As educators, it’s important to teach our students about various holidays and celebrations that hold cultural and religious significance. One such occasion is the Mother Teresa Feast Day, celebrated annually on September 5 to honor the legacy of the beloved nun and humanitarian.
Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Skopje, Macedonia in 1910. At the age of 18, she left home to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, where she took the name Sister Mary Teresa. In 1929, she was sent to Calcutta, India, where she started her work among the poorest of the poor.
Over the years, Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity helped provide food, shelter, healthcare, and education to thousands of people in need, regardless of their religion or background. Her selfless devotion and dedication to helping others earned her worldwide fame, and she was awarded many honors during her lifetime, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
To teach students about the Mother Teresa Feast Day, here are a few ideas:
1. Read books about her life and work
There are several children’s books that tell the story of Mother Teresa in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Some good choices include “Mother Teresa: The Story of the Saint of Calcutta” by Demi and “Mother Teresa: The Smile of Calcutta” by Charlotte Grossetete.
2. Watch documentaries or videos
There are plenty of documentaries and videos available that show footage of Mother Teresa’s work and interviews with the people she helped. Watching these can help students understand her impact on the world and inspire them to help others too.
3. Discuss her legacy
After learning about Mother Teresa and her work, have a discussion about the impact she had on the world. Ask students to share their thoughts on her devotion to helping others and how they can apply her teachings to their own lives.
4. Encourage students to give back
Mother Teresa believed in the power of small acts of kindness to make a big impact. Encourage students to find ways to give back to their communities, whether it’s volunteering at a local food bank or donating toys to a children’s hospital.
Overall, teaching students about the Mother Teresa Feast Day is a great way to introduce them to an inspiring figure who dedicated her life to helping others. By learning about her legacy, students can be inspired to make a positive impact on the world around them.
