CRAFTS FOR GRADE 3
LESSON 3
Craft based on the Theme of Questions
Cootie catcher
Create a cootie catcher with questions. Once it is coloured and cut out, enjoy playing with friends. There are many free templates and printables online.
Based on Vignette 1
Promise Scrolls
Objective: To create decorative scrolls that represent promises and hints of Baha’u’llah’s coming found in various Holy Writings. (Australian Peace Pack book one has many quotes)
Materials:
- Craft paper or coloured construction paper
- Scissors
- Markers or coloured pencils
- Glue or glue sticks
- Decorative materials like stickers, glitter, or embellishments
- String or yarn
- Hole punch
Procedure:
- Begin by discussing the concept of promises and hints of Baha’u’llah’s coming found in the Holy Writings.
- Provide each child with craft paper or coloured construction paper. Instruct them to cut out rectangular shapes to represent scrolls.
- Using markers or coloured pencils, encourage the children to write or draw symbols, images, or words representing promises and hints of Baha’u’llah’s coming on their scrolls.
- Optionally, use decorative materials like stickers, glitter, or embellishments to enhance the appearance of the scrolls.
- Once the drawings and decorations are complete, roll each rectangular piece of paper into a scroll shape.
- Punch a hole near the top of each scroll.
- Cut lengths of string or yarn, making them long enough to thread through the punched hole and create a loop for hanging.
- Tie the string or yarn through the hole and secure it with a knot.
- Hang the Promise Scrolls in a communal area, creating a decorative display that represents the promises and hints found in Holy Writings.
- Encourage the children to share what they included on their scrolls and discuss the significance of promises related to Baha’u’llah’s coming.
- Optionally, create a collaborative mural or wall display by arranging the Promise Scrolls in a visually appealing pattern.
This craft not only engages children in a creative activity but also provides a tangible representation of the promises and hints related to Baha’u’llah’s coming found in various Holy Writings.
The theme of PURITY OF HEART
Homemade water filter
When we are seeking truth, we need to purify our thoughts and hearts like the first people who were seeking the Promised Qá’im. We know that one way we purify ourselves is by prayer. It is like when we purify any physical substance, the dirt,(negative thoughts) is eliminated and the pure thoughts are filtered through. Let us make a homemade filter for purifying dirty water. we can try different materials to see what works best. Just like when we are looking for ways to purify our thoughts and hearts, we need to find the perfect combination.
- LANTERN
- KINDNESS GARDEN
- TRUE SEEKER
- SEED OF SERVICE
- I SPY craft
- LAPBOOK
Dream-fulfilling Lantern
Objective: To create a lantern craft representing the dream-fulfilling journey of the believer and his encounter with Bahá’u’lláh.
Materials:
- Colored construction paper or cardstock
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue or glue sticks
- Markers or colored pencils
- Craft sticks or Popsicle sticks
- String or yarn
- Hole punch
- Decorative materials like stickers, glitter, or embellishments
Procedure:
- Begin by discussing the story of the believer who had a dream and the subsequent journey to meet Bahá’u’lláh with the children.
- Provide each child with colored construction paper or cardstock. Instruct them to cut out rectangular shapes to represent the sides of a lantern.
- Encourage the children to decorate the lantern sides with markers, colored pencils, and any decorative materials they choose. They can depict scenes from the dream, such as the riverbank or the traveler’s encounter with the distinguished gentleman.
- Cut out a square piece of colored paper to represent the bottom of the lantern.
- Use glue to attach the sides of the lantern to the bottom, creating a lantern shape.
- Cut a small rectangle from colored paper and fold it accordion-style to create a handle for the lantern.
- Punch holes near the top of the lantern on opposite sides.
- Cut a length of string or yarn, thread it through the holes, and tie a knot to create a loop for hanging the lantern.
- Optionally, attach craft sticks or Popsicle sticks to the bottom of the lantern to create stability.
- Decorate the lantern further with stickers, glitter, or embellishments to enhance the overall design.
- Discuss the symbolism of the lantern as a representation of the believer’s dream-fulfilling journey and encounter with Bahá’u’lláh.
- Display the Dream-fulfilling Lanterns in a communal area, creating a visual representation of the believer’s remarkable journey.
This craft engages children in a creative and symbolic activity, allowing them to visually express the theme of dreams being fulfilled through faith and trust in God’s guidance.
BASED ON VIGNETTE 3: Objective: To create a visual representation of Mihrabán’s act of kindness and the blessings that unfolded through his compassionate actions.
Materials:
- Large poster board or cardboard
- Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
- Construction paper in various colors
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue or glue sticks
- Decorative materials like stickers, glitter, or embellishments
Procedure:
- Begin by discussing the story of Mihrabán and his act of kindness with the children.
- Provide each child with a large piece of poster board or cardboard.
- In the center of the board, draw or create an image of Mihrabán extending kindness to the two strangers.
- Encourage the children to draw a landscape around Mihrabán, representing his fields, the Zoroastrian temple, and the surroundings of his village.
- Using construction paper, cut out shapes of a barn, a donkey, and any other elements relevant to the story. Glue these shapes onto the board to enhance the visual representation.
- On the outskirts of the kindness garden, create an image of the two men running towards Mihrabán and him providing them asylum.
- Decorate the board with messages or symbols representing love, compassion, and the concept of showing kindness to others.
- Optionally, use decorative materials like stickers, glitter, or embellishments to enhance the overall design.
- Write or illustrate the part of the story where Bahá’u’lláh mentions Mihrabán and His compassionate words.
- Discuss with the children the symbolism of the “Kindness Garden” and how acts of kindness can lead to unexpected blessings.
- Display the completed Kindness Gardens in a communal area, creating a visual reminder of the transformative power of compassion and love.
This craft engages children in expressing the theme of kindness and its positive impact, fostering an understanding of the importance of compassion in one’s actions.
Based on Vignette 4 Truth Seeker Telescope. Objective: To create a fun and interactive craft that symbolizes the act of searching for truth, inspired by the theme of truth-seeking in the story of Lua and her quest for Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings.
Materials:
- Cardboard tubes (toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls)
- Construction paper (various colors)
- Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
- Glue or glue sticks
- Scissors
- Stickers, sequins, or other decorative materials
- String or yarn
- Hole punch
- Googly eyes (optional)
Procedure:
- Begin by discussing the story of Lua and her search for truth with the children, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge and truth in our lives.
- Distribute cardboard tubes to each child, explaining that these will be transformed into “Truth Seeker Telescopes.”
- Invite the children to decorate their cardboard tubes using markers, colored pencils, or crayons. Encourage creativity and self-expression.
- Cut out various shapes from construction paper to create unique designs for the telescope. Children can also use stickers, sequins, or other decorative materials to embellish their creations.
- Discuss the concept of searching for truth and knowledge. Ask the children to share what they believe represents the pursuit of truth. This could include symbols like books, magnifying glasses, or open minds.
- Have the children glue the cut-out shapes onto their telescopes, creating symbols of their interpretation of truth-seeking.
- If desired, add googly eyes to one end of the cardboard tube to give the “Truth Seeker Telescope” a playful and whimsical appearance.
- Use a hole punch to make two holes on opposite sides of the cardboard tube near one end.
- Cut a piece of string or yarn and thread it through the holes to create a loop. This will allow the children to hang their “Truth Seeker Telescopes” around their necks.
- Encourage the children to proudly wear their “Truth Seeker Telescopes” and explain that just like the telescope helps explore the skies, their quest for knowledge and truth is an exciting journey.
- Discuss the importance of being open-minded, curious, and persistent in seeking truth, and how this aligns with the values demonstrated by Lua in the story.
This craft engages children creatively and interactively, fostering a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for the ongoing journey of seeking truth in their lives.
Based on Vignette 5 Seeds of Service: This graphic illustration aims to visually narrate the story of Cao Yunxiang and Martha Root, emphasizing the transformative power of individual acts of service and the positive influence of the Bahá’í teachings on China’s betterment.
Background:
The illustration opens with a background representing the landscape of Beijing, with the iconic Tsinghua University building in the distance.
Cao Yunxiang’s Journey:
Illustrate key moments from Cao Yunxiang’s life journey, including scenes of his education in America, diplomatic missions in the UK and Denmark, and finally returning to Beijing to become the President of Tsinghua University.
Martha Root’s Visit:
Depict the meeting between Cao Yunxiang, his wife, and Martha Root. Capture the atmosphere of the meeting, showcasing their attentive expressions and Martha Root sharing the Bahá’í teachings.
Symbolic Imagery:
Integrate symbolic elements such as seeds, representing individual acts of service, being planted in the soil of China. Each seed can be labeled with a specific act of service and accompanied by vibrant colors.
Translation Efforts:
Illustrate Cao Yunxiang translating Bahá’í books into Chinese. Show him diligently working on translations at home, surrounded by books and a sense of dedication.
Chinese Cultural Elements:
Infuse the illustration with Chinese cultural symbols, such as the Great Wall or traditional Chinese art, to connect the narrative with the cultural context.
Quotes and Text:
Include quotes from Cao Yunxiang expressing his dedication to the Bahá’í Faith and the importance of introducing its teachings to China. Use calligraphy-style text to add an artistic touch.
Growth and Blossoming:
Conclude the illustration with imagery of the seeds of service growing into vibrant plants, symbolizing the positive impact of individual acts contributing to the betterment of China.
Color Palette:
Utilize a warm and inviting color palette, incorporating shades of green for growth, vibrant colors for the seeds, and subtle tones to represent the historical context.
Frame or Border:
Consider framing the illustration with a border inspired by traditional Chinese patterns or motifs.
Theme SEARCH Can be used for other themes like peace: Make an I SPY bottle based on a PEACE theme or go with the SEARCH theme of the stories
Items needed for an I SPY craft
- Funnel
- Container:- Can be a bottle with a lid or a plastic Ziplock bag
- Filler – Sand and uncooked rice works well
- Items (try to relate them used in search) – paperclip, safety pin, rubberband, red beans, beads, dice, small wooden clothespins, thumbtack, googly eye, penny, eraser, marble, seashell, small toy, toothpick.
- tag- list of all items put in the bottle will go on the tag
- String for tag
Hot Glue (OPTIONAL)
- Container:- Can be a bottle with a lid or a plastic Ziplock bag
- Filler – Sand and uncooked rice works well
- Items (try to relate them used in search) – paperclip, safety pin, rubberband, red beans, beads, dice, small wooden clothespins, thumbtack, googly eye, penny, eraser, marble, seashell, small toy, toothpick.
- tag- list of all items put in the bottle will go on the tag
- String for tag
- Hot Glue (OPTIONAL)
- Funnel
To make:
- Add all items to the bottle or bag. As the child is putting the item, say how this relates to the search process.
- Use the funnel to fill the bottle with sand
- Use hot glue on the bottle cap to seal shut. (optional)
- Add the tag with the item list to the bottle.
- Challenge each other to find an item.
Here are some of the items I included:
- Heart shape to represent a pure heart when searching
- Gems represent the gems of wisdom you find along the way.
- Paper clip to represent the need to hold and organize your findings.
- A piece of stick to represent a walking stick for long-distance walking
- A small toy car/bike to represent a means of transport for those long distances you may need to travel
- Small stone to represent leaving no stone unturned in the search.
- Googly Eyes represent to be observant
- Rubberband to represent being flexible in your outlook
- Penny as you will need funds along the way
- File to help you get rid of rough patches along the way
- The letters of the word FRIEND to find as you are sure to find them in your search
- Magnet to help attract like-minded people in your search
- Banner with the Name of Baha’u’llah to raise high
Lapbook: Max’s Journey to Bahá’u’lláh
A lapbook is a simple and interactive way to present information. It consists of a file folder that contains various foldable, mini-books, and visual elements. Here’s a suggested layout for a lapbook based on Max’s journey to Bahá’u’lláh
Materials Needed:
- File folder
- Printed images or magazine cutouts
- Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
- Glue
- Scissors
- Small craft paper for creating mini-books
Components:
1. Cover
- Decorate the front of the file folder with the title: “Max’s Journey to Bahá’u’lláh.”
2. Inside Left Flap: Max’s Dream
- Create a visual representation of Max’s dream scene.
- Include the large figure, people running, and the officials on the hill.
- Add a brief description or key phrases from the dream.
3. Inside Center: Timeline
- Design a timeline showcasing Max’s life from his teenage years to discovering the Bahá’í Faith.
- Include significant events, decisions, and milestones.
4. Inside Right Flap: Meeting the Bahá’ís
- Illustrate the moment Max meets the Bahá’ís in Kampala.
- Use printed images or draw scenes of conversations and gatherings.
5. Top Flap: Declaration of Faith
- Depict Max’s declaration of faith.
- Create a mini-book with a quote from Bahá’u’lláh about rolling up the world.
6. Bottom Flap: Map of Max’s Journey
- Include a map showing Max’s journey from Uganda to neighboring countries.
- Mark key locations and events on the map.
7. Back Cover: Final Message
- Conclude with a final message of hope and unity.
- Use colors or symbols from African culture for decoration.
8. Inside Pockets: Additional Information
- Create small pockets inside the lapbook to hold additional information, such as quotes, facts about the Bahá’í Faith, or Max’s reflections.
Assembly:
- Fold the file folder to create the lapbook structure.
- Attach each component to its designated area using glue.
- Ensure that foldables can be opened and closed easily.
Presentation:
- Use the lapbook as a visual aid to narrate Max’s story during community events, gatherings, or educational settings.
- Encourage interaction by allowing others to explore the mini-books and visuals within the lapbook.
This simple lapbook provides a hands-on and engaging way to share Max’s transformative journey and the discovery of the Bahá’í Faith.
Unity Mountain Diorama
Create a 3D diorama representing the story of Andrés Jachakollo and the Aymara community’s journey to unity through the Bahá’í Faith.
Materials Needed:
Shoebox or cardboard
Construction paper (various colors)
Scissors
Glue
Markers or colored pencils
Small figurines or cutouts representing Aymara people and Bahá’í teachers
Optional: Cotton balls for clouds, twigs for treesInstructions:
1. Prepare the Shoebox
- Cut one long side and one short side of the shoebox, leaving three connected sides to form the mountain scene.
- This open side will serve as the front of the diorama.
2. Backdrop
- Use construction paper to create a backdrop for the mountain scene.
- Draw or paint the Andes Mountains, Lake Poopό, and the village of Vilacollo.
3. Aymara Village
- Cut and glue small houses and huts onto the base of the diorama to represent the Aymara village.
- Place small Aymara people figurines or cutouts in the village.
4. Lake Poopό
- Create Lake Poopό using blue construction paper or paint.
- Place a small boat or canoe on the lake to represent Andrés’ journey.
5. Bahá’í Center
- Craft a small Bahá’í Center using construction paper.
- Position it in La Paz on the diorama, indicating where Andrés first encountered the Bahá’í Faith.
6. Andrés’ Journey
- Represent Andrés’ journey from La Paz to Vilacollo by placing a path of colored paper or drawing it on the diorama.
- Include small footprints to signify his travels.
7. Symbol of Unity
- Create a symbol of unity (e.g., Bahá’í Ringstone Symbol) and place it prominently in the diorama to represent the oneness of humanity.
8. Clouds and Trees
- Optional: Glue cotton balls on the backdrop to represent clouds.
- If using twigs, attach small cutouts of trees to the diorama.
9. Narrative Plaque
- Craft a small plaque or sign with a brief description of Andrés’ journey and the unity brought by the Bahá’í Faith.
Assembly
- Glue each element carefully onto the shoebox, creating a layered effect to represent the Andes Mountains.
- Ensure that the elements are securely attached, allowing the diorama to stand upright.
Presentation
- Share the story of Andrés Jachakollo and the Aymara community’s journey to unity while pointing to each element in the diorama.
- Discuss the significance of unity, the Bahá’í teachings, and the power of faith in bringing people together.
This Unity Mountain Diorama visually captures the narrative and serves as an engaging educational tool to convey the powerful message of unity in the face of adversity.
Unity Handprint Tree
Create a Unity Handprint Tree inspired by the story of Andrés Jachakollo Ticona and the Aymara people in Bolivia who embraced the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh centred on the oneness of humanity.
Materials Needed
Large sheet of white paper or poster board
Colored markers or crayons
Washable paint in various colors
Paintbrushes or sponge applicators
Water and paper towels for cleaning hands
Optional: Glitter or sequins for decoration
Instructions
1. Prepare the Background
- Lay the large sheet of white paper or poster board flat on a table or any suitable surface.
2. Paint the Tree Trunk
- Use brown paint to create the trunk of the tree. Paint a vertical line towards the bottom of the paper to represent the tree’s base.
3. Create Handprints for Leaves
- Have participants dip their hands into various colors of paint, one handprint for each color.
- Place the handprints around the top of the tree trunk, extending outward to represent the leaves.
- Encourage overlapping handprints to create a vibrant and unified display of colors.
4. Decorate the Leaves
- Use markers or crayons to add details to each handprint, such as names, symbols, or positive messages related to unity and oneness.
- Optional: Add glitter or sequins to enhance the decorative elements.
5. Write Quotes or Verses
- Write or print quotes or verses related to unity, love, and the oneness of humanity on small paper leaves.
- Attach these leaves to the branches of the Unity Handprint Tree.
6. Personal Reflections
- Invite participants to reflect on the significance of unity and oneness in their lives.
- Have them write or draw personal reflections on additional leaves, then attach these to the tree.
7. Presentation and Discussion
- Share the story of Andrés Jachakollo Ticona and the Aymara people who embraced the Bahá’í teachings centered on unity.
- Discuss the symbolism of the Unity Handprint Tree and how each handprint represents a unique individual contributing to the collective unity.
Display
- Once completed, the Unity Handprint Tree can be displayed in a communal area, such as a classroom, community center, or gathering space, serving as a visual representation of the diversity and unity within the community.
This craft encourages participants to explore the theme of unity and oneness while creating a collaborative and visually appealing representation of their shared commitment to these principles.