YOUTH ETHICS PROGRAM

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OUR PHILOSOPHY

The Ethical Society Youth Ethics Program seeks to affirm the special worth of every human being and to encourage the development of those values which integrate each child into the greater human family. In a warm, caring atmosphere, where all questions can be asked and no answers dismissed or ignored, children gain a sense belonging and have an opportunity to share thoughts and feelings. An exploration of past and present values and spiritual traditions, as well as the whole fabric of human experience and imaginings will help each child in the search for ultimate values in his/her own life. By identifying ethics as central to religion, children are encouraged to explore their own values and beliefs, with the 12 Ethical Culture values emphasized throughout Sunday morning lessons.

ETHICAL CULTURE CORE VALUES

• Every person is important and unique.
• Every person deserves to be treated fairly and kindly.
• I can learn from everyone.
• I am part of this earth; I cherish it and all life upon it.
• I learn from the world around me by using my senses, mind and feelings.
• I am a member of the world community which depends on the cooperation of all people for peace and justice.
• I can learn from the past to build for the future.
• I am free to question.
• I am free to choose what I believe.
• I accept responsibility for my choices and actions.
• I strive to live my values.
• I view ethics as my religion.

OUR METHODS AND CURRICULUM

At the heart of our curriculum is the belief that a feeling of empowerment is at the root of an ethical personality. Children are given materials and a setting where they can express and explore ethics. The teachers are available to facilitate this expression and to encourage further exploration.

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ETHICAL IDENTITY

Familiarity with our Ethical Society and its activities, as well as a study of the Ethical Movement enables children to feel a part of our larger community.

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SUNDAY MORNING PROGRAM

Sunday classes are held weekly 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. from the third Sunday in September to the first Sunday in June.

Our teachers are committed to helping our children internalize & express ethical principles by which to live.

Classes are held for children aged 3 to 13.

Babysitting is provided for children under the age of 3.

A modest tuition is charged. Scholarship consideration is available upon request.

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PRIMARY LEVEL

The Primary children range in age from three to five. The main goal of this level is to enable the children to identify their feelings both negative and positive, and empower them to express those feelings appropriately.

Through stories, songs, games and discussions the children are helped to understand that all people share similar feelings and this common bond can temporize conflicts of interest.

Empathy is encouraged, family life is celebrated, love for oneself and appreciation of differences are developed, and respect for mother earth and her creatures is fostered.

Literature is used to as a basis for class activities.Nature walks and free play are a regular part of the Primary class.

All activities are carried out in a spirit of cooperation.

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BEGINNER

The Beginner level is comprised of children in Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2. Its primary goal is the beginnings of responsibility.Topics covered include:

• Knowing Oneself
• Understanding and Expressing Feelings
• Exploring One's World
• Becoming Self-reliant and Independent
• Solving Problems
• Valuing Others
• Understanding Feelings
• Getting along with others
• Facing Challenges
• Recognizing and Making Choices
• Seeing Effects of Decisions
• Learning to Resolve Conflicts
• Becoming Aware of the Purposes of Behavior

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INTERMEDIATE

The Intermediate level consists of children in 3rd and 4th grades. Its primary goals include developing tolerance and respect in relationships with others, encouraging integrity and a belief in non-violence, and recognizing the need for a strong sense of self in today's world.

The following units are included in the cycle:

• Self-esteem and empowerment
• Relationships with others
• Caring
• Friendship
• Conflict Resolution
• Honesty
• Ethical Dilemmas
• Ethical Heroes

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JUNIOR

The level is made up of 5th and 6th graders. Its primary goals are to develop feelings of empowerment, increase understanding of different cultural and religious views and enhance the students' abilities to self-reflect.

Curriculum units include:

• Comparative Religion
• Teaching Tolerance
• Earth Stewardship
• Good Decision Making
• Prejudice and Stereotypes

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SENIOR

The Senior class is made up of 7th and 8th graders. This level is a culmination of the Sunday Program. Its goals include understanding the importance of making ethical choices and internalization of one's ethical identity.

The following units are included in the two year cycle:

• Ethical dilemmas from the students lives
• Identification of Ethical Heroes
• Prejudice and Stereotypes
• Components of a peaceful society
• Cooperation v. Competitiveness
• Civil Rights and Responsibilities
• Peer Pressure
• Societal and Media Attitudes on Social Issues

In the final year of this program, students are mentored by adult members of our Society, meet with the Leader of our Ethical Society, engage in a community service project and they participate in a Coming of Age Program. During this year, the 8th grade students celebrate their Affirmation Ceremony surrounded by the EHS community.

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YES GROUP (Youth of Ethical Societies)

Students aged 14  through 18 are encouraged to join the Y.E.S. Group (Youth of Ethical Societies) which meets on Sunday mornings at 11:00.

In a spirit of free inquiry, teenagers explore ethical issues of interest with an adult facilitator.

Outings and get-togethers are a part of this experience. Guest speakers from inside and outside the Ethical Society are often invited to inform the students and enrich their discussions.