UPDATE 2024
Felt instead of fleece!
In 2024, we were able to change the material of these sets to better match our original idea, which was to create a teaching resource similar to the felt sets of our youth. The fabric sets are now made out of FELT instead of fleece. This has some advantages, but may also need some modifications in the way the set is prepared and used. Felt is stiffer, which allows for sturdier pieces and easier cutting. On the downside, felt is a little less sticky. For details on how to prepare and use your felt set, kindly visit the DIY tutorial page.
This set is available as a retail item at the following online stores:
If you are interested in bulk orders for a church group, a Sunday School, a homeschooling co-op or a bookstore, kindly CONTACT US. Thank you!
Our fabric learning sets were originally developed in collaboration with St. Tabitha’s Workshop, an online fabric and fabric item store specializing in Orthodox Christian products.
ALREADY OWN THE SET?
PLEASE CLICK HERE
for the BONUS printable activities
Board game – Play dough mat – Word puzzle – Jigsaw puzzle
What do you mean by “DIY”?
The set comes as one 18′′ x 29′′ piece of felt fabric. The finished set can be made very easily by cutting out the pieces. An optional storage pocket is included, which can be sewn or glued. We are offering detailed tutorials for making each finished set as well as exclusive printable activities for a rich catechesis experience.
Our learning set is an act-out educational resource made out of felt fabric. It teaches the story of Holy Pentecost in a hands-on, Orthodox-focused way, helping the children better understand and remember the commemorated events and meanings of this Great Feast. The illustrations are based on the Orthodox iconography of the Feast, incorporating all relevant theological elements.
The finished set consists of:
– Twenty five learning pieces.
– A background mat, which can also be used to store the pieces.
Free Lesson Plan
For a lesson plan to complement this learning set, please visit our page: Holy Pentecost
ORTHODOX CONCEPTS TAUGHT BY THIS SET
Using our fabric set, the children will learn the story of the Great Feast, as well as the basic Orthodox theology about it.
THE STORY
Fifty days after our Lord’s Resurrection, the disciples were gathered in a room, in Jerusalem. They were about 120 men and women, including the Theotokos. The Holy Spirit appeared in the room as a rushing mighty wind, then tongues of fire descended upon the disciples. Until that moment, the disciples were confused and frightened. They hadn’t really understood what Christ’s life, death and Resurrection actually meant. The Holy Spirit filled all of them with Himself, revealing to them the whole Truth, and turning them into Apostles (Apostle = he who is sent). St Gregory Palamas tells us that each Apostle received his own gift and the ability to speak in tongues, according to his character and mission. They immediately understood everything, and courageously set out to preach the Gospel of Christ to the whole world. Following the descent of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Peter gave his first sermon to the people of Jerusalem, and 3,000 people were baptized. Together with the Apostles, the Theotokos, and the pre-existing followers of Christ, they formed the first Church.
SYMBOLS and HIDDEN MEANINGS
The icon of Holy Pentecost is not a literal depiction of the historical event as it happened on the day of the Pentecost, but rather a depiction of the whole Church, with deep theological meaning. This is reflected in many of its details, which are faithfully reproduced in our fabric set. A description of the icon and all its hidden symbolisms can be found in our lesson plan on Holy Pentecost.
Please note:
This is an educational resource to help teach Orthodox Christian children. Even though it isn’t an icon itself, it depicts images inspired by icons, which in real life are treated with reverence. Please be mindful when using, washing or storing it. Finished item not suitable for children under three years old.
MAKE-YOUR-OWN LEARNING SET
Making your own learning set is a very easy DIY project. The preparation mostly involves cutting the pieces, all the instructions are printed on the fabric, and, depending on your preference, there is very little or no sewing required.
DIY Tutorial
For a detailed tutorial on how to make our fabric learning sets, please click on the button below.
HOW TO STORE THE FINISHED SET
Place the pieces inside the pocket. Roll the pocket inside the rest of the mat. Secure with a ribbon.
ALTERNATIVELY
If you choose not to use the pocket, you can place the learning pieces on the mat, roll the mat up, and secure with a ribbon.
READY TO LEARN!
Orthodox Pebbles 