Preschool Outer Space Lesson Planning Ideas
Let's blast off to Outer Space this week and explore Astronauts, Planets, and Stars!
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Space Creativity
Add a variety of Outer Space open ended arts & crafts items to your Art Space this week including Space themed stickers, stencils, stamps, and cookie cutters.
Be sure to provide plenty of black and dark blue paper and markers this week.
A star paper punch and circle cutouts from card stock are also great additions this week.
Be sure to provide plenty of black and dark blue paper and markers this week.
A star paper punch and circle cutouts from card stock are also great additions this week.
*Galaxy Play Dough
Set up an invitation for your preschoolers to make Galaxy Play Dough, simply use your favorite play dough recipe to make black play dough and add purple and silver glitter.
Invite children to take the lead in deciding which colors to mix in and engage in creating the dough.
Invite children to take the lead in deciding which colors to mix in and engage in creating the dough.
Out of this World Cookie Cutters
Cookie cutters can be used in many ways in the early childhood classroom.
Make a fun snack using these cute outer space cookie cutters!
These can also be used as stamps in the art center, with play dough, or as stencils.
Make a fun snack using these cute outer space cookie cutters!
These can also be used as stamps in the art center, with play dough, or as stencils.
Magnet Painting
Explore magnetism with a fun Process Art exploration.
Add magnetic spherical objects such as magnetic marbles, or jingle bells. Use the paint trails they leave behind to describe orbital paths of each of the planets. As children tilt the tray or use the magnetic wand to paint, make a connection to manipulating the gravity of the planets' orbital path.
Add magnetic spherical objects such as magnetic marbles, or jingle bells. Use the paint trails they leave behind to describe orbital paths of each of the planets. As children tilt the tray or use the magnetic wand to paint, make a connection to manipulating the gravity of the planets' orbital path.
Recycled Space Art
Outer Space is a perfect theme to use up recyclables.
Children can make rocket ships from plastic bottles, telescopes from paper towel tubes and so much more! Set out a variety of recyclables along with space themed stickers, markers, paints, and glitter glue.
Children can make rocket ships from plastic bottles, telescopes from paper towel tubes and so much more! Set out a variety of recyclables along with space themed stickers, markers, paints, and glitter glue.
Hanging Planets
Create visual interest in your classroom by hanging inflatable balls in a variety of sizes from the ceiling to represent planets. Invite preschoolers to decorate plain white beach balls with permanent markers to look like planets.
Create a Model Planet
There are many ways for children to create their very own model planet. They can create a model planet based on an already discovered planet or make up a new one. Here are a few ideas:
- Provide Model Magic for students to create a planet of their choice. Once it's dry they can paint it.
- Provide paper plates and a variety of art materials for students to create their very own planet!
- Set out an invitation to create the moon using crumpled tin foil and scissors, cutting the foil is great for fine motor development.
- This is a great opportunity to work on rolling a ball with clay. Set out an invitation to use clay to create a planet.
Space Helmets
Sherry R. of Sherry's Kids created these adorable Astronaut helmets out of Fried Chicken buckets! What a fun idea for both creativity and pretend play!
Constellation Tube
Invite children to create a constellation tube.
Provide cardboard tubes from paper towels (you can cut in half if desired), black construction paper, and a rubber band.
Wrap the construction paper over one end of the tube and secure with the rubber band or tape.
Adults use a pin to poke holes in the paper. Then children can look through to see the "constellation" created from the light coming through the holes.
For added fun invite children to decorate the tube using markers or star stickers first.
Provide cardboard tubes from paper towels (you can cut in half if desired), black construction paper, and a rubber band.
Wrap the construction paper over one end of the tube and secure with the rubber band or tape.
Adults use a pin to poke holes in the paper. Then children can look through to see the "constellation" created from the light coming through the holes.
For added fun invite children to decorate the tube using markers or star stickers first.
More Creativity Ideas
- Galaxy Dough recipe from Growing a Jeweled Rose
- *Marbled Planets from I Heart Crafty Things
- Squishy Paint Suns from Fun in PreK 1
- Telescope to see the Stars from Things to Share and Remember
- Moon Dust Paint Recipe from Learn Play Imagine
- Paper Plate Astronaut Helmet from Toddler Approved
Add a variety of Astronaut Dress Up Items to your Dramatic Play Space this week. Some items include rubber boots, rubber gloves, and Astronaut Costumes.
Create a pretend rocket in your space with chairs, or out of cardboard. You can also create a command station with old Keyboards, Telephones, or recycled electronics with buttons and switches.
Create a pretend rocket in your space with chairs, or out of cardboard. You can also create a command station with old Keyboards, Telephones, or recycled electronics with buttons and switches.
This adorable Outer Space Dramatic Play area was shared
by community member Victoria S.
by community member Victoria S.
Community member Ashtynn A. created this fun command center!
I loved how she incorporated recycled electronics!
I loved how she incorporated recycled electronics!
Terrea D. of Adventurous Learning Unlimited Daycare
created this fabulous dramatic play space for her Outer Space them.
created this fabulous dramatic play space for her Outer Space them.
Erica P. also created this adorable spaceship control center.
Erica P. of Erica's Educare Learning Center created this adorable Jet Pack
from Soda Bottles. You can see a tutorial from Doodle Craft on how to make a similar one.
from Soda Bottles. You can see a tutorial from Doodle Craft on how to make a similar one.
More Dramatic Play Ideas
- Get your own Free printable Space Station Control Panel printable from Veggie Smugglers
Here's a fun space pun to pull out this week:
"I’m currently reading a book on anti-gravity and it’s impossible to put it down"
Once the laughter is tamed from that clever pun, break out one of these impossible-to-put-down books!
"I’m currently reading a book on anti-gravity and it’s impossible to put it down"
Once the laughter is tamed from that clever pun, break out one of these impossible-to-put-down books!
*Starry Night Letter Matching File Folder Game
Practice uppercase and lowercase letter matching with this fun Starry Night file folder game included in the PKPF Outer Space Activity Pack.
Outer Space Sight Words
Set up the Spaceship and Astronaut sight words set from the Pre-K Printable Fun Editable Sight Words Pack (currently a Pre-K Printables Club Exclusive). Use this set to practice name and sight word recognition!
Cloud Dough Writing Tray
Put cloud dough in a writing tray along with space themed letter cards for moon sand writing.
Rhyming Read Aloud
Learning to identify rhyming words is an important pre-reading skill for young children. Learning to identify and recite rhyming words supports phonological awareness.
Read the book Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton (or listen to the read aloud below) to learn a little about space travel and a lot about rhyming.
Follow-up this read aloud by challenging children to identify the rhyming words throughout the book. Use the book as a tool in this activity, or create word cards to explore together.
Read the book Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton (or listen to the read aloud below) to learn a little about space travel and a lot about rhyming.
Follow-up this read aloud by challenging children to identify the rhyming words throughout the book. Use the book as a tool in this activity, or create word cards to explore together.
An Out of this World Story
Extend the Rhyming Read Aloud activity by inviting children to use the rhyming words they came up with in a fun story about outer space.
Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton
More Language & Literacy Ideas
Spell a Star Sensory Bin from My Mundane and Miraculous Life
Smashing ABC Rocks from Stir the Wonder
Smashing ABC Rocks from Stir the Wonder
Push Light Planets from Play At Home Mom LLC
Moon Sand Sensory Bin from Totally Tots
Smashing ABC Rocks from Stir the Wonder
Smashing ABC Rocks from Stir the Wonder
Push Light Planets from Play At Home Mom LLC
Moon Sand Sensory Bin from Totally Tots
There are so many fun books to explore about Outer Space. Be sure to add and read aloud both fiction and non-fiction books this week.
Here are a few fantastic book choices for Outer Space.
Here are a few fantastic book choices for Outer Space.
My Best Pop-up Space Book by DK
Space for Kids who Really Love Space by Roger Priddy
ABC Universe by American Museum of Natural History
If You Decide to go to the Moon by Faith McNulty
On the Launch Pad by Michael Dahl
Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton
Space for Kids who Really Love Space by Roger Priddy
ABC Universe by American Museum of Natural History
If You Decide to go to the Moon by Faith McNulty
On the Launch Pad by Michael Dahl
Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton
Outer SPace 3-Part Cards & Sensory Play
Learn Outer Space vocabulary using the 3-part cards included in the PKPF Outer Space Activity Pack. Set up a sensory bin with black beans or aquarium gravel, then add the 3-part cards. Children can search for matching cards or match-up the cards to space themed accessories in the bin.
Outer Space Sensory Bin
Set up an Outer Space Sensory Bin like this one created by Pre-K Fun Community member Erica P. of Erica's Educare Learning Center. You can use black and white beans or aquarium gravel for the base. The figures can be found at the dollar store or in a set like this from amazon.
Sensory Exploration Ideas
There are many fun materials that can be added to the sensory bin during Outer Space Week.
Consider adding: moon sand (8 cups flour to 1 cup baby oil), black aquarium gravel, dried black beans, dried coffee grounds, kinetic sand, galaxy slime, black/blue/purple water beads, lava rocks, or dirt.
Add accessories such as mini space toys, balls of aluminum foil, marbles, & star cutouts.
Consider adding: moon sand (8 cups flour to 1 cup baby oil), black aquarium gravel, dried black beans, dried coffee grounds, kinetic sand, galaxy slime, black/blue/purple water beads, lava rocks, or dirt.
Add accessories such as mini space toys, balls of aluminum foil, marbles, & star cutouts.
Star Gazing
Use an app like Night Sky to explore a virtual representation to identify stars, planets, and constellations.
Build Constellations
Read a fun book about constellations, such as Zoo in the Sky by Jacqueline Mitton (see video below or purchase here) and then set out mini marshmallows (could also use play dough) and toothpicks as an invitation for children to create their own constellations.
Gravity Exploration
Spark discussion about gravity. This would be a great activity do do during circle time.
Place an object (something stable yet light that won't move when you take your hands away from it, such as a plushie or foam block) on the ground, hold it in your hands while it is still touching the ground.
Remove your hands from the object, pulling them away from the sides (the object should not move).
Ask children what happened to the object, did it move? did anything change?
Now, hold the object higher and simply drop it, be sure to make it clear that you are only dropping the object and not throwing it.
Ask the children again to describe what happened. If your child knows something about gravity they may say so! Either way, use this as an opportunity to introduce the topic and talk more about it.
Learn more about gravity by exploring the book Gravity is a Mystery by Franklyn Branley.
Extension:
If you have captivated your child's interest you can extend this activity to talk about force. Invite them to drop bouncy balls from different heights to see if the distance they drop from makes the balls bounce higher or lower.
Remember you are simply introducing these concepts. Inserting vocabulary is always fantastic for young children, other than that they are just becoming aware that gravity and force exist. Later on they will use this base knowledge to learn more about these topics.
Place an object (something stable yet light that won't move when you take your hands away from it, such as a plushie or foam block) on the ground, hold it in your hands while it is still touching the ground.
Remove your hands from the object, pulling them away from the sides (the object should not move).
Ask children what happened to the object, did it move? did anything change?
Now, hold the object higher and simply drop it, be sure to make it clear that you are only dropping the object and not throwing it.
Ask the children again to describe what happened. If your child knows something about gravity they may say so! Either way, use this as an opportunity to introduce the topic and talk more about it.
Learn more about gravity by exploring the book Gravity is a Mystery by Franklyn Branley.
Extension:
If you have captivated your child's interest you can extend this activity to talk about force. Invite them to drop bouncy balls from different heights to see if the distance they drop from makes the balls bounce higher or lower.
Remember you are simply introducing these concepts. Inserting vocabulary is always fantastic for young children, other than that they are just becoming aware that gravity and force exist. Later on they will use this base knowledge to learn more about these topics.
More Science & Discovery Ideas
- Space Water Bead Sensory Bin from 3 Dinosaurs
- Star Gazing Box from The Wonder Years
Blast Off Color Matching Activity
Preschoolers will love these colorful rockets as they engage in this Blast Off Color matching game included in the PKPF Outer Space Activity Pack.
Outer Space Count and Clip Cards
Out of this world math fun with these Outer Space Count & Clip cards included in the PKPF Outer Space Activity Pack.
Moon sequencing
Cut out a few phases of the moon from cardstock. Invite children to line them up in order.
See this description from kiddle that describes the phases of the moon, use as reference before and during the activity.
See this description from kiddle that describes the phases of the moon, use as reference before and during the activity.
*Planet Line-Up
Place planets in order away from the sun with this activity included in the PKPF Outer Space Activity Pack.
Straw Rockets
Practice counting backwards and measurement with straw rockets.
See my Rocket Blast Off! blog post for free printable rockets and tutorial.
See my Rocket Blast Off! blog post for free printable rockets and tutorial.
Counting Backwards
Counting backwards is fun and an essential skill for preschoolers!
Utilize this theme to practice counting backward from ten during transitions! 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-blast off!
Utilize this theme to practice counting backward from ten during transitions! 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-blast off!
**Assessment Opportunity: Mathematics- Learning to count forward and then backward**
More Math Activity Ideas
*Invitation to Construct
Add a variety of open ended recycled parts to your building Area this week (both inside and out). Consider adding Cardboard Tubes, Astronaut Figures, Rocket Ships, Black and Dark Blue Felt, Stars and Planets.
add balled up foil to represent moon rocks
add balled up foil to represent moon rocks
*Galaxy Dough and Space Accessories
Make Galaxy Dough with your preschoolers this week, simply add glitter and purple, black, green or blue coloring to your favorite play dough recipe.
Add small Space themed figures for children to use with the Galaxy dough. These small world Space TOOB toys are perfect to add this week.
Add small Space themed figures for children to use with the Galaxy dough. These small world Space TOOB toys are perfect to add this week.
Align the Planets
Here is a fun activity to work on hand-eye-coordination and fine motor development. You will need: golf tees, marbles (ones that look similar to planets, like these, would be fantastic but not required), and a block of styrofoam (available here on amazon or in store in the craft section). Stick the golf tees in the styrofoam in a line. Children then place the planets on top of the golf tees. For an extra engaging learning experience, encourage them to put the planets in order from distance from the sun. **Teacher Tip: You can utilize the Planet Line Up Cards included in the Pre-K Printable Fun Outer Space Activity Pack for this activity.
Space Obstacle Course
Set up a planet obstacle course. Use a variety of materials from around the house to set this up. Some ideas: a small slide (to slide out of their rocket ship), pillows or jumping stones (moon rocks), laundry basket (large moon rock), tunnel (crawl into the rocket ship), balance beam (to walk between planets). At the start give the child a planet sticker, they then go through the obstacle course and place their sticker on a black piece of poster board that is at the end, then of course they do it all again!
*Outer Space Movement Cards
Use the Outer Space Gross Motor Cards to get bodies moving! Included in the Pre-K Printable Fun Outer Space Activity Pack.
*Space Puzzles
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Add these fun Space themed puzzles from the PKPF Outer Space Activity Pack for fine motor development.
Transportation Pattern Block Mats
The Transportation Pattern Block Mats pack includes this rocket ship pattern block mat. Pattern blocks are excellent for fine motor development and developing math skills.
Planet Race
Provide a variety of balls in different weights and colors, or simply use beach balls. Medicine balls and yoga balls would be a great addition for the physical benefit they provide.
Challenge children to hold the ball using both hands, holding low between their legs. Then roll the ball forward as hard as they can. See which "planet" can roll the furthest.
Alternate Play: Provide targets that the children need to roll the planets to. You could use circles drawn in chalk or hula hoops.
Challenge children to hold the ball using both hands, holding low between their legs. Then roll the ball forward as hard as they can. See which "planet" can roll the furthest.
Alternate Play: Provide targets that the children need to roll the planets to. You could use circles drawn in chalk or hula hoops.
More Physical Development Ideas
Counting to Calm
Counting backwards will come up naturally during Outer Space week.
This is a great opportunity to teach children that they can use counting, both forwards and backwards, to help manage emotions.
Add rocket ship images, plush rockets, and stickers to your calm down space this week. You can also consider an outer space themed number line to encourage and remind children to use this new tool.
The Calm Down Binder from PKPF includes a Counting Stars poster that you can feature during this week as well.
This is a great opportunity to teach children that they can use counting, both forwards and backwards, to help manage emotions.
Add rocket ship images, plush rockets, and stickers to your calm down space this week. You can also consider an outer space themed number line to encourage and remind children to use this new tool.
The Calm Down Binder from PKPF includes a Counting Stars poster that you can feature during this week as well.
Contribution
Children are learning that they have a responsibility to themselves and to others.
Studying Outer Space is a good opportunity to invite children to talk about contribution.
Earth needs the sun and moon to thrive. Earth needs the sun for light and warmth, plants rely on the sun for growth, we need plants for oxygen and food. Earth needs the moon for the gravity pull that creates high tides and slows the earth's rotation.
After discussing how the Sun and Moon contribute to earth, invite children to talk about how each of them contribute to the classroom.
Ask each child to name one way they contribute to the classroom. Then, invite children to talk about a way they have seen a classmate contribute to the classroom.
Studying Outer Space is a good opportunity to invite children to talk about contribution.
Earth needs the sun and moon to thrive. Earth needs the sun for light and warmth, plants rely on the sun for growth, we need plants for oxygen and food. Earth needs the moon for the gravity pull that creates high tides and slows the earth's rotation.
After discussing how the Sun and Moon contribute to earth, invite children to talk about how each of them contribute to the classroom.
Ask each child to name one way they contribute to the classroom. Then, invite children to talk about a way they have seen a classmate contribute to the classroom.
Day and Night Around the World
Talk to children about daytime and nighttime around the world.
Choose a location that has a completely different time of day from where you are to discuss. For example; in America during morning circle time, children in Australia would probably be sleeping.
Older preschoolers can benefit from this video explanation offered by DK.
This is a fun opportunity to talk about similarities and differences that your country has with others.
Choose a location that has a completely different time of day from where you are to discuss. For example; in America during morning circle time, children in Australia would probably be sleeping.
Older preschoolers can benefit from this video explanation offered by DK.
This is a fun opportunity to talk about similarities and differences that your country has with others.
Take a Virtual Field Trip
Learn more about Mars and take a look at the Mars Rover with this fun virtual field trip from PBS Our Solar System: Exploring Mars
Parent Engagement
- If any parents have an occupation or interest in space invite them to come and share something fun with the class.
- Ask parents to assist in setting up an Outer Space Dramatic Play Invitation.
- Request materials such as paper towel tubes, tin foil, beach balls, poster board, and model magic for this theme.
Community Involvement
- Ask the librarian at your local library to put together some books related to outer space that are age appropriate for your group!
- If you have any local astronauts invite them to your program to talk about their job and show off pictures.
- Take a trip to a local science museum or see if they will bring a field trip to you!
Assessment & Portfolios
Mathematics: Learning to count forward and backwards
This month is a great opportunity to naturally assess children's ability to count forwards and backwards. Engage students in many opportunities to count backwards from 5 or 10 (depending on age).
Keep sticky notes or a mini notepad in your pocket to make notes about counting skills.
Keep sticky notes or a mini notepad in your pocket to make notes about counting skills.
- Set up an invitation to play cooperatively in a pretend space station (see the dramatic play section).
- Planet scavenger hunt: Create or purchase paper or cardboard planet shapes. Trace the shapes onto dark blue or black poster board. Next, make sure the planets are labeled and hid around the classroom. Challenge students to work together to find all of the planets and place them on the board.
- Set up hula hoops in the yard to represent planets, mark each hula hoop with a picture label so children know where each planet is. Children draw a card and then travel to the planet they have drawn. **The Planet Line-Up Cards included in the Pre-K Printable Fun Outer Space Activity Pack would work great for this activity.
Time Capsule
Create a rocket ship time capsule. Invite your child to create a story about outer space to include along with a picture they drew and a photograph of themselves.
A rocket ship can be made from a 2-liter (or similar) bottle by cutting the cone and fins out of cardstock and taping to the bottle. Cut off the top of the bottle just below the neck (at the widest part), insert items then replace the top and secure with tape.
Bury in the yard or place in an out of the way place to be opened at a later date.
A rocket ship can be made from a 2-liter (or similar) bottle by cutting the cone and fins out of cardstock and taping to the bottle. Cut off the top of the bottle just below the neck (at the widest part), insert items then replace the top and secure with tape.
Bury in the yard or place in an out of the way place to be opened at a later date.
Moon Observation
Start a moon observation journal.
You can plan to observe the moon nightly, weekly, or follow a moon calendar (many can be found with a simple internet search for your area) or simply observe.
Provide your child with a notebook with blank pages or a write and draw journal.
They can draw pictures and/or make verbal descriptions for you to write for them (unless they can write on their own).
Giving verbal descriptions is an excellent skill for children to develop early. This helps with ability to follow directions and lead. Encourage them to describe where the moon is at in the sky ("Tonight the moon is hovering above the mountains").
You can provide support by helping them with the language. For example if they say "the moon is more over there" while pointing, you can respond "you're right, you noticed the moon is closer to the red house tonight"
You can plan to observe the moon nightly, weekly, or follow a moon calendar (many can be found with a simple internet search for your area) or simply observe.
Provide your child with a notebook with blank pages or a write and draw journal.
They can draw pictures and/or make verbal descriptions for you to write for them (unless they can write on their own).
Giving verbal descriptions is an excellent skill for children to develop early. This helps with ability to follow directions and lead. Encourage them to describe where the moon is at in the sky ("Tonight the moon is hovering above the mountains").
You can provide support by helping them with the language. For example if they say "the moon is more over there" while pointing, you can respond "you're right, you noticed the moon is closer to the red house tonight"
