Saint Francis
Greeting, Viewing art and questions, Craft,Aesop's fable in sign language, Song in a foreign language,
St. Francis of Assisi
What is going on in this painting? Anyone know this person? Who is behind St. Francis? A Franciscan Monk. What is above the head of St Francis? A halo Did you notice that the Monk behind St Francis does not have a halo around his head? What is St Francis doing? Blessing the birds. Does anyone notice the prayer? Could it be this? In the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit? Does anyone see a special bird? What kind of bird is that? Since St. Francis gave up all his wealth and lived a life of poverty he is often depicted with animals. He finds the beauty in everything he sees in the world. So many men wanted to follow his way of life they began to follow him around living out of huts, and giving up all the wealth they owned to help others. Even though St Francis walks with the Saints people on earth still follow the example he set. The men that followed his example are known as Franciscan monks. The men live a simple life like the way Christ led his life.
A story goes that during the time St. Francis was thinking of following in the life of Jesus, Satin decided t send mice to distract him, but God sent cat to destroy the mice.
Craft: Cat puppets
Sign language story: The donkey and the purchaser
A man wanted to buy a donkey to work on his farm. The owner other donkeys followed the man around, and told him he could take any of them home if he wanted. The man came across a group of hard working donkeys and decided quickly the one he wanted. The owner asks him how did he know so fast which one to select. The purchase said, "A man is known by the company he keeps".
Drama:
We add the characters (Buyer,seller, and a donkey) to a hat. The children draw out a character and act as the character with no words. The other children then guess what character the children are acting as.
Song: Fra Martino
Fra Martino campanaro, Dormi tu, dormi tu? Suona le campane, suona le campane, Din don dan din don dan,
Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?, Brother John? Brother John?, Morning bells are ringing. Morning bells are ringing. Ding, dong, ding. Ding dong, ding.
Moral: we are known by the friends we surround ourselves with.
Would you like to extend the lesson?
Francis of Assisi
Paperbag Puppets
Manuscripts
Franciscan Monks
Friendship Poetry
Learn sign language
Holy Bible
