posted on the Earth Friendly Gardening blog (at earthfriendlygardening.wordpress.com/2006/05/06/silly-saturday-fun-compost-quotes/), author unknown
IN TODAY'S SESSION... we explored decomposition and its important role in the web of life. We made Earthworm Wonderlands and talked about composting. We had fun with the Decomposition Chorus.
EXPLORE THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Explore the Earthworm Wonderland your child brought home. After studying the worms, release them outside in a back yard, garden, or public green space. Find more wonderful activities in Laurie Carlson's book, EcoArt!
EXTEND THE TOPIC TOGETHER. Set up a worm compost bin or other type of composting at home. Resources can be found in the Faith in Action activity. If you already do this at home, find guidance on the TLC website (at tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/composting-program-kids-school.htm) to work with your child's school to start composting.
A Family Adventure. Take a hike to look for signs of decomposition (Alternate Activity 2) or try log dissection (Alternate Activity 3). Be sure to bring magnifying glasses!
Family Discovery. Watch a video from New Hampshire public television (at video.nhptv.org/video/1491195223) (approximately 14 minutes) about decomposition. If family members find some of the visuals "gross," try to think of the images as "fascinating," instead!
A Family Game. Have your child show you the motions for the fun with the Decomposition Chorus, or make up your own. Or, use ideas from the eHow website to create a family board game about decomposition (at www.ehow.com/list_6597236_composting-games-kids.html).
A Family Ritual. Perhaps your family already practices the ritual of chalice-lighting before dinner. Bring this kind of reverence and intentionality to composting. You might make a compost collection pail for your kitchen, and at the end of the day, make a trip to your compost bin to "feed" it, recognizing your part in the interdependent web of life.
ALTERNATE ACTIVITY 1: A VISIT TO THE COMPOST BIN (15 MINUTES)
Materials for Activity
Preparation for Activity
Description of Activity
If the congregation has a compost bin, have the children visit it. Ask the adults who maintain the compost bin to tell the children how and why the bin was started, how it is "fed" (e.g., coffee grounds from social hour, fruit peels from snacks in religious education, or compostable waste from congregational meals). If the children have brought compost material from home, invite them to place it in the bin. Show how to care for the material (e.g., turning the pile). If possible, show the fully composted material that can be used in a garden and allow children to hold some in their hands.
ALTERNATE ACTIVITY 2: DECOMPOSERS HIKE (25 MINUTES)
Materials for Activity
Preparation for Activity
Description of Activity
Take a walk outside.
Say, in these words or your own:
Today as we walk, we will be nature detectives, looking for evidence or clues of decomposition. Watch for decomposers, which are animals and other living things that help break down dead plant or animal matter into nutrients that create new healthy soil.
Distribute magnifying glasses when children wish to look at tiny creatures or closely examine a leaf, bark, or other feature of nature.
Look for fungi (mushrooms or shelf fungus are easiest to spot), beetles, millipedes, slugs, centipedes, sow bugs, ants, bacteria, maggots, and worms. If you find a log on the ground, see what's underneath. Note: Be sure to roll a log toward you and have everyone stand back a bit so you can control it without rolling over anyone's toes. Under logs, look for centipedes, beetles, salamanders, and other surprises. Carefully return the log back to its original location to avoid crushing any animals or plants.
Ask the children why they think decomposers are so important in the cycle of life.
After your walk, process with questions such as:
Including All Participants
Determine whether there are any relevant allergies within your group, such as bee stings or pollen, and plan accordingly.
If you have a child who uses a wheelchair or has limited mobility, select a location that is accessible, with paved paths.
ALTERNATE ACTIVITY 3: LOG DISSECTION (20 MINUTES)
Materials for Activity
Preparation for Activity
Description of Activity
This activity is best done outside, but you can keep the log on newspaper or a plastic tarp and do the activity inside.
Observe the outside of the log with the children. Look for moss, bracket fungus, lichen, and other living things. Ask:
Now ask the children what they think the inside of the log might look like. Use a can opener, bottle opener, or a knife to open up the rotting log. Observe what you find.
Have the children feel the bark gently as well as the inside of the log (do this carefully making sure there are no biting insects such as centipedes). Notice places where the wood is spongy and soft, notice others where it is crumbly. Sniff the rotting log. Ask:
See what kinds of critters you find inside. Explain that bacteria and fungus are the main decomposers, but insects such as beetles, maggots, and ants help break up the bark and wood and allow more air (oxygen) in.
Hand out magnifying glasses and allow the children to get a closer look at the hidden life inside the decaying wood.
WORLD OF WONDER: SESSION 7:
STORY: AND IT IS GOOD
By Janeen Grohsmeyer, in A Lamp in Every Corner (Boston: Skinner House, 2004).
On a day not so very long ago, in a place not so very far away, a grass seed lay waiting. All through the cold, dark days of winter the seed waited, covered by a blanket of earth. In the spring, when the air was warmed by the sun and the land was watered by the rain, the seed began to grow. It grew roots deep into the earth. It grew a delicate pale green shoot up into the air. As the days went by, the shoot grew into a firm stalk, which waved in the hot summer breeze. It grew bright green leaves that opened to the sunshine, and then grew darker green as more days went by.
It grew and grew and grew, until the seed was a tall stem of grass and was ready to make seeds of its own. In the fall, when the nights turned cool and the leaves on the trees flamed red and orange and gold, the grass plant knew it would soon be dying, and so it set free its seeds. They traveled on the wind, above field and stream and hill. Some of them slowly settled to the ground in a meadow, where they lay waiting, covered by a blanket of earth. And it was good.
Now in that place not so very far away, a small field mouse was looking for food. Winter was coming, and the mouse was hungry. He went here and he went there, sniffing his way through the meadow, ears perked, eyes open, whiskers quivering, careful and cautious always, for there are many creatures that will eat a mouse. And as he sniffed and nibbled and then sniffed some more, he found a few of those grass seeds that lay covered by the blanket of earth. So he dug them up—scritch scratch!—and he ate them. And it was good.
Now in that place not so very far away, a snake was hunting. Winter was coming, and she was hungry. She went here and she went there, gliding through the faded fallen leaves from the trees, and tasting the air with flickerings of her forked tongue. She tasted the scent of mouse, and followed the scent to the meadow. After a while, she found him. So she caught him—quick, snap!—in her jaws, and she ate him. And it was good.
Now in the sky, high above that place not so very far away, a hawk was searching. Winter was coming, and the hawk was hungry. He went here and he went there, soaring on the wind with outstretched wings, looking down to the earth far below. And at the edge of the meadow, he saw the snake gliding through the faded fallen leaves. So he folded his wings and he plummeted, straight down to the ground, and he caught that snake—snatch, catch!—in his fiercely curved claws, and he ate her. And it was good.
The days went by in that place no so very far away. The sun no longer warmed the air. Instead of rain, snow fell. The last of the leaves fell from the trees. The grass froze, and died. Winter had come.
The hawk soared on outstretched wings, lifted high by the winter winds, hunting. But he was an old hawk. His wings did not beat so strongly as they used to. His eyes did not see so clearly. His hunts did not go well. One day, he plummeted to earth for the last time, and he died. And it was good.
The body of the hawk lay on the ground all winter long, covered by snow. When spring came, the sun warmed the air, and the rain watered the land. Flies buzzed in the air. Ants scurried over the ground. Spring was here, and they were hungry. The ants and the flies found the body of the hawk. The flies laid their eggs in it, and the eggs hatched into maggots. The days went by, and the body of the hawk slowly disappeared, the flesh and feathers eaten by ants and maggots, the bones chewed on by small animals, and whatever was left provided food for bacteria and mold. In just a few weeks, the body of the hawk had completely melted back into the earth. And it was good.
Now in the earth where the hawk had melted, a seed lay waiting. As spring turned into summer, and as the sun warmed the air and the rain watered the land, the seed began to grow. It shot a pale shoot up into the air. It pushed roots deep into the earth, which was made up of the body of the hawk, who had eaten the snake, who had eaten the mouse, who had eaten the seeds. And it was good.
So remember, in that place not so very far away, and in all the places all around, there is sun and there is rain. There are seeds and mice and snakes and hawks. There are ants and maggots and bacteria and mold. There are crocodiles and humans and plankton and daffodils and mushrooms. They all eat from each other. They all live, and they all die. And it is all good.
WORLD OF WONDER: SESSION 7:
HANDOUT 1: CARING FOR YOUR EARTHWORM WONDERLAND
Adapted from EcoArt! by Laurie Carlson.
Caring for your Earthworm Wonderland at home:
WORLD OF WONDER: SESSION 7:
HANDOUT 2: DECOMPOSITION CHORUS LYRICS
Is there waste? Well I don't know.
One thing dies to let another grow.
This circle we see most every day.
The name we call it, is decay.
Well come on all you people, gather 'round.
Breakdown and listen... to decomposition.
Group 1: Muncha, muncha, muncha. Muncha, muncha, muncha...
Group 2: Decomposition, decomposition, decomposition...
Group 3: I get down, I break down...
There are many kinds of bugs;
Worms and snails and slimy slugs.
They are useful for me and you;
They help make the soil... renew.
Well come on all you people, gather 'round.
Breakdown and listen... to decomposition.
Group 1: Muncha, muncha, muncha. Muncha, muncha, muncha...
Group 2: Decomposition, decomposition, decomposition...
Group 3: I get down, I break down...
Decomposition is a useful game,
A tree drops its leaves.
But they don't stay the same.
A bug chews them up and spits them back out;
Making the soil for a new tree to sprout.
Well come on all you people, gather 'round.
Breakdown and listen... to decomposition.
Group 1: Muncha, muncha, muncha. Muncha, muncha, muncha...
Group 2: Decomposition, decomposition, decomposition...
Group 3: I get down, I break down...
WORLD OF WONDER: SESSION 7:
LEADER RESOURCE 1: MURAL IMAGE — WORM BIN
"Worm Farm" from iStockphoto.
FIND OUT MORE
Watch the decomposition process in a 14-minute video from New Hampshire public television (at video.nhptv.org/video/1491195223).
Try a Google search for images of various decomposers.
Learn how Unitarian Universalists are involved in taking care of the earth with these two organizations:
Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth (at www.uuministryforearth.org/)
The Green Sanctuary Program (at www.uua.org/leaders/environment/greensanctuary/index.shtml)