We have done quite a few outer space themed activities from crafts to sensory bins to space themed hopscotch, enough to put together an outer space lesson plan for preschool and kindergarten aged kids. So here are activities, crafts, books, and music for a space unit for preschool and kindergarten.
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Space Themed Activities for Kids
MATH & LITERACY:Practice spelling space themed words while working on addition skills using this free printable space themed Scrabble math. It's a great way to introduce space vocabulary to kids too! And for extra learning, write the words in the boxes for some writing practice. To build language skills while working on visual scanning, try this free printable planets I Spy game.
CRAFT:
Engage those fine motor skills by making yarn wrapped planets. Turn them into a mobile to hang in your child's room or in the playroom.
GROSS MOTOR:
Head outdoors and make a giant rocket themed hopscotch to practice the names of the planets and the order of the planets.
SENSORY PLAY:
Make a space themed small world on the light table. Don't forget the moon dust! Or try making constellations on the light table. You could also try making planet themed sensory bins like our Earth inspired sensory bin.
FINE MOTOR:
Practice scissor skills with this sticky constellations activity. The yarn wrapped planets are also great for working on fine motor skills.
SCIENCE:
Explore magnetic properties by building some tin can rockets. These rockets are a great way to encourage some pretend play too!
BOOKS:
Here are two of our favorite space themed books for kids:
- The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara - A cute space themed telling of the classic The Three Little Pigs. I love the illustrations of the planets on the inside covers.
- There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System by Tish Rabe - We love the Cat in the Hat Learning Library books. This book is a great introduction to the solar system for kids.
MUSIC:
Here's a really catchy song called "Planets, Planets" by Music with Nancy.
