Use Stars and Moon Game Ideas to Teach Preschoolers About God and Creation

Use Stars and Moon Game Ideas to Teach Preschoolers About God and Creation
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Let us examine some creation games about the stars and moon for preschool. Playing these games not only helps children better understand this phase of the creation story, it also develops large muscles and gross motor skills. As a bonus, the kids expend energy and are more willing to sit still and listen to the creation story. For a lesson plan on creation, please read “Christian Creation Story in the Bible.”

Here are three games about day four of creation based on familiar childhood games like “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,”, “Musical Chairs,” and “Hot Potato.” The twist is these games use the theme of the stars and moon to reinforce teaching about the creation story. The benefit of using these games is that the children already know the rules and how to play, so the games are simple, easy, and fun.

These games are age-appropriate for preschoolers but can be enjoyed by most ages. The only supplies needed are copies of the moon and stars template, basic craft supplies, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm. The template can be used as-is or enlarged to whatever size teachers prefer.

Pin the Stars on Creation Game

The supplies for this game are the shapes template, yellow cardstock, and white utility paper from a roll.

To prepare for this game, print the stars and moon template and enlarge it by to whatever size teachers choose. Trace the shapes onto the yellow cardstock and cut them out. Tape a large sheet of paper to the classroom wall and tape the moon to the wall; this is the target. Put a small piece of tape on the back of each star, blindfold a child, and let him pin it on the paper. Repeat until everyone has had a turn.

The game is played like “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” except the children are trying to be the one to get their star closest to the moon. Before or after the game, spend a few minutes reviewing with the children the events of day four of creation, when God created the sun, moon, and stars.

Creation-style Musical Chairs Game

This game requires two 9 x 12” yellow felt squares, the moon and stars template, and a CD of children’s worship music. Use the templates as a pattern to cut moon and star shapes from the yellow felt. Scatter the felt shapes in a random pattern on the floor and play the game “Musical Chairs.”

CREATION GAMES 2

Image Credits/D. Cosmato/2010

The object is for a child to sit, stand, or touch one of the shapes when the music stops. The odd man is out. Each time the music stops, remove one of the shapes from the playing field and ask the students: “What did God create on day four?” As a bonus, teachers can use the felt shapes when telling flannel board stories.

“Hot Potato” Game Variation

This game requires no supplies or preparation as the teacher simply uses the shapes from either of the previous two games as the playing piece and plays the music from the worship CD. Have the children sit on the floor in a circle. Play the game “Hot Potato,” with either a moon or star shape utilized as the hot potato. The object is to not be the one holding the shape when the music stops. Teachers reinforce learning concepts about creation during or after the game.

By the end of this interactive session of creation games about the stars and moon for preschool, the children have exercised fine motor skills, large muscles, and gross motor skills. Their listening skills are improved and the concept of following verbal instructions is reinforced. More importantly, one of the key points of the Christian creation story in the Bible has been internalized.