The Wise Men Follow the Star (PreK-K (Ages 3-5))

The Wise Men Follow the Star

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Theme: Jesus is the King worth seeking and worshiping

Age Group: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)

Overview

Lesson Overview: “The Wise Men Follow the Star” Dear volunteers, here’s a simple, heartfelt way to share this story with little ones: — Opening Wonder Start by asking: “Have you ever seen a bright, shining star? What do you wonder about stars?” Hold up a star (or a small light) to make it real. Say, “The Wise Men from far away saw a special star, it led them right to Baby Jesus!” Let them giggle at the idea of a star that points! Storytime: The Star’s Magic Read the story in short parts (use pictures or act it out!): – “The Wise Men wanted to visit Jesus, the King.” (Hold up a crown or show a picture of a baby.) – “They saw a bright star shining down!” (Shine a flashlight or wave your hand like a star.) – “It moved and led them straight to Jesus!” (Move your finger in a path on the floor.) – “When they found him, they bowed down and gave him gifts!” (Pretend to kneel and place “gifts” like toys or blocks.) Repeat & Celebrate Say: “The star showed them where to look, just like God guides us to Jesus!” Ask: “Who else in the Bible saw a star?” (Point to Moses or Daniel if you want!) Praise their curiosity: “Wise hearts like yours can follow the light!” Closing: Jesus is Worth Finding End with a simple prayer or song (e.g., “Thank you, Jesus, for being our King!”). Leave them with wonder: “What will YOU do to shine like Jesus today?” — Tip for Volunteers: Use props, sing a short song (“Once there was a star so bright…”), and repeat the key phrase (“Jesus is the King”) often to reinforce it. Keep it playful, kids this age remember how you share, not just the words! Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.

Bible Story

The Wise Men and the Star of Wonder

Once upon a time, far away in a far land, there were some very wise and brave men, called Wise Men, who wanted to see a very special baby. They saw a bright, shining star in the sky that guided them on their journey. The star moved just so, pointing them toward the place where the baby lived.

The Wise Men traveled and traveled until they finally found the baby Jesus. They knelt down and gave him beautiful gifts: gold to honor him, frankincense to pray for him, and myrrh to help prepare him for his big journey ahead. The star stopped shining right above the baby’s house, showing them exactly where to worship. Their hearts were filled with joy and wonder!

The story of the Wise Men is one of God’s great surprises. Just like the star led them safely home, God has a special way of guiding us too. When we follow His light in our lives, we can find joy and purpose, just like the Wise Men did. What a wonderful gift Jesus is for all of us!

Why This Story Matters: This story reminds us that God sent a bright light to guide us, just like the star led the Wise Men. It teaches us to trust in His plan and to bring gifts of love and worship to Jesus. When we do, our hearts will be filled with the same wonder and joy!

Activities

Supplies: **

Draw a Sky: Divide the group into 3, 5 small teams. Show them the poster paper and explain, “Today, we’re going to draw a big, beautiful sky like the one the Wise Men saw!” Have them color the paper with crayons, making swirly clouds and trees.
Make Stars: Cut out 3, 5 yellow/orange star shapes from paper (teacher does this) and let kids glue them onto their sky. Ask, “How do you think the Wise Men knew which star to follow? Was it magic, or did God show them?” Point to the Bible for answers.
Trace the Star Path: Draw a bright yellow arrow on the poster paper to show where the star led (like a “map”). Let kids trace the path with a crayon, whispering, “Just like the star, we follow God’s guiding light!” End with a prayer: “Lord, help us always trust You!”

Supplies: **

Prepare the Boxes: Cut each box in half (teacher does) and let kids decorate the outside with markers. Ask, “What were the Wise Men’s gifts to baby Jesus? Gold, frankincense, and myrrh, just like treasure!”
Wrap in Shiny Paper: Give each child a pile of yellow/orange tissue paper. Fold a few layers over the box opening and glue them down. If you have gold foil, let kids tear it into star shapes to stick on top.
Tell the Story: As kids place their boxes on the floor, tell the story from Matthew 2:1-12. Say, “The Wise Men gave Jesus gifts, but they also gave Him their love. Can we do the same?” Have them place their boxes in a “gift pile” to pray for others.
Celebrate with Light: Turn off lights for 1 minute and shine a flashlight (or teacher’s phone light) onto their boxes. Ask, “Doesn’t the light remind us of the star? How can we shine God’s love today?” End with a song or prayer.

Discussion Questions

Here are four open-ended questions to spark wonder and discussion with preschool and kindergarten children about the story of the Wise Men following the Star:
What do you think the bright star looked like?
How do you think it shone so brightly that it could guide people so far away?*
Do you know any things in our world that are very special or shine like a star?*
The Wise Men were very wise. What does “wise” mean?
When have you seen someone act wisely, like the Wise Men did when they followed the star?*
Do you think the star showed them the right way, or did they have to think carefully about their next step?*
The Wise Men brought gifts for baby Jesus. What are some things you like to give to others?
Why do you think they gave these gifts? What do you think they hoped baby Jesus would like?*
How can we show kindness to others, just like the Wise Men showed kindness to Jesus?*
Where did the Wise Men go to see baby Jesus?
Do you think they traveled in a car, on a train, or some other special way?*
What do you think they saw when they got there?*
How can we listen for a special sign or guide in our lives, like the star led the Wise Men?*

Prayer Focus

Prayer for Preschoolers: The Wise Men’s Wonder Dear God, today we wonder at the bright star shining so high, Like the wise men following it, we trust in Your light, oh my! God, help us see Your love in the world, like the star guiding us, Just like the kings came to see You, help us love and believe. We thank You, God, for the gifts You gave the wise men so true, And for the gifts You give us, love, kindness, and Your grace for you! Dear Lord, help us follow Your way, with hearts full of joy and cheer, Just like the star led them to You, help us find our home in Thee!

Missions Spotlight

The Magi (wise men) likely came from Persia (modern-day Iran). Today, Iran has one of the fastest-growing church movements in the world. Many Iranians are discovering that the ‘star’ their ancestors may have followed leads to Jesus.

To the Cross

The wise men traveled a long, hard way to find Jesus. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Myrrh was used for burial , a sign that even at His birth, Jesus’ death was part of the plan. He came to be King AND Savior.

Teaching Tips

Analyze the Request:
Evaluate Constraints & Content:
Drafting the Tips:
Review against Specific Requirements:
Refining the “Hard Questions” for 3-5:
Final Polish of the 4 Tips:
Writing the Content: (Self-Correction: Ensure it explicitly mention
Engagement via Movement.
Engagement via Questions (adapted).
Engagement via Craft (help).
Engagement via Dynamics (partners).
Engagement: “Follow the Glow” – Kids move with the teacher using
Hard Questions: “Big Wonder Questions” – Instead of “Who found t
Small Group Dynamics: “Partner Pals” – 3-10 age range needs pair
Crafts: “Star Trail” – Needs help from adult.
Follow the Star Path: Kids move with flashlights.
Spark Wonder: Ask “What if” questions (Hard but simple).
Touch the Stars: Paper craft with help.
Buddy Time: Pair up for 3-10 group.
Final Polish of the 4 Tips:
Final Polish of the 4 Tips:
Write answers. (Yes)
Final Polish of the 4 Tips. (Yes)
6. Final Polish… 7. Writing the Content… (Yes)
Lesson: The Wise Men Follow the Star. (Yes)
Age: 3-5. (Yes)
English only. (Yes)
Hard questions. (Yes – as engagement tool).
Small-group dynamics. (Yes).
Under 4 points. (Yes).
Explicitly mention lesson content. (Yes).
Engagement: “Follow the Glow” – Kids move with the teacher using
Hard Questions: “Big Wonder Questions” – Instead of “Who found t
Small Group Dynamics: “Partner Pals” – 3-10 age range needs pair
Crafts: “Star Trail” – Needs help from adult.
Follow the Star Path: Kids move with flashlights.
Spark Wonder: Ask “What if” questions (Hard but simple).
Touch the Stars: Paper craft with help.
Buddy Time: Pair up for 3-10 group.
Final Polish of the 4 Tips:
Final Polish of the 4 Tips:
Write answers. (Yes)
Final Polish of the 4 Tips. (Yes)
6. Final Polish… 7. Writing the Content… (Yes)
Lesson: The Wise Men Follow the Star. (Yes)
Age: 3-5. (Yes)
English only. (Yes)
Hard questions. (Yes – as engagement tool).
Small-group dynamics. (Yes).
Under 4 points. (Yes).
Explicitly mention the lesson content. (Yes).
Final Polish of the 4 Tips:

Family Take-Home

This Sunday school lesson tells the story of wise men who followed a bright star to find baby Jesus, bringing him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their journey shows how God guides us when we seek Him with faith and courage, trusting even when the path isn’t always easy.

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