The Jesus’ Star award is focused on stars and the role a special star played at Jesus’ birth. This award can be taught at any time of year (obviously!), but it fits especially nicely at Christmastime. I leaned into the Christmas theme with a Christmas tree ornament craft.
A Clue and a Question
Fulfills Requirement #1
As we were splitting into our classes, I told the Eager Beavers there was a clue on their way to their classroom. It would tell them what they’d be learning about and also provide the answer to a question their favorite beaver soon would ask them.
If you want to post the clue for your class, you can find the this printable at Christian Preschool Printables.
After greeting the kids, Bucky the Beaver exclaimed, “I love stars! Did you know God created the stars? I can’t remember which day He created them on – it was before He created Beavers! Does anyone remember which day God created the stars?
Story: The Bright Star and Three Visitors
Fulfills Requirement #2
Any story about the wisemen following the star to find Jesus will fit here. I chose The Bright Star and Three Visitors from The Beginner’s Bible. It has a great text to picture ratio for this age group and their attention span.
Craft: Tissue Paper Tye-Dye Star Ornament
Fulfills Requirement #4
I wanted an ornament for the craft since this award would be done right before Christmas. I still have lots of wooden stars from last year’s Christmas craft in Little Lambs (Star Award). When I spotted the Tie Dye Ornaments at The Preschool Place, I knew I found our craft! It just needed a few adjustments to fit our theme. Obviously, we needed a star shape ornament (so that it’s a star craft!). And I wanted a little extra design on the ornament.
I made a video walk-through of the craft from prep to finished ornament. The one thing we didn’t do, and probably should have, is seal the ornament. They were still a bit damp when they went home (dry enough to not stain fingers, but not dry enough for a sealer). The next time we do this award, I’d like to add a sealant. I’m including some optional sealers in the supply list.
Supplies
- Wooden Star Cutouts
- Rubber Stamp of Baby Jesus and Wiseman
- Acrylic Stamp Block (to mount the stamps)
- Water-based Pigment Ink and Embossing Powder if embossing (Optional! Use the other suggestion if you don’t have an embossing heat gun.)
- Waterproof Ink if not embossing
- Bleeding Tissue Paper
- Sealer: Modge Podge or Modge Podge Spray
- Spray Bottle with water
- Extra paper to sop up the excess dye (one piece of cardstock per kid works great)
- Something to protect your table
Game: Star, Star, Moon!
While searching for a star-themed game with my favorite Eager Beaver snuggled on my lap, my daughter suggested the game Star, Star, Moon. It’s duck, duck, goose, with a star theme. Perfect. Thank you, Little Helper.
Activity: Counting Stars Bean Bag Toss
Deirdre at JDaniel4’s Mom has a fun star-themed counting game. I don’t have the supplies/equipment to create star plates like she did, so I’ve created a printable. There are two versions – full color and yellow stars on white. As Eager Beavers come in a wide range of abilities (and their abilities change so much through the year), I have three different levels for the game to tailor the challenge to the needs and ability of each child.
Toss the bean bag to one of the stars. Using the number the bean bag landed on or near, do one of the following counting activities.
- Level One: Count up to the number. (Some of your younger kids might not be counting all the way to ten yet. This is not a big deal unless you make it a big deal. Just count with the kids who need the support.)
- Level Two: Count down from the number.
- Level Three: Skip count up to the number. (This one is just for that one kid who needs a challenge.)
Numbers one to ten is very appropriate for Eager Beavers, but I’ve included numbers one to twenty just in case your class needs higher numbers.
Nature Activity: See the Stars
Fulfills Requirement #5
Head outside and gaze at the stars! Bonus points if you can find the North Star. There are free apps for both Android and iPhone to help you locate and identify stars and constellations. This is a weather-permitting kind of requirement. In my area of the world, rain is a constant in December. Expecting a clear night to fall on a meeting night is expecting..quite a lot. I encouraged the Eager Beaver parents to take their child outside to stargaze on their first available clear night.
Closing Story: Humphrey’s First Christmas
Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer is a silly book telling the story of the wisemen’s journey from the perspective of one of the camels. I don’t know that I’d recommend this as the only version of the story you share with the kids, but it’ll be a fun story if you have time for it. Check your local library.
Closing Prayer
We close with the Lord’s Prayer in Eager Beavers in my club.
Extra Time
These activities just fit in our available time, so nothing extra was needed. I had Christmas cards standing by in case there was time. Re-playing one of the games would also be a great option if you need it. If you are short on time, remove one of the games – either one! If you are looking for more ideas for this award, check my Jesus’ Star Pinterest Board.
What Christmas-related book is your favorite? Please tell me about it in the comments!
If you use these ideas, could you do me a favor and come back and comment about how they worked for your club? I’d love to hear about your experience.