Let your imaginations soar as you and your child wish upon a star! Introduce the traditional nursery rhyme Star Light, Star Bright, and ask what your child would wish for. These types of language opportunities help to build vocabulary and confidence in talking and sharing.
- yellow or white paper or cardstock
- scissors
Step 1: On paper or cardstock, draw a star shape and cut it out. Invite your child to decorate the star.
Step 2: Teach her the nursery rhyme Star Light, Star Bright. You might say:
When I was little and the sky was growing dark, we used to look for the first star of the night. When we found it we used to say: “Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight.” Can you say that with me?
Step3: Hand the wishing star to your child and repeat the nursery rhyme. Encourage her to tell you what she would wish for if she could make a wish! Ask questions to encourage the conversation, adding details to what she has already told you.
You might read The House In the Night by Susan Marie Swanson to see beautiful illustrations of stars, and encourage more interesting conversations.
Demonstrate by holding the star, saying the rhyme, and talking about what you would wish for. Ask if she would like a turn to make a wish. If she is still hesitant, let her hold the star and you say the words for her until she feels comfortable enough to join in the conversation.
Ask her to tell you more about her wish. You might say:
You would wish for a new bike? Tell me more about your bike. What would it look like? What color would it be? Who would you like to ride bikes with?
Have fun!
