St. Francis inspired learning Blocks
Quick link to seasonal nature study and folk crafts
Quick link to little homesteaders learning blocks
In this year-long learning block at The One Room Schoolhouse, we are using the nature-inspired legends and poetry of St. Francis to guide our stories and activities. St. Francis devoted his life to nature, animals, and peace. He saw wildlife as family and was deeply connected to the elements (wind, fire, water, and Earth). In one of his most famous writings, “Canticle of the Creatures”, he even wrote to Brother Wind, Sister Water, and Mother Earth.
Around the first of every month, I will publish a new set of seasonal, or monthly, stories and activities inspired by St. Francis’ love of nature and wildlife. Each set will include a printable PDF of the story and activities. Each set will include things such as:
Living History and Storytelling
A story featuring St. Francis and his animal companions – from a bear during winter to the buzzing of honeybees during summer.
Old-World Inspired Folk Crafts
Crafts made from things found around your home and in nature – like hammered leaf prints, winter spice pomanders, and handmade seedling pots.
Flexibility for Families
In the true spirit of The One Room Schoolhouse, learning and playing looks differently from one family to the next. To respect the unique spiritual diversity of the visitors to Cottontail Acres and The One Room Schoolhouse, at the end of each story will have blessing options. You’ll be able to choose the blessing that resonates best with your family’s spiritual beliefs:
Earth-centered families can end each story with, “As above, so below. Blessed be”. These families can focus on the elemental aspects of the stories and crafts.
Faith-based families can end each story with, “Thank you, Lord, for Your beautiful creation”. These families can celebrate God’s creation and reflect on Christian studies.
Secular and nature-centered families can end each story with, “Goodbye to the moon, goodbye to the trees, goodbye to the buzzing little bees”. If your family falls into this category, you can focus on folkloric exploration of natural science, history, and art.
No matter your family’s spirituality, we all walk on the same Earth, breathe the same air, and look up at the same moon and stars. It’s my vision for the St. Francis learning block here at The One Room Schoolhouse to bring us all closer together with nature and animals, following in the spirit of St. Francis.
Notes from Zookeeper Tabby
The stories included in each learning set are fictional. At the end of the stories, you may find a section from Tabby called “Notes from Zookeeper Tabby”. She’ll separate fact from fiction by explaining the real-life reasoning behind the animals’ behaviors from a zoology perspective.
Seasonal Nature Study and Folk Crafts
These learning blocks are inspired by St. Francis’ love for nature, the elements, and animals. They are nature-based and include stories featuring St. Francis and activities that tie into the stories exploring monthly and seasonal themes such as the cricket’s evening lullaby, the month of shifting winds, and the month of the songbirds. Click here to get started!
Little Homesteaders Learning Blocks
These blocks are also in development and will be released soon. When they’re ready, each of them will include a printable story featuring St. Francis. They will also include a craft or activity that ties into the story. Topics will include bread baking, candle dipping, soil science, chicken keeping, goats, pigeons, pigs, and so many more themes. You’ll be able to find these blocks here!