Imbolc: Saints & Heroes
As winter softens, we explore legends of saints and heroes who made a difference through kindness and courage. These stories inspire us while we master multiplication.
UU Principle Focus
3rd Principle: Acceptance and encouragement of spiritual growth
Saint legends from many traditions show different paths to wisdom and compassion.
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: Brigid & The First Flame
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Light a candle for Brigid. What sparks of creativity are waking up inside us?
📚 Language Arts
Saint legends intro - Brigid of Ireland. Reading fluency. Journal: What do I want to create?
✖️ Math
Multiplication intro - groups of 2. Skip counting by 2s
🌱 Science
Early signs of spring - buds, lengthening days
✏️ Form Drawing
Flame forms - upward curves
🧶 Handwork
Brigid's cross
📖 Story
The Legend of Saint Brigid
Week 2: Saint Patrick & The Shamrock
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Patrick used the shamrock to teach. What symbols help us understand big ideas?
📚 Language Arts
Read Saint Patrick legend. Story elements. Cursive practice
✖️ Math
Multiplication - groups of 3. Skip counting by 3s
🌱 Science
Clovers and plant structure
✏️ Form Drawing
Three-fold symmetry
🧶 Handwork
Nature press
📖 Story
The Legend of Saint Patrick
Week 3: Saint Francis & The Animals
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Francis loved all creatures. How do we show respect for animals?
📚 Language Arts
Legend of Francis and the wolf. Compare to fables
✖️ Math
Multiplication - groups of 4. Arrays
🌱 Science
Animal communication
✏️ Form Drawing
Animal silhouettes
🧶 Handwork
Bird feeder
📖 Story
Saint Francis and the Wolf
Week 4: Johnny Appleseed
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Johnny planted seeds for future generations. What seeds can we plant?
📚 Language Arts
American legend. Tall tales vs legends
✖️ Math
Multiplication - groups of 5
🌱 Science
Apple trees - life cycle
✏️ Form Drawing
Tree forms
🧶 Handwork
Plant seeds indoors
📖 Story
Johnny Appleseed
Week 5: Harriet Tubman - Guiding Star
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Harriet followed the North Star. What guides us when times are hard?
📚 Language Arts
Biography of Harriet Tubman. Courage and freedom
✖️ Math
Multiplication - groups of 10
🌱 Science
Stars and navigation
✏️ Form Drawing
Star forms
🧶 Handwork
Star lantern
📖 Story
Harriet Tubman
Week 6: Heroes In Our Community
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Heroes are all around us. Who are the helpers in our community?
📚 Language Arts
Interview a community helper. Write a short biography
✖️ Math
Multiplication review - mixed groups
🌱 Science
Community helpers and tools
✏️ Form Drawing
Gift for a helper
🧶 Handwork
Thank you cards
📖 Story
Student shares interview
Week 7: Imbolc Celebration
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Imbolc ritual - light candles, welcome returning light, share hopes
📚 Language Arts
Write your own hero legend
✖️ Math
Multiplication games and review
🌱 Science
Light and seasons
✏️ Form Drawing
Imbolc border
🧶 Handwork
Candle dipping
📖 Story
Share original legends
🕯️ Imbolc Celebration Ideas
- 🟡 Light candles and welcome the returning light
- 🟡 Make Brigid's crosses for protection
- 🟡 Plant seeds indoors for spring
- 🟡 Share stories of personal heroes
- 🟡 Dairy feast - milk, cheese, butter (Brigid's sacred foods)