Parents and Teachers
Teaching Tools & Techniques
Seasonal School and Classroom Resources
Seasonal School Inspiration and Resource Guide: Race Unity, Part 2
This guide is a tool to assist teachers of children’s classes and junior youth animators in sharing Brilliant Star’s “Spirit of Community” 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 groups ranging from ages 4-14. You’re invited to explore this guide and to share your own ideas in our Facebook group, Brilliant Star Idea Exchange.
In developing this issue, these were our goals, and the discussion questions we offer help to encourage the dialogue along these lines:
- Acknowledging the nobility of the soul;
- Focusing on our commonality as human beings, instead of our differences;
- Understanding how the principle of oneness will help build understanding among racial groups;
- Exploring the Bahá’í writings with families in a way that will advance our community-building efforts and help people feel connected to the writings;
- Getting out of our comfort zone and engaging with others. Being willing to make mistakes in efforts to build unity leads to understanding.
- Emphasizing a sense of hope that improving the world is possible and forthcoming. Kids and families can take practical steps to build unity.
You can search, download, or print the full issue here:
We recommend Google Chrome for viewing and downloading PDFs.
For each page in the issue that ties into a race unity theme, you’ll find discussion questions, activities to enhance learning, and related content that expands on the topic.
20-21 Radiant Stars
22 Maya's Mysteries: Tactful Talking Tool
24-25 Stargazer: Questions and Answers with Eric Dozier
27 - Treetop Community
29 - aMAZEing Adventure: Building Bridges
You Can Find Part 1 Here (pages 2-19)
PAGES 20-21: RADIANT STARS
Page 20: Interviews with readers
> PURPOSE
To facilitate 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?
- How do you like to help your family?
- What do you do when there’s a disagreement among family or friends?
- If you could invent an ice cream flavor that would help people to be friends, what would you call it? What would it taste like?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- What are three qualities of a happy community?
- What’s a fun activity you’ve done (in your Bahá’í community, in your neighborhood, or at school) that created a spirit of unity and joy?
- How would you make a new kid in your neighborhood or school feel welcome?
- How do you help build unity in your family?
- What is something kids can do to stop prejudice and build unity among races and cultures?
- Have you or a friend ever been bullied or excluded because of your race, religion, or background? If so, how did you handle it?
- If you could invent an ice cream flavor that would encourage unity, what would you call it? What would it taste like?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten
> Ask kids to draw a picture that shows their answer to a question from the Discussion Questions list.
> Have kids work in twos or threes to find the differences in the two communities on this page: Reflections of Life - visual comparison page
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2012/Reflections_Life_MJ12p27.pdf
Early Elementary
> Ask kids to draw a picture that shows their answer to a question from the Discussion Questions list.
> Have kids color and take home “How to Create a Caring Community” poster:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2015/Caring_Community_MJJA15.pdf
> As one big group or with kids in pairs, do this activity: Cosmo’s Connected Community
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/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.
> Invite each student to create a poster that illustrates their answers to the Radiant Star and Discussion Questions above. The posters can include words, drawings, designs, photos, stickers, and other embellishments. When the posters are finished, asked each student to share their poster with the class and talk about some of the things they included. Then hang the posters in the classroom.
> Do one of these Nur’s Nook crafts with the class:
Nur’s Nook: Your Cool Community - Make a village
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/JF13_Nur_Cool_Community.pdf
Nur’s Nook: Community of Light - Make a community that lights up
> Play some of these games with the class:
Games for Change
Brilliant Star Treasure Box: Get-to-Know-You Games
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_TAB/BstarTAB_JA_2017_Know_You.pdf
Brilliant Star Treasure Box: Celebrate Unity
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Treasure_Box_MJ15_Celebrate_Unity.pdf
> RELATED CONTENT
What Do You Say (About prejudice)? - Writing and role play
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/What_Do_You_Say_MJ16_p16.pdf
What Do You Say (About injustice or racism)? - Writing and role play
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/What_Do_You_Say_MA17_p19.pdf
Dressing for Diversity - Match the person to their country
The Hair We Wear - Match the person to their country
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/The_Hair_We_Wear_MA17_p27.pdf
Treble Chef’s Music Café: One Family
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2011/Music_One_Family_MJ11p20.pdf
Audio link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFOptcRG_as
Treble Chef’s Music Café: Stand with Me https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/Music-Stand_with_Me_MJ13_p20.pdf
Audio link: https://dogonfleas.bandcamp.com/track/stand-with-me
PAGE 22: MAYA’S MYSTERIES: A TACTFUL TALKING TOOL
Page 22: Story and activity
> PURPOSE
This piece emphasizes the importance of consultation when building unity in the community by showcasing a tool of wisdom from the American Indian communities. Kids learn the art of consultation and an appreciation of American Indian culture.
Quote: “The light of truth shineth from the faces of those who engage in consultation.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- How can we be good listeners?
- Why is it important to listen to others?
- How should we speak to others?
- How should we hold and pass the talking stick?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- What is consultation?
- Why is consultation important for building a unified community?
- How do you feel when others listen to your thoughts respectfully?
- Have you ever tried consultation? If so, what was the result?
- What are some examples of everyday scenarios we can use consultation?
- What qualities would you like to decorate your talking stick with? Why?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
> Have a consultation practice round using the teacher’s talking stick. Think of a question that may receive varying answers, like, What kind of treat should we have? or What should we play for our group game?
> Have kids come up with a scenario that requires consultation, then act it out using the teacher’s talking stick.
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Have a consultation round on deep questions, such as: What does it mean to sacrifice for the greater good? How do you think the world will change in 50 years? How can kids and youth build a better world? Then create and act out a skit based on points the group agreed on.
> Have students reflect on situations in their own lives that could benefit from consultation. How would it affect their relationships? How would it affect their happiness? When they have meditated on this, have them create an art piece of any nature they choose that captures the feelings generated by their meditation.
> RELATED CONTENT
Nur’s Nook: Make a Hoop for Humanity - Craft
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/nurs-nook-make-a-hoop-for-humanity
Silent Storytellers - Drawing
Building on Consultation - Tips with missing words
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/Building_Consultation_MA14p27.pdf
Zeke and Rhombus: Talking Peace - Code activity
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2011/Zeke_Talking_Peace_SO11p27.pdf
Two Ears, One Mouth - Tips with missing words
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2012/Two_Ears_One_Mouth_MA12p6.pdf
Picture of Unity - Tips with missing words
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/JF13_Picture_of_Unity.pdf
Smooth Sailing - Virtue item find
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/SmoothSailing_SOND14p8p9.pdf
> BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Talking Stick is a tool used in many Native American Traditions when a council is called. It allows all council members to present their Sacred Point of View. The Talking Stick is passed from person to person as they speak and only the person holding the stick is allowed to talk during that time period.
https://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/TraditionalTalkingStick-Unknown.html
Talking Stick and Feather: Indigenous Tools Hold Sacred Power of Free Speech
As Peace Makers in tribal court, it is ultimately important to follow the spirit of our ancestor’s footsteps by using the Talking Stick or Talking Feather for better understanding the conversation of words shared by the circle of members and clients. . . . Listening and understanding instills respect for those in attendance. As a result, at meetings or ceremonies, no one is left out of the process unless they have no comment. This methodology becomes a shared commitment. It is mentioned in my research that oftentimes decisions are made on what we think we heard because more than one person may be speaking which can lead to a damaged decision. Passing a Talking Stick with everyone stating their name and reason why they have come, sets the circle for a well-intentioned meeting, even if it is for decision-making, brainstorming or conflict resolution.
PAGE 23: MASTER YOUR MINDBUGS
Page 23: Story and matching activity
> PURPOSE
Our brains are designed to categorize information in groups. Unfortunately, that can lead to unfair treatment of others when we unconsciously favor those who are similar to us. We also pick up negative biases from society and the media that can skew our perceptions and behavior. Being aware of what some researchers call “mindbugs” can help us to change our thinking and treat everyone with justice and respect.
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- Have your eyes ever “played tricks” on you (in other words, what you saw was different from what was real)? Examples:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delboeuf_illusion#/media/File:Delboeuf.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit%E2%80%93duck_illusion#/media/File:Kaninchen_und_Ente.svg
- If you were fooled by those examples, it’s because our brains sometimes can’t figure out what we see. Have you ever met someone you thought was kind or mean or quiet, and then later found out they weren’t really like that?
- When people make decisions about what others are like without knowing all the facts, it’s called prejudice. Can you think of some examples of prejudice? (For example, that all kids are noisy or all men like sports)
- Most people have some prejudices about others, even if they don’t want to and don’t think they do. Sometimes that’s called a “mindbug.” Just like a computer can have a “bug” that makes it not work right, our brains can get mixed up by prejudice. Do you think “mindbug” is a good word for that? What’s another word we could use?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- Have you ever seen an optical illusion (in which what you saw was different from what was real)? Example:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delboeuf_illusion#/media/File:Delboeuf.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit%E2%80%93duck_illusion#/media/File:Kaninchen_und_Ente.svg
- An optical illusion shows us that our brains sometimes interpret things differently from reality. The same thing can happen with people. Have you ever had a first impression about someone that you later realized was wrong? (For example, someone seemed shy when they were only nervous about meeting new people; or someone seemed angry when they were only tired)
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary
> Show students some optical illusions from a library book. Discuss the illusions and how we can’t always believe what our brain is sure it sees.
> Ask students to pair up and chat quietly for five minutes with someone in the class who they don’t know well (if possible). The goal is to find something you have in common that you didn’t know about. (For example, a sport or activity you both like, a book you enjoy, a food you like, etc.) Ask pairs to report their findings to the larger group. Discuss how being surprised at things we have in common can happen with anyone we meet—even if they don’t “look like” someone who would enjoy basketball or broccoli.
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> View the selective attention test at this link with the class (to try it for yourself, watch the video before reading the additional info). It shows a common way that our minds can play tricks on us.
http://www.theinvisiblegorilla.com/gorilla_experiment.html
Discuss the video with the class. What was their experience? Were they surprised? Does the experience give them ideas to reflect on about how our minds work?
> Ask students to pair up and chat quietly for five minutes with someone in the class who they don’t know well (if possible). The goal is to find something you have in common that you didn’t know about. (For example, a sport or activity you both like, a book you enjoy, a food you like, etc.) Ask pairs to report their findings to the larger group. Discuss how being surprised at things we have in common can happen with anyone we meet—even if they don’t “look like” someone who would enjoy basketball or broccoli.
> RELATED CONTENT
Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: A Change of Heart - Story
Monsters of the Mind - Matching
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2011/Monster_Mind_MJ11p17.pdf
More Monsters of the Mind - Matching
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/More_Monsters_Mind_MJ14p17.pdf
Prayer: Positive Thoughts for Peace - Prayer and vocabulary activity
Riley’s Rainforest: Our Unfair Brains - Article
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/Riley_Biases_MA17_p12.pdf
What Do You Say? (About Prejudice) - Writing and role play
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/What_Do_You_Say_MJ16_p16.pdf
Quiz: How Open-Minded Are You?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/quiz-how-open-minded-are-you
Brilliant Star Treasure Box: Spiritual Springtime: Make butterfly snack bags, with snacks in them
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_TAB/BstarTAB_MA_2017_springtime.pdf
PAGES 24-25: STARGAZER: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH ERIC DOZIER
Pages 24-25: Stargazer Interview
> PURPOSE
As their 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 “Spirit of Community,” music educator Eric Dozier describes his work using music as a tool to build community among people of different racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- What is one thing you learned from this interview?
- Eric started learning to play the piano at age 4. Are you learning how to play a musical instrument? If not, which instrument would you like to learn, and why?
- Do you think music can help people be friends? What are some ways that could happen?
- What are some kind things you can do to help people in your community get along and be friends?
- Eric said his wish for Brilliant Star’s readers is that they see themselves as friends and family to the whole human race. What does it mean to be a “friend to the whole human race”? How does that kind of friend treat other people?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- What is one thing you learned from this interview?
- Which one of Eric’s answers was most interesting to you? Why?
- What examples have you seen of how music can bring together people of different races, ethnicities, or religions?
- Are there kids or teens in your community or in the world that you consider role models? Who are they and what do you admire about them?
- What are three things you think kids can do to help build unity in their communities?
- Eric said his wish for Brilliant Star’s readers is that they see themselves as friends and family to the whole human race. What does it mean to be a “friend to the whole human race”? What are some things you might do to show that kind of friendship?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary
> Sing “This Little Light of Mine” with your students and have the group discuss what it means to “let your light shine” in your family and community. Have kids draw themselves doing a kind act that lets their light shine and show how it makes someone happy.
> What songs lift your spirits, as Eric Dozier describes in his interview? Discuss them and invite students to share some of their favorites.
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Have the kids sing a song about unity or oneness, such as Eric Dozier’s version of the Bob Marley song “One Love”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRf9yctVFRI
In one large group or a few smaller groups (depending on the number of kids in the class), have the students write their own verses to “One Love” or write their own original song or rap about creating unity. Invite students to perform their song—either for the younger classes or for an all-school evening program.
> Not everyone develops a talent an early age that they can use in their career like Eric Dozier did. What steps can help someone take to find out what they’re good at and what they really love to do?
> What songs lift your spirits, as Eric Dozier describes in his interview? Discuss them and invite students to share some of their favorites.
> RELATED CONTENT
Magical Treasures - Virtue item find
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/Magical_Treasures_JA16.pdf
Tree Inside the Seed - Connecting letters to find words
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2011/JF11_Tree_Inside_the_Seed.pdf
One Peaceful Home - Prayer with vocabulary https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/pdf-play/Peaceful_Home_MJ16_p27.pdf
Faith in Harmony (music-related virtue item find – preschool, early elementary)
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2010/Hidden_Harmonyv2_ND10p7.pdf
PAGE 26: SHINING LAMP: AMOZ GIBSON (1918-1982)
Page 26: Shining Lamp biography
> PURPOSE
This feature shares stories of inspirational Bahá’ís throughout the history of the Faith. Amoz Gibson is included in this issue because of the love he had for indigenous communities and the work he did to build and strengthen communities around the world. Amoz was raised as a Bahá’í kid and went on to be elected to the international governing council of the Faith. Stories from the lives of such service-oriented individuals can be inspiring for all ages.
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- What do you do to help your family and friends?
- Amoz Gibson made friends all over the world. How do you meet new friends?
- Amoz grew up going to Bahá’í children’s classes. Do you go to a children’s class? What are your favorite things to do with your class?
- On the Navajo reservation, Mr. and Mrs. Gibson’s students spoke different languages. How many languages do you speak? Do you have friends who speak different languages?
- Amoz loved taking care of the Holy places in Haifa, Israel. Have you ever been to Haifa or a Bahá’í House of Worship?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- What is your favorite way to help your community?
- Amoz traveled all over the world to share the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. If you could go anywhere, where would you like to travel to share about the Bahá’í Faith?
- Amoz grew up attending Bahá’í children’s classes. What community-building activities do you like to participate in?
- Mr. and Mrs. Gibson learned how to teach children who spoke a different language than themselves. How would you try communicating with someone when you don’t speak the same language?
- Amoz Gibson had a rich cultural background, with ancestors from areas all over the world. Where are your ancestors from?
- Amoz loved taking care of the Holy places in Haifa, Israel. What are some of the places at the Bahá’í World Centre? Have you ever been to Haifa or a Bahá’í House of Worship?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten
> Create a storytelling sensory bin. Fill a large plastic bin with a variety of dried beans, peas, rice, pebbles. Include larger toys and items, such as toy cars, suitcases, books, pens, airplanes, etc. Share the story of Amoz Gibson’s travels to the Navajo reservation and around the world, inviting kids to find items in the sensory bin related to the story. (i.e., cars - he drove long distances on the reservation; planes - he flew around the world to teach; pens - he wrote letters to encourage friends; books - he loved studying the writings of Bahá’u’lláh).
Early Elementary
> Amoz and his family left their home to move to the Navajo Reservation. Later they lived in Israel. With your class, pretend that you are packing for a trip, and play a packing game.
Start by saying, “I’m going on a trip and I packed . . .” then name an item you would bring. The next person repeats, “I’m going on a trip and I packed . . .” and names your item, then adds an item of their own. The game continues around the circle until everyone has had a turn. If someone forgets an item, the class can work together to help them remember.
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Amoz Gibson loved sharing the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith and helping the community on the Navajo reservation grow. Make a “Hoop for Humanity,” inspired by the medicine wheels that are sacred in American Indian culture.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/Nur_Hoop_MA17_p8p9.pdf
> One art form important to the Navajo culture is sand painting, which was traditionally used for ceremonies and healing. Invite the class to make sand art inspired by Navajo sand paintings. Create symbols that represent your community, then lightly draw your design onto a piece of heavy cardstock. One segment at a time, fill your design with glue and sprinkle colorful sand while the glue is still wet.
When glue is dry, carefully tip your artwork over a large piece of paper to remove excess sand.
Here is an example of a sand painting activity:
https://www.education.com/activity/article/Native_American_Sandpainting/
Here are some resources to learn more about Navajo sand painting:
http://navajopeople.org/navajo-sand-painting.htm
https://www.britannica.com/art/sand-painting
http://nativeamerican-art.com/sandpainting2.html
> RELATED CONTENT
Shining Lamp: Franklin Khan
Shining Lamp: Patricia Locke
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/SL_Patricia_Locke_MJ14p26.pdf
Silent Storytellers - Draw your own totem pole
PAGE 27: TREETOP COMMUNITY
Page 27: Herons picture find
> PURPOSE
Brilliant Star’s picture find pages explore how we can learn about virtues by studying them in God’s creation. On this page, readers learn about herons in a Florida marsh environment. They also draw connections between the vision of birds nesting in unity and how they can strive, in their own lives, to live in harmony with a diverse community. We can explore nature in many ways to find examples of spiritual qualities that we can put into action.
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- The herons on this page are in Florida (the Brilliant Star artists were inspired by them when they were visiting family). What kinds of birds do you see near your home?
- When you see birds in nature, do you ever see birds of different colors together? Do you think birds fight about what color they are?
- The Bahá’í writings use the idea of “two wings” to illustrate equality between girls and boys. Are the two wings of a bird equal? What happens if they’re not? Are the two wings the same? Are your two hands the same?
- What are some ways you’ve seen women and men (or girls and boys) work together in unity?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- The idea that women and men are equal, like two wings of a bird, is a spiritual lesson we learn from nature. Can you think of another lesson from nature? (Examples: The concepts that all people are like leaves of one tree or waves of one ocean)
- Is it “just natural” for humans to fight? Or can we learn to get along?
- The Bahá’í writings use the idea of “two wings” to illustrate equality between women and men. Are the two wings of a bird equal? What happens if they’re not? Are the two wings the same?
- What are some ways you’ve seen women and men (or girls and guys) work together in unity?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten
> Color the Our Global Family piece. Have kids identify the places and talk about if they have been there. They could talk about things they like about different cultures.
Our Global Family - Color and find
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/JF13_Our_Global_Family.pdf
Early Elementary | Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Have each student make a star, as in the Nur’s Nook craft activity below. Decorate the classroom with them. On the last day, have the kids sign the back of each other’s star (and maybe include contact info so they can keep in touch).
Nur’s Nook: Create a String of Stars - craft
> Maya’s Mysteries: Wings for Flight - Make a bird kite to illustrate how science and religion are two wings of one bird. Also, let kids choose their own colors, so when you fly them, they’ll show a diversity of colors.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/Maya_Wings_Kite_JF14p16.pdf
> Nur’s Nook: Two Wings - Make a bird puppet to illustrate material and spiritual balance
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> As an icebreaker, have the kids fill out the “______________’s Cultural Canvas” page and share them with the class. Hang them up in the classroom.
_______________’s Cultural Canvas - Questions and drawing about your culture https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/Cultural_Canvas_Journal_MJ14p25.pdf
> Ask students to reflect on a Bahá’í quotation about equality and then create a poster that includes the quote and illustrates the concept: “The world of humanity has two wings—one is women and the other men. Not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Then ask them to illustrate the poster with drawings and words that reflect their vision for gender equality. They could consider issues such as employment, education, family roles, community service, and human rights. When finished, ask each student to share their poster with the class.
> Do the Stopping Prejudice tips together, talking about each tip and how students might use that in real life. Ask if they have any other tips. Talk about how to help each other overcome prejudice.
Stopping Prejudice - Tips for overcoming prejudice
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/Stopping_Prejudice_MJ14p9.pdf
> RELATED CONTENT
Maya’s Mysteries: Women’s Rights Quiz
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/Maya_Two_Wings_Quiz_MJ14p16.pdf
Brilliant Star Treasure Box: Celebrate Our Human Family: Make the “Owl One Family” bird feeder and discuss its benefits
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Treasure_Box_MJ2018_Celebrate_Our_Human_Family.pdf
Treble Chef’s Music Cafe: Amistad
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/Music_Amistad_MJ16_p24.pdf
Music Video of Amistad: https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/amistad
Music: With Two Wings, by Red Grammer
Audio: https://redgrammer.bandcamp.com/track/with-two-wings
PAGE 29: A-MAZE-ING ADVENTURE: BUILDING BRIDGES
Page 29: Building Bridges Maze
> PURPOSE
Connecting with others can require courage, initiative, friendliness, and determination. Although some conflicts or misunderstandings are to be expected, we can all persevere in finding ways to build bridges to people’s hearts. Being friendly to people of all races and backgrounds enriches our lives and uplifts our communities.
Quote: “Let us join together to hasten forward the Divine Cause of unity, until all humanity knows itself to be one family, joined together in love.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- What does it feel like when you’re in a place where you don’t know anyone?
- How does it feel when someone comes over and talks to you or asks you to play?
- What are some places (or situations) where you could look for kids who seem lonely and talk to them? (One place might be the playground at school.)
- What are some things you can do to try to make friends with new people?
- Do you only want to talk and be friends with kids who are just like you (in race, religion, culture, age, physical ability, etc.)?
- What are some cool things about getting to know people who are different from you?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- What’s a place or situation you’ve been in where you didn’t know anyone? How did it feel?
- Have you ever had someone come over and talks to you and make you feel welcome? How did that feel?
- What are some situations where you notice people looking lonely or out of place or unsure? Do you ever reach out to them?
- Do kids at school or other places tend to hang out with people who are like them (in race, religion, culture, age, physical ability, etc.)?
- What are some ways you could try to “build bridges” or start conversations with these groups?
- What are some cool things about getting to know people who are different from you? Can you think of some examples?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten
> Adapt the song and game “London Bridge” to complement the maze activity. Two students form a "bridge" by facing each other and joining hands with their arms lifted up. The other students form a line and walk under the bridge while singing the song. Kids continuously walk under the bridge and circle around. On the last word of the song, the two kids making the bridge to drop their arms down to gently capture the kid who is under the bridge. The kid who was captured then becomes part of the bridge and one of the bridge-makers joins the line of travelers.
Another version of the game is to have the kid who was captured join one side of the bridge by grasping the waist one one bridge-maker. The game continues until every kid has been captured.
Teach kids an adapted version of the song or create new lyrics together as a group. One option:
Walk under Friendship Bridge, Friendship Bridge, Friendship Bridge.
Walk under Friendship Bridge. Let’s be friendly!
Kindness will connect our hearts, connect our hearts, connect our hearts.
Kindness will connect our hearts. Let’s show kindness.
We can start with just a smile, just a smile, just a smile.
We can start with just a smile. Let’s be joyful!
Early Elementary | Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Play Bridge Ball: Students stand in a circle, foot to foot, with their legs a little more than shoulder width apart, making a “bridge.” Everyone puts their hands on their knees. Players try to hit the ball between other kids’ bridges (formed by their legs) and block balls coming through their own bridge. They block the ball with an open palm hit (no throwing). When a ball goes through someone’s legs, the group gets a letter in the word “B-R-I-D-G-E” and that player gets the ball and hits it back into play. When the group has spelled “BRIDGE,” the game restarts.
For an instructional video and variations, check out this website:
https://www.playworks.org/game-library/bridge-ball/
> Ask students to draw their own mazes. One simple approach is to draw shapes (such as circles or squares) within shapes. Erase small parts of each shape to create gaps. Choose one path through the maze as the solution. Then draw lines to close off all other paths.
Decorate the maze with designs, images from nature or outer space, or other images. Name some of the dead-end areas for things that can cause conflicts in friendship (such as Selfish Swamp or Bossy Bluff). Create a positive image at the end of the maze. Invite students to exchange mazes with another kid (especially someone they don’t know well) and solve them. Then they talk about how they created their mazes and made their design choices.
For a basic example and step-by-step instructions, visit this website:
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Draw-a-Maze/
> RELATED CONTENT
Treble Chef’s Music Cafe: Thank You (for being my friend), by Yosi Levin
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2012/ND12_Music_Thank_You.pdf
Online Video
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/thank-you
Prayer: Well-Wishers of Humanity - Prayer and vocabulary
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/JA_17_Well-Wishers.pdf
Bridges of Kindness - Hidden letters to complete quote
Build New Friendships - Tips with hidden words
Nur’s Nook - All Aboard: Making an Origami Friend-SHIP - Craft
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/Nur_FriendSHIP_SOND14p20p21.pdf
Stand UP Against Bullying - Tips with missing letters
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/Stand_Up_Bullying_SOND14p31.pdf
Updated on 5.11.19