Skip to content

Session 07: Star Makers ⭐

Overview

Grades: 1-2 | Duration: 30 minutes | Session: 7 of 17

Students explore stars and light during Advent, engineering their own star creations that shine with the message of Jesus as Light.

Session 07: Star Makers

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Explore properties of stars and light

  • Engineer a 3D star structure

  • Connect the Star of Bethlehem to Advent

  • Understand Jesus as "Light of the World"

Session 07: Star Makers

Materials Needed

  • 📦 Craft sticks (for star frames)

  • ✨ Glitter, foil, metallic paper

  • 🔦 Flashlights

  • 📦 Pipe cleaners

  • 📓 Design Detective journals

  • 📸 Pictures of stars, night sky, Star of Bethlehem

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

The Magi (Wise Men) — They followed a star to find Jesus! Stars can lead us to God.

Scripture

"We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." — Matthew 2:2

Opening Prayer

Dear Jesus, the Magi followed a star to find you. Help us follow your light this Advent season. You are the brightest star, the Light of the World! Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. Advent Season — "We're waiting for Christmas, for Jesus!"
  2. Star Story — The Magi followed a star
  3. Star Facts:
  4. Stars are giant balls of hot gas that make light
  5. Our sun is a star!
  6. Stars light up the dark sky
  7. Jesus = Light — "Jesus is the light that lights up our lives!"
  8. Today's Challenge — "Engineer your own star!"

Main Activity: Star Engineering (19 minutes)

Part 1: Light Exploration (4 minutes)

  • Flashlight experiments:
  • Shine through different materials
  • Make star shapes with fingers (shadows)

  • "Stars give light in darkness"

  • "The Star of Bethlehem led the Wise Men to Jesus!"

Part 2: Engineer a Star (12 minutes)

Option A: Craft Stick Star

  • Arrange craft sticks in star shape

  • Glue together

  • Decorate with glitter, foil

  • Add string for hanging

Option B: Pipe Cleaner Star

  • Twist pipe cleaners into star shape

  • Create 3D structure

  • Add sparkly decorations

Option C: Woven Star

  • More complex pattern

  • Yarn or ribbon woven through frame

  • Teacher assistance available

All Stars:

  • Make it SHINE! (reflective materials)

  • This represents Jesus, our Light!

Part 3: Light Test (3 minutes)

  • Shine flashlight on stars

  • Watch them sparkle!

  • "Our stars light up, just like Jesus lights up our lives!"

Design Detective Journal (4 minutes)

  1. Draw your star design
  2. Write: "Jesus is the light because..."
  3. Draw the Wise Men following the star

Closing Circle (2 minutes)

  1. Star Display — Show off star creations
  2. Be a Star — "How can YOU shine Jesus's light?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Jesus, Light of the World, help us shine your love. Guide us like the star guided the Wise Men. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Built star structure

  • Connected star to Advent meaning

  • Understood Jesus as Light

  • Designed with intention

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Pre-made star frame to decorate

  • Simpler star design

  • Work with partner

For Advanced Students

  • Create multiple star designs

  • Make 3D standing star

  • Write Advent reflection

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Look at the night sky together! Find stars. Talk about the Star of Bethlehem. Make stars to decorate your home for Advent. Light Advent candles and talk about Jesus as Light.

Teacher Notes

  • Display stars in classroom or church

  • Connect to Advent wreath and candles

  • Consider "star of the day" recognitions

  • Coordinate with religion class Advent activities

Previous: Session 06 — Gratitude Gifts
Next: Session 08 — Digital Art