In honor of launching the first 3 books in The Prophet Series we are sharing some moon related crafts..

As we welcome the start of Ramadan with the birth of the new moon, this moon phase hanging can be a useful way for you to talk about the moon’s cycle with your child/children, many of which are probably noticing the changing shapes of the moon. This can add to your Ramadan decor or just be a beautiful hanging in your child’s room.

If you’d like to get your child involved, I have also included some book suggestions which can complement the activity. We hope you like the idea and that it helps cultivate curiosity in your home.

Supplies:

To start with you will need:

Felt (preferably a thicker felt that won’t tear easily)
Something circular (which will be the size of your moon, I used a food storage container)
Pen/pencil
Scissors
Glue Gun
Rice (or any bean/filler that you wish to use. We used ~1 1/2 cups)
String (for hanging). 6 equal pieces between each moon and a seventh piece to form a loop for hanging.

Step 1:

Draw eight circles on your felt and cut them out.

Step 2:

Form a crescent shape on one of the circles so when you cut it you have a crescent and a semi circle shape. Use this as a template to cut 3 other circles in the same way (I found cutting two at a time worked well).
Cut two of the circles in half (this will form two half moons)
Leave the last two circles whole (this will of course be the full moon)

Step 3:

Pair the pieces and glue the edges together with a glue gun, leaving a small opening to add the filling. Note: The crescent shapes can be a little fiddly so if you’re doing this with your child you may need to assist more with this. Once each is filled, use the glue gun to seal the the opening. It is best not to over fill as this will make it harder to seal.

If you’re handy with a needle and thread these can also be sewn together.

At this point you can leave them as they are and use them as a learning tool or as moon toss beanbags :).

We have strung ours together and are using it as a wall hanging. You can string by sticking the string with the glue gun or sewing them on.

Book Recommendations:

As mentioned above, here are some fun books you can use to facilitate conversation around the moon.

It’s Ramadan, Curious George - Hena Khan
Ramadan Around The World - Ndaa Hassan
Night of the Moon - Hena Khan

We hope you enjoy!

Don’t forget to tag us @lunar_learners if you try this craft!

Moon Phase Hanging