Leader Guide
Optional Opening Game
- Round balloons—at least one per child, plus extras
- Blue or black bedsheet/blanket, tablecloth, or several towels
- Permanent marker
- Painter's tape or masking tape
Blow up the balloons and tie them closed.
With the marker, draw 2–3 large stars around each balloon.
Place a mark or tape a line on the floor.
Lay the bedsheet on the floor at least 15 feet from the line or mark. Depending on the class size, unfold the sheet or leave it partially folded.
Have you ever looked up in the sky on a clear night? Children respond.
What did you see? Stars, moon, clouds, etc.
Stand on the bedsheet. This sheet represents a starry sky at night. Hmmm, wait a minute: there is one problem. I don’t see any stars in the sky, do you? Children respond.
Hold up a balloon. What do you see on this balloon? Stars.
I have an idea—why don’t we play a game to add these stars to the sky!
Give a balloon to each child on his /her turn. One child plays at a time.
Optional: For large classes, two players may play simultaneously.
Players advance the balloon by holding it with one hand and hitting it with the other. After hitting it, they must patiently wait for the balloon to fall to the floor before picking it up and hitting it again.
Once the balloon rests on the bedsheet, the next player takes a turn.
Conclusion: Good job! Look at all those stars in the sky! Did anyone put their star on the sky with the first hit? Children respond.
No, it took patience, didn’t it? You had to keep trying until you made it. I am proud of you because no one gave up or complained!
In today’s video, God makes a promise about the stars in the sky. Let’s watch to see what that promise is about.