Parents and Teachers
Teaching Tools & Techniques
Ruhi Classes & Jr. Youth Groups
Ruhi Book 3 Children’s Classes and Brilliant Star - Grade 1
Activities to Complement Children’s Classes
Grade 1, by the Ruhi Institute
V2.2.1.PE (September 2021)
The Ruhi Institute offers an easy-to-use global curriculum for kids that emphasizes spiritual values of good character. Through stories, games, coloring pages, songs, and Bahá’í teachings, kids are encouraged to develop their strengths and contribute to the well-being of their community. The Ruhi Grade 1 program includes 24 lessons on subjects such as justice, honesty, and trust in God.
Many teachers use Brilliant Star stories, activities, and songs in the classroom to complement and reinforce the Ruhi lesson plans.
To support your work with kids, teachers of children’s classes in the U.S. can receive a single complimentary subscription to Brilliant Star. Limited quantities of these subscriptions are available. For details, visit this link.
We’d love to know how you’re using Brilliant Star in your classes and what other materials you’d find helpful. Email us at brilliant@usbnc.org or share your ideas in our Facebook group, the Brilliant Star Idea Exchange.
Brilliant Star content is available to complement each lesson:
Lesson 1: A Pure Heart
Lesson 2: Justice
Lesson 3: Love
Lesson 4: Truthfulness
Lesson 5: Generosity
Lesson 6: Prefer your brother
Lesson 7: Joy
Lesson 8: Sincerity
Lesson 9: Humility
Lesson 10: Be thankful to God
Lesson 11: Forgiveness
Lesson 12: Honesty
Lesson 13: Compassion
Lesson 14: Detachment
Lesson 15: Contentment with the will of God
Lesson 16: Oneness of Humanity
Lesson 17: Courage
Lesson 18: Hopefulness
Lesson 19: Trustworthiness
Lesson 20: Be enkindled with the love of God
Lesson 21: Radiance
Lesson 22: Faithfulness
Lesson 23: Patience
Lesson 24: Steadfastness
Like mirrors, when our hearts are free of negative thoughts, they reflect the light of God and bring happiness to others.
Quote: “He is God! O God, my God! Bestow upon me a pure heart, like unto a pearl.”
My Inner Gems: Journaling - Explore your true self
Vol. 52 No. 3 p. 2
Shine Bright - Draw yourself doing something that makes your spirit shine
Vol. 51 No. 6 p. 3
Riley’s Rainforest: See the Real You – Do you see your real self in the mirror?
Vol. 45 No. 4, p.4
Nur’s Nook: I [Heart] You – Heart-shaped origami art
Vol. 45 No. 5 p. 7
Shining Lamp: John Bosch – Bahá’í school co-founder told by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that his heart “speaks”
Vol. 44 No. 2, p. 26
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> Lesson 2: Justice: Fairness and sharing
We need to be fair and respect the rights of every human being.
Quote: “Tread ye the path of justice, for this, verily, is the straight path.”
Justice Theme Page - A variety of stories and activities
Quiz: Do You Believe in Equality For All?
Vol. 48 No. 2 p. 18
Nur’s Nook: Make a Balanced Bird Sculpture
Vol. 50 No. 6 p. 8
Abdu’l-Bahá’s Love for the Poor – Find clues about caring for others.
Vol. 45 No. 6, p. 22
Treble Chef’s Music Café: Fairness by Red Grammer
Vol. 43 No. 5, p. 20
Maya’s Mysteries: Are You a Champion of Justice? – Quiz yourself on fairness.
Vol. 42 No. 1, p. 4
Stand for Justice – Find words about bold ways to help others.
Vol. 45 No. 5 (Nov/Dec 2013), p. 6
Games for Change – Four group games
Vol. 47 No. 6, p. 25
Fair Play – Six group games about privilege
Vol. 50 No. 6, p. 2
God’s love shines on us like rays of the sun. We can reflect that light by being loving to everyone.
“O Friend! In the garden of thy heart plant naught but the rose of love.”
Warming the Hearts – Match pairs of hearts to complete virtues
Vol. 50 No. 2 p. 3
Quiz: Spy the Best in Your Family
Vol. 50 No. 4 p. 3
Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Changing Enemies to Friends – A mob overcomes their prejudice against Bahá’u’lláh.
Vol. 46 No. 1, p. 3
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Joyful Service – The story of 24 years of kindness
Vol. 49 No. 4, p. 25
It is the Time for Love – The life of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh’s son and successor
Vol. 45 No. 3, p. 4
Roses of Love – Story of the first Ridván Festival and a rose-making craft
Vol. 43 No. 1, p. 19
Treble Chef’s Music Café: In the Garden of Thy Heart (text from Bahá’u’lláh, music by Ana Bridges)
Vol. 45 No. 3, p. 20
Love in Any Language – Word search with 16 translations for “love.”
Vol. 45 No. 5, p. 27
“Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues.” Without truthfulness, it’s hard to develop other virtues and be close to God.
Quote: “Truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues.”
Nur’s Nook: Light of Truth – Make a Lighthouse
Vol. 51 No. 3 p. 8
Fool’s Gold – Find words related to discernment
Vol. 52 No. 3 p. 25
Shining Lamp: Fred Mortensen – He told ‘Abdu’l-Bahá the uncomfortable truth about his long trip to visit him in 1912.
Vol. 44 No. 3, p. 26
Truthful Talk – Kids unscramble words to stay truthful.
Vol. 43 No. 4, p. 7
Honestly Enchanting – Find words to protect us from dishonesty.
Vol. 49 No. 2, p. 19
Dig for the Facts – Tips to see truth with your own eyes
Vol. 49 No. 2, p. 10
God has given us many gifts, such as nourishment, hearing, sight, and intelligence. He wants us to be generous with each other, too.
Quote: “To give and be generous are attributes of Mine; well is it with him who adorneth himself with My virtues.”
Nur’s Nook: Give a Homemade Gift: Make a HOUSE-planter
Vol. 51 No. 1 p. 6
Clear the Clutter – Replace negative thoughts about service with positive ones
Vol. 51 No. 4 p. 9
Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Standing Up for Justice – Bahá’u’lláh visits the sháh for justice
Vol. 41 No. 6, p. 3
Treble Chef’s Music Café: Be Generous, Words by Bahá’u’lláh, music by Tim Urbonya
Vol. 37 No. 3, p. 24
Sujan’s Gifts – A folktale about one person making a difference.
Vol. 45 No. 6, p. 24
Bandhu’s Branch – Story adapted from an Indian folktale about a generous boy
Vol. 44 No. 4, p. 21
> Lesson 6: Prefer your brother
God wants us to serve others and wish good things for others.
Quote: “Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself.”
Kind Connections - Discover the chain of helpful deeds
Vol. 51 No. 2 p. 10
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Great Voyage: Canada – Caring for the poor
Vol. 44 No. 4, p. 16
Treble Chef’s Music Café: Stand with Me by Dean Jones
Vol. 45 No. 2, p. 20
Riley’s Rainforest: Are You Altruistic? – Article about being kind
Vol. 46 No. 1, p. 8
Take the Challenge: Love in Action – Checklist of loving acts
Vol. 45 No. 5, p. 25
Sibling Squabbles – Find virtues to get along (includes lesson quote)
Vol. 42 No. 4, p. 7
A heart full of joy attracts blessings and makes us stronger.
Quote: “O Son of Man! Rejoice in the gladness of thine heart, that thou mayest be worth to meet Me and to mirror forth My beauty.”
Happiness and Joy Theme Page - A variety of stories and activities
Drawing on Happy Memories – Draw memories that make you smile
Vol. 50 No. 1 p. 25
Riley’s Rainforest: Joy Is Contagious
Vol. 50 No. 1 p. 8
Nur’s Nook: Make a Paper Airplane & Fly with Joy – Craft
Vol. 48 No. 1, pp. 6-7
Color Your World Happy – Coloring Poster
Vol. 48 No. 1, p. 10
Power of Positivity: Quiz – How positive are you?
Vol. 48 No. 1, p. 18
Shining Lamp: Leroy Ioas – Leroy Ioas served ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi.
Vol. 48 No. 1, p. 26
We’re being sincere when our words and deeds reflect what is in our hearts.
Quote: “We should at all times manifest our truthfulness and sincerity ...”
“Be Natural, Be Happy” – A story about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Vol. 51 No. 6 p. 6
Nur’s Nook: Tying Our Hearts Together – Craft
Vol. 46 No. 2p, 6
Treble Chef’s Music Café: I Think You’re Wonderful – Song
Vol. 41 No. 3, p. 25
Treble Chef’s Music Café: Let Deeds, Not Words by Joe, Sonya, Keenan, and Dylan Crone
Vol. 39 No. 2, p. 24
Riley’s Rainforest: Weird and Wonderful – Be true to yourself
Vol. 46 No. 5, p. 4
Being humble is realizing the greatness of God and joyfully accepting His will for us.
Quote: “O Son of Man! Humbly thyself before Me, that I may graciously visit thee.”
Nur’s Nook: A Prayer to Share – Make a “Blessed is the Spot” Book – Craft
Vol. 45 No. 4, p. 6
Blessed is the Spot – Video with art and music
Happy to Serve – “Make us useful in this world” – Prayer with vocabulary
Vol. 46 No. 1, p. 24
What Type of Leader are You? – Quiz yourself on skills of servant leadership.
Vol. 46 No. 1, p. 5
Losing Like a Winner – Comparing good and bad sportsmanship
Vol. 43 No. 4, p. 23
The Doves’ Journey – Indian folktale about humility
Vol 43 No. 4, p. 6
> Lesson 10: Be thankful to God
Be thankful to God for the innumerable gifts He has given us.
Quote: “Be thou happy. Be thou grateful. Arise to render thanks unto God, that thy thankfulness may conduce to an increase of bounty.”
Practicing Gratitude PDF Collection
Gratitude Theme Page - A variety of stories and activities
Dive into Gratitude – Journaling page with prompts to write about gratitude
Vol. 51 No. 1, p. 2
Do You Open the Door to Gratitude? – Quiz yourself on thankfulness.
Vol. 51 No. 1, p. 25
Riley’s Rainforest: Magic of Gratitude – Being thankful can change your brain.
Vol. 51 No. 1, p. 24
A-maize-ing Escapade – A fiction story about thankfulness
Vol. 44 No. 5, pp. 20-21
Treble Chef’s Music Café: Gratitude – by Red Grammer and Pamela Philips Oland
Vol. 38 No. 6, p. 22
See with the eyes of forgiveness and try to overlook the faults of others.
Quote: "Let your adorning be forgiveness and mercy and that which cheereth the hearts of the well-favored of God.”
Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: The Hidden Words – Bahá’u’lláh encourages us to show forgiveness, with missing letters puzzle
Vol. 49 No. 4, pp. 4-5
Bee Kind – Find positive words about kindness
Vol. 50 No. 3 p. 3
One Peaceful Home – Prayer with vocabulary
Vol. 48 No. 2, p. 27
War of the Whales and the Sandpipers – Story about coming together instead of War
Vol. 43 No. 2, pp. 6-7
Sincerely Sorry – Practice how to say you’re truly sorry.
Vol. 45 No. 5, p. 24
Honesty is one of the spiritual qualities that makes people beautiful.
Quote: “Beautify your tongues, O people, with truthfulness, and your souls with the ornament of honesty.”
Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Insisting on Justice – He helped travelers recover their stolen mules.
Vol. 44 No. 2, p. 3
Maya’s Mysteries: Tactful Talking Tool – A craft for communicating
Vol. 50 No. 2 p. 22
Maya’s Mysteries: Your Moral Compass – Create a real compass to remind you that your spirit guides your actions.
Vol. 43 No. 4, p. 4
What Do You Say? – Practice speaking up about truth.
Vol. 48 No. 5, p. 27
The Wise Deer – Story adapted from a Buddhist tale
Vol. 42 No. 5, p. 18
As God is compassionate to us, we should also be kind and help others.
Quote: “The Kingdom of God is founded upon equity and justice, and also upon mercy, compassion, and kindness to every living soul.”
What Do You Say to Show Compassion? – Practice your responses
Vol. 52 No. 3 p. 6
Positive Thoughts for Peace – Prayer Vocabulary
Vol. 47 No. 3, p. 28
‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “It is the time for love” – Story
Vol. 45 No. 3, p. 4
Can You See How Others Feel? – Quiz yourself on emathy.
Vol. 49 No. 4, p. 8
How to Create a Caring Community – Coloring poster with tips about how to help your community
Vol. 47 No. 3, p. 30
Free our souls from attachment to material things, getting our own way, and this world.
Quote: “Know that thy true adornment consisteth in the love of God and in detachment from all save Him ...”
Puffling Patrol – Find hidden baby puffins
Vol. 52 No. 3 p. 7
True Sweetness – Match each treat with a balancing beverage
Vol. 50 No. 1 p. 9
Monster Makeover – Match monsters with virtues to overcome materialism.
Vol. 44 No. 4, p. 10
Signs of Guidance – Prayer vocabulary
Vol. 46 No. 3, p. 24
Need it or Want it? – Letter unscramble
Vol. 45 No. 6, p. 4
Riley’s Rainforest: What Money Can’t Buy – Story
Vol. 45 No. 6, p. 8
Tree of Thanks – Drawing page
Vol. 40 No. 2, p. 5
> Lesson 15: Contentment with the Will of God
Be content with the Will of God.
“The source of all glory is acceptance of whatever the Lord hath bestowed, and contentment with that which God hath ordained.”
Rain or Shine – Complete tips about growing gratitude
Vol. 51 No. 1 p. 3
True Happiness – Positive/negative matching
Vol. 51 No. 1, p. 5
Maya’s Mysteries: Nature Challenge – Spending time in nature can help you be happier.
Vol. 47 No. 3, p. 22
Maya’s Mysteries: Staying Afloat – Make your own bubbles.
Vol. 44 No. 3, p. 8
Riley’s Rainforest: Laughter IS Good Medicine – Article
Vol. 44 No. 3p, 4
> Lesson 16: Oneness of Humanity
God created all of humanity to live together as one family.
“Blessed is he who mingleth with all men in a spirit of utmost kindliness and love.”
Oneness Theme Page - A variety of stories and activities
All from Stardust – Find words that help us shine with unity
Vol. 50 No. 2 p. 4
Prayer: Amity in Action – Prayer Vocabulary
Vol. 52 No. 1, p. 10
World Citizen – Make a world citizen passport.
Vol. 52 No. 1, p. 3
Treble Chef’s Music Café: One Family by John Carlin
Vol. 43 No. 2, p. 20
Nur’s Nook: Make a Hoop for Humanity – Race unity craft
Vol. 49 No. 1, pp. 8-9
What Do You Say? – Practice responding to racism.
Vol. 49 No. 1, p. 19
Privilege: An Unfair Game – Four games to see what privilege can do.
Vol. 49 No. 1, p. 25
To have courage means to stand up for what is right and defend those in need.
Quote: “The source of courage and power is the promotion of the Word of God, and steadfastness in His Love.”
Lionhearts – About the early followers of the Báb, animal find
Vol. 50 No. 3, p. 27
Nur’s Nook: Create a Castle of Courage – Craft
Vol. 51 No. 2, pp 8-9
Maya’s Mysteries: Courage to Connect – Science experiment
Vol. 50 No. 6, p. 12
And . . . Action – Find the tools to take action for what’s right, virtue item find
Vol. 44 No. 6, p. 10
Trust in God and be hopeful for the future.
Quote: “Never lose thy trust in God. Be thou ever hopeful, for the bounties of God never cease to flow upon man.”
ReFRAME It! – Unscramble letters to find positive words
Vol. 51 No. 1 p. 10
Prepare for Adventure – “I have risen this morning” prayer with vocabulary
Vol. 43 No. 2, p. 26
Treble Chef’s Music Café: Bloom – Song about seeds growing
Vol. 46 No. 3, p. 20
Riley’s Rainforest: Hope Is Healthy – Advice and tips
Vol. 48 No. 6, p. 8
Plant the Seeds of Hope – Coloring poster
Vol. 48 No. 6, p. 21
A trustworthy person is truthful and honest and can be counted on to keep their word.
Quote: “Trustworthiness is the greatest portal leading unto the tranquility and security of the people.”
Quiz: Building Trustworthiness – Choose your answers and see your score
Vol. 49 No. 2, p. 8
Test of Trustworthiness – Multiple-choice quiz about making trustworthy choices
Vol. 40 No. 2, p. 19
Firm Foundation – Match blocks to find words about truthfulness
Vol. 49 No. 2, p. 13
What Do You Say? – About integrity
Vol. 49 No. 2, p. 25
Li and the Emperor’s Seeds – Folktale about telling the truth
Vol. 39 No. 4, p. 4
> Lesson 20: Be enkindled with the love of God
Feed the flame of love for God that burns in our hearts.
Quote: “Be ye enkindled, O people, with the heat of the love of God, that ye may enkindle the hearts of others.”
Spread Joy – Connect the radiant deeds of kindness
Vol. 50 No. 1 p. 2
Nur’s Nook: Light of Love – Make Your Own Lantern
Vol. 50 No. 3 p. 18
Shining Lamp: Thomas Breakwell – Story of a man whose heart was ablaze with love.
Vol. 44 No. 4, p. 26
Treble Chef’s Music Café: Walk in Love – Song by Steven Courtney
Vol. 44 No. 4, p. 20
Riley’s Rainforest: The Power of Prayer – Advice and Tips
Vol. 39 No. 6, p. 8
Online article here
Maya’s Mysteries: Listening to Your Spirit – Meditation tips
Vol. 39 No. 5, p. 17
Express Your Emotions – Journal about five big emotions
Vol. 47 No. 1, p. 5
Through our generous deeds and kind words, the light of the love of God shines from our hearts.
Quote: “O Son of Being! Thou art My lamp and My light is in thee. Get thou from it thy radiance and seek none other than Me.”
Temple of Light – “O God, Guide me” prayer in English and Spanish
Vol. 48 No. 3, p. 27
Treble Chef’s Music Café: I Aspire by Teresa Langness
Vol. 48 No. 4, p. 24
Maya’s Mysteries: Your Radiant Character – Discover the best in yourself
Vol. 41 No. 6, p. 5
Nur’s Nook: Lighting Your Way – Create Your Own Lantern - Craft
Vol. 49 No. 2, pp. 6-7
A faithful soul remembers the bounties of God and tries to follow His teachings.
Quote: “Happy is the faithful one who is attired with the vesture of high endeavor and hath arisen to serve this Cause.”
Peacock Power – Find hidden letters to complete the quote
Vol. 51 No. 4 p. 3
Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Facing Troubles with Joy – Happiness in the love of God
Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 4-5
Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: United in Love and Respect – The family’s exiles
Vol. 43 No. 5, p. 3
Nur’s Nook: Mosaics From Many Faiths – Make a symbol of peace or faith
Vol. 40 No. 5, p. 4
Your Soul’s Journey – Quiz yourself: Are you in tune with your spiritual self?
Vol. 48 No. 4, p. 2
We calmly keep trying, even when it’s challenging.
Quote: “He, verily, shall increase the reward of them that endure with patience.”
A Happy Camper – Replace negative thoughts with positive ones
Vol. 50 No. 4 p. 27
Flowers of Fortitude – Find fearless flowers
Vol. 50 No. 1 p. 13
Treble Chef’s Music Café: Perseverance – Song by Red Grammer and Pamela Phillips Oland
Vol. 42 No. 5, p. 20
Maya’s Mysteries: Plan to Persevere – Quiz yourself on your ability to keep going through tough times.
Vol. 48 No. 6, p. 10
Climbing with Confidence – Write about steps to achieving one of your goals
Vol. 48 No. 6, p. 24
Nur’s Nook—Scoring Skills: Make a Bullseye Game - Craft a game and have fun with friends.
Vol. 47 No. 6, pp. 20-21
No matter what happens, we always remember our love for God and try to follow His teachings.
Quote: “Supremely lofty will be thy station, if thou remainest steadfast in the Cause of thy Lord.”
Bahá'u'lláh’s Life: The Fire Tablet
Vol. 50 No. 6 p. 6
Your Refuge is Ready – “Thou art my Haven and my Refuge” prayer with vocabulary.
Vol. 44 No. 6, p. 27
Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: The Greatest Holy Leaf – Story and word scramble
Vol. 50 No. 4, pp. 6-7
Shining Lamp: Bahíyyih Khanum – Story
Vol. 45 No. 3, p. 26
Nur’s Nook: Create a Cactus Gift – Craft to remind us of steadfastness.
Vol. 51 No. 4, p. 18
Updated on 3.22.23