Celebrating World Space Week in your Early Learning Centre
World Space Week, an international celebration held from 4 to 10 October, is designed to excite young people about science, technology, engineering, and math’s. It offers a fantastic opportunity for early learning centres to inspire curiosity and excitement about space among children. Here are some engaging activity ideas we’ve compiled to captivate young minds:
Space-Themed Story Time
Select age-appropriate books that explore the wonders of space. Stories like ‘What How and Why Space Book’ can introduce children to astronauts, planets, and the concept of space travel. Follow up with discussions about what they found fascinating. They’re also a great visual aid to help children understand what space looks like so they can truly immerse themselves in the other activities you may have planned.
Star Gazing Crafts
Create simple star gazing crafts using black construction paper and white crayons or chalk. Children can draw constellations or their imaginary space scenes, promoting creativity and fine motor skills.
Rocket Ship Building
This activity is sure to be a hit! Gather recyclable materials such as cardboard tubes, foil, and paper plates. Let the children design and build their own rocket ships. This activity encourages teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Planet Exploration Sensory Bins
Shake up your sensory play with a space theme! Fill bins with materials representing different planets. For instance, sand for Mars, water beads for Neptune, or rocks and pebbles for the Moon. Children can explore these sensory bins, enhancing tactile senses and learning about planetary characteristics. Take it one step further with our very special Sensory Mood Discovery Table and Space Set.
Astronaut Dress-up and Role Play
Create a dress-up corner with space suits, helmets, and other space gear. Role-playing as astronauts allows children to immerse themselves in the space exploration adventure, expanding their imaginative play and social interaction skills. You could even add a backdrop to make it extra realistic!
Musical Journey to Space
Introduce songs related to space, like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or “Five Little Men in a Flying Saucer.” Incorporate musical instruments and encourage children to create their own space-themed tunes, combining music with learning.
Space Art Projects
Provide children with paints, sponges, and brushes to create their own space-themed artworks. From painting planets to designing alien landscapes, offer an assortment of materials to let their imagination soar.
To celebrate World Space Week, we’re having a sale that’s out of this world! Enjoy savings on a variety of space-related resources that the children in your early learning centre will love to infinity and beyond. Click here to shop the sale.
Tags: learning activities
