First Day School for Young People

“Care of the children of the meeting should be the responsibility of every Friend. Let us share with our children a sense of adventure, of wonder, and of trust and let them know that, in facing the mysteries of life, they are surrounded by love. Both parents and meetings need to guard against letting other commitments deprive children of the time and attention they need. Friends are advised to seek for children the full development of God's gifts, which is true education.”

— Revised Faith and Practice, New England Yearly Meeting, 1985

Cultivating the spiritual lives of children within the context of meeting is a vital part of the role of the faith community. Providing developmentally appropriate and rich learning experiences for children, as well as providing opportunities for deep connection with the adults in the meeting is at the heart of a strong First Day school. Listed here are many resources to help meetings provide a spiritual home for their children.

Featured Books

New Books

Faith & Play

Quaker Stories For Friends Trained In The Godly Play(r) Method

BY THE FAITH AND PLAY WORKING GROUP OF PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING
Godly Play(R), created by Jerome Berryman, opened the way for Friends to teach bible stories using a method that embodies the Quaker idea of continuing revelation, supports multiple perspectives on a story, encourages silence as a tool within storytelling and honors the diversity of ways the spirit works within each person. This curriculum uses the full range of these techniques to help Friends tell stories of Quaker Faith and Practice. Developed by Michael Gibson working closely with Philadelphia YM and the Religious Education Committee of FGC this is a resource that will work best for Friends and Children already trained or acquainted with Godly Play Methods.

Quaker Press of FGC 2008 44 PP. Looseleaf

$20.00 (in stock)

Meditating With Children

The Art Of Concentrationand Centering - A Workbook On New Educational Methods Using Meditation

BY DEBORAH ROZMAN
A holistic educator shares her techniques for teaching the art of concentration and centering to children. The aim is to add balance and self-esteem, improve decision making, and put children in touch with their deeper core values. Children should love these simple, fun techniques that develop concentration, stimulate creativity, balance their mental, emotional, and physical natures, and build self-security. Used by educators nationwide.

Integral Yoga Publications 2002 153 PP. Paper

$17.95 (in stock)

Attention Games

101 Fun, Easy Games That Help Kids Learn To Focus

BY BARBARA SHER
If you want to focus children's attention, you first have to capture their interest. Attention Games is filled with interesting and child-tested activities that can help children of all ages become better at focusing and paying attention. From the author of Spirit Games.

Jossey-Bass 2006 184 PP. Paper

$16.95 (in stock)