As a child growing up in North Carolina, the humid, sweltering summer nights were filled with fireflies. Those twinkling bugs lit up the whole night sky like flashes of fire against the dark and steamy backdrop. I loved running barefoot on the dry, prickly grass, catching those enigmatic creatures in a Ball mason jar as I slipped a tin lid poked with holes on top. Later that night, as the fan in my bedroom window would billow my white frilly curtains, I’d stare at my home-made night light and be captivated by how God, in all His infinite wisdom, would take the time to create such an interesting little insect. Join us as we explore an awesome Firely Writing Activity.
Then, I would remember from Sunday school, Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Perhaps this firefly serves as a poignant reminder to let our lights shine everywhere we go, especially in the darkness.
Years later, I still have a special spot in my heart for the firefly, aka lightning bug. Summer isn’t summer without these mysterious, glow-in-the-dark creations. It’s no wonder that we, at Obsessed with Learning, love to make resources with fireflies, from bulletin boards to crafts. We also love to create resources that hold deep meaning.
The theme of “Let Your Light Shine,” has biblical origins, and it’s a universal message. Students all over can resonate that we can choose to let our lights shine through our actions, words, and how we treat others. Our “Let Your Light Shine” resource is a perfect end-of-year send-off craft writing activity.
SEL Writing Activity: Let Your Light Shine
“I used this activity towards the end of the year with my first-grade students when they needed a review on kindness. They were also colorful and had many options for lined writing that were great to hang in the classroom for open house.” -Maria L.
Perhaps your students need a review on kindness, or you can help them reflect on character growth they’ve gained this school year as a final send-off into summer and the next grade level.
I love this resource because it’s also a fitting craft for the beginning of the school year, performing double duty. It would be a wonderful writing activity to complete after reviewing classroom rules and expectations and learning the importance of responsibility, classroom community, and kindness.
“This is one of my favorite beginning-of-the-year activities to do with my 3rd graders, and it fits perfectly with my classroom theme!” -Lydia W.
Since the beginning of the school year is when summer comes to an end, the firefly theme is especially fitting as well.
SEL Writing Activity: Let Your Light Shine Directions
Students answer three separate writing prompts for the “Let Your Light Shine,” theme on three mason jars. The three prompts are:
1. What are some of the things you will say?
2. How are you going to act in order to shine?
3. How are you going to treat others?
We have included various types of lined paper for this writing craft to accommodate all grades:
- Manuscript Lines for young writers
- Standard Lined Pages for neatness
- Blank Templates for budding artists
- Black and White Designs for easy printing: Color Versions to add flair
Once students answer the writing prompts, they can color and add the accompanying firefly clipart to make their mason jars light up.
Students can glue or teachers can staple the pages together to form a flipbook.
This activity promotes writing, creativity, character traits, growth mindset, and more.
Inspire Kindness and Faith: Firefly Bulletin Board Display
Brighten the halls of your classroom by putting the writing crafts on display with our matching bulletin boards.
If you work in a Christian school and would like to keep with the biblical theme of Matthew 5:16, then let your students’ faith glow with this Christian bulletin board. It’s the perfect match for your firefly writing craft and a bright way to shine for God.
(We’re offering our Christian school resources for just $1 as a way to encourage and equip Christian teachers.)
If you are going for a camping or Happy Camper theme, then this bulletin board will spark joy to display the Mason Jar Be a Light craft.
Firefly Picture Books
Add a picture book to this activity to make it a full reading and writing lesson. Below are some of our most favorite firefly picture books that promote kindness, perseverance, and letting your light shine, perfect to match the above writing craft.
- Leo the Lightning Bug by Eric Drachman
- This heartwarming story follows Leo, a little lightning bug who can’t make his light work. He feels left out and discouraged, but through patience, perseverance, and encouragement, Leo learns to shine in his own time. It’s a beautiful reminder that everyone’s light shines at the right moment, and to be kind to ourselves and others during the process.
- The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle
- In this classic by Eric Carle, a tiny firefly sets off into the night in search of companionship. Along the way, he meets many sources of light but not quite the friends he’s hoping for, until the heartwarming end when he finds his firefly family. This story is a gentle metaphor for belonging, and it reminds readers of the kindness and joy found in connection.
- Firefly Home by Jane Clarke, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup
- This interactive picture book tells the story of Florence, a little firefly who is lost and looking for her way back home. Readers are invited to help guide her through each page by following lights and making choices. Along the way, Florence learns to trust herself and discovers the kindness of others. The story celebrates perseverance, teamwork, and the power of helping someone find their way, which is a sweet metaphor for kindness and compassion.
Conclusion
And just like that, a simple firefly becomes something far greater than a summer memory for me. As an adult, I now run through the yard with my barefoot children, each with a Ball mason jar in their hands. My children’s faces light up when they see those flickers of gold dancing in the dusk. They remind me, again and again, that God designed each glowing creature with intention and purpose, just as He designed each of us and each of our students.
I hope this craft becomes a meaningful and purposeful activity for your classroom. Whether they’re starting a new grade, saying goodbye to a familiar classroom, or just learning what it means to be kind and courageous, this firefly writing activity gives them a chance to shine from the inside out. Sometimes, the lessons that stick with us the longest come from a warm night, a glowing jar, and a whisper of truth that we carry into the rest of our lives: Let your light shine.
