Unit 1 is based on the book of Genesis. As the creation story gradually unfolds, the children are challenged to see and to recognize the wonders of creation that surround them. BLEST ARE WE CD K "Thanks and Praise," track 2 "Wind and Water," "We Are Special," track 4 "He's Got Tasty Ears of Corn in His Hands," "He's Got Lions...,"track 5, 6 "Oh, We Can Use Our Talents," track 11, 12 "If You Know...," track 13, 14 "The People in the World," track 7, 8 God Creates the Skies The sun, moon, stars, clouds, day, and night are gifts of God's love. There is a wonder at the awe of God's gifts of creation. The children celebrate God's gifts of the sun, moon, stars, and clouds. God Creates the World God created the world because God loves beauty and life. This beauty exists everywhere. We give praise for the gifts of creation and celebrate them. God Creates the Animals God loves the animals created. A Bible story tells about God's love for animals. The children deepen their love for all of God's animals and celebrate this gift. God Creates People God created and loves all people. Because God loves everyone, people are able to love others. The children express thanks for the gift of people and celebrate all gifts of creation. Take Home Storybook Canticle of the Sun The storybook for this unit is Saint Francis of Assisi's "Canticle of the Sun." It summarizes the story of creation. On the last page is a family letter to help strengthen communion with the child's family.

The Lord God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden to cultivate and care for it.

—Genesis 2:15

Respect for Creation - Catholic Social Teaching
Unit 1 focuses on Creation as God's gift to humankind. God has created a world for all people to use and to enjoy. This gift brings with it the responsibility to handle earth with care so that people of future generations may also share in this gift. We identify this responsibility as stewardship. There is a need for us to make moral and ethical choices to protect living creatures, plants, soil, water, and the very air we breathe.

We need to recognize ourselves as caretakers of earth, not owners. To be good stewards we must strive to take good care of God's creation, managing it as God would have us do.

It takes time to recycle newspapers, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal. It requires extra awareness to turn off unnecessary lights, prevent water from useless running, and plan ahead for running errands to reduce the use of fuel. Such efforts reflect a commitment to stewardship. They also show respect for the Creator.

A responsible goal for consumers would be to buy and use products that do not harm the environment. Reducing the amount of materials we purchase and reusing and recycling items are positive steps showing responsible stewardship.

• How can I model for the children I teach ways to be responsible stewards?
• What actions of mine reveal how serious a commitment I have toward protecting the environment? How might I improve on them?