free teaching guide for An ordinary girl, A magical child

Teaching guide for An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child
Written and Illustrated by W. Lyon Martin

About the book:
Rabbit is an ordinary girl with ordinary problems—but she is also a magical child, because she is Pagan. In this ambitious and ground breaking book written and illustrated W. Lyon Martin, the reader is given a tour through the pagan wheel of the year, Sabbats and magical rituals including a full moon Esbat, all seen through the eyes of an ordinary child. One purpose of this work is to explain misconceptions about nature-based religions.

About the guide:
This guide includes discussion questions and projects appropriate for book clubs, literature circles, library, home and classroom study. It is intended to encourage discussion and provoke thought and insight into the subject and themes of this book including pagan beliefs and how they tie in to traditional practices, explanation of common misconceptions about earth based spiritual paths, acceptance, and tolerance.

Pre-reading Activities:
1. Pre-reading Vocabulary
Define each word and then use each word in a complete sentence that shows knowledge of the word's meaning:

Muslim
Buddhist
ritual
crone
Sabbat
Samhain
Imbolc
Beltain (also spelled Beltane)
equinox
clockwise
ancient
pentagram
chant
boundaries
property
incense
solemn
tousle
Yule
solstice

Present students with a list of different spiritual paths/religions. Have each student choose one that they know nothing about, then have them draw or write what they think the path is about. What or whom is worshiped? What do adherents have to do? Research the true tenants of each path. Share and discuss the similarities and differences between the truth, and what was assumed? Upon what were the assumptions based?

Discussion Guide:
Because An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child contains a great deal of information, this guide has broken the work up into sections that can be completed over the course of an entire year with younger readers, or in a shorter amount of time for older readers. Links to supplemental activities are provided. The following breakdown includes suggestions for different areas of study per section.

Part One: The Basics of Pagan Belief, Pages 4-13
Discussion/journaling activity:
What spiritual path do you follow? How is it similar or different from that of other family members, friends and Rabbit as described in the book.
Language Arts/Geography:
Mythology: The author mentions several mythological characters in this section, and throughout the book (example—the Crone has many names). Different cultures express similar concepts in different ways; mythology is one way that this can be seen.
Have students locate mythological references in the story.
Locate the country of origin of each reference on a map.
Review the stories associated with each reference. Discuss the similarities and differences between each.
Further information on magic, circles and Sabbats can be found at www.broomstix.com.

Part Two: Introduction to the Wheel of the Year, and Imbolc, Pages 14-19
Discussion/journaling activities:
Wheel of the Year: How is the cycle of the year similar or different to what the world “traditionally” follows now?
Rabbit's Bad Day: How did Rabbit and her mom handle a difficult situation? Would you have handled it this way? Why or why not? Compare and contrast Rabbit and the boys' concept of God? How are they similar? How are they different? What incorrect assumptions did the boys make about Rabbit's religion? Why do you think they made these assumptions?
History:
Compare and contrast current holidays to those on the Wheel of the Year. How, why and when did things change for each (this can be done as an overview at this point, and then individually for each Sabbat/holiday as you come to it in the book).
What is Imbolc? (refer to Vocabulary and Mythology as discussed in Pre-reading and Part One). Review the major associations. Review the symbols associated with this Sabbat (Brigit, Brigit's Cross, Lambs, etc.).
Art:
Construct a Brigit Cross (see below)--discuss it’s symbolic relationship to the Wheel of the Year. Younger children can do coloring pages of the Wheel of the Year and Imbolc symbolic associations.
Link to further information and activities for Imbolc:
http://www.broomstix.com/2 2006 Yule 1007 Imbolc/YIgoddessturns.html (includes instructions on how to make a Brigit's cross)
http://www.broomstix.com/10 2008 Imbolc/I08Spellworx.htm (instructions for making a plant-able “Bridog”)

Part Three: Spring Equinox and Beltain, Pages 20-25
Science:
Discuss the term “Equinox” (refer to Vocabulary). Discuss and illustrate how the seasons are determined, and how and why those seasons are reversed below the equator (refer back to Wheel of the Year).
Music/Art:
Discuss Beltane and its customs (see below for more info) and compare them to Rabbit's experience. Construct a Maypole and hold a maypole dance. Discuss the importance of music to this activity. Discuss and select songs.
Links for further information and activities for Spring Equinox
http://www.broomstix.com/11 2008 Spring Equinox/SE08Wicced.htm (Spring Equinox traditions)
Links to further information and activities for Beltane:
http://www.broomstix.com/4 2007 Beltane/B07 Evergreedy.htm (includes instructions for constructing a maypole from the discarded trunk of a Yule/Christmas Evergreen)
http://www.broomstix.com/4 2007 Beltane/B07 Beltane Shrine.htm (includes instructions for constructing a Maypole Shadow Box)
http://www.broomstix.com/12 2008 Beltain/B08Satyr.htm (maypole coloring page)
http://www.broomstix.com/12 2008 Beltain/B08Wicced.htm (Beltane traditions and history)

Part Four: Litha (Summer Solstice) and the House Blessing, Pages 26-29
Discussion/journaling activity:
What would you do to bless your home? Review each stage of Rabbit's house blessing. Discuss the significance of each object/materials used. What do you think it does?
Science:
Discuss the term “Solstice” (refer to Vocabulary). Review the determination of the change of seasons, and how and why those seasons are reversed below the equator (refer back to Wheel of the Year).
Geography:
Illustrate and discuss geographical sites that are associated with seasonal change. (http://www.broomstix.com/5 2007 Summer Solstice/SS07Stonehenge.htm) Note: Stonehenge can also be used as a discussion point for current events as that is the only time that the site is open to the public—for pagan ritual.
Links for further information and activities for Summer Solstice/Litha
http://www.broomstix.com/13 2008 Midsummer/SS08Satyr.htm (coloring page)
http://www.broomstix.com/13 2008 Midsummer/SS08Wicced.htm (Summer Solstice traditions and customs)

Part Five: Lughnasad and Mabon (Autumnal Equinox), Pages 30-31
Discussion/journaling activity:
What does the word Harvest mean to you? What images does it bring to mind? (Draw ties with the traditional American harvest feast of Thanksgiving.
Discuss the harvest qualities of Lughnasad (fruit harvest) and Mabon (grain harvest). Review the mythology associated with each (refer to Part One).
Science:
Review “Equinox.” Compare and contrast the two equinoxes, Vernal and Autumnal. What are the similarities and differences? What is their seasonal, weather and climate role (reversal based on location (equator)).
Art:
Wheat weaving (traditional Autumnal craft--see below).
Links for further information and activities for Lughnasad
http://www.broomstix.com/6 2007 Lammas/L07LAMMAS.htm (Lughnasad traditions)
http://www.broomstix.com/6 2007 Lammas/L07Satyr.htm (coloring page)
http://www.broomstix.com/14 2008 Lammas/L08Worts.htm (Lughnasad and herb harvesting)
http://www.broomstix.com/14 2008 Lammas/L08Satyr.htm (coloring page)
Links to further information and activities for Mabon/Autumnal Equinox:
http://www.broomstix.com/7 2007 Autumnal/A07Wicced.htm (Mabon corn dollie traditional craft)
http://www.broomstix.com/7 2007 Autumnal/A07Satyr.htm (coloring page)
http://www.broomstix.com/7 2007 Autumnal/A07Spellworx.htm (instructions for making a wheat weaving)
http://www.broomstix.com/15 2008 Autumnal/AE08WW.htm (Mabon traditions-Corn Dollies)
http://www.broomstix.com/15 2008 Autumnal/AE08Worts.htm (harvest information)
http://www.broomstix.com/15 2008 Autumnal/AE08Satyr.htm (coloring page)

Part Six: Samhain/Halloween, Pages 32-33
Discussion/journaling activities:
Rabbit says that being different is hard. The title of this book is, An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child. What makes Rabbit the same as other children her age? What makes her different? Is she ordinary? Is she magical? Are you ordinary? Are you magical?
Discuss the term “Samhain” (see vocabulary). Discuss the differences and similarities between the feast of Samhain and Halloween as it is celebrated today—as well as the Christian/Catholic holidays of All Saints and All Souls Days.
Samhain is the “New Year” in the pagan calendar—why do you think this is so?
Social Studies:
Discuss and illustrate Samhain/Halloween as celebrated by other cultures (ie: Day of the Dead in Mexico).
Art:
Create masks, carve pumpkins/turnips (other alternatives in the links below).
Links for further information and activities for Samhain
http://www.broomstix.com/1 2006 Samhain/SamhainTOC.html
http://www.broomstix.com/8 2007 Samhain/S07TOC.htm
http://www.broomstix.com/16 2008 Samhain/S08TOC.htm

Part Seven: Yule (Winter Solstice), Page 34
Discussion/journaling activities:
How is Rabbit's celebration similar/different to the traditional holidays celebrated at this time of year? How is it similar/different to what you do?
Science:
Review “solstice” (Yule is another word for the Winter Solstice). Compare and contrast the two solstices, Winter and Summer. Compare to the equinoxes, Vernal and Autumnal. What are the similarities and differences? What is their seasonal, weather and climate role (reversal based on location (equator)). What is the pattern that they create? Why is the term “Wheel of the Year” an appropriate one?
Links for further information and activities for Yule/Winter Solstice
http://www.broomstix.com/2 2006 Yule 2007 Imbolc/YIfruitofyourlabor.htm (instructions for how to make and magical references for a traditional pomander craft)
http://www.broomstix.com/9 2007 Yule/Y07WW.htm (history and instructions for yuletide crackers)
http://www.broomstix.com/9 2007 Yule/Y07Satyr.htm (coloring page)

Part Eight: Moon, Pages 35-39
Discussion/journaling activities:
Do you believe that the moon has a direct effect on life on earth? How so?
Discuss the moon in Pagan belief (mythology—see part One, astrologically, etc.). According to Pagan belief, it is good to start projects at the new moon—why do you think this is? Observe the cycles of the moon, and review the Sabbats of the Wheel of the Year as described in the book—do you see any patterns and connections? What does this tell you about what Pagans believe?
Science:
Discuss the moon and it's phases and the physical effect these phases have on the earth
Links for further information and activities for the Moon
http://www.broomstix.com/6%202007%20Lammas/L07moondance.htm (instructions for making a moon phase magnet)
http://www.broomstix.com/6 2007 Lammas/L07SMSPoem.htm (moon poem)
http://www.broomstix.com/6 2007 Lammas/L07Lapidairy.htm (moonstones)
http://www.broomstix.com/6 2007 Lammas/L07SPELLWORX.htm (the moon and magical work)

Part Nine: Dreams, Pages 40-45
Discussion/journaling activities:
What does Rabbit do to get rid of bad dreams? Do you think it will work?
Write about the last bad dream you had. What do you think it means? What did you do to move on?
Discuss the role of dreams in our lives (Science—REM sleep—what is happening with your brain when you sleep). Illustrate famous people who used dreams in their life's work (see below).
What is the significance of the Pagan greeting (Merry Meet), and parting (Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet Again)? What do you think it means? How is it different than the words you use?
Links for further information and activities for Dreams
http://www.broomstix.com/3 2007 Spring Equinox/SEsweetdreams.htm (famous people who used dreams to solve problems)
http://www.broomstix.com/3 2007 Spring Equinox/SEspellworx.htm (instructions for making a good dream herbal pouch)
After reading this book, what is your view on Pagan beliefs? Is it the same as when you started? Is there anything else you would like to know?

This guide was created by Natalie Zaman, a NJ Certified Teacher (English K-12), co-author of Graven Images Oracle (www.gravenimagesoracle.com) and co-publisher and co-founder of Broomstix, a new age online magazine for children (www.broomstix.com).

"This book is written from my own experience as an Eclectic American Pagan. There are many different forms of Neo-Pagan, Earth-centered religious paths. I could not even begin to include them all in a children's book. The purpose of this book is to remove some of the mystery surrounding an often misunderstood, minority spiritual choice. The celebrations shown are based on Wiccan holidays and customs. There are many different Earth-based paths, of which Wicca is but one." W. Lyon Martin

Peek Inside | Buy at Amazon
Reviews | Book Video

Our Books

Teaching guide for An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child Written and Illustrated by W. Lyon Martin

Teaching guide for An Ordinary Girl, A Magical Child
Written and Illustrated by W. Lyon Martin