Moon School
**I didn't see this posted so if it has been please forgive the repeat post**
Although I am still new to practicing Wicca, I feel that my children need to be exposed to our "new religion" to (a) catch up to what they would know already had we started when they were babies and (b) ensure they have a solid base of knowledge they can base opinions off of.
While my husband is very supportive of my choice to be Wiccan, he is not Wiccan, so I lead the lessons. We try to have them weekly (usually on Sunday because that is a "family day" for us). When I started the lessons it was more of a history, devotional, glossary type of lesson; but now has flourished into a wonderful time my children and I spend together. I decided to share a bit of the topics we cover so that if anyone is interested they can get some inspiration from us.
Section 1 = Wiccan/Pagan history. I started (like most history classes) with the very first "religion" ... caveman times (to teach - in a simple way- the basics of sympathetic magick, religio magick, etc). We have progressed through the beginnings of Christianity and are now starting to learn about "The Burning Times." Although this topic is covered in most American history classes at one point or another, I want to make sure the correct and important information is presented to them in a less biased way.
Section 2 = The Wiccan Alphabet. I know some do not believe in the alphabet but I have a strong feeling otherwise and it is always fun to learn a different "language" so I have the alphabet cipher on the top of the page and an assignment on the bottom (like memorizing how to spell their names, holidays, etc).
Section 3 = The next Sabbat on the Wheel of the Year. This is a big section because we first cover what the Sabbat means (in regards to the WOTY and the history of). We compare what it used to mean to what it means now. Next, we cover correspondences/items that closely match the holiday. Then, if there are enough stories I can find, I read one story per week up until the day of the Sabbat. Finally, we make crafts that relate to the Sabbat: like items for the family altar, items to wear on the day of the Sabbat, pictures to hang, etc.
Section 4 = This sometimes changes but currently it is dedicated to teaching about various mythology Gods & Goddesses.
Section 5 = Spell of the Week (SOTW). No these are not adult spells, these are kid friendly spells like Salt Spirals, Story Spells, Yarn Spirals, making Poppets, etc. The kids love to do these and really do get very focused on what they are doing so a lot of positive energy goes into their spells.
Section 6 = Herb/Plant , Animal, Person of the Week. If our SOTW includes any special herbs/plants, animal pictures/thoughts/etc, or people (representations of course) we use that for this section. If not, I pick something and we cover it.
Section 7 = Meditation. If we are going to do a guided/group meditation we do it now, if not I give them mini meditation exercises. These are usually a set thing to meditate about and are geared towards each child's individual strengths and weaknesses. If it is "single meditation", they are supposed to write down a little journal of their feelings, thoughts, etc when they are done with the exercise.
Section 8 = Homework. Yup, we have homework assignments. They are usually very easy and really only done to ensure the children actually pay attention to me. The assignments are also geared toward each child (as far as age/mentality) and they actually really love to do this type of homework. We go over the assignments the next week, before we start the first section of that lesson.
If you have any ideas, suggestions, tips or comments please feel free to let me know!!
BB,
Crystal
Although I am still new to practicing Wicca, I feel that my children need to be exposed to our "new religion" to (a) catch up to what they would know already had we started when they were babies and (b) ensure they have a solid base of knowledge they can base opinions off of.
While my husband is very supportive of my choice to be Wiccan, he is not Wiccan, so I lead the lessons. We try to have them weekly (usually on Sunday because that is a "family day" for us). When I started the lessons it was more of a history, devotional, glossary type of lesson; but now has flourished into a wonderful time my children and I spend together. I decided to share a bit of the topics we cover so that if anyone is interested they can get some inspiration from us.
Section 1 = Wiccan/Pagan history. I started (like most history classes) with the very first "religion" ... caveman times (to teach - in a simple way- the basics of sympathetic magick, religio magick, etc). We have progressed through the beginnings of Christianity and are now starting to learn about "The Burning Times." Although this topic is covered in most American history classes at one point or another, I want to make sure the correct and important information is presented to them in a less biased way.
Section 2 = The Wiccan Alphabet. I know some do not believe in the alphabet but I have a strong feeling otherwise and it is always fun to learn a different "language" so I have the alphabet cipher on the top of the page and an assignment on the bottom (like memorizing how to spell their names, holidays, etc).
Section 3 = The next Sabbat on the Wheel of the Year. This is a big section because we first cover what the Sabbat means (in regards to the WOTY and the history of). We compare what it used to mean to what it means now. Next, we cover correspondences/items that closely match the holiday. Then, if there are enough stories I can find, I read one story per week up until the day of the Sabbat. Finally, we make crafts that relate to the Sabbat: like items for the family altar, items to wear on the day of the Sabbat, pictures to hang, etc.
Section 4 = This sometimes changes but currently it is dedicated to teaching about various mythology Gods & Goddesses.
Section 5 = Spell of the Week (SOTW). No these are not adult spells, these are kid friendly spells like Salt Spirals, Story Spells, Yarn Spirals, making Poppets, etc. The kids love to do these and really do get very focused on what they are doing so a lot of positive energy goes into their spells.
Section 6 = Herb/Plant , Animal, Person of the Week. If our SOTW includes any special herbs/plants, animal pictures/thoughts/etc, or people (representations of course) we use that for this section. If not, I pick something and we cover it.
Section 7 = Meditation. If we are going to do a guided/group meditation we do it now, if not I give them mini meditation exercises. These are usually a set thing to meditate about and are geared towards each child's individual strengths and weaknesses. If it is "single meditation", they are supposed to write down a little journal of their feelings, thoughts, etc when they are done with the exercise.
Section 8 = Homework. Yup, we have homework assignments. They are usually very easy and really only done to ensure the children actually pay attention to me. The assignments are also geared toward each child (as far as age/mentality) and they actually really love to do this type of homework. We go over the assignments the next week, before we start the first section of that lesson.
If you have any ideas, suggestions, tips or comments please feel free to let me know!!
BB,
Crystal
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Angella Pierce on -
Wow, that is SOOO detailed! I love it. It sounds like your kids are older, yes? Mine are still little (one 4 yo and twin 1 yo) and I really have no idea how to start. I'm totally keeping your lesson plan for when they're closer to school age.
So, how do you include them in your "holiday" celebrations, full-moon ritual or, say, Samhain?
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Permalink Reply by robinredbelly on -
I enjoyed reading all the types of things you teach your kids. I don't have any suggestions, just wanted to comment. My kids are not old enough for this (in my opinion...they are 2 and 6). We are not Wiccans, just plain old run of the mill pagans lol). I don't do actual lessons. I look for 'teaching opportunities'. This means we usually talk and learn about the wheel as a holiday is coming up and we focus on that. I love to incorporate nature into most things or activites we do. The other day my son (6) and I collected a few acorns (not too many...the squirrels need them for winter!) and made necklaces and we talked about the symbolism of acorns (from the acorn grows the mighty oak) and stuff like that. I am always open to hearing how other mums and dads incorporate their pagan beliefs into daily life. Thanks for sharing.
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Permalink Reply by CrztalMyst on -
I love teaching by opportunity and do it whenever I can. I have finally learned patience (somewhat) so when an opportunity to teach them pops up I am ready, willing, and able to do so. I think this kind of teaching ensures that children understand the basic principles of "your" religion and how everything is connected in one way or another.
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Permalink Reply by CrztalMyst on
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Yes, my children are a little older (12, 9 & 7). I usually have set items they can help me with when we our rituals. Oldest sweeps away the negativity, middle & youngest beat on drums (homemade) while we sing & chant. They all have a part to say while actually reading anything "scripted": For example ... I am calling the corners and they help me end with "Blessed Be" or anywhere in a ritual where it calls for "everyone" to recite. I make sure they all have a hand out of what we are going to be doing so they know where/what to say & do. I am very much into ensuring this is a Fam Trad and that they enjoy it enough to hopefully practice it with their own children one day. I do not usually include them in my full-moon rituals because that time is for me to connect with the deities & to work my own magick.
Here is an example of what we will be doing on Samhain:
Eldest sweeps (younger ones can sweep as well as long as you sweep with them to show them how to do it)
I cast the circle while all 3 are either playing a homemade instrument or lightly stomping to create the rhythmic sound of drums.
The specifics of the ritual are different for everyone, but anywhere you see an opening for your children to help I encourage you to do so.
Cakes & Ale ... they help me prepare for this before the circle is cast then help pass it around during the ritual (substituting juice or sparkling cider for ale)
Magick Working ... we all will have talked about different magicks we may want to work on this day so we already have everything ready. If the spell calls for burning something I am the only one who does it, but the children help me light the item using our candle. I will usually do a practice run (yes I am that anal) as to how the spell is actually cast so the kids know when to do what and how. They are children so they forget and I just help them during the spell. I only allow child friendly spells during this time. If I or my eldest (daughter) have a spell we would like to cast that is not quite youngster friendly we wait until the full-moon ritual or another private-time ritual.
I am lucky in that my children (for the most part) are very well behaved so the issue of boredom (which can be battled with careful planning and a lot of interaction) or too much energy/excitement isn't really an issue. They know when they need to be quiet and they know when they can talk/ask questions so it really is an enjoyable experience for all.
I kind of liken it to any (Christian) family tradition that requires a parent & children to interact with each other. Like, say putting up the "Christmas" (Yule) tree. Like I said, just find a way to allow them to be children but help you and they will enjoy it as much as you do; and it is a great bonding experience.
Oh, for younger children (say 3 - 6 yrs) you could work out a signal (hand is best) that means "it is quiet time" so they know that while your hand/an object/whatever is "up" they are to be quiet but that as soon as the item is "down" they can talk away.
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