Ostara: Kings, Wisdom & Spring
We explore stories of David and Solomon while celebrating the spring equinox and new life.
Teaching Note: Hebrew king stories are studied as literature alongside other traditions, finding common wisdom.
UU Principle Focus
4th Principle: A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
Weekly Lessons
Week 1: David the Shepherd
🕯️ Hearth Circle
David started as a simple shepherd. What small beginnings might lead to big things?
📚 Language Arts
Read David's early story as literature. Write about humble beginnings
✖️ Math
Counting and grouping - counting sheep in flocks
🌱 Science
Sheep and shepherding - how sheep are cared for
✏️ Form Drawing
Curved forms - sheep, rolling hills
🧶 Handwork
Wool crafts - felting, spinning
📖 Story
David the Shepherd Boy (as myth)
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Spring lambing season - new life in the flocks
Abrahamic:
David tends his father's sheep before becoming king
Connection:
Both traditions honor the humble work of caring for animals
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- David Story animated
- Sheep and Lambs
Shows:
- Shepherds Today
Audio:
- David for Children
Week 2: David & Goliath
🕯️ Hearth Circle
David faced a giant with just a sling. What 'giants' do you face? What tools do you have?
📚 Language Arts
Read David and Goliath as literature. Write about facing fears
✖️ Math
Measurement - height, comparing sizes. How tall was Goliath?
🌱 Science
Simple machines - how a sling works (lever, projectile)
✏️ Form Drawing
Contrast forms - small and large
🧶 Handwork
Make a simple sling or catapult (safely!)
📖 Story
David and Goliath (as myth)
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Many traditions tell of small heroes defeating giants
Abrahamic:
Young David defeats the giant Goliath with a stone
Connection:
Both traditions show that courage matters more than size
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- David and Goliath animated
- Simple Machines
Shows:
- Underdogs Who Won
Audio:
- Giant Stories
Week 3: Spring Equinox & Balance
🕯️ Hearth Circle
At Ostara, day and night are equal again. How do we find balance in spring?
📚 Language Arts
Compare spring celebrations from different cultures. Write a spring poem
✖️ Math
Symmetry - equal halves, mirror images
🌱 Science
Spring equinox - why day and night are equal
✏️ Form Drawing
Symmetrical forms - eggs, butterflies
🧶 Handwork
Dye eggs naturally, plant seeds
📖 Story
Eostre and the Hare (Germanic)
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Ostara celebrates spring equinox with eggs and hares - symbols of new life
Abrahamic:
Passover celebrates freedom; Easter celebrates resurrection
Connection:
Both traditions celebrate new life and liberation in spring
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Spring Equinox Explained
- Easter/Passover
Shows:
- Spring Around World
Audio:
- Spring Stories
Week 4: Solomon's Wisdom
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Solomon asked for wisdom instead of riches. What would you ask for?
📚 Language Arts
Read Solomon's wisdom stories as literature. Write about making wise choices
✖️ Math
Problem solving - logic puzzles, fair division
🌱 Science
The brain - how we think and make decisions
✏️ Form Drawing
Crown and temple forms
🧶 Handwork
Build a simple structure (Solomon's temple)
📖 Story
Solomon's Wisdom (as literature)
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Wise rulers like King Arthur sought counsel from druids
Abrahamic:
Solomon asks God for wisdom to rule justly
Connection:
Both traditions value wisdom over wealth or power
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Solomon Story animated
- Brain Power
Shows:
- Wise Leaders
Audio:
- Solomon for Children
Week 5: Jonah & Second Chances
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Jonah ran away but got a second chance. When have you needed a second chance?
📚 Language Arts
Read Jonah story as literature. Write about second chances and forgiveness
✖️ Math
Time - three days and nights. Elapsed time problems
🌱 Science
Whales and ocean life - could a whale swallow a person?
✏️ Form Drawing
Whale and wave forms
🧶 Handwork
Ocean crafts, whale art
📖 Story
Jonah and the Whale (as myth)
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Many traditions tell of heroes swallowed by sea creatures and reborn
Abrahamic:
Jonah spends three days in a great fish before being released
Connection:
Both traditions show transformation through difficult experiences
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Jonah Story animated
- Whale Facts
Shows:
- Ocean Giants
Audio:
- Jonah for Children
Week 6: Ostara Celebration
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Ostara ritual - celebrate balance, plant seeds, welcome spring's return
📚 Language Arts
Write spring blessings. Create a nature journal
✖️ Math
Review symmetry and measurement. Garden planning
🌱 Science
Spring changes - what's blooming, what's hatching?
✏️ Form Drawing
Create an Ostara border with eggs, flowers, and spring forms
🧶 Handwork
Egg decorating, seed planting, spring feast
📖 Story
Share favorite spring and renewal stories
🌍 Stories from Around the World
Pagan:
Ostara feast celebrates spring with eggs, seeds, and flowers
Abrahamic:
Passover Seder retells the Exodus story with symbolic foods
Connection:
Both traditions use special foods to tell stories of renewal
📺 "Just Can't" Day
Videos:
- Ostara Traditions
- Passover Seder
Shows:
- Spring Celebrations
Audio:
- Renewal Stories
🌸 Ostara Celebration
- 🟡 Dye eggs with natural colors
- 🟡 Plant seeds and watch them grow
- 🟡 Take nature walks to find spring signs
- 🟡 Create a spring altar with flowers and eggs
- 🟡 Have a spring feast with fresh foods