Parents and Teachers

Teaching Tools & Ruhi Classes

Teachers’ Guides & Resources

Teachers’ Guide: “One Garden,” Part 2

By Brilliant Star Crew

This guide is a tool to assist teachers of children’s classes and junior youth animators in using Brilliant Star’s “One Garden” 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 and expanded to engage ages 4-14. You’re invited to explore this guide and to share your own ideas in our Facebook group, Brilliant Star Idea Exchange.

Key themes in this issue:

Sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s vision of the oneness of humanity and overcoming prejudices of all kinds
Importance of cooperation and mutual assistance for advancing society
Appreciating the rich diversity of our world cultures
Practical tools for overcoming differences and using consultation to resolve conflicts
Seeing everyone as a potential friend and learning about the power of unity together
Thinking critically about how diverse races appear in the media
Sustaining an eager, constructive, and optimistic outlook
Virtues of courage, friendliness, patience, trustworthiness, unity, compassion

You can search, download, or print the full issue here.

We recommend Google Chrome for viewing and downloading PDFs.

For each page, you’ll find discussion questions and activities to enhance learning.

“One Garden” Pages, Part 2

11 - We Are One
12 - Maya's Mysteries: Harmony in Nature
13 - Quiz: Do You Embrace Diversity?
14-15 - Lightning & Luna, Episode 92
16-18 - Radiant Stars
19 - Spice It Up!
20 - Guardians of Humanity

You Can Find Part 1 Here (pages 1-10)
You Can Find Part 3 Here (pages 21-29)

Age Groups:

Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5)
Early Elementary (6-7)
Late Elementary (8-10)
Junior Youth (11-14)

PAGE 11: WE ARE ONE

Explore and care for ecosystems, bumblebees, and more.

> PURPOSE
The “We Are One” feature inspires us to explore and protect the Earth and its creatures by learning more about the environment and our connections with it and each other.

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

Where do you like to go in nature? What do you like to do there?
How do you feel when you’re out in nature?
Why do we need to protect nature?
How do you help the Earth at school or at home?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

What is something about nature that amazes you?
How do you help the environment at school or at home?
What is a question about the natural world you’d like to know the answer to?
The Bahá’í writings use nature and natural things as metaphors or examples for us. Can you think of some prayers or writings that mention nature?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> World of Wonder
Go on a Rainbow Expedition as on the “World of Wonder” page below. If students don’t yet read or write, they can contribute verbally to lists that teachers create. If students are comfortable with spelling, do the “Alphabet Hike” too.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2011/Exploring_a_World_of_Wonder_JA11p4.pdf

> Quiz: Are You Curious?
Use the quiz questions to help the kids brainstorm ways to exercise their curiosity. Choose a couple of questions to try out in class (for example, invent or try out a new game, or share the story of an explorer or inventor).
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2012/JA12_Quiz_Are_You_Curious.pdf

> Pollinator Pals
Read this page and find the pollinators. Then go outside with notebooks and make notes and/or drawings of the pollinators you find.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/V51_N1_P19_Bounty_Pollinator.pdf

This webpage explains what each pollinator prefers:
https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/What_is_Pollination/syndromes.shtml

You may want to refer to a pollinator guide for your area: https://pollinator.org/guides

> Song: “Hooray for the World,” by Red Grammer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJCaCcVO2ZI

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

> Ecosystem Jenga Game
In advance, prepare Ecosystem Jenga, labeling the blocks as parts of an ecosystem. Read the “Our Connections” paragraph with the class and talk about what an ecosystem is. Then invite students to play the game.
https://www.childrensmuseum.org/blog/ecosystem-jenga

> Nature Journal
Take a walk and make a nature journal, using the activity below, or create a page focused on your location. On the walk, talk about how the Bahá’í writings use aspects of nature as metaphors or lessons about spiritual truths. See if you can discover any virtues in action on your walk. For example, if you see bees or ants, you can observe how they’re working together. Or if there are multiple colors of birds or bugs, you can point out their unity in diversity.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/MA13_Nature_Journal.pdf

> Science Style Quiz
Everyone can do science. Ask students to take this quiz to find their science style or “ecotype.” Does the result sound accurate to them? Ask them to brainstorm with each other about what kinds of science they would like to study and why. https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2011/Quiz_What_Shade_Green_JA11p17.pdf

> Song: “Sun will Shine Again,” by Frances England
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/sun-will-shine-again
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/characters/pdf-character/Music_SunAgain_MA14p20_com.pdf

> No-Bake Bird Nests
NOTE: Check with parents or guardians for allergies/dietary restrictions.

Create and share these treats, using shredded coconut, cacao powder, maple syrup, and chocolate-covered raisins.
https://andianne.com/no-bake-birds-nest-cookies/

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PAGE 12: MAYA’S MYSTERIES: HARMONY IN NATURE

Explore nature’s diversity

> PURPOSE
This piece encourages readers to find examples of the unity and diversity demonstrated in nature and reflect on how we can strive to create harmony among humankind.

Quote: “Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My name, the Maker, the Creator.” –Bahá'u'lláh

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

Have you ever visited a pond? What animals did you see there? Were they all sharing the pond?
How do you feel when you spend time outside? Why do you think you feel that way?
Why should we share things with our friends?
If you’re playing a game, how can you make everyone feel welcome to join in?
What virtues can we learn from wild animals? How about from our pets?
How can we be kind to others?
How can we show kindness to nature?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

What insights did you gain from the “Nature Bingo” activity?
Can you think of another time when spending time in nature made you reflect on a virtue or virtues?
What are ways you can build unity among your family and friends?
What cultures make up your neighborhood or community?
How can you help foster unity in your neighborhood or community?
Is it possible for everyone in the world to live in peace? Why or why not?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Drawings
Ask kids to create drawings of some of the items they spotted outdoors while they played Nature Bingo.

> Outdoor Expedition
Go on an “Outdoor Expedition” with this activity. Invite kids to draw their discoveries in the boxes. If they’re not strong readers, post the checklists on large posters and ask students to discuss which ones they found.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/Outdoor_Expedition_JA16.pdf

> Connect with Nature
Try Maya’s “Connect with Nature Challenge.” Kids can work individually, in pairs, or in groups. How many items can they complete?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2015/Maya_Nature_Challenge_JFMA15.pdf

> Tree of Humanity
Invite kids to color the “Tree of Humanity” and talk about how we can encourage everyone to be kind and get along with one another. https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/Tree_of_Humanity_color-find_MJ13_p9.pdf

> Leaf Rubbings
Invite kids to make leaf rubbings and name each leaf with a virtue that can help everyone be friends with each other. Cut out leaves and combine them to create a tree of harmony. Instructions for leaf rubbing:
https://www.kcedventures.com/blog/art-and-science-of-leaf-rubbings-nature-activity

> Song: Through the Woods, by the Okee Dokee Brothers
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/Music_Through_Woods_SOND14p32.pdf

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

> Art and Nature
Invite students to take a nature walk and write a poem or short story. Themes could include natural beauty, divine blessings, or the oneness of humanity.

> Planting Seeds
Give students flower seeds, and ask them to think of a hope they have to help create a more harmonious future. This is what their seed represents. Plant the seeds, then color “How to Plant Seeds of Hope.” Post the finished posters in the classroom or around the school. https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/JF17_Seeds_of_Hope.pdf

> Outdoor Exploration
Sing “All Things I Found,” by Frances English. Divide kids into groups or pairs and have them explore outdoors (safely) together. Ask them to write another verse to the song describing the things they see or to take digital photos to share what they found (as in the song). Then ask students to share their verse or photos with the larger group.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/Music_All_Things_I_Found_JA16.pdf

Video of the song:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/all-things-i-found

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PAGE 13: QUIZ: DO YOU EMBRACE DIVERSITY?

Experience the wonders of world cultures.

> PURPOSE

This quiz discusses the benefits of embracing the beautiful diversity of our human family, and provides kids with simple tips and activities to experience and respect the cultures of others.

Quote: “Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self.”—Bahá’u’lláh

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What is a culture?
What is your family’s culture?
Do you know someone who comes from a culture different from yours?
Do you like to try new things?
How can you help make others feel welcome at school or in your neighborhood?
If you could travel to see anything in the world, what would you like see?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

What is culture?
How important is culture to you and your family?
Do you live in a diverse community? In what ways is it diverse?
Can you think of a time you tried something new from another culture? What was the result?
Can you think of something cool you learned from someone of a different culture, religion, or background than you?
What helps you appreciate diversity among people with an open mind and heart?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Our Global Family
Invite kids to color “Our Global Family” and ask them what they enjoy learning about other countries or cultures. https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/JF13_Our_Global_Family.pdf

> Dance Party
Invite kids to dance to a song from another culture. Check out music online or from the library, or invite a guest to play a musical instrument for your class.

> Fun with Food
NOTE: Check with parents or guardians for allergies/dietary restrictions.

Invite students to try a food that’s popular with a specific culture (especially something they haven’t tried before). If possible, ask families to share their favorite recipes in a potluck celebration.

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

> Practicing Skills
Have students take the quiz, then encourage them to choose a question they scored low on and find a way to practice it over the next few days or week. When you meet next, ask them to share what they did and learned.

> Diversity Skit
Break students into groups and have them choose a question from the quiz and use it as the inspiration for creating a skit about being open to diversity. Ask groups to perform their skits for the class.

> Fun with Food
NOTE: Check with parents or guardians for allergies/dietary restrictions

Invite students to try a food that’s popular with a specific culture (especially something they haven’t tried before). If possible, ask families to share their favorite recipes in a potluck celebration.

> Nur’s Nook: One Family Tree
Make this craft to further explore the idea that we are one human family.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/nurs-nook-one-family-tree

> Language Exploration
Ask kids to complete this word search for translations of the word “love.” Then divide them into groups and ask them to use the Internet to find translations of another word in many languages and share what they learn with the class.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/Love_Any_Language_ND13p27.pdf

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PAGES 14-15: LIGHTNING & LUNA: EPISODE 92

Can the Uplifters stop the storms and snag Fauna?

> PURPOSE

Brother and sister Lightning and Luna are part of a league of young superheroes called the Uplifters. They use their virtues and superpowers to save the world. When Lightning and Luna aren’t on a mission, they keep their superhero identities secret, cope with middle school, and have fun with friends.

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What is a hero?
Can anyone be a hero?
Who are some real people that you consider heroes?
What are some virtues that you try to practice in heroic ways?
What is a superhero?
If you were a superhero, what powers would you like to have?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

Who are some people that you consider heroes or role models?
How do stories about heroes help us in our own lives?
What are some qualities or virtues that help you with everyday challenges?
If you were a superhero, what powers would you like to have?
How do you know when you’re using your powers (or strengths or virtues) for good?
Do you have to be perfect to do good in the world?
Do you think the Erasers (or villains) in Lightning and Luna see themselves as the bad guys?
How is being a scientist heroic?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Sing “Everyday Hero,” by Rachel Coleman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-5B_s-rzas&ab_channel=RachelColeman-Topic

> Super Journal
Using this “_______’s Super Journal” page, read the introduction, then go through the prompts one by one and invite students to share their answers to the questions with the class. At the end, on larger paper, they can draw themselves as Uplifters or other heroes.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/V51N2p13_Super_Journal.pdf

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

> Read the Entire Fauna Ferocious Saga

Episode 84: Deep Down
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2018/LL_Ep84_v50n5_Opt.pdf

Episode 85: Wild World
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/LL_Ep85_v50n6_RS.pdf

Episode 86: Seeds of Destruction
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/V51_N1_P14_Bounty_LL_Ep86_RS.pdf

Episode 87: Freezing Fiasco
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/V51N2p14_LL_RS.pdf

Episode 88: Phantom Island
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/v51n3p14_LL_Episode_88_RS.pdf

Episode 89: Trail of Tempests
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/LL_Ep89_v51n4_RS.pdf

Episode 90: Struggles in the Sea
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/LL_Ep90_V51N5_RS.pdf

Episode 91: Storming the Volcano
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol51/v51n6p14_LL_Ep_91_opt.pdf

Episode 92: In the Eye of the Storm
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/LL_Ep92_V52N1_opt.pdf

Discuss these questions about the saga:

How many failures or setbacks do the Uplifters face before they save the day?
When Lightning was anxious from the minisub sinking, what did Luna do?
When the other Uplifters were discouraged by the ice, what did Lightning and Luna do?
In what ways did the Uplifters help each other?
Did Lightning and Luna ever give up?

> Maya’s Mysteries: Plan to Persevere
Read the introduction to the quiz. Put the questions on cards and ask the students to get in pairs and take turns asking each other the questions. Everyone answers and keeps track of their own answers.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/JF17_Maya_Persevere.pdf

> Book of Adventures
Make this “Book of Adventures” with students, but use it to create a Hero’s Journal (see below).
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/Nur_Book_of_Adventures_JA16.pdf

Ask students to use a copy of “________’s Super Journal” to start their own paper Hero’s Journal. They can cut the sections of the page apart and glue them to different pages in the journal. Students can continue to fill in the journal with other ideas, drawings, and photos.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/V51N2p13_Super_Journal.pdf

> Obstacle Course
Ask students to prepare an obstacle course for younger kids. The goal is for all kids to finish, so there may be obstacles that take cooperation. Players will go through the course in pairs to allow them to help each other with their “hero skills.” Parts of the obstacle course could be puzzles or challenges, like, “Say a positive thing about your partner.” Decorate the obstacle course with heroic signs. Jump ropes, pool noodles, hula hoops, cones, small blocks or step stools, chairs, small buckets of balls, masking tape, etc. are good supplies to have on hand.

Examples:
https://www.beafunmum.com/2017/01/backyard-obstacle-course-ideas/
https://inspired-motherhood.com/obstacle-course-for-kids/

> Superhero Snacks
NOTE: Check with parents or guardians for allergies/dietary restrictions.

Prepare healthy snacks with superpower signs. Give the foods fun, heroic names (like Brave Berries or Champion Cheese). Images for inspiration:
https://www.thedatingdivas.com/fathers-day-superhero-lunch/

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PAGES 16-18: RADIANT STARS

Get to know kids who shine, like you.

> PURPOSE
This feature fosters a feeling of community among Brilliant Star’s readers from around the U.S. and the world. In their responses to our reader surveys, kids who are the only Bahá’í in their school or one of just a few Bahá’ís in their area say that “Radiant Stars” reminds them that they’re not alone, and there are kids like them around the world.

Quote: “God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world!” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What are some virtues you admire (such as kindness or patience)?
What are your favorite things to do with your Bahá’í community or your faith group?
What’s one thing we can all do to treat people of all races and backgrounds with kindness?
If you were a world leader, what would you do to bring peace to the world?
When you’re feeling sad about bad things going on in the world like war and poverty, who or what helps you feel hopeful?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

What’s a favorite cultural tradition or celebration in your family or community?
What’s something cool you’ve learned or experienced in a different culture?
Is it important for you to see characters who look like you or your family in movies, TV, books, and other media? If so, why?
What’s one thing we can all do to help stop prejudice and racism?
If you were a world leader, what would you do to bring peace to our planet?
When you’re feeling down about terrible things going on in the world, like war and poverty, who or what gives you hope for a better future?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Drawing Your Answers
Ask kids to draw a picture that shows their answer to a question from the Discussion Questions list.

> Sing Along
Teach kids to sing the song, “Sweet Neighbors Come in All Colors” by Lisa Blecker (based on a song by Dick Grover).
https://youtu.be/f1M_XaqJD8U

You can also print out “Sweet Neighbors” coloring pages here:
http://studio9inc.com/sweet-neighbors-coloring-pages

> New Words
Ask kids to choose a song they know well and make up new words about unity to go with the tune. (Like Lisa did for Dick Grover’s song, “Good Neighbors Come in All Colors.”)

> Sing in Unity
Play the Ali Youssefi song, “Unite” for the children and teach them to sing it.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/unite

> Getting to Know You Activity
Divide the class into groups of four or five. Give each group a large sheet of paper (or poster board) and markers. Ask them to draw a large flower with a center and a petal for each person in their group.
In the center, they write five things they all have in common. Focus on interests and experiences (such as “We all like to draw”), not basic things related to being human (such as “We all wear shoes”). Then each person writes something unique about themselves on their petal and decorates it. Invite each team to share their finished flower with the larger group.

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

> Divide the group into pairs and ask each person to interview their partner, asking them the discussion questions above and these standard Radiant Star questions:

Name:
Age:
I live in (state, country):
I want to be (future career):
This career interests me because:
The virtue I admire most in people:
Hobbies or sports:
Favorite Bahá’í activities:
Favorite animal or pet:
Places I’d love to visit:
I like to help people by:
A favorite book or song:
A favorite food:
A hero or role model:

After the interviews, ask each person to introduce their partner to the class and share some of their answers with the group.

> Poster About Peace
Invite each student to create a poster that illustrates their answer(s) to any of these discussion questions from above:

What’s a favorite cultural tradition or celebration in your family or community?
What’s something cool you’ve learned about or experienced related to a culture other than your own?
What’s one thing we can all do to help stop prejudice and racism?
If you were a world leader, what would you do to bring peace to our planet?
When you’re feeling down about terrible things going on in the world, like war and poverty, who or what gives you hope for a better future?

If the school is virtual, the “poster” could be on any paper the kids have available. Depending on the materials available to students, the posters can include words, drawings, symbols, designs, photos, images cut from magazines, etc. Ask each student to share their finished poster with the class and talk about its various elements and what they represent.

> Uplift the World Game
Everyone sits scattered around a play area. An inflatable beach ball represents the world. Toss the ball in the air, and players bat it back up as straight as possible. Keep the world uplifted for as long as you can—it takes cooperation from everyone! Count out loud with each hit and see how high you can go.

> Quiz Time
Invite kids to take the quiz, “Are You a World Citizen?”
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/quiz-are-you-a-world-citizen

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PAGE 19: SPICE IT UP!

Where do your favorite flavors come from?

> PURPOSE

This page explores the value and diversity of spices around the world and how they relate to various cultures. Students learn facts about different spices and the countries where they’re popular.

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What’s your favorite food? Do you know what spices are in it, if any?
What would food be like if we didn’t have spices?
What would the world be like if all the people were the same?
Can you think of a time you shared a meal with a friend? Do you think sharing a meal helps you feel closer to friends?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

What are some of your family’s favorite meals? Do you know what spices are in them?
If we had no spices, do you think that would that change how we think and feel about food?
Have you ever shared a meal with someone and felt that it brought you closer together? What was it like?
What’s a food you love from a culture other than your own? What makes it special?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Spice Match
Do the page activity with the added fun of matching unmarked samples of the actual spices.

> Painting
Try spice painting. Paint a picture that shows unity in diversity.
https://www.treehugger.com/diy-spice-painting-5086176#

> World Games
Play a game from another part of the world:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2015/Let_the_Games_Begin_MJJA15.pdf

> Snack Time
Make a snack for the class and share some interesting facts about the spices included.
NOTE: Check with parents or guardians for allergies/dietary restrictions.

Guacamole
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2010/Riley_SpiceLife_MJ10p21.pdf

Facts about cilantro/coriander:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cilantro-vs-coriander#TOC_TITLE_HDR_4

Hummus
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/pdf-play/Riley_Unity_JA06p12.pdf

Facts about garlic:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/all-about-garlic-995693

Facts about cumin:
https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-cumin-995638

Baked apples
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_TAB/BstarTAB_ND_2019_FIN.pdf

Facts about cinnamon:
https://kids.kiddle.co/Cinnamon

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

> Spice Matching
Do the activity on the page with the added fun of matching unmarked samples of the actual spices. Invite kids to identify other spices that aren’t included in the activity. (Examples: cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, paprika, parsley, sage)

> Play a Game from Around the World
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2015/Let_the_Games_Begin_MJJA15.pdf

> Diverse Desserts
Invite kids to complete this activity individually or in pairs. Ask them to share any experiences they’ve had trying the desserts.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/v51n3p2_Desserts_RS.pdf

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PAGE 20: GUARDIANS OF HUMANITY

Discover virtues that help us fight racism.

> PURPOSE
This page introduces readers to the role of a guardian and Shoghi Effendi’s unique role as the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith. It shares Shoghi Effendi’s guidance for addressing the harms of racial prejudice.

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

If you were a guardian (or protector) in a movie or book, who or what would you want to protect?
Think of a character in a story or movie who protected others. What did you admire about them?
What is something you could do to build friendship with people of different races and cultures?
What is your favorite way to help your friends and community?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

What qualities make someone a good guardian or protector?
What qualities would help to protect our communities from racism and prejudice?
What actions can you take to protect your communities from the harms of racism and prejudice?
What makes the road toward healing racism so “long and thorny”?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Draw Yourself as a Guardian
Draw yourself as a guardian character. Who or what would you want to protect? What qualities or powers would you have? What would you wear to help you in your quest?

> ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Example
‘Abdu’l-Bahá set an example for how to overcome racism and prejudice. Share stories of his life, especially his travels in North America, where he challenged racist social norms and encouraged others to do so, too.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/a-memorable-meal-with-abdul-baha
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/abdul-bahas-kindness-in-new-york
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/armed-with-kindness

> Nature Challenge
Go on a quest! Journey outside as a class to find the beauty of diversity in nature.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/mayas-nature-challenge

> Snowflake Activity
One way to help our communities overcome racial prejudices is to build true friendships with people of all backgrounds. Try out this “Snow Unique” activity as a class to explore how we can have our differences and stay connected. Then make paper snowflakes together.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/Snow_Unique_V51N5.pdf
https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Make-6-Pointed-Paper-Snowflakes/

Late Elementary | Junior Youth

> Superhero Craft
Make a super gift for a super friend in your life. Write a note telling them what qualities you admire in them and how their unique gifts help your friendship and community grow stronger.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/nurs-nook-giving-thanksmake-a-super-gift

> Castle of Courage
Helping humanity guard against the harms of racism takes bravery. Make a “Castle of Courage.” If you have enough supplies, each person can make their own. Or you could work together as a class to make one large castle. Everyone can contribute rooms, towers, and decorations to help the castle grow.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/nurs-nook-create-a-castle-of-courage

> Friendship Flags
One way to help our communities overcome racial prejudices is to build true friendships with people of all backgrounds. Make “Friendship Flags” with your class, celebrating the diverse experiences everyone brings to your group.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_TAB/MJJ_21_FINAL_RS.pdf

> A Memorable Meal
NOTE: Check with parents or guardians for allergies/dietary restrictions.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá set an example for how to overcome racism and prejudice. Share the story, “A Memorable Meal with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” then host a meal as a class. Serve food from as many countries as you can. Prepare devotions to share before the meal, based on the themes of overcoming racism, celebrating diversity, and the oneness of humanity. If possible, invite another class to join your feast.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/a-memorable-meal-with-abdul-baha

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Updated on 6.27.22