Parents and Teachers

Teaching Tools & Ruhi Classes

Teachers’ Guides & Resources

Teachers’ Guide, “Soaring with Unity,” 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 “Soaring with Unity” 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:

Creating a warm community atmosphere as one spiritual family
Building unity in the family and community through shared meals, games, play, and laughter
Fostering meaningful conversations, spiritual strength, prayer, service, and unity in diversity among families and community groups
Practicing loving consultation, expressing feelings, and resolving conflicts in the family and community
Encouraging and cheering for family and friends in good times and bringing them hope and love in challenging times
Talking with your family and other families about gender equality and race unity and demonstrating freedom from racial prejudice, in any of its forms
Being aware of forces of materialism that widen the extremes of wealth and poverty”
Using the arts as a “means of generating joy, strengthening bonds of unity, disseminating knowledge, consolidating understanding,” and sharing Bahá’í principles
Virtues of love, trustworthiness, cooperation, justice, forbearance, unity, joy, prayerfulness, and resilience

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.

“Soaring with Unity” Pages, Part 2

11 – We Are One
12 – Maya’s Mysteries
13 – Webs of Unity
14–15 – Lightning and Luna, Episode 95
16–18 – Radiant Stars
19 – Photo Fun or Photo Flop?
20 – Play and Connect

You Can Find Part 1 Here (pages 2-10)
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 the place we all call home

> PURPOSE

“We Are One” 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.

QUOTE:

“All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another.”
—Bahá’í Writings

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

How many arms does a squid have?
How many arms does a sea star have?
What would you do if you had extra arms?
What do people and squids have in common?
What does it mean to be the most populous country in the world?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

Why do some creatures have so many arms?
Why do you think people have two arms instead of more?
What do people have in common with orcas?
Has anyone been to Shanghai? Or China? Or another big city? What was it like? What do you think it would be like?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Play “Feed the Orca” where the hula hoop is the Orca
Briefly explain how in the ocean, there’s a food web, or food chain. In this food web, marine plants get their energy from the sun. Small animals eat them and are in turn eaten by bigger and bigger animals, all the way up to large predators like sharks and orcas.
https://www.education.com/science-fair/article/ocean-food-web/

Items needed: Hula Hoops, beach balls
Divide players into teams of 2. One player in the team holds a hula hoop while the other player throws a beach ball and tries to toss it through the hula hoop of their teammate. Start pairs of players close together (10 feet) and move back one step for each cycle.

Players switch off holding the hula hoop or throwing the ball each turn. If the ball touches the ground before it goes through the hoop, the team is out. The hula hoop holder can move the hoop to try to "catch" the ball, but can't move their feet forward or backward.
http://www.birthdaypartyideas4kids.com/beach-ball-games.html

> Serve a sea-creature snack.

*Check with parents or guardians about kids’ food allergies.

Serve a healthy sea turtle snack. You can use mini choc chips for eyes.
https://24hourfamily.com/apple-turtle-snack/

Serve a healthy pepper-octopus snack. You can use raisins for eyes
https://www.eatsamazing.co.uk/family-friendly-recipes/party-food-ideas-recipes/easy-pepper-octopus-vegetable-platter

> Learn more about Cephalopods with these fun activities:

Octopus Adventures – Find 15 Octopuses
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2012/Octopus_Adventures_JF12p22.pdf

Cuttlefish Community – Find 9 specific cuttlefish
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/Cuttlefish_V51N5_RS.pdf

Surprising Squid – Find 20 squid
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/Surprising_Squid_ND16.pdf

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

> Play Feed the Shark (or the Orca)
Explain the ocean food web (above)
Use a bucket or cardboard box and bean bags to play a feed the shark (or orca) game.
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/95/2d/20/952d20825e90f400143e621533b23b21.jpg

> Do this Coral Reef coloring page:
Stuart & Gabriella’s Coral Reef Clean-up
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/Stu_Gab_Carol_Reef_ND13p5.pdf

> Learn more about Cephalopods with these fun activities:

Octopus Adventures – Find 15 Octopuses
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2012/Octopus_Adventures_JF12p22.pdf

Cuttlefish Community – Find 9 specific cuttlefish
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2019/Cuttlefish_V51N5_RS.pdf

Surprising Squid – Find 20 squid
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/Surprising_Squid_ND16.pdf

PAGE 12: MAYA’S MYSTERIES

Create art while exploring nature’s diversity

> PURPOSE

This page encourages family unity. Maya bonds with her siblings by doing outdoor art. They explore how the diverse elements of nature are beautiful together.

> QUOTE:

“Bahá’u’lláh came to bring unity to the world, and a fundamental unity is that of the family.”
—Bahá’í Writings

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What does it mean to have family unity?
What does it mean to have world unity?
What is a fun activity your family likes to do together?
If you have younger siblings or friends, what’s something you could do with them?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

What does it mean to have family unity?
What does it mean to have world unity?
Can we have world unity without family unity?
What is a fun activity your family likes to do together?
If you have younger siblings or friends, what’s something you could do with them?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Giant Mandala - adapt from activity on page
If there is room outside, make a giant mandala that is big enough for students to walk into. When designing it, leave pathways to walk on. When finished, have the students start at the outside edge and slowly move toward the center while thinking about how to create family unity.

> Do the Nature Portraits and Sun Prints activities on the page. If there is no outdoor area, try bringing in some nature items, or draw nature items on cardstock.

> Go outside with the class (or with family later) and complete a nature journal activity:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/MA13_Nature_Journal.pdf

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

> Do the other three activities on the page. If there is no outdoor area, try bringing in nature items, or students can draw nature items on cardstock and cut them out.

> Collect diverse leaves and use this Nur activity to make a cool lantern:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/nurs-nook-lighting-your-waycreate-your-own-lantern

PAGE 13: WEBS OF UNITY

A new spin on cooperation

> PURPOSE

This page inspires us to think about working together and helping each other in our communities.

> QUOTE:

“The supreme need of humanity is cooperation and reciprocity.”
—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What are some ways you help your family?
What are some ways your family helps you?
What is one way you could get along better with your family?
What is something you could do for a neighbor or friend?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

Besides chores, what are some ways you help your family?
What are some ways your family helps you?
What do you do to get along better with your family?
What’s something you could do for a neighbor or friend?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Play a spider web questions game
Students stand in a circle. The first student holds a ball of yarn or string. The student or teacher asks a question. Students who want to answer raise their hands. The first student holds the end of the yarn and throws the ball to them. They answer the question and repeat the process, creating a spider web.

Questions could be on any subject.
https://www.physicaleducationupdate.com/public/Games_Spider_Web_Game.cfm

Sources for spider questions
https://a-z-animals.com/quiz/spider-quiz-test-what-you-know/
https://triviajungle.com/spider-quiz-questions-and-answers

> Invite students to take this quiz to explore their favorite ways to be of service to others. Discuss the results and brainstorm about opportunities for helping out in new ways and developing new skills.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/JA_17_Explore_Service_Style.pdf

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

> Play the Web of Connections game
Participants build a yarn or string web, explore its dynamic properties, then watch it collapse. Insights about community and interconnectedness are revealed in the discussion that follows the activity.

Materials needed: A large ball of yarn or string

Instructions:

Have the group stand in a circle.
Make a loop in the end of the yarn or string and hold it.
Toss the ball of yarn to someone across the circle (it will unwind as it goes).
Have that person hold the yarn with one hand, then toss the ball to someone else in the circle.
Each person in turn should catch the ball of yarn, hold it with one hand, and then toss the ball to someone else. As the ball unwinds, it creates a web of interconnection. It’s okay for people to get the ball more than once.
Continue until everyone has gotten the ball at least once and the web is nicely filled in (or you run out of yarn, whichever comes first).
Once the web-building has ended, play with the web a bit. Have people move it up and down. You could even drop an inflated balloon, Nerf ball, or beach ball onto the web and bounce it around. Experiment with what happens if one person pulls strongly on the yarn they’re holding.
Next, invite someone to let go of the yarn. Watch what happens to the web.
Then have someone across the circle from the first person let go of the yarn.
One by one, have random people around the circle let go of the yarn.
The web will gradually lose shape, form, connection, and life. When the web is lying on the floor, ask everyone to sit down and discuss what has occurred.

Adapted from:
https://www.manyvoices.org/blog/resource/web-of-connection-game/

> Take the “Are You a Community Builder” Quiz
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2018/Quiz_Community_Builder_V50_N2.pdf

> Invite students to take this quiz to explore their favorite ways to be of service to others. Discuss the results and brainstorm about opportunities for helping out in new ways and developing new skills. What are their service goals for the next week or month?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/JA_17_Explore_Service_Style.pdf

PAGES 14–15: LIGHTNING AND LUNA, EPISODE 95: RACE FOR THE HIDDEN LAIR

The Erasers power up a shocking new plot!

> PURPOSE

Siblings Baxter and Bridget Blaze are secretly Lightning and Luna, part of a league of young superheroes called the Uplifters. They use their virtues and superpowers to save the world from villains known as the Erasers, who want to eliminate virtues from 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.

You may want to check out the first three episodes of the “Cubemaker Saga” with students:

Episode 93: What Vacation?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2018/LL_Ep_93_v52n2_Opt.pdf

Episode 94: Invisible Injuries
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/LL_Ep94_V52N3_Opt.pdf

Episode 95: Race for the Hidden Lair
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/LL_Ep95_V52N4_Opt.pdf ;

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What is an injury?
What is an invisible injury?
If your friend had a broken leg, how would you be careful and helpful?
If your friend had an invisible injury, how would you be careful and helpful?
What are some ways to be respectful to people, since they may have invisible injuries?
What superpower would you like to have, and why?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

What is an invisible injury?
If you knew a friend had an invisible injury, how would you be careful and helpful?
What are some ways to be mindful that people may have invisible injuries?
How do you like to stay connected with friends when you’re apart?
If you had a superpower, what would it be, and how would you help the world?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Discuss the meaning of empathy, then take this quiz as a class. Which of the tips would students like to put into practice?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/SO17_Quiz_Can_You_See.pdf

> The Lightning and Luna plot was inspired by real life! Watch this 2:20 minute video about real drones planting seeds in Australia. Why are people using drones to plant trees? Why is it important to plant trees?
https://youtu.be/7C7-uvmSG6Y

> Explain how to use a real compass, like the one Colin gives to Baxter. If you have several compasses, go outside and invite groups of kids to practice finding north, south, east, and west. Then play a game of “Simon Says” and give instructions related to the cardinal directions (such as, “Simon Says face east and take three steps”).
https://www.thegeniusofplay.org/genius/play-ideas-tips/play-ideas/simon-says.aspx

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

> Talk about the meaning of trustworthiness and invite kids to take this quiz individually. Then discuss what students learned from the quiz. What are some other actions not included in the quiz that demonstrate trustworthiness?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/MJ17p8_Quiz_Building_Trust.pdf

> Invite students create their own comic books using these instructions for the making a mini magazine:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2018/Nur_Mini_Zine_v50n5.pdf

> Using printouts of the Lightning and Luna pages, encourage students to make superhero gifts for heroes in their families or communities.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2014/Nur_Superhero_Gifts_MA14p6.pdf

> The Lightning and Luna plot was inspired by real life! Watch this 2:20 minute video about real drones planting seeds in Australia. Why are people using drones to plant trees? What are some things that happen when we lose trees and other types of biodiversity? What are some things we can do to help the environment?
https://youtu.be/7C7-uvmSG6Y

> If you have real compasses, play the Closed Course game from this website. Students or teams navigate a path, using the compass, that will lead them back to where they started.
https://eurekacamping.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/blog/3-compass-games-teach-kids-use-compass

PAGES 16–18: RADIANT STARS

Get to know kids who shine, like you

> PURPOSE

The “Radiant Stars” feature builds feelings 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 reading 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-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What virtue do you admire most? Why?
How do you show love to your family?
What’s one of your favorite things to do with your family?
How do you work out disagreements with family members?
What’s your favorite thing to do with your Bahá’í community or your faith group?
What do you love about your community?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

How do you show love to your family?
What’s something cool you’ve learned from an elder relative?
What’s one of your favorite things to do with your family?
How do you work out conflicts with family members?
What’s your favorite thing to do with your Bahá’í community or your faith group?
What do you love about your community?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-K/Kindergarten

> Ask kids to draw a picture that illustrates their answer to a question from the Discussion Questions list.

> Unity Vision Quilt
Invite students to draw or write their vision of a happy, unified world on a piece of square cardstock (6" x 6") using markers. When the pieces are finished, mount each on a colored piece of 8" x 8" cardstock. On a large wall space, connect the squares with tape to form a diverse quilt display.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Treasure_Box_MJ15_Celebrate_Unity.pdf

Early Elementary

> Ask kids to draw a picture or write a poem that reflects their answer to a question from the Discussion Questions list.

> Play the Giving Game
Divide the class into groups of 3-6 kids. Give each group a copy of the game board:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/Giving_Game_ND13p18p19.pdf

Give students 20-30 minutes to play the game. Please note that each group will need the following: two 6-sided dice; movers (toy figures, coins, or pebbles); paper and pencil for each player. After playing, talk about kids’ experience with the game. Invite them to share some of their answers to the “Travel Talk” questions. What are some other ideas for service projects that could use volunteers?

> Craft: Brilliant Star Decorations
For each student, cut out five same-sized stars from colored paper. Fold each in half, then glue different stars’ edges together for a 3D star. String a thread loop through the center for hanging, and embellish the thread with beads. Hang the star decorations in the classroom.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_TAB/BstarTAB_MJ_2017_Luminous.pdf

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:

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

PAGE 19: PHOTO FUN OR PHOTO FLOP?

Zoom in on patience and kindness

> PURPOSE

This piece illustrates that family time isn’t always picture perfect, but when you embrace your family with love and a spirit of service, you can help create magical memories that last a lifetime.

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What is a photoshoot?
Have you ever had a photoshoot or taken a picture with your family? What was it like?
What is patience?
How can you show patience?

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

Have you ever had a photoshoot with your family? What was it like?
How can you practice patience toward your family members?
How can we stay positive in frustrating situations?
What are ways you like to be helpful to your family?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Have a photoshoot with the kids (with parents’ permission). Invite them to make silly faces, strike different poses, and line up in various ways. It’s good practice for future photoshoots they may be a part of!

> To practice listening skills, play Simon Says with the kids. You can include variations on the standard game. For example, give kids an instruction, but do a different action yourself to make it challenging. You could use rhyming words, such as “pat something that rhymes with ‘zed’” (head). Or have kids act like they’re in a different setting (such as tiptoeing through a deserted castle or climbing a mountain).
https://earlyimpactlearning.com/12-games-like-simon-says-variations-adaptations/

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

> Invite kids to take turns being a class photographer with a camera of your choice. The photographer can tell subjects to make funny faces, strike a pose, etc. Share some tips for taking group portraits:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/tips-for-making-group-portraits

https://clickitupanotch.com/photograph-large-groups/

> Break kids into pairs and have them plan a fun photoshoot of their choice. It could have a fun location or include costumes or props. Have them answer these questions: Where? What time? Who? Any props? Any possible challenges to prepare for?

PAGE 20: PLAY AND CONNECT

Games for building fun friendships

> PURPOSE

This piece illustrates how cooperative games can help us create bonds of unity with friends, family, and our community. The page includes instructions for five cooperative games.

> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

What games do you like to play with friends, classmates, or family?
Does playing together help you feel closer to your friends or family?
Can you make new friends by playing games?
What are some things you can do to help make games fun and positive? (Examples: take turns, follow the rules, cheer for others)

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

What are some of your favorite cooperative games?
Does it feel different to play cooperative games instead of competitive games? If so, how?
Can competitive games cause negative feelings? How so?
How can we try to make everyone feel welcome to join in a group game?

> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING

Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary

> Simplify the “Silly Story Suggestions” game. Invite kids to sit in a circle. Start by giving one line of a made-up story. Ask each kid to take a turn adding the next made-up line. Go around the circle as many times as you like.

> Play this cooperative game with students:
The children walk around in a circle in the middle of the room. When the music stops, a descriptive term is called out, and each child must silently find an object in a room that they can bring to the circle that fits the description. For instance, when the music stops and the teacher says “something square,” there should be enough square objects in the space for each child to carry one to the circle. Once everyone has brought an item, they each share it with the group and then return it to the proper place. The game can build in complexity as the leader starts with shapes and colors, textures, and types of materials (such as wood, metal, plastic), and moves to categories that require more discernment like “something you use every day” or “something they sell at a grocery store.”
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/parents-teachers/teaching-tools-techniques/teachers-ideas-exchange/turn-competitive-games-collaborative

Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth

> Invite students to think of their favorite game and share it with the class, explaining what virtues it can help players develop.

> Break kids into pairs or groups of three. Ask them to choose a competitive game, then task them with finding a way to make that competitive game collaborative.

See this page for some ideas, if needed:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/parents-teachers/teaching-tools-techniques/teachers-ideas-exchange/turn-competitive-games-collaborative

Updated on 7.28.23