Roots Class (K-2nd) w/Marie:

We are continuing our learning together this week about racism and what we can do together to become antiracist. Today’s story is Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi. Many of us grownups are learning from  his book for grownups, How to Be Antiracist. This is his book for children (but really of course it’s for the grownups just as much!) “Antiracist Baby is always learning, changing, and growing. Antiracist Baby stays curious about all people and isn’t all knowing.” 

Learning, changing, and growing is something we believe is so important as Unitarian Universalists, and antiracism work is part of why we gather together at Wildflower. Growth is big work we can do together. 

And speaking of big growth, here is a glimpse of where the tadpoles in my pond are at this week. The children met them in my pond tour last week as part of our water service and we are curious to check in with them more as they do their big interesting work of becoming frogs. Right now they are only funny squiggly swimming things with tails. Watch here:https://youtu.be/n7SJSe3lKVM

Seedlings class (3rd-5th) w/Piaf:

This week we explored our theme of renewal by focusing on our first source, wonder. How does it feel to ponder the night sky? What does it mean to say that we are made of stardust? We discussed this concept from both a science and a faith perspective and then watched a video about it. Finally, we played a star-themed drawing game.

Wildflower Youth Group (Middle & High School) w/Solveij:

Today in Wildflower Youth Group we checked in, did brainstorming for the mural project, and played a game. We looked at murals for inspiration, including these murals by youth. We also talked about the process of making a collaborative mural and started to make a plan with a timeline, supplies we’d need, and ideas about where the mural can be. At our next meeting, we’ll be brainstorming for the social justice message!

Roots Class (K-2nd) w/Marie:

Hello everyone, happy Water Communion Sunday from the roots class. We watched Cory turn water and dish soap into bubbles with a straw (something kids could try at home I bet!), took a visit to the pond in my backyard where you can see my rose for the week… I have tadpoles! Here is a link to the video if you’d like to peek too. You’ll see minnows and tiny, squiggly tadpoles swimming by.

Our story this week is the beautiful book Julian is A Mermaid by Jessica Love. I got a little teary reading this aloud to everyone- I explained to the children I was happy/sad- because like Abuela in the book, our Wildflower church is a place where you can be seen and loved for exactly who you are and that is a wonderful, wonderful thing. I hope water renews your spirit and brings you joy and connection too. 
Pond link:https://youtu.be/cK1SLsLO7nE

Seedlings Class (3rd – 5th grade) w/Piaf:

This week we discussed our UU Water Communion, including what we remembered from past communions, how the water cycle works, and what that might symbolize in a UU setting. In addition, we watched/listened to a video of a flowing stream while taking deep breaths and noticing how we felt afterwards. Finally, we had some silly fun creating a “rain storm” with our hands and feet (which worked surprisingly well in a virtual environment) and playing a couple of games. It is so good to see each and every one of you on Sundays!

Wildflower Youth Group (Middle & High School) w/Solveij:

Today we talked about what we do to renew our spirits–art, being mindful when eating, making change with others, reaching out to friends, speaking our mind, taking walks, yoga, etc. We also watched a spoken word, and did some more brainstorming for our mural! Here’s an example that youth felt inspired by. As we plan our mural, your youth can add to our brainstorming under the purple section on our Padlet. (Email Solveij for a link & password at solveijp@gmail.com)

Roots class (k-2nd) w/Marie:

Hello everyone, happy Water Communion Sunday from the roots class. We watched Cory turn water and dish soap into bubbles with a straw (something kids could try at home I bet!), took a visit to the pond in my backyard where you can see my rose for the week… I have tadpoles! Here is a link to the video if you’d like to peek too. You’ll see minnows and tiny, squiggly tadpoles swimming by.

Our story this week is the beautiful book Julian is A Mermaid by Jessica Love. I got a little teary reading this aloud to everyone- I explained to the children I was happy/sad- because like Abuela in the book, our Wildflower church is a place where you can be seen and loved for exactly who you are and that is a wonderful, wonderful thing. I hope water renews your spirit and brings you joy and connection too. 
Pond link:https://youtu.be/cK1SLsLO7nE

Seedlings class (3rd – 5th) w/Piaf:

This week we discussed our UU Water Communion, including what we remembered from past communions, how the water cycle works, and what that might symbolize in a UU setting. In addition, we watched/listened to a video of a flowing stream while taking deep breaths and noticing how we felt afterwards. Finally, we had some silly fun creating a “rain storm” with our hands and feet (which worked surprisingly well in a virtual environment) and playing a couple of games. It is so good to see each and every one of you on Sundays!

Wildflower Youth Group (Middle & High School) w/Solveij:

Today we talked about what we do to renew our spirits–art, being mindful when eating, making change with others, reaching out to friends, speaking our mind, taking walks, yoga, etc. We also watched a spoken word, and did some more brainstorming for our mural! Here’s an example that youth felt inspired by. As we plan our mural, your youth can add to our brainstorming under the purple section on our Padlet. (Email Solveij for a link & password at solveijp@gmail.com)

Roots Class (K-2nd grade) w/Marie:

Happy last summer Sunday school class!

Thanks to our volunteer for sharing The Koala Who Could book. It was the perfect thinking-about-starting-new-things-for-fall-and-school-plans, on all our minds and hearts in the community. Best wishes to all kids and teachers, your Wildflower home is here for you always. 

Seedlings Class (3rd-5th grade) w/Piaf:

This week we watched the animated short “Hair Love” and discussed what themes and messages we noticed in it. We all agreed that family love was a big part of the story and how the father kept trying to style his daughter’s hair, even when it was hard. This also led to a discussion about how this country has pressured Black people to change their natural hair as part of White Supremacy and we noted how Michelle Obama’s hairstyles have changed since leaving the White House.

Finally, we played a fun round of Bird on a Wire & got a virtual tour of one student’s foster kittens.

Wildflower Youth Group (Middle & High School) w/Solveij:
Today the Youth Group learned about how Communities of Color United is proposing that 50% of APD funds are reinvested in “R.E.A.L. Solutions.” The youth were asked what they think about the proposal after unpacking what each part of the R.E.A.L. acronym means (RISE funds for pandemic relief, Equity Office, Austin Public Health, Low-Income Housing).

The youth present were interested in supporting the proposal by writing emails or calling City Council members in support. When we meet again, they’ll have time to collaborate on a script and artwork to share with City Council!

Roots Class (k-2nd) w/Marie:

Today was more animal dancing, and in thinking about animals, I decided a snail book was in order in honor of Sarah’s joining us very soon. Hearing about her pet snails has been a continued area of deep interest on the part of the children, thank you Sarah for sharing pictures of Chippy eating from a spoon. We are curious about what snails eat that way… 🙂 and we are excited to welcome you to Wildflower. The children ask how was your trip? 

Seedlings (3rd – 5th) w/Piaf  & Wildflower Youth (Middle & High school) w/Solveij:

Today the Wildflower Youth and Seedlings groups came together for a unique presentation by local anti-racist activist and researcher Stephanie Webb. Stephanie shared data and personal experiences about racial segregation in Austin schools and how Black and Latinx communities in Austin have been impacted by dominant perceptions of “good” and “bad” schools based on things like test scores and parent involvement. We learned that police are concentrated in schools that are considered “bad,” and how schools get labeled “bad” because they are under-resourced. The youth and kids asked deep questions about how and why schools that have more students of color are considered “bad schools” and are impacted more by policing.