Short Story for Children (age 7)

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men (Magi) from far away saw a bright star. ⭐ They followed the star to find baby Jesus. When they found him they gave him three gifts:

• Gold – to honour Jesus as a king 👑
• Frankincense – a sweet-smelling gift for prayer and worship 🌿
• Myrrh – a precious spice that shows they cared for Jesus 🙏

The wise men were kind. Their gifts showed love and honour. We learn to be kind by sharing and helping others, just like the wise men did.

Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

1. Tell the story of the wise men in their own words (3–4 short sentences).
2. Name the three gifts (gold, frankincense, myrrh) and say one reason why they were kind.
3. Show one way to be kind at home or school (for example, share food, visit a new baby, help a friend).
4. Recite a short memory line: "The wise men brought gifts and showed kindness." (Matthew 2:11 reference)

Suggested Learning Experiences (Class Activities)

• Story Time: Teacher reads the short story slowly, showing a big paper star. Let children point to the star when they hear it. ⭐
• Role Play: Children dress as wise men, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus (use a doll). Let small groups act out finding the star and giving gifts. Costumes can be simple paper crowns.
• Craft – Make Crowns: Use coloured paper, glue and stickers to make crowns. Write each child’s name and let them pretend to give a gift.
• Drawing: Ask pupils to draw the three wise men with their gifts. Teacher asks each child to say one kind thing they would do for a newborn baby or a friend.
• Harambee of Kindness (Kenyan context): Talk about how in Kenya people help each other (harambee). Give examples children know – sharing mandazi, visiting a new mother, helping neighbours fetch water. Invite one child to tell a short story of being kind at home.
• Memory Line & Song: Teach the class a short line: "The wise men brought gifts and showed kindness." Make a simple tune and sing it together.
• Follow the Star Game (Outdoor): Place paper stars on the ground leading to a "stable" (a corner with a doll). Children follow the star trail in pairs to practice following guidance and working together.
• Show-and-Share: Children bring a small, safe item (sticker, drawing) to share with a friend in class. This practises sharing like the wise men.

Simple Questions for Class Discussion

• Who came to see Jesus? (Wise men/Magi)
• What gifts did they bring? (Gold, frankincense, myrrh)
• How did the wise men show kindness?
• How can you show kindness at home or school?

Assessment Ideas (Simple & Fun)

• Ask each child to tell one short sentence of the story (oral assessment).
• Check the children's drawings: Did they draw the gifts? Can they name them?
• Observe the role play and note if children practise sharing and kind actions.
• Use a sticker chart: give a "kindness" sticker when a child shows sharing or helpfulness.

Bible Reference (for teacher)

Read Matthew 2:1–12 for the full story. For children, use the short story above in simple words.