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Seasonal School Inspiration and Resource Guide, “Soaring with Unity,” Part 3
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 3
21 – Story of Us
22–23 – Stargazer: Dr. Mansur Nurdel
24 – Riley’s Rainforest: Family Feast
25 – Quiz: How Do You Handle Conflict?
26 – Shining Lamp: Soo Fouts
27 – Cave Cooperation
29 – A-MAZE-ing Adventure: Connect at Camp
You Can Find Part 1 Here (pages 2-10)
You Can Find Part 2 Here (pages 11-20)
Age Groups:
Pre-K/Kindergarten (4-5)
Early Elementary (6-7)
Late Elementary (8-10)
Junior Youth (11-14)
PAGE 21: STORY OF US
Journey through favorite family stories
> PURPOSE
This piece explores the significance of sharing stories to strengthen family and community bonds and cultivate a healthy sense of self-identity. Readers answer questions that help them reflect on their family’s values and special memories.
> QUOTE:
“If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face, and overlook the faults of one another for My name’s sake . . .”
—Bahá’u’lláh
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- Does your family tell stories to each other? What is that like?
- What’s one of your favorite family stories or memories? What makes it special?
- Is there a time when your parents encouraged you when you were feeling nervous or scared to do something? How did that make you feel?
- What are some ways that you can help your family members?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- Why do you think it’s important for families and communities to share stories about their past?
- What’s one of your favorite family stories or memories? What makes it special?
- How can you encourage more storytelling in your family or community?
- What’s a meaningful memory you would like to share with your family that they may not know?
- What kinds of memories and stories do you think are most important for families and communities to share?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
> Read a story to the kids and ask simple questions about its meaning. Examples of possible stories to read:
Great Escapes
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/great-escapes
Picture Day
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/picture-day
> If they’re comfortable, ask each kid to tell a short story to the class about a time they did something they were proud of or of something that made them happy.
> Thank-You Cards
Ask kids to reflect on some of their fun family memories. What are some virtues their family members show? Ask them to create a thank-you card for their parents or other family members. It can include a picture from a favorite family memory. Some supplies to consider using are rubber stamps, stickers, markers, colored pencils, and glitter.
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Invite students to read this article from Riley’s Rainforest and try the Explore & Soar activity of interviewing an elder:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/rileys-rainforest-powerful-stories
> Break students into pairs or small groups and have them exchange stories with each other about a time they did something they were proud of or of something that made them happy. After they tell the story, ask them to acknowledge the virtues they see in the other person.
> Nur’s Nook: Origami thank-you cards
Ask kids to reflect on their family memories and the qualities they see in their family members. What virtues has their family shown that are reflected in the stories they tell. Then invite them to make this origami thank-you card and express their gratitude to their family.
Supplies needed: Twelve 1 ½" (3.8 cm) paper squares, 8 ½" x 5 ½" (21.6 x 14 cm) sheet of card stock, ruler, pencil, markers, ½" (1.3 cm) round sequin (optional), 4 ⅜" x 5 ¾" (11.1 x 14.6 cm) envelope (optional).
See link for instructions:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/terrific-teachers
PAGES 22–23: STARGAZER: DR. MANSUR NURDEL
He fled persecution and focused on a new vision
> PURPOSE
As the tagline (“Questions and Answers with an Inspirational Bahá’í”) indicates, Stargazer interviews spotlight the life, work, and kid-friendly perspectives of an adult Bahá’í who can be a role model for kids. Stargazers work in fields that are relevant to the theme of each issue. In this issue about family and community, Dr. Mansur Nurdel, an optometrist and a refugee from Iran, discusses what it was like to be in the only Bahá’í family in the village where he grew up, how his family coped with being persecuted for their faith, and how he escaped from Iran.
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- What is one thing you learned from this interview?
- What do you think it would feel like if your family was the only Bahá’í family in your town or city? Or, if your family is the only Bahá’í family in your town, what is that like?
- What do you think it would be like to climb a mountain to escape to another country? What are some virtues you could use during that experience?
- Do you enjoy playing soccer or other sports? What are some virtues you can practice while playing? (e.g., cooperation, friendship, patience)
- If you wrote a book about your life, what's an important message you’d want to include?
- What can we do to help people who are persecuted for their faith? ( Read Dr. Nurdel’s last answer for ideas.)
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview? What makes it stand out in your mind?
- Are you part of a larger Bahá’í community or a member of the only Bahá’í family in your city? What are the positives and negatives of that situation?
- What do you think it would be like to climb a mountain to escape to another country? What are some virtues or skills you would need?
- If you wrote a book about your life, what are some important messages you’d want to include?
- What are some challenges faced by Bahá’ís in Iran and Yemen? What can we do to help people who are persecuted for their faith? ( Read Dr. Nurdel’s last answer for ideas.)
Resource for info:
https://www.bic.org/focus-areas/situation-iranian-bahais/current-situation
Do you enjoy playing soccer or other sports? What are some virtues you can practice while playing?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-K/Kindergarten | Early Elementary
> Ask students what they think Dr. Nurdel meant when he said, “We are the current Dawn-Breakers” ( offer guidance/explanation as needed). We can imagine that heroes from The Dawn-Breakers might have said a prayer by the Báb when they were experiencing tests.
“Is there any Remover of difficulties save God? Say: Praised be God! He is God! All are His servants, and all abide by His bidding!”
Discuss the words in the prayer that might be unfamiliar to kids, such as:
- Remover: Someone who takes away or eliminates something
- Difficulties: Things that are hard to deal with or understand
- Praised: An expression of admiration, respect, or gratitude
- Servants: Loving, devoted helpers or followers
- Abide: To accept with patience
- Bidding: A direction or command
Lead students in singing the prayer to aid them in memorizing it.
One kid-friendly melody for this prayer:
Remover of Difficulties, by Tim Urbonya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7GQSyFSt3E
> Invite kids to draw a scene that Dr. Nurdel described in his interview. For example, they might draw kids playing soccer, a kid reading The Dawn-Breakers to his grandfather, or a young man hiking through snowy mountains with his friends to escape from Iran.
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Ask students what they think Dr. Nurdel meant when he said, “We are the current Dawn-Breakers.” We can imagine that heroes from The Dawn-Breakers might have said a prayer by the Báb when they were experiencing tests. Lead students in singing a song to help them memorize this prayer by the Báb:
“I adjure Thee by Thy might, O my God!
“Let no harm beset me in times of tests, and in moments of heedlessness guide my steps aright through Thine inspiration. Thou art God, potent art Thou to do what Thou desirest. No one can withstand Thy Will or thwart Thy Purpose.”
Discuss the definitions of the words in the prayer that may be unfamiliar or challenging. Invite students to provide explanations and/or examples of these.
- Beset - Trouble or threaten
- Heedlessness - Carelessness, lack of attention
- Aright - Correctly, properly
- Inspiration - Divine influence or guidance
- Potent - Strong and powerful
- Desirest - Wants or intends
- Withstand - Resist or stand up against
- Thwart - Oppose or frustrate
Choose one or more of these to sing with the class to aid them in memorizing the prayer.
"I adjure Thee by Thy might, O my God!" by Spirit of Austin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwXmmod5W4M
"I Adjure Thee" by Nahal & Bakang
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL7-99hdID0
"I Adjure Thee by Thy Might" by David Khavari
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omv4LGPHKio
> Invite kids to draw (or act out) a scene that Dr. Nurdel described in his interview. For example, they might draw kids playing soccer in a village, a kid reading The Dawn-Breakers to his grandfather, or a young man hiking through snowy mountains with his friends to escape from Iran. After they finish their drawings or skits, ask them to talk about why they chose that particular scene and why/how it is meaningful to them.
> Watch with students this one-minute video about the persecution of Baha’is in Iran. Discuss ideas for sharing this information with others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpx9nwuXEqU
> Share this 1:28 minute video about hate propaganda (other than the reference to a 2021 Twitter campaign, the message is still applicable).
PAGE 24: RILEY’S RAINFOREST: FAMILY FEAST
A family that dines together shines together!
> PURPOSE
This piece explores how eating meals together as a family on a regular basis can boost our mental, emotional, and physical health. Kids learn tasty tips to create fun mealtime memories.
> QUOTE:
“Send down . . .from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing. . .”
—Bahá’u’lláh
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- What are some of your favorite foods?
- What is one of your favorite family meals?
- Do you help your family make food for meals? What kinds of food do you make?
- How does eating with your family make you feel?
- What’s something you can do to help your family with meals or make mealtime more meaningful?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- What are ways we can have happy mealtimes with our families?
- Do you have any fun family meal traditions?
- Does your family eat meals together? What are some obstacles that can prevent families from eating together?
- What are some ideas for overcoming those obstacles?
- What’s something you can do to help your family with meals or make mealtime more meaningful?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
> Share a fun, healthy snack with the kids.
* Check with parents or guardians about dietary restrictions and allergies first
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/healthy-snacks-for-kids/
> Take turns asking what everyone’s favorite food is. Then have kids draw them sharing that food with their family.
> Easy S’mores Parfaits
*Check with parents or guardians about dietary restrictions or allergies.
Make chocolate pudding according to the directions, or buy ready-made pudding. Spoon 3 Tablespoons into each clear cup. Top with ¼ cup crushed graham crackers, ¼ cup mini marshmallows, and 1 Tablespoon mini chocolate chips. Then repeat those three layers. Serve immediately.
Invite kids to improvise their own versions of the recipe (such as by including whipped cream, vanilla pudding, chocolate candies, berries, etc.).
Another S’mores parfait recipe:
https://www.momontimeout.com/smores-pudding-parfaits/
> Mindful eating
*Check with parents or guardians about dietary restrictions or allergies.
Discuss mindful eating: the practice of eating slowly, making healthier choices, savoring food, and stopping when your body signals it’s had enough. Invite kids to choose a small piece of food, like a cracker or grape, and use their five senses to savor it.
- See: What do you notice? What color is it? What shape is it?
- Feel: Is it soft or hard? Squishy or rough?
- Hear: Does it make any sounds if you squeeze it?
- Smell. How would you describe the smell?
- Invite children to close their eyes as they explore taste.
- Taste: Put the food in your mouth. Before you chew, what is the first thing you taste? Is it sweet or salty? Sour or savory? As you start to chew, chew slowly and before you swallow, think about the change in flavor, texture and sounds. Does it change the longer you chew?
https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/mindful-eating/
> Mindful eating placemat
Give each student a sheet of sturdy paper about 10 inches high and 14 inches wide. With markers, colored pencils, and/or magazine cut-outs, invite them to decorate it and write tips about mindful eating. To make the placemat more durable, it can be laminated with clear contact paper, or a clear plastic tablecloth can be used at meals. Sample tips:
- Slow down
- Take small bites
- Chew more slowly
- Savor your food
- Sit at a table
- Take a breath between bites
- Put away distractions
- Eat on a plate
- Think about where the food came from
- Say a prayer of thanks
https://cdn.agclassroom.org/media/uploads/LP818/Mindful_Eating_Placemat_17x11.pdf
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Invite kids to come up with a fun mealtime plan for their family. They can choose the theme, the food, any questions they want to ask, games or music they want to play, decorations, etc. Have everyone present their plans to the group.
> Ask kids to recall their favorite mealtime memory by writing a short story answering these questions: Where were they? What were they eating? Who was there? What made it so special, funny, and/or happy? Have everyone present their memories to the group, if they’re comfortable.
> Mindful eating
*Check with parents or guardians about dietary restrictions or allergies
Discuss mindful eating: the practice of eating slowly, making healthier choices, savoring food, and stopping when your body signals it’s had enough. Invite kids to choose a small piece of food, like a cracker or grape, and use their five senses to savor it.
- See: What do you notice? What color is it? What shape is it?
- Feel: Is it soft or hard? Squishy or rough?
- Hear: Does it make any sounds if you squeeze it?
- Smell. How would you describe the smell?
- Invite students to close their eyes as they explore taste.
- Taste: Put the food in your mouth. Before you chew, what is the first thing you taste? Is it sweet or salty? Sour or savory? As you start to chew, chew slowly and before you swallow, think about the change in flavor, texture and sounds. Does it change the longer you chew?
https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/mindful-eating/
> Mindful eating placemat
Give each child a sheet of sturdy paper about 10 inches high and 14 inches wide. With markers, colored pencils, and/or magazine cut-outs, invite them to decorate it and write tips about mindful eating. To make the placemat more durable, it can be laminated with clear contact paper, or a clear plastic tablecloth can be used at meals. Sample tips:
- Slow down
- Take small bites
- Chew more slowly
- Savor your food
- Sit at a table
- Take a breath between bites
- Put away distractions
- Eat on a plate
- Think about where the food came from
- Say a prayer of thanks
https://cdn.agclassroom.org/media/uploads/LP818/Mindful_Eating_Placemat_17x11.pdf
> Easy S’mores Parfaits
*Check with parents or guardians about dietary restrictions or allergies.
Make chocolate pudding according to the directions, or buy ready-made pudding. Spoon 3 Tablespoons into each clear cup. Top with ¼ cup crushed graham crackers, ¼ cup mini marshmallows, and 1 Tablespoon mini chocolate chips. Then repeat those three layers. Serve immediately.
Invite kids to improvise their own versions of the recipe (such as by including whipped cream, vanilla pudding, chocolate candies, berries, etc.).
Another S’mores parfait recipe:
https://www.momontimeout.com/smores-pudding-parfaits/
PAGE 25: QUIZ: HOW DO YOU HANDLE CONFLICT?
Give your skills a workout
> PURPOSE
This piece quizzes readers on how well they deal with conflict in their relationships, and provides tips to sail through conflicts with consultation, patience, and unity.
> QUOTE:
“If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face, and overlook the faults of one another for My name’s sake …”
—Bahá'u'lláh
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- What is conflict?
- Have you ever felt frustrated or got upset with someone?
- What are some things you can do when you’re feeling that way?
- How can we show kindness to others?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- Can you think of a time when facing a conflict with a friend made your friendship stronger?
- Does conflict always make our relationships stronger?
- How can we practice kindness toward others, even when we’re upset?
- If two of your friends are having a conflict with each other, do you get involved or stay neutral?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
> Break kids into pairs. Each one takes a turn being the sad one and being the comforter. The comforter cheers up the sad one in whatever way they choose. Maybe they tell a silly joke, ask if the person would like a hug, draw them a picture, etc. When each student has had a turn, play a song and invite kids to all do a happy dance together.
Possible songs:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/bottle-of-sunshine
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/all-things-i-found
> Invite kids to color a picture to show their appreciation for a friend. https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/Color_Your_World_Happy_MA16_p10.pdf
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Break students into groups and ask each group to create a short skit about dealing with a friendship conflict using patience, kindness, honesty, and empathy. Each group then performs their skit for the class.
> Invite kids to think of a conflict they’ve faced in their life. In what ways did it help them grow or learn something about themselves? Brainstorm as a class about what skills and virtues are helpful when you’re trying to resolve a conflict. Break into groups and decorate a poster with words and images related to those virtues and skills.
> Invite kids to color a picture to show their appreciation for a friend or family member. https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2016/Color_Your_World_Happy_MA16_p10.pdf
PAGE 26: SHINING LAMP: ELEANOR MOON “SOO” FOUTS (1923–2016)
She was full of passion for sharing the Faith
> PURPOSE
This piece introduces Eleanor Moon “Soo” Fouts, a devoted Bahá’í who was the first Asian woman elected to the National Spiritual Assembly. She loved traveling and teaching the Faith.
> QUOTE:
“Mankind’s remaining hope … is … a common Faith under one God which will address itself to all mankind … to help us live up to our fullest potential as spiritual beings encased in this physical vehicle.”
—Soo Fouts
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- Where was Soo born?
- What did Soo love to do?
- Why did Soo and her family move around a lot?
- Soo went to Bahá’í children’s classes in Hawaii and became fascinated by Bahá’u’lláh. What are some things she may have learned about Him?
- How do you like to help others?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- Why did Soo and her family move around a lot?
- How do you (or how would you) like to share the Faith with others?
- What did Soo say mankind’s remaining hope was?
- What did Soo mean when she said we are “spiritual beings encased in this physical vehicle”?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
> Plan a simple service project for the kids, like picking up trash, creating greeting cards, or sharing treats with someone they appreciate.
> Break kids into pairs and have them pretend they’re meeting each other for the first time. Guide them on what questions they could ask each other to get to know each other better.
Check out this activity for some ideas about interview questions:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/V52N1p22_Interview_Stargazer_link.pdf
See “Radiant Stars” for more question ideas.
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Put students in pairs and have them take turns introducing their faith (whether it’s the Bahá’í Faith, another religion, or general spiritual values) to each other. Reflect on the experience afterward. What’s something new they learned? How did they feel while sharing? How did they feel while listening?
> Have students take this quiz to learn more about their service style: https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2017/JA_17_Explore_Service_Style.pdf
Afterward, invite volunteers to share their “ticket to service” goals with the larger group.
> Invite students to interview each other and complete the “Interview a Stargazer” activity. Then ask them to introduce their Stargazer to the larger group and mention a few things they learned about the person.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/V52N1p22_Interview_Stargazer_link.pdf
PAGE 27: CAVE COOPERATION
Tips for teamwork in tough times
> PURPOSE
This piece explores how we can face challenges and adversity with our families. Readers learn tips for sticking together and helping each other through tough times.
> 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 is bravery?
- Talk about a time you and your family faced something scary or challenging? What helped you get through it?
- How can we help our friends or family if they’re having a rough day?
- If you’re having trouble doing something, who are some people you can ask for help?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- How do you respond to and face challenges?
- What are ways we can build our bravery and perseverance?
- Can you give an example of when you comforted a friend or family member through a tough time? What did you do?
- Why is it important to ask for help when you need it?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
> Have kids pretend they’re dragons and create a simple obstacle course for them to go through.
Obstacle course ideas:
- Throw soft balls or bean bags into a basket.
- Use string, yarn, or tape on the ground for a tightrope to practice balance.
- Cut out the middle of paper plates and toss them over weighted bottles or candlestick holders.
- Set up cones or other markers and ask kids to weave their way through them.
- Have kids jump rope, bounce a ball, hop on one foot, or do other challenges at various stations.
More obstacle course ideas:
https://empoweredparents.co/obstacle-course-ideas-for-kids/
> Invite kids to draw and color dragons of their own and make up a story about their dragon doing something brave or kind. If they’re comfortable, have each student share with the class.
Students can also draw along with this “How to Draw” video: https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/how-to-draw-a-dragon
Another coloring sheet option:
https://www.supercoloring.com/coloring-pages/cute-dragon-2
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Have students come up with a game plan for when they’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed. What activities would help? What music would they listen to or games would they play? Use the tips in the piece to help brainstorm ideas.
> Invite students to think of someone who supported them through a tough time or a challenge and make a treasure chest gift from Nur’s Nook for that person.
Materials needed:
2 pieces of 3½" x 2½" (8.9 cm x 6.4 cm) sturdy cardboard, ruler, craft sticks, 2½" (6.4 cm) circle for tracing, pencil, decorative paper, tape, scissors, tacky glue, decorative bead, ½" (1.3 cm) wide ribbon, craft gems, small treasures (such as photos, drawings, or souvenirs that celebrate your friendship)
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/nurs-nookgems-of-friendship-create-a-treasure-chest-gift
> Create dragon puppets with this Nur’s Nook activity and use them to perform a puppet show.
Materials needed: Cardboard egg carton, pencil, cardboard, scissors, stapler, packing tape, 18" x 18" (45.7 x 45.7 cm) colorful fabric, tacky glue, 10" (25.4 cm) wooden skewer, rubber band, poster or acrylic paint, paintbrush, cup of water, card stock
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/nurs-nook-powerful-puppets
> Invite students to draw a dragon with this “How to Draw” video. Then they can color it and create a story about how their dragon expressed courage and perseverance in a fictional situation.
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/how-to-draw-a-dragon1
PAGE 29: A-MAZE-ING ADVENTURE: CONNECT AT CAMP
Fun, fresh air, and family unity at camp
> PURPOSE
This piece explores the fun of family camps and encourages readers to be patient with and supportive of family, rain or shine. Readers solve a maze to help a family navigate a day at family camp and reach the evening campfire.
> QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
- Have you gone camping before? What was (or is) it like?
- What kinds of things do you do for fun with your mom, dad, or siblings?
- How can you be kind to your family members?
- What does your family do that makes you happy?
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
- Have you ever been to a family camp before? What was (or is) it like for you?
- How do you like to be helpful to your family during trips?
- What are some possible benefits of families spending time with other families?
- What are ways you can help your family have happy experiences together?
> ACTIVITIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING
Pre-Kindergarten | Early Elementary
> Pretend your class is going on a camping trip. Have kids create an imaginary fire, build pretend tents, make food, etc. Emphasize teamwork skills.
> Arrange a simple obstacle course for kids to go through to reach a pretend campfire. When everyone completes it, sing a song of love and unity together. Song ideas:
“One Family,” by John Carlin
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2011/Music_One_Family_MJ11p20.pdf
“I Think You’re Wonderful,” by Kathy and Red Grammer
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/pdf-play/Music_ThinkWonderful_JA09p25.pdf
> Invite students to color the border of this poster. What are some ideas they’d like to put into practice right away?
How to Create Currents of Unity
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/V52N1p27_Currents_of_Unity.pdf
Late Elementary | Junior Youth/Youth
> Invite kids to plan a pretend camping trip. Where will they go? How will they get there? What supplies will they need? What possible obstacles should they prepare for? What are some attitudes and virtues they will need?
> Have kids brainstorm ways they can help their families during a vacation or other group experience. Some ideas:
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Luminous_Library_2013/Love_Challenge_ND13p25.pdf
> Invite students to take this quiz about seeing the best in their family. What are some tips from the quiz that they can put into practice?
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/quiz-spy-the-best-in-your-family
> Invite students to color the border of this poster. What are some ideas they’d like to put into practice right away?
How to Create Currents of Unity
https://brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Vol52/V52N1p27_Currents_of_Unity.pdf
Updated on 7.28.23