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Introducing Your Preschooler to Astronomy - Recreate the Night Sky
Helping your preschooler build an astronomy-related vocabulary is the perfect way to start your first astronomy lesson. Once your preschooler can identify the basic astronomical bodies by name, specifically the stars and moon, you will be able to discuss their functions. This preschool night sky activity is a good after dinner activity for the whole family.
What You Will Need
A dark sheet of construction paper
White construction paper cutouts of the moon (preferably in the stage that it is currently in)
White or yellow construction paper cutouts of stars
Tape
A white crayon or piece of chalk
A flashlight
Recreating the Night Sky
Begin by going outside when it is dark. Fall is a great time to get your preschooler out to gaze at the night sky. As it gets darker earlier, your preschooler will still be wide awake when the stars and moon are present. Make it fun by laying in the grass and staring up or going up to the top of outdoor play equipment.
1. Look up at the sky and point out the moon. Take your precut moon and have your preschooler tape it to the paper.
2. Identify the stars. Have your preschooler take the precut stars and tape them on the paper.
3. Talk about constellations. Have your preschooler take your chalk and connect a few of the stars on your paper to look like the Big Dipper.
4. Take your chalk and draw whatever you see in the sky. Can you see clouds? Draw them. When you are finished your piece of paper will be your preschooler's view of the night sky.
About Teaching Preschool Astronomy
Although your preschooler may not comprehend constellations right away, there is no harm in adding another vocabulary word and concept to their first astronomy lesson.
Identification of the stars and moon are the first steps to building an astronomical vocabulary. Once you build your preschoolers vocabulary it will be easier to introduce more complicated concepts.
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