Celebrating St. Francis of Assisi in a Montessori Way

On October 4th, the Church honors St. Francis of Assisi, the beloved saint known for his humility, joy, and deep love for God’s creation. St. Francis invites us to see the world with childlike wonder and gratitude—a perspective that harmonizes beautifully with the Montessori approach. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate his feast day in a Montessori way:

1. Prayer of St. Francis in Silence

Begin with the Peace Prayer of St. Francis:

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…”

In Montessori classrooms, silence exercises create a sacred atmosphere for reflection. Children can listen to the words slowly, then rest in silence, imagining how they too can bring peace to their classroom, home, and community.

2. Nature Walk in the Spirit of St. Francis

Montessori children thrive when they engage with the natural world. Celebrate by going on a nature walk to observe plants, animals, and the changing season. Encourage children to collect natural treasures (fallen leaves, acorns, pinecones) to place on the prayer table as symbols of God’s creation.

3. Care of Animals

St. Francis is the patron saint of animals. Bring this to life with practical life activities:

• Invite children to help care for class pets or plants.

• Discuss how small acts—feeding, watering, cleaning—mirror Francis’s reverence for creation.

• For families at home, a special blessing for household pets is a beautiful tradition.

  
  

4. Scripture Copy work and Illumination

Offer the verse:

• “All creatures of our God and King, bless the Lord.” (based on Daniel 3:57)

Children can copy this into a scripture journal and decorate the page with illustrations of animals, sun, or water, echoing Francis’s Canticle of the Sun.

5. Art Inspired by Creation

Provide art materials—watercolors, chalk pastels, or clay—and invite children to create artwork of their favorite animals or natural scenes. Emphasize that through art, they are praising God for the beauty of His creation.

6. Practical Life Extensions

Montessori practical life celebrates care and respect. Simple activities can be given a Franciscan spirit:

• Arranging flowers for the altar or prayer table.

• Baking bread together to share.

• Sweeping or tending the garden as acts of service.

  
  

7. Acts of Peace and Kindness

In the classroom or at home, invite children to brainstorm ways to “be peacemakers” like St. Francis. Perhaps they can resolve a small conflict, share with a sibling, or write a kind note. At the end of the day, gather to share these experiences.

8. Singing Together

St. Francis’s joyful spirit shines through music. Singing “All Creatures of Our God and King” or another hymn about creation helps children join in praise, just as Francis once did.

St. Francis’s feast is an invitation to live with joy, simplicity, and reverence for God’s creation. In a Montessori environment, where children are encouraged to encounter beauty, care for the world, and live in peace with one another, celebrating St. Francis feels like a natural extension of the classroom’s spirit.