DR. SEUSS AND UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS
WHAT WAS I SCARED OF? (5-9 Years)

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

SETTING THE STAGE
STORY SYNOPSIS: The small character meets a pair of pale green pants in various places, and finally realizes that the pants are as scared of him as he is of them. (4 minutes)

AFFIRMATION(S): We are always learning.

THEME(S): Overcome imaginary fears by learning about them.

PREPARATION: Reflect on fears that you have now, or that you had as a child. How did you get over them?

NEEDED:
The Sneetches, Random House, 1961
Paper plates, markers or crayons to make masks
Paper pants, messages

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
What Was I Scared Of?

EXPLORING
What kinds of things scare you?
Have you ever been scared of something that wasn't real, or the you didn't understand?
When do you get scared (night, when alone)
What do you do when you are scared (Get some help? Tell someone that you are afraid?)

Focus on imaginary fear, which the pants can represent (rather than giving the idea that it is all right to make friends with strangers).
Did you ever try to talk yourself into being brave? Things are scarier when you're alone. It's a good idea to talk to someone about scary things. It is OK to be scared, but no one should have to go on being scared.

Make scary faces, such as on paper plate masks.
Talk about their control of the mask they made.
Make pants for each child, with pockets for messages: I can talk to someone when I am scared.
When I learn about something, it may not be as scary
Names of people they can talk to when they are scared. CLOSING:
Have each participant write a fear that they have on a piece of paper. When they all have done this, crumble the paper, making noise while doing this. Then throw the paper away or give it to the facilitator to get rid of. Suggest that they can do this whenever they feel a fear. While they may still feel uneasy, this gives a recognition of the fear and the sense of attacking it (crumpling the paper).

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