Astronauts!

Space is such an incredible subject to get students interested in and learn about! We did our space unit about a month ago, but I still have yet to put away space props in dramatic play and space books in reading area because the kiddos are so interested in the subject!

used with permission of parent

We did everything from launch a rocket, become an astronaut, zoom past asteroids, stars, and planets, and even try astronaut ice cream, to creating amazing aliens. Simply incredible to see how much the kiddos are interested in space - it's a wonderful place.

The 3 main things I wanted the kiddos to learn during the week were:
1. stars make pictures called constellations
2. no oxygen in outer space so that is why astronauts wear helmets
3. the names of the planets

We talked about constellations, the kiddos really liked the idea of pictures in the sky, and shooting stars. Using styrofoam balls, foil and a few crepe paper ribbons, we created shooting stars that the kiddos ran around the room with after they finished.

However, our main event of the entire week was to become astronauts.

• I gathered up large paper bags from a local Kroger and folded up the opening until it was 1/3 of the way rolled up.
• Then I cut a large face opening in the middle to create the visor area of an astronaut helmet.

The kiddos then used their fine motor skills to make sure the astronauts helmets were up to code on star stickers and colored markings. ;D


Let's face it, it's pretty hard even as adults to remember the names of all the planets. My first thought was, "How am I ever going to get preschoolers to remember?" Then divine intervention hit me - through song.

Here is the song I have used for the past two years to get students to remember the planets in order, thanks to www.everythingpreschool.com 

Planet Song (sung to the tune of Ten Little Indians)

Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
and the very smallest of all
is Pluto.


YES, I do know Pluto is not considered a planet anymore and YES, I was a great teacher and conveyed the news to my class that it is now considered a dwarf planet. No worries!