'Spirituality for Kids' class draws fire

Donald Wilson, who said the program was approved before he became Wonderland's principal last year, was concerned about it but changed his mind after he read the curriculum and sat in on the class. Wilson said he saw no evidence the program was religious and found it pedagogically sound. "They are more than sound, they're engaging," he said. "The lessons are lessons that parents want their kids to have."

Wilson and other principals said they allowed the program only after notifying and meeting with parents. Still, some Wonderland parents -- including several conservative Christians -- remained opposed, so Wilson did not expand the program to their children's classrooms. He plans to have district staff review it before allowing it next year.

Meanwhile, at Kester Avenue Elementary, Zucker was marking the final session of the 10-week program. She presented each student with a certificate marking completion of Level One, "The Game of Life," and handed out cookies and red lollipops imprinted with "SFK."

As the children streamed out of the room, Zucker handed each a card with the suggested spiritual exercise for the week: "Find a friend with whom you would like to share the Rules of the Game of Life. Invite them to SFK."

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seema.mehta@latimes.com