Days Of Our Childhood

Suitable for years 4 - 6

‘days of our childhood’ explores personal spirituality and recognises that the issue is common to all religions. Using a topic based approach young people are encouraged to explore issues. It looks into the day-to-day family problems faced by all children as they grow up.

‘days of our childhood’ breaks down into eight separate topics or Units of Study. Each unit includes an original song. In addition to the songs, which are a major element of each unit of study, there is also a script which when used with the songs, extends the opportunity for a musical drama production.

Unit 1 – Foundations
Presents the concept of body, soul and spirit – the child as a whole person, physical and spiritual. This unit is also used as an explanation to what the musical is about, i.e. helping to improve family life by improving dialogue between parents and children.

The first song – ‘Unless the Lord builds the House’. The phrase ‘unless the Lord builds the house’ does not refer to bricks and mortar, but the ‘house’ that is our life.

Unit 2 – Affection
Looks at how we are affected in body, soul and spirit by physical touch e.g. hugging. Children need hugs and cuddles. If they are missing from their lives they may have difficulties in showing affection to others later in their life. The unit can also be used to discuss ‘good’ and ‘bad’ touches.

The second song – ‘Just a touch’. This is a song about the value and importance of positive touch and affection.

Unit 3 – Values
Uses the body, soul and spirit ‘model’ to understand how our values are formed. This unit also looks at materialism. As the values of society become increasingly more materialistic, parents can become blind to the precious time that they have to enjoy their children’s ‘innocent years’.

The third song – ‘Innocent Years’. The words of this song express the memories and regrets of parents whose children have grown up realising that they have not treasured those important first years of childhood.

Unit 4 – Worry
It is all too easy for adults to imagine that children and young people don’t have much to worry about. One issue that is the root of much worry for young people is conflict within the family. The effects of family rows on children can be very difficult to measure. Children are often forced to take sides even when they have little or no understanding of the problems.

The fourth song – ‘Special kind of Love’. This song further explores the meaning of ‘worry’. Why should we worry? What causes us to worry? Where do we go for help or advice?

Unit 5 – Affirmation
We should always encourage people to do their best - the difficulty is how we do it. The purpose of this unit is to explore the importance of saying ‘well done’ and building up a child’s self-worth.

The fifth song – ‘Tell me’. This song is about the importance of being affirmed. We all need to hear those words ‘Well Done’ from time to time.

Unit 6 – Listening
Time spent with your children is priceless.

The sixth song – ‘So many times’. In this song a child is desperate to get some attention from its parents, but they are too busy to hear.

Unit 7 – Individuality
This unit explores individuality. How can children express their individuality? Childhood memories are also explored, their earliest memories, starting school. How has their life changed as they are growing up? Everyone is unique and is special in some way.

The seventh song – ‘Days of our Childhood’. This song is a memory journey and states that each one of us is unique and is born for a purpose.

Unit 8 – Respect
The issue of respect is important. The lack of it in any individual can easily spread to others. This unit explores how and when respect is earned.

The eighth song – ‘Love the Lord and Love Each Other’. This song tells of the need for mutual respect between children and their parents and also between God and His children.

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