Today's Meeting for Worship

One of the benefits of attending a Quaker school is that we can share our spiritual beliefs. This is a topic that frequently comes up at this time of year as children are talking about holiday celebrations.  The diversity of our school families means we have different family traditions; we try to be mindful and respectful of those differences.
  
Today, as we gathered for meeting for worship with our fourth grade partners, we shared a read aloud:  What is God? by Etan Boritzer  This book explores the basics of the major world religions and people's quest for understanding and connection.  

Here's Amazon's description of the book:

What is God? is an eloquent introduction to the ideas behind God and religion, and brings forward complex ideas in a way children will understand. It is written with a simple clarity and beautifully illustrated with just the right blend of seriousness and humor.

What is God? compares different religions -- Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism -- and their holy books, looks at misunderstandings and arguments among people of different religions, and talks about praying as well as feeling connected to everything in the world.

If you want to talk about spirituality with a child, or introduce them to philosophy or religion, or just help them to begin to center themselves and their feelings about the world, this book is a great beginning.

Afterwards the students shared some of their thinking and the first graders had some wonderfully thoughtful and deep ideas. Perhaps you can continue the conversation at home.   If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email or call.