Beltane: Courage, Community & Fire
We explore stories of prophets and brave leaders while celebrating the fire festival of Beltane.
Teaching Note: Hebrew prophet stories are studied as literature alongside other traditions, finding common wisdom about courage and community.
UU Principle Focus
5th Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: Elijah & the Prophets
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Elijah stood up for what he believed. When have you stood up for something?
📚 Language Arts
Read Elijah story as literature. Write about standing up for beliefs
✖️ Math
Multiplication review - large numbers
🌱 Science
Fire and weather - how fire spreads, fire safety
✏️ Form Drawing
Flame and mountain forms
🧶 Handwork
Fire safety poster or project
📖 Story
Elijah on Mount Carmel (as myth)
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Beltane fires are lit on hilltops to welcome summer
Abrahamic:
Elijah calls down fire on Mount Carmel
Connection:
Both traditions use fire on high places as sacred
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Elijah Story animated
- Fire Safety
Shows:
- Prophets
Audio:
- Elijah for Children
Week 2: Elijah & the Still Small Voice
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Elijah heard God in silence, not in fire or earthquake. Where do you find peace?
📚 Language Arts
Read the still small voice story. Write about finding quiet
✖️ Math
Division practice - sharing equally
🌱 Science
Sound - loud vs quiet, how we hear
✏️ Form Drawing
Gentle, flowing forms - wind, whispers
🧶 Handwork
Create a quiet corner or meditation space
📖 Story
The Still Small Voice (as literature)
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Many traditions value meditation and listening to nature
Abrahamic:
Elijah finds God not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in silence
Connection:
Both traditions teach that wisdom often comes in stillness
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Still Small Voice animated
- Mindfulness for Kids
Shows:
- Finding Quiet
Audio:
- Peaceful Stories
Week 3: Daniel & Courage
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Daniel was brave even when it was dangerous. What helps you be brave?
📚 Language Arts
Read Daniel in the lions' den as literature. Write about facing fears
✖️ Math
Problem solving - multi-step problems
🌱 Science
Lions - habitat, behavior, conservation
✏️ Form Drawing
Lion forms - mane, strength
🧶 Handwork
Lion crafts or masks
📖 Story
Daniel in the Lions' Den (as myth)
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Many traditions honor animal spirits and their qualities
Abrahamic:
Daniel is protected in the lions' den because of his faith
Connection:
Both traditions show that inner strength protects us
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Daniel Story animated
- Lions in the Wild
Shows:
- Big Cats
Audio:
- Daniel for Children
Week 4: Esther & Bravery
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Esther risked her life to save her people. Who would you be brave for?
📚 Language Arts
Read Esther story as literature. Write about courage for others
✖️ Math
Fractions - parts of a whole, fair shares
🌱 Science
Ancient Persia - where Esther lived
✏️ Form Drawing
Crown and scroll forms
🧶 Handwork
Create a crown or royal costume
📖 Story
Queen Esther (as literature)
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Many traditions honor brave queens and warrior women
Abrahamic:
Esther saves her people by speaking truth to power
Connection:
Both traditions celebrate women who act with courage
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Esther Story animated
- Ancient Persia
Shows:
- Brave Women
Audio:
- Esther for Children
Week 5: May Day & Growth
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Beltane celebrates life growing strong. What is growing in your life?
📚 Language Arts
Compare May Day celebrations from different cultures. Write about growth
✖️ Math
Measurement - plant growth, graphing
🌱 Science
Plant growth - what plants need to thrive
✏️ Form Drawing
Maypole and ribbon forms - spiraling, weaving
🧶 Handwork
Create a mini maypole, flower crowns
📖 Story
Jack in the Green (English folklore)
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Beltane celebrates fertility and the greening of the earth
Abrahamic:
Pentecost celebrates the spirit descending like fire and wind
Connection:
Both traditions celebrate life force and spiritual energy
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- May Day Traditions
- Pentecost for Kids
Shows:
- Spring Festivals
Audio:
- May Day Stories
Week 6: Community & Working Together
🕯️ Hearth Circle
How does our community work together? What can we do to help?
📚 Language Arts
Read about community building. Write about your community
✖️ Math
Data and graphs - community surveys
🌱 Science
Ecosystems - how living things work together
✏️ Form Drawing
Interlocking forms - community, connection
🧶 Handwork
Community service project
📖 Story
Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall (as literature)
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Beltane brings communities together around the fire
Abrahamic:
Nehemiah leads the community to rebuild Jerusalem's walls
Connection:
Both traditions show the power of working together
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Community Helpers
- Nehemiah animated
Shows:
- Working Together
Audio:
- Community Stories
Week 7: Beltane Celebration
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Beltane ritual - dance the maypole, light fires, celebrate life's abundance
📚 Language Arts
Write poems about growth and community. Create a class book
✖️ Math
Review all year's math. Celebration games
🌱 Science
Late spring nature - what's blooming, what's buzzing?
✏️ Form Drawing
Create a Beltane border with flowers, flames, and ribbons
🧶 Handwork
Maypole dance, flower crowns, fire jumping (safely!)
📖 Story
Share favorite stories from the year
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Beltane feast celebrates with flowers, fire, and dancing
Abrahamic:
Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah with flowers and dairy
Connection:
Both traditions use flowers and feasting to celebrate
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Beltane Traditions
- Shavuot for Kids
Shows:
- Summer Festivals
Audio:
- Celebration Stories
🔥 Beltane Celebration
- 🟡 Dance around the maypole
- 🟡 Make flower crowns and garlands
- 🟡 Light a Beltane fire (safely!)
- 🟡 Feast on fresh spring foods
- 🟡 Celebrate the year's learning