Enjoy Art, Music, and Poetry as You Prepare for Lent

It's easy to neglect the riches of art, music, and poetry as we move through the busyness of every day life and learning. Thus, I am always thankful when our AMP club gets together, since it encourages us to take some time for the arts.

I appreciate even more when a desire to live the liturgical year dovetails with our AMP plans. That is exactly what happened this week as we prepare for to enter into Lent.

If you'd like some ideas for sharing art, music, and poetry as you enter into Lent as well, perhaps the resources and ideas we used can help you.

Study The Fight Between Carnival and Lent

Begin by saying that you will be focusing on an artwork painted of a Dutch town. Ask if anyone knows where "Dutch" people and things come from ( the Netherlands). Then, find the Netherlands on a map or globe.

Source: Wikipedia

Invite children to share what they think they might see in a Dutch artwork. Then, without giving its title, study an image of Pieter Brueghel the Elder's The Fight Between Carnival and Lent from 1559 by having everyone examine it in silence for 30-60 seconds, looking at its details.

After 30-60 seconds have passed, remove the image and ask each child to narrate some of the details that they noticed.

Reveal the painting again, and ask if anyone has any idea what time period it comes from based on its characteristics.

Discuss the children's ideas, bearing in mind that the painting is from the Renaissance and some common characteristics of Renaissance art are:

• individualism: Artworks often highlighted individual people or the individuality in people. 
• secularism - There were fewer church paintings. 
• classicism - Some artworks showed classic Roman and Greek influence.
• nature - Artworks often depicted the outdoors.
• anatomy - Art focused on defined and precise human anatomy.
• linear perspective - Art showed an appearance of things relative to one another as determined by their distance from the viewer
• realism - Artistic representation aimed for visual accuracy.
• depth - Light and shading were used to create a sense of depth.
• symmetry - Balanced proportions were often included.

Include Some Music Appreciation

After chatting about the The Fight Between Carnival and Lent as an example of Renaissance art, suggest that everyone look at it closely once again, noticing more details and guessing at what the artwork's title might be. While doing so, as music appreciation, listen to a period composition or two.

One way to do this is with the following Youtube video. (Just preset the video to begin after the portion with the title showing so that you don't spoil the fun of having children come up with their own names for the painting.)

If using the Youtube video above, note that the music in it is composed by two composers, the first of which was a Dutch composer who was known for his church music and composed many Masses.

After the video concludes, chat about new details children noticed within the painting and what they thought of the music.

Connect to Faith

Ask if anyone might offer an idea for what the painting could be titled, then reveal it's true title and chat about Lent and Carnival / Shrove Tuesday / Fat Tuesday / Pancake Tuesday.

Watch the following Youtube video or look at the painting once more while reading this reflection from Loyola Press.

Pause for a moment to ask students to look inward and ask themselves what keeps them from following God? Invite them to think about this as they enter into Lent.

Transition to Poetry with the Symbol of Fish

Ask what the children know about Lent and how we observe Lent. Chat about ideas and, at some point, talk about the idea that a symbol often used in Lent is fish.

Chat about why we might be see the symbol of fish during Lent and at other times of the year. Children might point out that a fish is a symbol of Christ or that there are fish drawn on calendars to remind us to abstain. Let the conversation flow with their ideas.

Then, tell children that you will read some letter poems from a human to a fish and a fish to human which have little to do with Lent, but are interesting and fun poems.

Present "To a Fish" and "A Fish Answers" by Leigh Hunt.

Discuss any reactions the children have to each poem.

Wonder and Invite.

Wonder aloud about such things as:

• How does the human feel about the fish?
• How does the fish feel about the human?
• What makes each poem a poem and not just a letter?
• What poetic devices did you notice?
• What imagery stood out to you?
• What was humorous?
• What did you like about each poem?
• What do these poems speak to you about or make you think about?
• What emotion do these poems show?

With older children, wonder how people may have looked upon Jesus during the time he was traveling and teaching and how he looked upon them... how each person at the for of the cross might have looked at Jesus and how he looked at them... how we look to God and how He looks upon us... 

If pairing your study of the painting and the poems as you think about Lent has made any connections for you, share them with the children.

Invite children to write their own perspective letter poems later about an animal, a symbol of Lent, Jesus' ministry and passion, etc.

Invite them to research more later about the Catholic rules of abstinence and why we can eat fish and reptiles during Lent, but not red meat or poultry.

If it did not come up during conversation, invite children to look into why a fish is a symbol for Christ later.  You might even point them to ideas from Catholic.com:

 "What did the fish represent? Above all, it was Jesus Christ. The dominant language of the early Church was Greek, and in Greek the phrase “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” produced the acronym ICHTHYS, the Greek word for fish. A Christian poem of the second century spells the word with the first letters of each line. Thus, the fish is a simple creed: It professes belief in Jesus’ divinity and his identity as the Christ, the anointed Savior (see Matt. 16:16)." 

Create Fish Artworks

Finally create artwork of fish.

Like our AMP club did you might use a Creating a Masterpiece beginner drawing fish cartoon project. Or, you might choose an appropriate video from Youtube at the level of your children or simply create original artwork.

If, like us, you choose a happy-looking cartoon fish, ask children why we might have created such silly, smiling fish when discussing such a solemn time as Lent.

Tie into the idea that while we fast and sacrifice during Lent, we do so with a heart for Jesus. We do not moan, complain, and look glum. Rather, we sacrifice with inner joy and peace. Our fish artworks can remind us of this.

Finally, ask children to reflect on how we might wean ourselves from sin and selfishness throughout Lent through prayer, fasting, almsgiving... how we might better discern and live God's will for our lives... and how we might make His kingdom come first in our hearts.

I pray these ideas might help you and yours enjoy art, music, and poetry as you prepare and enter into a fruitful Lenten season.

6 Lessons to Be Learned from St. Peter Damian

February 21 is the Optional Memorial of St. Peter Damian, bishop and doctor. 

As I read about the life of this saint, considering how I might best share about him to my children, several "lessons" stood out to me. I am sharing those lessons here in case they might inspire you as you seek to teach the children in your lives about saints.

My intent with my own children is not to share these specific lessons, but rather to simply have the lessons in mind as I tell my children each portion of St.Peter Damian's story and, then, chat about it, encouraging my children to voice their own "lessons".

What Lessons Can You Learn from St. Peter Damian's Life?

1. Do not fret. Provisions come and, with them, opportunities to express great gratitude.

Peter was born in 1007 in Ravenna Italy as the last of seven children. 

At a young age, Peter was orphaned and was taken into the shabby care one of his brothers who treated him poorly forced him to do menial tasks.

In time, however, Peter was entrusted to the care of his eldest brother Damiano who was an Archpriest in a parish near Ravenna and sent Peter off to good schools, which enabled Peter to become a professor.

In gratitude for his eldest brother's care, Peter added the name Damian to his own.


2. Seek lasting joy for yourself and for others.


Peter's first biographer St. John of Lodi recounts that when Peter was a boy, he found a coin, delighted over it, and thought he would buy a toy or a cake. Peter then suddenly realized that anything he bought would give him only momentary joy. Thus, he changed his mind, took the money to a priest, and had a Mass said for his deceased parents, aiming for their eternal joy.

3. Put others before yourself and listen for your personal calling.


St. Peter Damian's first biographer St. John of Lodi also recounts a pivotal luncheon that Peter had with a poor blind man.

He says that, during the lunch, Peter chose to serve himself fine white bread while offering the blind man a darker, lesser quality bread. At that moment, Peter felt like bone had gotten stuck in his throat. He chose to repent of his selfishness, exchanged his bread with that of the blind man, and discovered the feeling of the bone in his throat disappeared. As a result, Peter decided to consecrate himself to God alone and to embrace a monastic life.

3. Follow your calling and let the light of your heart illuminate another's, which, in turn, could illuminate another.

Driven by a need for solitude, meditation and prayer, Peter Damian gave up teaching in the year 1035 and became a priest at the Camaldolese monastery of Fonter Avallana. There, he quickly became a spiritual guide for the monks and, thus, was invited to teach at other monasteries, which he did. 

After returning to Fonte Avallena, he was elected Prior and reorganized the rules of the order to return to its original spirit and purpose. This drew men to the monastery, and inspired the establishment of new houses in neighboring regions.

4. Fight for truth.

Peter Damian's zealous activity drew the attention of the Bishop of Ravenna, and, although Peter Damian was a monk at heart, when he was asked for assistance by the bishop, he obliged and left the quiet and recollection of the monastery.

Then, by 1057, Pope Stephen IX called Peter Damian to Rome to help with clergy reform. For, at the time, the Church was afflicted by two evils: Simony, or the buying and selling of church offices, and Nicolaism, or the non-fulfillment of celibacy.

The Pope made Peter Damian Cardinal and Bishop of Ostia and, in this position, Peter Damian continued to work fervently for peace and reform. He was called to attend synods, settle disputes, and fight abuses. In this capacity, Peter Damian was sent on missions to Milan to quell an uprising, to Cluny to defend the rights of Benedictine abbots against the Archbishop of Macon, and more.

5. Live here in a way that leads to eternal life and leaves a legacy for others to inspire them to do the same.

After years of work as a reformer and papal legate, or representative of the pope to foreign nations, Peter Damain returned to his hometown of Ravenna and was overtaken by fever while visiting the Benedictine monastery in Faenza, where he died on February 22 surrounded by monks who were praying the Divine Office.

Immediately after Peter Damian's death, he was acclaimed a saint by the people. Then, in 1828, he was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XII.

A scholar, a preacher, a monk, a cardinal, and a person who dedicated himself to fasting, penance, and long hours of prayer, St. Peter Damian greatly impacted those around him and left a legacy of letters, sermons, biographies, stories, and poems that encourage others to restore discipline to their lives.  

6. Let your hardship seed blessings for others.

Peter Damian undoubtedly had great impact on the church and the world - and much of his impact was made one person at a time.

Having experienced the burden of poverty in his childhood, Peter Damian was known to have a heart for the poor. It was said to be an ordinary thing for Peter Damian to have a poor person or two at his table and to minister personally to the needs of the poor.

Having lived with injustice in his youth, Peter became a staunch advocate for what is morally right. 

A strong figure and one of the greatest reformers of the Church in the Middle Ages, Peter Damian preached of penance and encouraged people to live Holy lives not only by his words, but by the examples of his life, asking others to do only what he himself would do.

Following in Peter Damian's footsteps, might we, too, seek reform, justice, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving? And might we always remember the wonderful words of St. Peter Damian that echo through the ages to speak to us today:

Do not let your weakness make you impatient. Instead, let the serenity of your spirit shine through your face. Let the joy of your mind burst forth.  

– St. Peter Damian

By the way, this quote - in whole or in part - would make a wonderful piece of copywork, studied dictation, or note in a commonplace book, I believe.

Additional Ideas for Celebrating St. Peter Damian with Children

Some other child-friendly ideas for remembering St. Peter Damian might be: 

• Recalling how St. Peter Damian often taught principles through stories, write and illustrate a story that shows virtue in action.

• Since St. Peter Damian lived an austere life, brainstorm ways to simplify your life and act on them. Perhaps make a list of 40 micro-steps towards simplification that you can make this Lent.

• Share a meal with the poor - or the poor in spirit - in the spirit of St. Peter Damian who had a special heart for the poor.

• Pray for the deceased, or better yet, have a Mass said for your beloved dead as St. Peter Damian was said to have done for his parents when he found a coin.

• Since St. Peter Damian exemplified a life lived with prayer, fasting, and penance, begin to consider the specific ways you will pray, fast, give, and offer penance during Lent. 

• Pray this prayer:
  

Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that we may so follow the teaching and example of the Bishop Saint Peter Damian, that, putting nothing before Christ and always ardent in the service of your Church, we may be led to the joys of eternal light. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

-The Collect 

St. Peter Damian, pray for us. 

8 Easy Steps for Hosting a Homeschool Project Fair

{This post initially was initially shared in 2014 at the now defunct Upsidedown Homeschooling Blog, which can only be found using the Wayback Machine. I am resharing it here since someone asked for tips on how to host a fair and I wanted to offer them these. I pray it benefits you as well should you wish to host a project fair.}

Much to my amusement, the other day, my children woke and began transforming our hallway into a project fair.

I smiled as I prepared breakfast, listening to my oldest son read information to his sister about hyacinth macaws, Japan, knights, tarsiers, Bunker Hill, Germany and more and, then, hearing my daughter, in turn, share recalled facts with my youngest child, whose little feet were pattering off to his bedroom to get a stuffed animal in order to complete a rabbits project set up.

It had been nearly a year since we’d participated in our first project fair, an Endangered Species one, seven months since a History one, six since a Geography one and five since a Nature Explorers one.  Yet, there all three of my children were gleefully hosting an eclectic “just us” fair in our hallway.  

Reading, public speaking and more unfolded at the children’s morning micro-fair, just as it had at the original fairs that we had prepared for and presented at throughout last academic year.

As each of my children enthusiastically shared their prior projects with one another, it struck me:  a seemingly “one time” event can – and often does – hold residual effects.  

Planning, preparing for and presenting at project fairs is well worth the effort, and, in our experience, a whole lot of fun, too!  I encourage you to participate in such a fair, and, if none exist in your area, to host one.

It is not difficult to host a project fair.  In fact, I have found that it’s fairly simple and well worth the effort!

In my tried-and-true experience, hosting a project fair can as easy as eight simple steps!

1.Choose a fair topic.  

Animals, History, Geography, Art, Nature, Science, Saints, Holidays around the World…  Ideas are endless.  Keeping the topic broad offers participants freedom while also providing a bit of direction.

2. Contact a host location to nail down a day and time. 

My family has participated at project fairs at a local library’s community meeting room and hosted one at a parish center.  At all of these locations, we have found a three-hour block works well.

3. Get word out.  

Use a local homeschool networking page to get word out.  Share the time, date and RSVP deadline for the fair.  Then, consider creating a special contact list for participants to share ideas, questions and concerns.  All communications or the fairs our family has participated in has been by word of mouth and private Facebook groups.  Other such social networking paths could work just as well!

4. Offer suggestions and ideas.  

Once you have a participants list, periodically remind folks of the date and time of the fair, offer tips for research and presentation and outline the agenda for the fair day. 

For the fairs we participated in, all this was done through brief posts on a private Facebook group.  For the one I put together and hosted, I created an information packet with research tips, presentation ideas, an agenda, FAQ’s, and more.

5. Ask for set up and break down volunteers.  

Many hands make light work; too many can result in chaos.  Thus, I have found that asking only a few families to help set up and break down tables and chairs works best.

6. Print participation certificates. 

Creating and printing personalized participation certificates to hand out at the fair adds a special touch and allows parents who need it “evidence” to put in children’s portfolios.

7. Prepare your family’s projects.

Leave plenty of time for your own children to research and prepare their projects.  Nothing is worse than putting your efforts into hosting a fair only to forget to work on your own family’s projects until the last-minute.  A little bit done over a number of weeks adds up to less stress and more fun!

8. Set an agenda and enjoy!  

For the fair I hosted,  which happened in a three-hour block, I found the following agenda worked well (and included 15 minutes of unscheduled “wiggle” room.)

Set Up

• 30 min. -Event organizer and several volunteer families arrive and begin to set up tables and chairs.

• 20 min. - Participants arrive and set up.

Fair Opens

• 20 min. - Geography Fair Opens; parents or other non-participating family members or friends “man” students’ displays so children can circulate

• 20 min. - Participating students return to their displays while parents and guests circulate

• 30 min. - Oral Presentations begin; those who wish to may continue to quietly circulate among the display areas. 

• 30 min. - Participation certificates distributed.

Fair Closes and Break Down Begins

• 30 min.- Break down displays and clean up.

I hope these tips help you to plan and enjoy learning and sharing together with a fair!

Enjoy a St. Valentine Potluck Picnic and Nature Walk with a FREE St. Valentine Nature Scavenger Hunt Printable!

It is said that St. Valentine was a priest and doctor who, at one point, had a young, blind girl under his care. It is also said that St Valentine would take the girl on long walks where they would pick flowers for her to smell.

Taking a cue from their walks, a nature walk with those you care about seems an ideal way to celebrate part of St. Valentine's Day.

That is just what my children, some friends, and I enjoyed last year on Valentine's Day: a St. Valentine Potluck Picnic and Walk and using a St. Valentine Nature Walk printable that I had whipped up and am sharing now here.

Enjoy a St. Valentine Potluck Picnic!

With a traditional theme of love, it is easy peasy to whip up a wide variety of snacks and dishes to share at a St. Valentine picnic as this sampling from our picnic demonstrates:

Juice Wiggler Hearts

Gluten Free Muffins with Gummy Ducks (since one of St. Valentine's symbols is birds)

Probiotic Gummy Ducks (since one of St. Valentine's symbols is birds)

Beet Puffs (Red for Love)

Tofu Hearts Filled with Heart-Healthy Vegetables

Clementine Hearts

Black Rice with Tofu Hearts

Seaweed Snack Hearts

Learn about St. Valentine with a Nature Scavenger Hunt!

You can also enjoy a St. Valentine Nature Scavenger Hunt using the FREE printable here.

On it, kids can sketch what they find, check things off as they take photos of them, or write notes about what they find.

Ideas for things that can be searched for and discussed are:

• something that offers comfort: In 3rd such Rome, Emperor Claudius II persecuted Christians. It is said that St. Valentine and St. Marius comforted fellow Christians during the persecutions.

Checking out roots.

• an interesting root: As a doctor in the 3rd century, St. Valentine likely made medicines by pounding and grinding roots and other natural things.

• an herb or edible plants: St. Valentine was a doctor and priest. He likely made poultices using herbs and plant matter.

Entwined Things.

More Entwined Things

• two entwined things: In the 3rd century, Emperor Claudius II wanted to increase his troops. He believed single men made better soldiers than married ones, so we forbade young men to marry. St. Valentine defied Claudius edict and encouraged young couples to come to him in secret to be joined in the sacrament of marriage.

Snow can be converted into water, the kids said.

• something that can be converted: After St. Valentine was arrested for illegally marrying couples, he is said to have been brought before Claudius, who was impressed by him. Claudius attempted to convert St. Valentine to Roman Paganism, but, instead, St. Valentine attempted to convert Claudius to Christianity.

This cool pattern frozen into the ice made the kids think that you could "write" messages on ice.

• something you could write a message on: When imprisoned, St. Valentine was said to be tended by a jailer, Asterius, and his blind daughter, who was very kind to St. Valentine, bringing him food and messages. St. Valentine and the girl developed a friendship and, toward the end of his imprisonment, Valentine was able to convert both her and her father to Christianity.

A tree growing around a wheel sure seemed interesting!

• something beautiful or interesting to look at: It is said that Asterius’ daughter was blind and St. Valentine miraculously restored her sight.

It's a heart!

• something with a heart-shaped: It is said that before his execution St. Valentine wrote a farewell message to Asterius’ daughter to thank her for her friendship and encourage her in her love for Christ and that he signed the message affectionately "From Your Valentine.” This phrase lives on even today. 

 
On the nature hunt printable, there is also a "free space" for St. Valentine, whose patronage includes affianced couples, against fainting, bee keepers, betrothed couples, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greeting card manufacturers, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, and young people.

Symbols for him include birds, roses, a bishop with a crippled or epileptic child at his feet, a bishop with a rooster nearby, a bishop refusing to adore an idol, a bishop being beheaded, a priest bearing a sword, a priest holding a sun, and a priest giving sight to a blind girl.

St. Valentine was executed on February 14th, 273 AD in Rome and the valentine has become the universal symbol of friendship and affection shared on each anniversary of the priest's execution -- St. Valentine's Day.

Take Time to Explore!

Of course, part of the fun and blessing of a Potluck Picnic and Nature Walk on St. Valentine's Day is simply being with those you love and care about and letting explorations take you where they will.  

Here are some snapshots of the fun we had exploring.

It truly was a blessed and beautiful St. Valentine celebration!

I pray with our FREE printable and inspiration from the snapshots and explanations here, you might enjoy a similarly blessed and beautiful time.

You can find other nature study, outdoor ideas, and free printables here, too.

If you go on a St. Valentine's Day Nature Scavenger Hunt we'd delight in hearing about it or seeing your snapshots. We also always welcome your ideas for living the liturgical year with children - especially outside, so, please, share here or on our Training Happy Hearts Facebook page.



St. Valentine, pray for us!

Snacking with the Saints: St. Dorothy

{Disclosure: Some links which follow are affiliate ones.}

I just love when whole food snacks and saints go together!

That's just the case on February 6, when apples make a perfect snack for celebrating Saint Dorothy. Just set a basket with three apples and three real or faux roses on your table, and you'll be all set for an easy saint day snack.

Or, if you want to get fancy and have time for more elaborate snack preparation, you could make vegan / paleo / glute-free / grain-free apple roses as directed at Nest & Glow, Apple-Honey Roses as found on Feed Them Wisely, or any of the more conventional apple rose recipes that can be found through a quick online search.

Inspiration for a Simple St. Dorothy Feast Day Snack

Source: Wikipedia

When Saint Dorothy, who was martyred, was on her way to be killed, a young lawyer named Theophilus mocked her belief that when she was dead she would be transported to a heavenly garden filled with flowers and fruit.

"Send me fruit and flowers, then, when you are dead," he taunted.

Source: Wikipedia

Later, a boy - thought to be an angel- carried three apples and three roses to Theophilus who then converted to Christianity.

A Prayer Before Snacking

Between Grace and snacking, pray this prayer found on Prayers to Our Saints.

Prayer to Saint Dorothy

By the radiance

Of thy holy life

Thou did'st draw

The two sisters united

In spirit into the Eternal Light;

And did'st send roses

And apples from Paradise

To Theophilus.

O Dorothy, as fellow-contestants

You were counted worthy

Of divine glory.

Ask that we who praise

You may receive

The forgiveness of our sins.

Amen.

You might also read the child-friendly biography of St. Dorothy at Crusaders of Christ, which reminds us:

Today let us pray especially for someone who is far away from God, so that he will return to our Heavenly Father.

Additional Ideas for Celebrating St. Dorothy's Feast Day

Source:Wikipedia

Along with your snack, you might also enjoy:

• Coloring the image of St. Dorothy available as a free pdf download at Crusaders for Christ while reading about Saint Dorothy in Once Upon a Time Saints, Saints Lives and Illuminations, The Book of Saints and Heroes,  Story Library of Saints Volume 1, or online at CatholicSaints.info or  Crusaders of Christ.

• Making playdough roses as described at Nina Beth Creates.

• Praying for Christians throughout the world who are still persecuted.
  
  

  

  Source: Wikipedia

• Doing a picture study of images of Saint Dorothy, who was a particularly favored subject of German and Italian artist.

• Preparing for spring gardening or doing some indoor gardening, since St. Dorothy is patron to gardeners among others.
  
  

  

  Source: Wikimedia

• Learning more about St. Dorothy and what was happening around the world during the time in which she lived. (A quick snapshot for this can be found by viewing page 7 of the St. Dorothy presentation at prezic.com. You can also read more about St. Dorothy at Sensus Fidelium.)

May learning more about St. Dorothy bless you and yours and encourage you to come closer to Christ.

I would love to hear about your favorite traditions, resources, and ideas related to St. Dorothy as well as any other Snacking with the Saint inspirations you might offer.

Saint Dorothy, pray for us.