At Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, we offer children’s programming every Sunday. In many faith communities, children’s classes are called Sunday School. Like most Quaker Meetings, we call these classes First Day School. That’s because in Quaker parlance, Sunday is the First Day.
The purpose of First Day School is to give our children a spiritual foundation, a joyful involvement in Quaker community, and an understanding of Quaker testimonies. First Day School also frees parents to attend worship, knowing their children are safe, well cared for, and learning. Bringing your children to First Day School regularly helps build a classroom community.
What Do Children Learn in First Day School?
Our First Day School is less religiously focused than one would find at a traditional church. Our First Day School’s curriculum focuses on the Quaker testimonies, what it means to live Quaker values, and age-appropriate social justice discussion and activities. For example, in the spring and early summer of 2024, our First Day School focused on the Quaker testimony of Stewardship, our commitment to caring for the Earth the people around us, and future generations. First Day School offered a series of lessons on caring for the Earth and appreciating the wonders of nature in the face of today’s climate crisis.
What May My Child Expect in First Day School?
Each Sunday, children join parents/caregivers for the first 15 minutes of worship in the worship room at 10:30 AM, and then leave with their teachers to go to First Day School in the classrooms on our 2nd floor at 10:45. The silence and stillness during worship can be difficult for children, and we are sympathetic to their restlessness. We welcome children bringing a book or favorite (quiet) toy. Children are also welcome to remain in meeting for worship with their parents or caregivers for this duration.
At 11:30 AM First Day School ends and the teachers walk the children back to the worship room and their parents, who are then responsible for them. We encourage families to enjoy food and fellowship in the social room after worship. When there is a meal, we ask that parents accompany their children while they go through the buffet line.
After worship, children may play outside behind the meetinghouse and must wear shoes. Parents can easily see their children playing outdoors from the social room. The Meeting maintains a play space area on this hillside, which abuts a section of Wissahickon Park. Please be aware that poison ivy grows in the park.
In First Day School, children are grouped by age:
Nursery:
Newborn to 4
For children who are too young to join First Day School, we offer childcare each Sunday year-round in our professionally staffed 2nd floor nursery.
Primary
Grades K to 3
Upper Elementary and Rising Middle School
Grades 4 to 6
Teens
Grades 8 and Up
Who Oversees First Day School?
First Day School is overseen by our Religious Education (RE) Committee, which includes experienced Friends, many of whom work in education professionally. The committee selects teachers for each age group, plans the curriculum, and oversees the classes. The RE Committee also hires and oversees the nursery staff.
If you have questions, please contact the RE Committee at RECom@chestnutHillQuakers.org.
Our teachers welcome email and phone communication with parents. When you enroll your child, you will be asked to complete an information and emergency contact form so you can be reached with any questions.
