Beggars, Beasts & Easter Fire/Stories of Early Saints
What’s inside...
A collection of 20 biographies of important men and women who lived during the first 15 centuries of Christian history. An introduction explains the concept of 'saints' and the book combines facts and legends to detail the stories of each of these Christian heroes from their early years.
Discussion points
What qualities do the saints in the stories possess that you admire?
How do the beasts in the stories help or interact with the saints?
What do you think is the importance of the Easter fire in the stories?
Can you relate any of the challenges faced by the saints to something in your own life?
How do you think the stories show the power of faith and perseverance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on the character traits of the saints and discuss which qualities they might aspire to embody. Use the interactions between the beasts and the saints to explore themes of communication and relationship-building. Discuss the symbolism of the Easter fire and its significance in the stories. Relate the challenges faced by the saints to real-life situations your child may encounter to help them connect with the material. Highlight the themes of faith and perseverance, and ask your child how they can apply these concepts in their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and Kindness
Explanation: Through the stories of various saints, the book showcases acts of kindness, sharing, and empathy towards others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to practice compassion in their daily interactions with friends and family, fostering a supportive and caring environment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The saints' stories often involve overcoming adversity and remaining steadfast in their beliefs, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by not giving up easily in challenges they face, whether in learning new skills or dealing with schoolwork.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: The saints are portrayed as humble figures who credit their achievements to their faith and community, rather than personal glory.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value teamwork and appreciate others' contributions, understanding that successes are often shared.
Example Lesson: The importance of faith
Explanation: Each story highlights how the saints’ faith guided their actions and decisions, inspiring them to do good.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and respect various faiths and beliefs, understanding how these can shape moral and ethical decisions.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The early saints often faced daunting challenges but confronted them bravely, which is vividly depicted in the narrative.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to face their fears and stand up for what they believe is right, whether in standing against bullying or in expressing their own opinions.