DR. SEUSS AND UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS
THE ZAX (5-9 Years)

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

SETTING THE STAGE
STORY SYNOPSIS: Two Zax meet and refuse to move to let the other pass. (2 minutes)

AFFIRMATION(S): Everyone is important.
We are fair and kind to each other. THEME(S): Stubbornness
Power PREPARATION: Think about how you react when you are sure that you are absolutely right!

NEEDED:
"The Zax" from The Sneetches and Other Stories, Random House, 1961

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
The Zax

EXPLORING
Reflection
Can you tell about a time when you met someone who demanded that you do something that you did not want to do?
What did you do?
How important was it to not do what was being asked? Or how important was it that you argue with the person? Did you do what the other person asked? If so, did that feel OK? If not, what happened?
There are times when it is a good idea to do what someone tells you to do. When do you do things that other people tell you to do? Your parents? Your teachers?

When we get into situations like that of the two Zax, we must decide what to do. What are some of the things that we think about in making the decision? Do we always have to be right?
Note that the Zax argued and pointed fingers but did not hurt each other physically. How can you protect yourself so that you will not get hurt? Include the idea that each person has the right, ability and responsibility not to make the violence worse.

What happened around the Zax? Sometimes things that are so important to us are not important to others.

Is there a way out?
Have two participants take the role of the two Zax. Can they figure out how to get out of the situation without making the other Zax feel as if it has 'lost'?

CLOSING:
Moving On: Participants form 2 groups. One group are the North-Going Zax and the other group are the South-Going Zax. Have the groups form an inner and an outer circle, facing each other and a few feet apart. The groups walk toward each other until they meet. Each participant wishes the person he/she is facing a good trip, shake hands or bow to each other, and each person moves to the left. This should bring new partners. Repeat the process until all North-Going Zax have met all of the South-going Zax. Then, as a chorus, "Have a good trip!" and break the lines/circle.

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