My husband is a space fanatic. He knows all the astronauts, all the moon missions, all the space craft and equipment. When he plays with the girls, it is almost always something space related. They build rockets out of Duplos. He builds them a spaceship out of pillows. He bounces them on his knees as he flies them to the moon. It goes on and on.
This Outer Space Preschool Theme Week was fun for everyone! We spread it out over two weeks, since we were busy trying to finish up our summer to-do list before my husband goes back to teaching this week. Take a peek at all our crafts, activities, and learning fun!
If you regularly do preschool using weekly themes, be sure to check out Over 30 COMPLETE Weekly Preschool Theme Units that we've completed as well as my entire list of 52 Weekly Preschool Themes. You may also want to check out of Daily Home Preschool Schedule and this handy FREE Printable Preschool Planning Page.
If you regularly do preschool using weekly themes, be sure to check out Over 30 COMPLETE Weekly Preschool Theme Units that we've completed as well as my entire list of 52 Weekly Preschool Themes. You may also want to check out of Daily Home Preschool Schedule and this handy FREE Printable Preschool Planning Page.
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Sun, Earth, and Moon Craft
A main goal of mine for our outer space week was to show the girls the basics of how the solar system works. We made an earth, moon, and sun using several different art techniques and them combined them with brads to show the rotations.
First we made our suns, using homemade finger paint from No Time for Flashcards. I made red and yellow paint, and they covered a page in a swirly, mixy mess.
Both of my girls are sort of clean freaks, and did NOT like using their hands with this paint. Haha! They ended up using the backs of spoons to spread the paint.
We let them dry, pressed them flat, and then cut them into circles. The paint was a little bit flaky, so I decided to laminate the Suns. This also ended up helping the brad and other components of this project rotate more freely.
Next we made our Earths. It had been a while since we used watercolor paint, and I had been looking for a good opportunity to do so. This seemed perfect!
Lena really did a great job; she got a good understanding of how adding additional water makes the colors lighter, and how they colors sort of blend together where they meet. (*Using special watercolor paper makes a HUGE difference when using watercolor paint. I highly recommend splurging on a small pack of quality paper.*)
She worked VERY diligently on her Earth, and even asked for a picture that she could copy. Again, we let these dry, cut them into circles, and then laminated them.
Finally we made our moons. I mixed white tempera paint with a little bit of flour, to give the paint some texture. The girls painted black sheets of paper, then used a bottle cap to press in 'craters'. These were also cut into circles and laminated.
Next I just poked holes in the center of the circles with scissors, and attached them all together with brads and strips of card stock (the long piece is two strips taped together). Then the girls could see how the Earth goes around the Sun, and the moon goes around the Earth. Of course it's not even close to scale, but the girls got the general idea.
I loved that this project took several days to complete. They knew that we were working towards something bigger and seemed to get more excited each day as we added a component.
Jet Packs
It wouldn't be outer space week without jet packs! First we tried painting them with white tempera paint, and while it was great painting practice, it just flaked off immediately after it dried. I should have known better.
No worries. I was just going to set this project aside, but Lena remembered and asked about it again later. Sure! We tried again, and had a much better result. Click over here to learn all about how to (successfully) make them! Someone had trouble standing still for a picture!
Picture Books
Here is our fantastic book list for outer space. It includes tons of great fiction and non-fiction selections. While you're at it, check out all my other book lists!
Space Puzzles
It feels like every week I feature Melissa and Doug puzzles! We love them, and we have a ton. This week we used their Space Voyage puzzle and tried to identify all of the planets that are pictured.
We also have and LOVE this puzzle from P'kolino. It is a multi-solution puzzle, which means that many of the pieces can go in several different places. This is fantastic for helping children to develop spatial skills, and also makes it easier for young children to complete.
Television
Over the last couple weeks, the girls watched several episodes of The Magic School Bus, which is available on Netflix, and for $1.99 per episode through Amazon Instant video. After they watch something like this, I see it reflected in their imaginative play, so I know they're learning!
Episode 101 is "Lost in Space," Episode 211 is "Out of This World" (all about Space Rocks), and Episode 407 is "See Stars".
Space Snack
There is nothing fancy about this snack! Trader Joe's makes these cute rocket cheese crackers and star shaped cookies. You could also cut cheese or fruit with a little star cookie cutter if you don't live near a Trader Joe's.
Outer Space Words
I LOVE all the great printables that other bloggers have made for different preschool themes. Sometimes I use them! This week, though, I just decided to write some space words with a highlighter, then have Lena read them and trace them for handwriting practice.
As she was working, I pointed out letters to Maggie and we did letter sound practice.
Don't forget that your materials for home preschool don't have to be fancy, and they don't have to take a lot of time to prepare! If you enjoy it and have the time, then by all means, prepare nice materials! However, if you don't like to print, cut, laminate, and sort, remember that you can still put together an awesome preschool program for your little ones.
Duplo Rockets (with counting, pattern, and symmetry lesson)
Like I mentioned earlier, my girls have made more than their share of rockets out of Duplos. I decided to use that experience base to work on some simple math skills and concepts.
Maggie and I practiced counting. Then we worked on patterns, which we've never done before. I just started with a basic ABAB pattern. I added a few blocks then asked her what color should come next.
Lena built more complex rockets, and I guided her towards making them symmetrical.
Need even more ideas for an outer space week? Follow the Cutting Tiny Bites on Pinterest or check out the Outer Space Theme board below!
You May Also Be Interested In:
Space Theme Grid Games for Preschoolers from Stay At Home Educator
Outer Space Sensory Bin from Stir The Wonder
Solar System Scavenger Hunt from Mom Inspired Life
Outer Space Box Fort from Laly Mom
Outer Space Sensory Bin from Stir The Wonder
Solar System Scavenger Hunt from Mom Inspired Life
Outer Space Box Fort from Laly Mom
