Exploring Shining Stars

Overview

This session introduces Year 1 students to different types of stars through tactile and interactive experiences. Children will explore various star shapes and characteristics, enhancing their recognition and appreciation of stars in both an imaginative and real-world context.

Learning Objectives

Aligned with Te Whāriki, this learning experience aims for:

• Contribution: Encourage children to participate and collaborate by sharing and building together.

• Mana Aotūroa/Wellbeing: Foster a sense of curiosity and wonder about the natural world.

• Mana Tangata/Contribution: Promote the ability to express ideas and feelings through creative activities.

• Communication / Ngā Pūāhua Reo: Develop vocabulary related to stars, shapes, and textures.

• Exploration / Ngā Mahi a Te Rēhia: Encourage sensory exploration through cutting, pasting, and manipulating shapes.

• Learning Outcomes References:

• Empowerment | Wellbeing (Strand 1): Children experience an environment where they are kept safe and their health is nurtured.

• Belonging | Contribution (Strand 3): Children experience an environment where their contributions are accepted and valued.

• Communication | Exploration (Strand 5): Children develop interests and curiosity about their environment and engage in exploration.

Materials Needed

• Large cardboard cutout shaped like a star (approx. 1m diameter)

• Printed pictures of different types of stars (sparkly, cartoon stars, starfish, star-shaped fruits like starfruit, the sun as a star, and various star constellations simplified for children)

• Safety scissors appropriate for Year 1 children

• Glue sticks or paste

• Star-shaped stickers and sequins

• Markers and crayons

• A simple storybook or poem about stars (optional)

• Visual aids (flashcards with star facts or star shapes)

Time Allocation and Activities

1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

• Gather children in a circle on the mat.

• Introduce the topic by asking: "What do you know about stars?" and "Where do we see stars?"

• Show a variety of star pictures and identify familiar ones such as stars in the sky, starfish, and star-shaped toys to hook interest.

• Use simple language and encourage children to share experiences.

2. Story or Poem about Stars (5 minutes)

• Share a short, engaging story or poem about stars, focusing on positive sensory and descriptive language.

• Connect the story to the activity, e.g., "Today, we'll make our own big star with lots of different stars on it."

3. Hands-on Cut and Paste Activity (25 minutes)

• Demonstrate how to carefully cut out the star pictures and paste them onto the large star-shaped cardboard.

• Children work individually and with peers to cut and paste pictures, adding stickers and sequins for texture and sparkle.

• Circulate to support fine motor skills, promote language use by talking about the different stars, colours, and shapes.

• Encourage children to talk about their choices: “Which star did you pick? Why?”

4. Sharing and Reflection (7 minutes)

• Invite children to share their part of the big star and talk about their favourite star or shape.

• Reinforce key vocabulary and concepts introduced.

• Reflect on the activity by asking simple questions: “What did you like about the stars? Did you learn something new?”

5. Wind Down and Closing (3 minutes)

• Sing a simple star-related song or chant together.

• Praise children for their efforts and display the big star collaboratively created.

• Encourage children to observe stars at home or on their way to school.

Assessment Ideas

• Observation: Monitor children’s participation in cutting, pasting, and sharing. Note engagement and fine motor skills development.

• Language Development: Listen for use of star-related vocabulary during discussions.

• Social Skills: Observe cooperation and turn-taking during the group activity.

• Creativity: Assess children’s choices in decorating their stars and expressing preferences.

• Reflection: Evaluate understanding through children’s responses during sharing.

Differentiation and Support

• Provide pre-cut star pictures for children requiring extra fine motor support.

• Use visual cues and physical prompts to support children’s understanding.

• Allow children to work in pairs or small groups for peer support.

• Extend learning by introducing simple star-related puzzles or sorting activities for more advanced learners.

By engaging children in a sensory, creative environment that honours their contributions and curiosity, this session aligns with Te Whāriki’s principles of empowerment, holistic development, and family/community involvement. It promotes early scientific awareness through playful exploration, language learning, and shared creativity, making the concept of stars both accessible and memorable.