World Blessings

An important tenet of Unitarian Universalism is an appreciation of our world and its many blessings.  World Blessings introduces elementary students to our world's diverse countries, religions, and holidays through the shared activity of cooking. Cooking is a fun activity that helps keep children engaged and participating while they learn about the world.

World Blessings has been designed for use in a classroom setting and does not require a full kitchen. Recipes have been adapted to use a microwave and electric appliances that can be operated anywhere. Classes stand alone and can be used in any order - as your curriculum for an entire RE year, or to supplement other curricula in use. Recipes are provided both as class flyers and as recipe cards for sending home with children.

Cooking is a wonderful way to engage in cultural appreciation and education without appropriation. Lessons include information about the culture from which the recipes originate, and a Learn About the World section provides an introduction to the country, religion, holiday, or holy day being studied. Storybooks (not included with curriculum) are used to supplement and ground the day's lesson.

In addition, blessings are shared that would be authentically used from the culture in which the recipe originates as an aid to learning.  The class will create their own blessing and use it together before sharing all prepared dishes.

Note: World Blessings can easily be adapted to older groups.  We provide suggestions for using with older youth, adults, or a multigenerational group.