Ready to teach children about the brave teenage peasant girl who heard heavenly voices and saved France? Here's a ready-to-use lesson about this remarkable saint who trusted God's call, led armies, and changed history before her 20th birthday!
1Share the story of St. Joan of Arc
Start by reading her story, featured in Princesses of Heaven, Stories of the Saints, and many others. St. Joan is a very popular saint, so if you have a saint treasury, she’s probably in it.
Don’t have her story handy? Here’s a quick retelling:
Born to a peasant family in France around 1412, young Joan began hearing the voices of Saints Michael, Margaret, and Catherine when she was 13. These heavenly messengers told her to drive the English invaders from France and see that the Dauphin (French for “prince”) Charles was crowned king.
Despite being a simple farm girl with no military training, Joan convinced the king by revealing secrets only God could have told her, cut her hair, dressed as a soldier, and led French forces to amazing victories. Joan never actually fought in battle, carrying her banner with the names “Jesus” and “Mary” on it instead of weapons, but her courageous leadership inspired the French soldiers with new strength.
Though she was captured and martyred at age 19, she had saved her country and fulfilled God's mission. Her feast day is May 30, the day she died. Nicknamed “The Maid of Orléans,” Joan of Arc is the patron saint of France and of soldiers.
You can also watch her story read aloud here:
And for the kids who love a drawing video, don’t miss “How to Draw Saint Joan of Arc Step-by-Step Catholic Art Tutorial”:
2Work and discuss
After hearing her story or doing the drawing tutorial, children can work on a hands-on project. You can find a St. Joan of Arc coloring page here, or search online for lots more options.
Besides a coloring page, here are a few more creative ideas for this time:
Medieval Banner Craft
Kids can create their own version of the banner Joan carried into battle. Use fabric or paper rectangles attached to dowels or sticks. Decorate with crosses, fleur-de-lis, and other meaningful images.
Armor of God Activity
Use cardboard to create pieces of “armor” like St. Joan’s while discussing Ephesians 6:11-17 about putting on the armor of God.
Courage Crown
Make paper crowns decorated with flowers, inspired by Joan's bravery in following God's call and the heavenly crown she wears now.
While they work, ask some of these discussion questions:
- How old was Joan when she first heard the voices?
- Why was it unusual for a peasant girl to speak to nobles and kings?
- What gave Joan the courage to lead soldiers into battle?
- How did Joan show that she trusted God completely?
- What can we learn about listening to God's call from Joan's example?
3Pray together
Gather together, light a candle, and pray together:
Saint Joan, people made fun of and spoke evil about you; yet you remained strong in your faith. Please help me to be firm in my faith and to be proud of what God has done for me through His Son. Amen.
St. Joan of Arc, pray for us!
4Choose an extension activity
You can stop there and call it a day, but if you’d like to add on a little something extra memorable, here are a few ideas.
Enjoy some French-inspired snacks to honor Joan's heritage:
- French bread with butter
- Simple crepes or pancakes
- French cheese and crackers
- Madeleines (small French cakes)
Listening to the voices of the saints
Discuss how we can listen for God’s voice when we pray. Play gentle instrumental music or Gregorian chant and have children pray and listen silently, perhaps setting a timer for a few minutes.
French culture connection
Find France on a map, then learn simple French phrases like “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you).
Modern saint soldiers
Research and discuss modern heroes who served in military roles or showed courage in times of conflict, connecting their stories to Joan's example. You might start with Father Emil Kapaun, Father Vincent Capodanno, and other priests who won the Medal of Honor.
