1st and 2nd Grades

Volarte Ziurella runs the 1st and 2nd grade class with   the help of her assistant, Leslie Dickerson. Both are wonderfully creative, so this group gets to make the best crafts. In terms of curriculum, they focus on the basics of Creation Spirituality, the Judeo-Christian Bible stories, some of the holidays celebrated in other religions (like Sukkot, Hannukah, Diwali, solstices/equinoxes/cross-quarter holidays), and some modern, earth-based celebrations (like Earth Day and World Water Day). At Jubilee! the Vias of Creation Spirituality (Positiva, Negativa, Creativa, and Transformativa) follow the seasons. This group learns to recognize the changing seasons, to appreciate all of nature, and to recognize the sacred in everything.

They also learn the basic storylines of popular Bible stories. Rather than teaching in a didactic manner, we use crafts and other experiential learning techniques to help the kids think about what the Bible story has to offer them. Because the Bible stories are full of emotions (joy, fear, sadness, triumph, anger, peace), kids use these stories to begin exploring their own emotions and emotional responses.

We also begin introducing other religious traditions. Most activities focus on holidays or celebrations. Kids learn about the myths, food, and decorations associated with these holidays. They might hold class in a Sukkot-type tent, create miniature Maypoles, or learn about the origin of Easter eggs.

This group loves to raise funds for our very own Jubilee! community. They are currently working to beautify our Patton Ave. entrance.