DR. SEUSS AND UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS
OH, THE THINKS YOU CAN THINK (3-6 Years)

(NOTE: Please review the Introduction before using this Session Plan. Thank you.)

SETTING THE STAGE
STORY SYNPOSIS: Fanciful rhymes and pictures of things to think. (3 minutes)

AFFIRMATION(S): We all keep learning

THEME(S): Imagination
In discussion of imaginary things, children may discuss uncomfortable or negative things. During class, try to focus on positive thoughts, but further discussion with the child about the negative expressions may be needed, or seek help appropriately.

PREPARATION: Reflect on something that encourages a sense of wonder for you.

NEEDED:
Oh, The Thinks We Can Think, Random House, 1975
Smooth stones

SESSION PLAN
OPENING: Selected by the group. This can be used each session.

CHECK-IN: Welcome. Each person says his or her name. Allow time for each person to briefly tell something that went well since the group last met, or something that did not go well.

Leave an empty chair or space for someone who is missing from the group that day, or to recognize that others are welcome to be invited to join the group.

STORY
Oh, The Thinks We Can Think

EXPLORING
Have you ever sat under a tree or in a quiet place and thought of all sorts of wonderful things? Like what?
When you go for a walk, do you ever wonder where ants come from or how the flowers know what color to bloom? Have you ever seen pictures in the clouds? Or ...add other things.

Possibly take a walk. Look for a variety of things that create wonder. Possibly pick up some "wonder" items, like a small stick with bud knobs (in winter or spring), a pebble. Or various items to discuss.

Take notes of things discussed. It may be possible to put them into a poem.

Draw something they are thinking about.
Discuss whether the things mentioned or drawn are real or imaginary.

Mystery bag (s)
Put various common things with different textures and shapes into a bag or several bags. Participants take turns feeling into a bag without looking. If they know what the object is, don't tell, but rather make up a description or story. When the entire group has had a chance to do this, ask participants to tell what each item really is.

A variation with younger children: Have enough items so that each participant can take the thing that they felt with them.
OR have a variety of stuffed animals in the bag(s) and let participants select. Then give the animals names and talk about them.

CLOSING:
My mind is wonderful.
I can think about many things, real and imaginary
I can dream of things I want to do and things I want to see.
But I must learn to know what is imaginary and what is real!

GROUP REVIEW AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
What did they like about the session? (theme, activities, someone special being there, etc.)

Announce the story for the next session and who will be the adult facilitator, or if there are special events in the time before they meet again.

© Rev. Helen Zidowecki, May 2003