For parents, carers and teachers. This pack is written for adults to print and lead. Learners should not sign up for anything. One adult email is enough for the whole class.
First Creation Class Pack (45 minutes)
Take a group from blank page to one finished pixel character they can keep. Stardust opens every session with one imagining prompt, so start there and let learners surprise you.
Two pages when printed. Works from this file with no connection after download.
What you need
A browser on each device. No install, no account for learners, no paid software.
Pixel Character Studio: /tools/pixel-studio.html on jvdesignstudio.co.uk
Start Here guide if anyone gets stuck: /workshops/start-here.html
Printed pages 2 and 3 below, or one copy per table to share.
Session plan
Time
Step
What you do
0 to 5
Imagine
Read one Stardust prompt aloud. Each learner picks a character idea in one sentence.
5 to 10
Learn
Show the tool once on your screen. Draw three squares, undo, save. That is enough.
10 to 30
Create
Learners draw a 16 by 16 character. Walk the room, name one good choice you see in each piece.
30 to 40
Play and share
Pairs swap screens and test: does it read at small size. Export PNG to keep.
40 to 45
Improve
Each learner writes one change for next time on the reflection slip below.
Activity cards (cut and share)
Card A: Draw it
Draw a helper for Stardust. Pick two: hat or hood, stripes or spots, cape or backpack. Keep to four colours.
Card B: Save it
Press Save in the tool. Check the file is on this device.
Press Export PNG. Keep the file with the learner name and date.
Tick the box: I can open my PNG again from the folder.
Card C: Reflect (Echo prompt)
Finish these two lines: My character is good at ___ . Next time I will change ___ .
Checklist for the adult leading
Tested /tools/pixel-studio.html on the school browser before the lesson.
Checked saving works on one learner device first.
Named the shared folder for exports (for example First Characters, October).
Collected reflection slips or photos of finished work as evidence.
Safeguarding and practical notes
Learners do not need accounts and should not enter personal details into any form.
Only the adult subscribes to the newsletter. Use the download link on the newsletter page, /newsletter.html, and keep the email for yourself.
If the network fails, switch to paper squares on the grid below and continue. The ideas transfer next lesson.
Next steps after the session
Try the Start Here path at /workshops/start-here.html for a second session.
Parents can read /parents and teachers can read /pages/teachers.html for more guidance.
Keep one finished piece per learner. That kept piece is the win to build on.
Free for classroom and home use. JVDesignStudio, 2026.