What is Martinmas?

LESSON 1

Children learn about the meaning of Martinmas, its connection to kindness and empathy, and engage in acts of kindness.

  • The book, “A Sick Day for Amos Mcgee,” by Philip C. Stead.

    Optional:

  • Any additional materials needed for service activity of choice.

Materials

  • Gather materials

  • Plan a service activity to do with your child and gather necessary materials before the lesson. 

Preparations

  • Convey the meaning and significance of Martinmas to the children, ensuring they grasp its connection to kindness and empathy.

  • Share and encourage children to share personal experiences related to kindness and engage in thoughtful discussions about the concept.

  • Guide children in reflecting on the various acts of kindness presented in "A Sick Day for Amos Mcgee.”

  • Assist children in brainstorming and planning their own acts of service, offering guidance and encouragement in the process.

  • Organize and facilitate the chosen act of service.

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children learn the meaning and significance of Martinmas as a holiday celebrating kindness.

  • Children connect the theme of kindness presented in the story "A Sick Day for Amos Mcgee" with real-life experiences and emotions.

  • Children identify and discuss various acts of kindness, emphasizing the positive impact they have on individuals and communities.

  • Children brainstorm and plan an act of service they can perform for someone else, promoting empathy and generosity.

  • Children participate in an act of service instilling values of giving and love.

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

For this unit we will be learning and practicing two songs:

  • "I Go with My Little Lantern" - Many versions are available, but this is the one we enjoy. You can find it by skipping to the 3:34 time stamp in the video.

    "Magic Light" - This song is sung to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." These songs will add to the joy of your lantern walk this month.

I Go With My Little Lantern

I go with my bright little lantern,

My lantern is going with me.

In heaven the stars will be shining,

On earth shines my lantern with me.

The lights grow dim as we go in,

La bimmel, la bammel, la boom (x2)

I go with my bright little lantern,

My lantern is going with me.

In heaven the stars will be shining,

On earth shines my lantern with me.

So, shine your light in the still dark night,

La bimmel, la bammel, la boom. (x2)

Magic Light

We go walking in the park,

Welcoming the Autumn dark.

Even though the stars we see,

Shine above for you and me.

All together with our light,

We’ll make magic of the night.

Activity Flow

  1. Begin by asking your child if they have ever heard of Martinmas before; it might sound a lot like Christmas, but it's a different holiday celebrated in November. Share the meaning of Martinmas with your child, explaining that it's a special holiday honoring Saint Martin, a kind man from the past who once helped a freezing beggar by sharing his warm cloak. This selfless act is why we celebrate Martinmas, reminding us to be kind and help others, just as Saint Martin did.

    People celebrate Martinmas in various ways, such as baking special treats, lighting lanterns to symbolize the light of kindness, and giving to charity to help those in need. It's a time for us to learn to be like Saint Martin by sharing, being kind, and helping others, reinforcing the importance of caring for one another.

  2. After sharing the meaning of Martinmas and its emphasis on kindness, you might want to share a personal experience when someone treated you kindly or when you extended an act of kindness to someone. Then, invite your child to share their own experience if they have one.

3. Once you've reflected on these stories and experiences, introduce the book, "A Sick Day for Amos Mcgee." Display the book's cover to your child, read the title, and ask them to guess which character is Amos on the cover. After their guess, point to the man and explain that he's Amos. Emphasize that this story is about kindness and encourage your child to pay attention to understand why Amos is playing with a penguin and an elephant.

4. Read the story together. Following the story, engage in a discussion about its theme of kindness. You can ask questions like:

  • Where does Amos work?

  • Why do the animals love Amos so much?

  • How do they cheer up Amos when he's sick?

  • How does showing kindness and being kind make us feel?

  • Why is kindness important?

  • How do you feel when someone is kind to you?

  •  How do you feel when you are kind to someone?

  • What are some ways we can show kindness?

5. After your discussion, introduce the activity: today, you and your child will come up with an act of service for someone and carry it out together. Here are some ideas:

  • Assist with household chores like setting the table, washing dishes, or making the bed.

  • Help with gardening tasks such as weeding, watering plants, or picking up leaves.

  • Create thank you cards for teachers, parents, or friends to express appreciation.

  • Gather clothes, toys, or canned goods to donate to a local charity.

  • Offer to feed, walk, or play with a neighbor's pet.

  • Pick up trash in a local park or around your neighborhood.

  • Spend time with elderly neighbors or relatives, listening to their stories or helping with tasks.

  • Bake cookies or muffins and share them with a neighbor, friend, or family member.

  • Make artwork or crafts to give to someone.

These acts of service not only teach children about empathy and compassion but also empower them to contribute to their communities and make a difference in the lives of others.