These resources support parents as they live out and engage our themes with their children. Playing off our monthly theme question of “What does it mean to be a people of Beauty?”, we invite parents to ask “What does it mean to be a parent of Beauty” or “What does it mean to be a family of Beauty?”
Each month we will provide a list of table topics which are questions based on the monthly theme that will open up discussion during meal times, family time or just time of contemplation. The first half of the questions are at a higher age level and life maturity. The second half of the list of questions
(in blue text)
are kid friendly. You can find the June
BEAUTY Table Topics here
. Print them out and have them available or cut the questions into strips and place them in a table topic jar.
With Your Kids
(Ideas to engage Beauty as a Family)
Family Journey
Tree Beauty
Take a tour of a nearby park and notice the beauty and variety in the trees. What if all trees were supposed to look like a social construct from a cartoon? Invent personalities for the trees, i.e. these 5 cedars are a little wild, as they live in the back of the park. They have a secret rock band they play in when no one is around.
Stories To Read Together
Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature
by Joyce Sidman (Author), Beth Krommes (Illustrator)
Celebrate the beauty and value of spirals. What makes the tiny snail shell so beautiful? Why does that shape occur in nature over and over again—in rushing rivers, in a flower bud, even inside your ear?
Video: Sometimes You’re a Caterpillar
As recommended by UUA Youth Office, Race and Identity Resources
Snail and Caterpillar are besties, but they are different. The importance of trying to see what others have to deal with. It’s really important to stop and see the other side so the beauty of everyone can shine through.
Family Discoveries
Try Umami , the fifth taste
“Umami describes foods with an inherent savoriness. It has been described as brothy or meaty. You can taste umami in foods like Parmesan cheese, seaweed, miso, and mushrooms, which contain a high level of the amino acid, glutamate... Foods with umami elements include chicken, beef, and pork, as well as tomatoes, cheese, soy, potatoes, and carrots.” -
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15819485
Serve bits of tofu, cooked chicken tenders, Parmesan cheese or mashed potatoes.
Make a Salad or Soup
Use the senses of taste and smell and sound to create and eat a salad. Hear the snap of carrots, smell the green onions, feel the cucumber juice, use the sense of space to be careful if you are using a knife. Be mindful of the beauty that our senses can provide.
Family Games for Beauty
Online Spirograph Game
The Spirograph:
The Original Spirograph Game
Family Movie Night Ideas
A Beautiful Planet (G)
“The images... might be a little overwhelming for younger kids, but anyone interested in science, space, or the environment will be blown away, and the astronauts are great role models who demonstrate the importance of communication and cooperation.” - Incredibly beautiful images of our planet.
For You
(Support for Parents as Faith Formation Guides)
Grateful Song to Inspire You
How to Teach What “Being Beautiful” Looks Like
