May Crafts: The Philosophers

This month we are studying Philosophers from different religions, countries and faiths who have all had an impact on humanity’s thinking. Even though they lived many years apart, in different parts of the world, they each shared the knowledge of the importance of love and wisdom. Confucius’s focus on self-improvement was radical for his day. Aristotle was revered by Muslim intellectuals and profoundly influenced Judeo-Islamic philosophical and theological thought during the Middle Ages and continues to influence Christian theology, especially the scholastic tradition of the Catholic Church. al-Farabi was a leader in the Islamic Golden Age and taught how we all must work together. King Solomon taught that the best decisions are made with our heart, not our head. See Entire Lesson Here

Confucius Story: Three Men Walking
Craft: Create a Maze! Symbolism of Craft: As we walk through life, we make choices about the best path to take for each of us. This week we create a maze to symbolize our choices.
Materials:
Paper
Markers
Instructions:
Mazes can be done with all sorts of material. You can create a giant maze to walk through at your center or simply have the children create a maze using markers. 

Aristotle Story: The Influence of the Unseen
Craft: The Five Elements
Symbolism of Craft: Create wheel indicating the 5 elements: Earth, water, air, fire and Spirit. 
Materials:
Paper Plates
Markers
Tissue Paper
Natural Materials/cutouts/balloon/ fire
Instructions:
Around the outside of the plate, put the words Aether, the divine substance that flows in and through all things. 
Divide the plate into four sections to define the four other elements
Glue tissue paper or natural materials in each section of the plate to signify earth, fire, water and air. Or, use color and words to do the same.

al-Farabi Story: The Boy and the Wolf (an Aesop Fable)
Craft: Brad Paper Dolls
Symbolism of Craft: Each of our body parts work together to make our bodies strong. Just as with our societies and neighborhoods where all people work together.
Materials:
Paper
Scissors
Brads
Markers
Instructions:
Cut out the paper dolls parts. Attach the arms and legs using brads. You can write a word on each of the limbs to signify ways we all work together. (i.e. compassion, cooperation, forgiveness, love) 

Download Paper Doll Template

The Judgment of King Solomon  - Adapted from 1 Kings 3:16-28Craft: Crown
Symbolism of Craft: The crown is a symbol for King Solomon and his wisdom. This simple project can be worn by the children after it's been created. Use different colors appropriate for the theme or the child's preferences.
Materials:
poster board or construction paper
scissors,
Paint, crayons, or felt-tip pens
stapler
Directions:
Cut a strip of cardboard 5 or 6 inches with and long enough to go around your head and overlap slightly 
Cut a zigzag in the top edge of the paper 
Decorate the crown using markers, glitter or stickers
Make a ring with the cardboard facing in (toward the head) and the paper facing out and staple to make a crown - adult assistance required for this step.