This Little Light of Mine

On New Years Day, I taught the preschool class at church (I teach that class about once every five weeks).  I had decided it was high time we work on a new song, as we’ve been singing Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star since October, and if I have to hear it one more time, I will rip my hair out.  Oh.  Wait.  Anyway.  I decided to work on “This Little Light of Mine” with them, and thought it would be cute to make candles with the kids.  NO.  Not real candles.

To make these fun candles, you’ll need…

Sturdy Recycled Craft Rolls – 24 Pieces (Item # ARTROLL)Perfect Stix Jumbo Craft Sticks 6Scrapbook PaperPacon Lightweight Construction Paper, 9-Inches by 12-Inches, Assorted Colors, 500 Count (6555)

You’ll also need…
Cardstock or paperboard
Glue sticks
A loaded stapler

 You can use 4×6 scrapbook paper, if you won’t have time to cut the scrapbook paper to fit.

The day before class, I used a lid from a 32 ounce cup to draw circles on paperboard and cut them out to use as the candle bases. Before the kids arrived in class, I affixed black construction paper circles to the paperboard, so they would be more attractive.  I also cut out the flames from yellow construction paper and affixed them to the tongue depressors.  I cut slits in the approximate center of the paperboard circles.

During class, we went over “This Little Light of Mine” a few times.  When craft time arrived, each child chose a patterned piece of paper for the outside of their candle.  After each child glued their candle cover on the tube, my classroom helper and I cut the base of each tube in four places, evenly spaced (if looking a clock, it would be at 12, 3, 6, and 9).  This allowed us to bend flaps outward from the tube.  We removed two (opposing) flaps, and used the other two to affix the candle stick to the candle base with the stapler.  After affixing the candle to the base, I slid the tongue depressor with flame through slit in the bottom of the paperboard circle.

The next time we sang “This Little Light of Mine” I showed the kids how they could pull the tongue depressor down to make the flame disappear when they sing, “won’t let Satan blow it out”  or “hide it under a bushel.”

 

I have to tell you, I was a bit surprised by how well this project went over.  The kids LOVED it.  They really enjoyed making the flame disappear!  After church, I had the opportunity to speak with some of the parents, and they liked it, too!  Then our Worship Leader’s wife saw it, and fell in love.  She said she thought it would be perfect for the Easter program, and even mentioned it to her husband (the Worship Leader) and our Senior Pastor.

LOL… guess I’ll be hearing “This Little Light of Mine” for a few months now.

This Little Light of Mine Lyrics

This little light of mine… I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine… I’m gonna let it shine
This little light of mine… I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine… Let it shine… Let it shine

Hide it under a bushel Oh no! I’m going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel Oh no! I’m going to let it shine
Hide it under a bushel Oh no! I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine… Let it shine… Let it shine

Won’t let Satan blow it out! I’m going to let it shine
Won’t let Satan blow it out! I’m going to let it shine
Won’t let Satan blow it out! I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine… Let it shine… Let it shine

Is it stuck in your head now, too?  Good.  LOL.