March 19 is the feast of St. Joseph. He is the patron of unborn children, fathers, social justice, travelers, workers, the universal church and a happy death.
St. Joseph was the foster father of Jesus and the husband of Mary. Our family often seeks his intercession especially when there are major decisions to make as husband and wife. He truly interceded for us before and during our adoption process.
So Noli and I came up with a few activities for us to do as a family. And to introduce Teo to this beloved saint.
Read Stories About St. Joseph
We will be reading the book The First Christmas again. We bought this book at The Learning Basket. The book tells about how Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem up until they fled to Egypt and settled in Nazareth. I like the wordings, Joseph says to Mary;
" So now we will go to my home town in Bethlehem together. We will put our names on the list of taxpayers together. We will be husband and wife, together forever."And then of course, retell the story using our wooden dolls.
Pretend Play
St. Joseph was a loving father to Jesus. An invitation to play using 'Teddy' and a box for a bed would most likely encourage Teo to play 'caring for baby'
Teo and I have been playing with 'Teddy' {Teo's bear} occasionally and he loves putting 'Teddy' to sleep. Its heart warming to watch him imitate his Tatay when he puts Teo to sleep. Sometimes, he imitates me.
A make-shift bed using a small box would do as a bed for a doll. Use a stuffed toy if you don't have a doll. You may have to verbally invite and encourage your toddler to play with you at first. If your tot has already engaged in pretend play before, then it will be easy to introduce this.
Be a Carpenter
We have played with tools {real ones and toy ones} last time when we celebrated the feast of St. John Bosco. Since then, I have rotated these tools a couple of times already. This time we will try to drive small nails into soft wood this time. Check some of these links out for more ideas:
Montessori Inspired Woodworking Activities
The Nuts and Bolts of Learning With Tools
Hand and Eye Coordination with a Hammer & Tees
Woodworking with kids
Fine Motor Ice Picking in Preschool
And if Daddy, Papa or Tatay has a knack for building and fixing things, your little one could help out when he has to repair stuff.
Pray to St. Joseph
We will say this prayer to St. Joseph during our night prayers.
Cook and Eat Minestrone
While searching for activities to do on the feast of St. Joseph, I stumbled upon this website. And found out that minestrone is traditionally cooked on his feast day. Since our family loves minestrone {Teo included} we will be preparing and eating this meal together.
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| My art journal entry @weenaswatercolors |
Draw or color a picture of St. Joseph
Older children can draw St. Joseph on their journals if they have. While younger children can use this coloring page.
Special Day for Tatay
Although we always thanks and honor Tatay, Teo and I will do a little honoring ceremony for Tatay for all that he does for us. We will be singing the Lava Song, with me on the ukulele, to Tatay probably after we finish dinner.
You may want to honor Daddy, Papa of Tatay on this day too by making a poster or card, singing a song (any song!) for Dad or just a kiss and a hug after saying 'Thank you, Tatay, for all that you do for our family'
I hope you will have a blessed feast of St. Joseph.
Although we always thanks and honor Tatay, Teo and I will do a little honoring ceremony for Tatay for all that he does for us. We will be singing the Lava Song, with me on the ukulele, to Tatay probably after we finish dinner.
You may want to honor Daddy, Papa of Tatay on this day too by making a poster or card, singing a song (any song!) for Dad or just a kiss and a hug after saying 'Thank you, Tatay, for all that you do for our family'
I hope you will have a blessed feast of St. Joseph.
