Parents and Teachers
Teaching Tools & Ruhi Classes
Teachers’ Guides & Resources
Teachers’ Guide, “Hope for Our Future,” Part 3
This guide is a tool to assist teachers of children’s classes and junior youth animators in using Brilliant Star’s “Hope for Our Future” issue in the classroom. While Brilliant Star is developed for kids aged 7-12, many younger and older kids enjoy learning from it. Activities can be adapted to engage ages 4-14. You’re invited to share your own ideas in our Facebook group, Brilliant Star Idea Exchange.
The Bahá’í Faith provides a unifying vision of society that meets humanity’s needs for oneness, equality, and justice. It asserts that the welfare of individuals is connected to the welfare of society. This issue provides tools to encourage kids in refining their characters, fortifying themselves against tests, and building unity in their families, schools, and communities.
Features and Topics include:
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Inspiring story of Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for a world founded on peace and justice, with explanations of the Covenant and the Nine Year Plan;
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Fun ideas for exploring nature with family and friends to build gratitude and wonder;
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A hot-air balloon craft to encourage hope and joy;
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Goal-setting chart to steer kids toward their dreams;
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Tips for avoiding materialism and limiting screen time to focus on true happiness;
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Story of Dr. Ugo Giachery and his work to help build the Shrine of the Báb and share the Faith with Malietoa Tanumafili II, the king of Western Samoa;
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How to handle challenges with patience and courage;
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Activity for writing and drawing about positive experiences with teamwork;
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Quiz about how kids can take steps to build a brighter world;
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Ideas from 10 kids around the world about creating a peaceful planet, fostering positivity, and having a hopeful outlook;
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Building connections among diverse people and using consultation;
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Relying on faith to help us weather storms and fortify our minds and spirits against tests;
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Walking on a path of service throughout our lives.
We recommend Google Chrome for viewing and downloading PDFs.
You can search, download, or print the full issue here.
Hope for Our Future Pages, Part 3
20 - Space Ace
22-23 - Stargazer
24 - Riley’s Rainforest: Getting Offline
25 - TEAM: Together Efforts Achieve Magic
26 - Shining Lamp: Dr. Ugo Giachery
27 - Deep Discoveries
29 - A-MAZE-ING Adventure: Windows of Wonder
You Can Find Part 1 Here (pages 1-10)
You Can Find Part 2 Here (pages 11-19)
AGE GROUPS:
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5)
Early Elementary (6-7)
Late Elementary (8-10)
Junior Youth (11-14)
PAGE 20: SPACE ACE
Find out about flying cars, the Moon, and Pluto!
> PURPOSE
The purpose of this page is to explore mind-boggling mysteries on Earth and in space with Dr. Steve Scotti, our STEAMS Education Advisor. Readers are encouraged to develop curiosity, wonder, and knowledge about science, historical achievements, and exploration of space.
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
- The Earth circles, or orbits, the Sun. What does the Moon orbit?
- How long does it take for Earth to orbit the Sun?
- What sort of vehicles have you traveled in? (Dune buggy? Gondola? Helicopter? Go-cart? Airplane? etc.) What was fun about it?
- Have you ever seen an eclipse? What was it like?
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
- The Earth circles, or orbits, the Sun. What does the Moon orbit?
- How long does it take for Earth to orbit the Sun?
- Pluto is about 40 times farther from the Sun than Earth. How long do you think it takes Pluto to orbit the Sun? (248 Earth years)
Pluto resource:
https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/for-kids-and-students/what-is-pluto-grades-5-8
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
> Space Stories
Read a story related to the Moon, Pluto, or space. Examples:
Moon! Earth’s Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty
Pluto! Not a Planet? Not a Problem! by Stacy McAnulty
> Make an Edible Moon Rover
*Check with parents or guardians about dietary restrictions or allergies.
https://youtu.be/Ys4KU5UC-dk
[There are all kinds of edible and cardboard rovers on the internet.]
> Space-Related Games
Play some space-related games from this “Brilliant Star Treasure Box” page:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_TAB/SO15_Space_proofed.pdf
> Music
Watch this music video about the Moon:
https://youtu.be/4srrN7uUAsU
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
> Build a Vehicle
With LEGO bricks or other building materials, challenge students to create their own Moon or Mars rover or flying car.
Consult about what kind of traffic laws there would have to be for flying cars.
> Moon Cookies
*Check with parents or guardians about dietary restrictions or allergies.
No-Bake Moon Cookies
https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/moon-cookies/en/
> Music
Learn the names of the Dwarf Planets with this music video:
https://youtu.be/ws3kWuMi0Y8
PAGE 22: STARGAZER: AUGUSTO LÓPEZ-CLAROS
He works to build unity among nations.
> PURPOSE
As the tagline (“Questions and Answers with an Inspirational Bahá’í”) suggests, Stargazer articles spotlight the life, work, and kid-friendly perspectives of an adult Bahá’í whom kids can look to as a role model. Stargazers work in fields that are relevant to the theme of each issue. In this issue about looking toward and planning for the future with hope, Dr. Augusto López-Claros talks about his childhood in Bolivia, how he found his calling, and how the Bahá’í teachings and economic principles complement each other in his work for global peace and prosperity.
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
- What is one thing you learned from this interview?
- What are some virtues you see in Dr. López-Claros?
- Do you think we will have world peace someday? Why or why not?
- How can kids help make sure that girls and boys have the same opportunities in school and in their communities?
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
- What’s was most memorable for you from this interview?
- Did reading about how Dr. López-Claros applies the Bahá’í teachings to his work make economics seem like an interesting career path? Why or why not?
- Did you understand Augusto’s explanation of how women’s equality can help everyone? What would it be like to live in a country where women and girls are not allowed to go to school, to work, or to have any control over the family income?
- Reread Augusto’s wish for Brilliant Star’s readers. What are your thoughts and feelings about that?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
> Music
Play Red Grammer’s “With Two Wings”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgYIirETzqE
OR “Teaching Peace”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pHbyLR5G5M
and 1) teach the kids to sing the chorus OR 2) invite the kids to make up motions or a dance for the song.
> Drawing
Invite kids to draw what the world will be like when the equality of women and men or world peace comes true.
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
> Music
Play a song invite students to learn to sing it and/or choreograph and perform a dance to it.
Red Grammer’s “One Family”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOrr5xdvm_A&list=PLgVfokFM23krHGlCYA3JG-PBqLjTW7nPA
Colby Jeffers & Awu Donson’s “Change the World” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5oXgAVs250&list=PLLKDCt_gdXooFByE1JDdh7pwIwroyH8GL
> Goals
Ask students to choose one goal (equality of women and men, elimination of extreme poverty, mitigating climate change, or world peace) and develop a presentation in which they explain the goal to younger kids and offer practical ideas about how to achieve it.
> Art for Equality
Ask kids to create a poem, song, story, or skit about working for gender equality, eliminating poverty, or achieving world peace. (If the class has more than eight students, consider dividing the class into groups of 4-6 kids—especially if some kids have a strong preference for one theme or one art form.)
PAGE 24: RILEY’S RAINFOREST: GETTING OFFLINE
What are your favorite offline activities?
> PURPOSE
This piece discusses how using social media excessively can hinder our health and happiness, and shares fun ways kids can focus on fulfillment without screens.
Quote: “Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...”
—Bahá’u’lláh
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
- Do you use social media or other apps? What things do you do on screens?
- Is being on screens as fun as playing with your friends in person?
- Do you think it’s healthy to be on screens all the time?
- How do you feel when you’re using screens?
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
- What are some pitfalls of being on screens or social media too much?
- Do you feel like you have a healthy mindset when it comes to screens and social media?
- What are ways you can use screens or social media mindfully?
- What are things that bring you joy off-screen?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
> Offscreen Fun
Ask kids to share 4 fun things they like to do that doesn’t involve screens. What is their favorite?
> Music
Invite kids to go for a walk outside while listening to an outdoor-related song:
“Through the Woods,” by the Okee Dokee Brothers
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/through-the-woods
“All Things I Found,” by Frances England
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/all-things-i-found
> Outdoor Art
Create some outdoor art with Maya:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/Maya_Outdoor_Art_V52N4_Opt.pdf
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
> Offscreen Activities
Ask kids to make a list of 10 activities that can replace screen time. How will these activities enrich their life?
> Outdoor Art
Create some outdoor art with Maya:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/Maya_Outdoor_Art_V52N4_Opt.pdf
> Quiz
Invite kids to take this quiz to learn tips for using screens wisely:
Quiz: Are You Smart About Screens?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/quiz-are-you-smart-about-screens
> Music
Invite kids to go for a walk outside while listening to an outdoor-related song. They can also make up their own songs.
“Through the Woods,” by the Okee Dokee Brothers
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/through-the-woods
“All Things I Found,” by Frances England
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/all-things-i-found
PAGE 25: TEAM: TOGETHER EFFORTS ACHIEVE MAGIC
Write and draw about teamwork experiences!
> PURPOSE
This journal page shines a spotlight on teamwork, inviting kids to write and draw about their experiences working with family members and other types of teams. Although some kids may prefer working alone to working in groups, most of us are part of a team many times in our lives, whether that’s in school, scouting, sports, the arts, or our careers.
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
- What is a team? How many people do you need to have a team? [At least two]
- What’s a team you’ve had fun being part of? What is (or was) that team’s goal?
- Does/did everyone on the team get along well? What helps create unity among team members?
- What’s the best thing about being part of a team?
- If you could be on any team (real or imaginary), what would it be? Why?
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
- What’s a team you’ve had fun being part of? What is (or was) that team’s goal?
- What’s been your favorite experience with a team?
- Do you think it’s important to have diverse people on a team? Why or why not?
- What do you do to help build unity with your teammates?
- What’s a challenge you and a team have overcome? What virtues did you use?
- If you could be on any team (real or fictional), what would it be? Why?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
> Teamwork in Exile
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/bahaullahs-life-journey-to-constantinople
> Folktale: The Doves’ Journey
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2011/Story_Doves_Journey_SO11p6.pdf
> Drawing
Ask kids to draw a picture of a team they’re on or a team they’d like to be on.
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
> Teamwork in Exile
Read the story together and discuss the virtues that people use.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/bahaullahs-life-journey-to-constantinople
> Quiz
Quiz: Are You Cooperative?
Invite the kids to take the quiz online or in print. Discuss the results as a group.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/quiz-are-you-cooperative
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2018/Quiz_Cooperative_v50n5.pdf
> Teamwork Experiment
Have fun with this experiment about the power of teamwork with Maya:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/Maya_V52N3_Opt.pdf
> Invite students (as a class or in teams) to come up with their own song or rap about teamwork.
> Ask students to draw a picture of a team they’re on or a team they’d like to be on (real or fictional).
PAGE 26: SHINING LAMP: DR. UGO GIACHERY
He helped build the Bahá’í World Center.
> PURPOSE
This page, contributed by Susan Engle, profiles the life of Dr. Ugo Giachery, an Italian Bahá’í who served the Faith in significant ways. He was instrumental in obtaining building materials for the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa, Israel. He also introduced the Faith to the king of Samoa, the first ruling monarch to become a Bahá’í. Shoghi Effendi named Dr. Giachery a Hand of the Cause of God.
Quote: “The service you have rendered is not sufficiently appreciated today, but it will be fully appreciated in the future.”
—Shoghi Effendi to Ugo Giachery
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
- When he learned about nature as a kid, Ugo said it was full of “delights and wonders!” What are some things in nature that you think are wonderful?
- Ugo and his wife, Angeline, moved from the U.S. to Italy to share the Bahá’í Faith with other people. If you could go anywhere to share the Faith, where would you like to go?
- Ugo had a huge job, finding materials for the Shrine of the Báb. Have you ever had a big job you weren’t sure you could do? What happened?
- Ugo share the Faith with the king of Samoa. What are some virtues he needed to do that?
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
- Ugo said that as a kid, he found nature “a world of delights and wonders!” What are some things in nature that fill you with awe and wonder?
- Ugo and his wife, Angeline, moved from the U.S. to Italy to share the Bahá’í Faith with other people. If you could go anywhere to share the Faith, where would you like to go?
- Ugo had a huge job, finding materials for the Shrine of the Báb. Have you ever had a big job you weren’t sure you could do? What happened?
- Ugo said his relationship with Shoghi Effendi was deeply important for him spiritually. Who are some people who have encouraged and helped you spiritually?
- Ugo share the Faith with the king of Samoa. What are some virtues he needed to do that?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
> Watch a video with Hand of the Cause Dr. Giachery:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww_-TY5tX6c
> Honoring the Báb
Invite students to create this gate craft to honor the Báb and His Mission.
> Shrine of the Báb Video
Video that features the Shrine of the Báb for which Dr. Giachery worked so hard to assist in procuring materials:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbFiwVWDD_0
Animated Bahá'í prayer in Italian with music: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ogbl#imp/FMfcgzGxSlKshdnSDVmvWthXmDfMTZdG
> Thank You Cards and Letters
Ugo Giachery exchanged letters with Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith. Ugo called their relationship “a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience of the deepest spiritual import.” Write a letter or create a thank-you card for someone who has helped your faith to grow.
Nur’s Nook: Thank-You Card Craft
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/terrific-teachers
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/characters/pdf-character/Nur_ND_12_p6_r3.pdf
> Gardens of Love Story
Ugo Giachery was part of a group of Bahá’ís who helped Shoghi Effendi beautify the land around the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. Read or summarize the story in class:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/gardens-of-love
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/Gardens_v52n2.pdf
> Shining Lamp: Malietoa Tanumafili II
Read or summarize this story about the Malietoa, the king of Samoa, who learned about the Bahá’í Faith from Ugo Giachery.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/shining-lamp-malietoa
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
> Watch a video with Hand of the Cause Dr. Giachery:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww_-TY5tX6c
> Shrine of the Báb Video
Video that features the Shrine of the Báb for which Dr. Giachery worked so hard to assist in procuring materials:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbFiwVWDD_0
> Thank-You Cards and Letters
Ugo Giachery exchanged letters with Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith. Ugo called their relationship “a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience of the deepest spiritual import.” Write a letter or create a thank-you card for someone who has helped your faith to grow.
Nur’s Nook: Thank-You Card Craft
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/terrific-teachers
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/characters/pdf-character/Nur_ND_12_p6_r3.pdf
> Shining Lamp: Malietoa Tanumafili II
Read and discuss this story about the Malietoa, the king of Samoa, who learned about the Bahá’í Faith from Ugo Giachery.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/shining-lamp-malietoa
> Shrine of the Báb: Story and Drawing Activity
In class, read this story about the Shrine of the Báb:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/v51n3p4_The_Bab_Shrine_RS.pdf
Then watch this video, “How to Draw Twin Roses,” and create your own drawings of the Shrine to display in the classroom.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/how-to-draw-twin-roses
> Gardens of Love
Ugo Giachery was part of a group of Bahá’ís who helped Shoghi Effendi beautify the land around the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. Read and discuss the story in class:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/gardens-of-love
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/Gardens_v52n2.pdf
> Ugo’s Challenges in Italy
Read and discuss this story to learn more details about Ugo’s service to the Faith during the construction of the Shrine of the Báb:
Excerpt from Shoghi Effendi: Recollections, by Ugo Giachery
Demand for building material for reconstruction of the nation made it practically impossible to obtain any such items, especially for export. Every item of building material was controlled by licence issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, which was granted only after a lengthy procedure. If the request was for export, further permission was required from the Ministry of Foreign Trade, with the approval of yet another Ministry, that of Finance, which controlled the Customs of the whole country…
Many years have since passed and even today I still wonder how it was possible to obtain all that was needed and in such large quantities. I can only say that I was wholly confident in the power that emanated from the World Centre of the Faith; I knew that if the Guardian asked for something, nine-tenths of the problem had been solved. His daily prayers and supplications at the Shrines would solicit the intervention of heavenly assistance that would remove every difficulty, near or remote. I never informed him of the obstacles, the labour and the heartaches involved to obtain licences, nor of the many hours of work required each day, month after month for nearly five years. I had to move fast from Ministry to Ministry, from committees to individual officials, all scattered in different parts of Rome, waiting long hours in antechambers, filling out forms, even paying dues in advance so that the applications could be considered. I am sure the Guardian knew well my anxiety and cares and pains, because in the rarefied world of the spirit in which he lived, he was open to perception and awareness far beyond the usual human limitations.
The answer and the reward came to me that first night I was in his presence, part of which I have described earlier in these recollections. Turning to the friends seated at his table for dinner, he said, among other things: "We are very glad to have such a Bahá'í friend, to whom the whole world is indebted."
Then, addressing me, he added: "The service you have rendered is not sufficiently appreciated today, but it will be fully appreciated in the future ... You see, you worked for so long all alone; and no one appreciates this more than I, myself. When you are alone, you have such a big weight to carry. Single-handed, you have rendered an historic service to the Cause... This evening when I went to the Shrine, I remembered you, and I have come to the decision that we shall have a 'Giachery' door for the Shrine - one of the doors."
https://bahai-library.com/giachery_shoghi_effendi_recollections&chapter=7/
> Hands of the Cause of God
Talk with students about the institution of the Hands of the Cause of God (which included Ugo Giachery), drawing on resources such as these:
Bahá’í Blog: Who Were the Hands of the Cause of God?
https://www.bahaiblog.net/articles/history-tributes/hands-cause/
Concise List of the Hands of the Cause of God
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hands_of_the_Cause
PAGE 27: DEEP DISCOVERIES
Learn about protecting the amazing ocean.
> PURPOSE
The purpose of this page is to encourage students to appreciate and protect the ocean and its creatures.
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
Have you ever been to the ocean? What is something amazing about it?
Water from rivers and creeks goes to the ocean. What are some ways we can keep all the waterways clean?
One of the worst ocean trash problems is plastic. How can we use less plastic?
What is your favorite ocean animal?
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
What are some amazing things about the ocean?
How can we reduce our plastic use?
What other ways can we protect the ocean?
If you discovered a new species in the ocean, what would you name it?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
> Group Activity
Go over the page activity with the students. Instead of having them replace the missing letters, leave out the whole word and let them guess.
> Ocean Coloring Page
Invite kids to color this coral reef scene with Stuart and Gabriella and find the hidden pictures.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/Stu_Gab_Carol_Reef_ND13p5.pdf
> Movement Break
Have a dance or workout break with some fun ocean songs.
> Origami
Make an origami whale
https://origamiwithrachelkatz.oriland.com/folding/whale.php
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
> Group Activity
Go over the page activity with the students. Instead of having them replace the missing letters, leave out the whole word and let them guess.
> Currents of Unity
Invite kids to color this ocean-themed poster and discuss the tips. What are your favorite ideas for building unity?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/V52N1p27_Currents_of_Unity.pdf
> Movement Break
Have a dance or workout break with some fun ocean songs.
> Drawing
Create sand castle drawings together with this video, “How to draw a sand castle”:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/how-to-draw-a-sand-castle1
PAGE 29: A-MAZE-ING ADVENTURE: WINDOWS OF WONDER
Make your way through this fun and fantastical spaceship!
> PURPOSE
This page invites readers to envision the future of humanity and their place in the world. They can explore the world and build their skills to prepare for future service. The activity is a maze through a fantastical giant spaceship.
Quote: “Persevere in the task you have set your heart to accomplish, confident that through Divine assistance you will be able, sooner or later, to attain your goal.” —Bahá’í Writings
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
- What are some of your strongest skills? How do you think they might help you in the future?
- What are some new things you’d like to learn to get ready for the future?
- If you had a chance to go to outer space, would you go? Why or why not?
- What is something you’ve learned from someone of another culture?
- When you make a mistake, what can you to do about it? How can you learn from it?
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
- What are some of your strongest skills? How do you think they might help you in the future?
- What are some skills you’d like to develop to prepare for the future?
- If you had a chance to go to outer space, would you go? Why or why not?
- What are some things that can help when you’re coping with big changes in your life?
- What is something you’ve learned from someone of another culture?
- When you make a mistake, what can you tell yourself that can help you stay positive and learn from it?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5) | Early Elementary (6-7)
> Space-Themed Games
Ring Around the Planet Game
Place a beach ball or basketball on the ground as a “planet.” With a friend, take turns tossing a hula hoop to make a ring around the planet (think Saturn!). Keep moving the starting line back. See who can ring the planet from farthest away.
Rocket Launcher
Make a paper airplane with a piece of paper about 4" x 6" (10 x 15 cm). Punch a hole through the bottom fold and string a rubber band through it in a loop. Hook the rubber band around a stick or pencil held at arm’s length and pull the airplane back. Let it go and watch it rocket through space!
Weightless Space Race
Players are blindfolded and given a spoon, an empty bowl, and a bowl filled with a set number of cotton balls. They use the spoon to move the cotton balls from one bowl to the other. Since they can’t feel the weight of the cotton balls, people are just guessing if they’ve got them all. Whoever moves the most balls successfully in 30 seconds wins.
> Nur’s Nook: Create a Cactus Gift – Craft
Discuss the virtue of resilience and create this cactus gift with painted rocks.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/nurs-nook-grow-with-resiliencecreate-a-cactus-gift
> Music
Perseverance, by Red Grammer and Pamela Phillips Orland
Sing this song about perseverance together. What are some examples of times when you’ve practiced perseverance?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/pdf-play/Music_Perseverance_SO10p20.pdf
Late Elementary (8-10) | Junior Youth (11-14)
> Space-Themed Games
Ring Around the Planet Game
Place a beach ball or basketball on the ground as a “planet.” With a friend, take turns tossing a hula hoop to make a ring around the planet (think Saturn!). Keep moving the starting line back. See who can ring the planet from farthest away.
Rocket Launcher
Make a paper airplane with a piece of paper about 4" x 6" (10 x 15 cm). Punch a hole through the bottom fold and string a rubber band through it in a loop. Hook the rubber band around a stick or pencil held at arm’s length and pull the airplane back. Let it go and watch it rocket through space!
Weightless Space Race
Players are blindfolded and given a spoon, an empty bowl, and a bowl filled with a set number of cotton balls. They use the spoon to move the cotton balls from one bowl to the other. Since they can’t feel the weight of the cotton balls, people are just guessing if they’ve got them all. Whoever moves the most balls successfully in 30 seconds wins.
> Quiz: Power of Perseverance
Explore the virtue of perseverance, which is mentioned in the quote on this page.
Take this quiz about perseverance, either individually or as a class. Discuss your answers. What are some examples of times whene you’ve shown perseverance?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/quiz-perseverance
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Quizzes/Quiz_PowerPerseverance_SO10p6.pdf
> Nur’s Nook: Create a Cactus Gift – Craft
Discuss the virtue of resilience and create this cactus gift with painted rocks.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/nurs-nook-grow-with-resiliencecreate-a-cactus-gift
Updated on 4.15.24






