Twinkle, twinkle, little star

To provide a simple presentation telling the Christmas story.

by Jan Edmunds

Suitable for Key Stage 1

Aims

To provide a simple presentation telling the Christmas story.

Preparation and materials

• Decide how best to use the material for a class presentation.

• Simple costumes will add to the interest. Placing is very important. For very young children the singing would be better done in small groups rather than by individuals with tiny inaudible voices. These could be positioned in front of the stage.
• Narration could be done by the teacher or by older children.
• As each verse is sung the characters mentioned could enter and gradually the nativity scene will assemble on stage.
• The words are sung to the tune of ‘Twinkle, twinkle, little star’.

Assembly

1. A group of children dressed as stars dance on to the stage to the tune of ‘Twinkle, twinkly’. When the dance has finished they form a small group seated to the left of stage. One of them, representing ‘Twinkle Twinkle’, remains standing.
2. The little star had been shining from the sky for two thousand years and had seen many wonderful things. This is its story:
   
   Group1
   Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
   how we wonder what you are.
   Up above the world so high
   like a diamond in the sky.
   Twinkle Twinkle, little star,
   how we wonder what you are.
   
   Group 2
   Twinkle Twinkle, little star,
   shining from the sky so far.
   Tell us what we want to know
   just what happened years ago.
   Twinkle Twinkle, little star,
   shining from the world so far.
   
   Group 3
   In a stable Christ was born
   on that special Christmas morn.
   Angels came to visit him,
   Baby Jesus, new-born king.
   In a stable Christ was born
   on that special Christmas morn.
   
   Group 4
   Little star, you had to do
   what you were expected to.
   So you shone so very bright,
   guiding many with your light.
   Little star, you had to do
   what you were expected to.
   
   Group 5
   Angels told the shepherds poor
   what your light was shining for.
   They were guided by your light
   in the darkness of the night.
   Angels told the shepherds poor
   what your light was shining for.
   
   Group 6
   Then to follow came three kings
   with them brought three special things.
   By the angels, we were told,
   myrrh and frankincense and gold.
   Then to follow came three kings
   with them brought three special things.
   
   Group 7
   Twinkle Twinkle, little star,
   now we know just what you are.
   Up above the world so high,
   like a diamond in the sky.
   Twinkle Twinkle, little star,
   now we know just what you are.

Time for reflection

If appropriate, light a candle, and ask the children to concentrate on the flame as they reflect on the story they have told.

We have told the story of the little star and the story of the first Christmas.

When you look up into the night sky we hope that you will remember this story and the special meaning of Christmas. Happy Christmas everyone.

Song/music

‘Little star’ (Come and Praise, 126)