We spend the last couple of weeks working on our new interest in outer space. The kids were super interested to share what they already know about space and showed their enthusiasm for leaning things. To begin with, we brainstormed a quick list of things they knew and things they wanted to learn so we would be able to tackle it one at a time. :)
Of course we're also keeping up with the letter of the week, letter C. In addition to other letter activities, the children were excited to learn all about Constellations. What a perfect week to introduce this topic! We talked about the BIG DIPPER (one of the constellations) and that it is comprised of seven stars. Friends also viewed the humongous constellation chart in Blue Room and made their very own Big Dippers to hang in our room.
The Big Dipper view on our playground window ;)
We also made tubes like telescopes with the Big Dipper on the lense..
First we decorated the tubes with colors and stars..
Next they poked the seven stars of the dipper to help them see through,,,
Tada...the Big Dipper view in close proximity!
Working further on Constellations, we created our own constellations by having each friend pretend to be a star in space. One friend chose the next friend and soon our constellation was ready!
Next, They made their very own constellations and put their amazing art into words by telling us all about it. They named their constellations and also mentioned how many stars they used and where would they want their constellation to live in space!
Soon we started talking about planets and orbits and the sun and the moon -- you name it and we had it in our conversation this month.
Discussing the colors and shapes and place of planets in the solar system..
Creating our own solar system...
Friends looked at the colors of the planets and reflected that in their artwork very closely. They were keen to try the chalk pastels and put each finished planet into the collection box one by one..
Next we made the sun with paint and plastic wrap..it was sensorial, gooey, crinkley, and oozing out..
Next friends put all their colored planets around the sun the way they envisioned their solar system to be. I love how unique each one is...
Finally, they ended up adding silver glitter to add the starry effect :)
Check out our cool SPACE-Y wall :)
Friends also enjoyed working on puzzles...
The interest of children in this topic is growing each day. Our circle times are filled with great facts and information. Our children are focused and showing profound interest in learning every tidbit about space. You can often find them gathered around the big charts in our classrooms, standing, pointing, and discussing with each other what they see. They hold our hands and pull us towards those charts, asking us tons of interesting questions. We are excited to continue to countdown our journey to space!!!
Letter C activities...
Sensory with corn powder
Caterpillar painting...
Math with Cubes...
Letter C with Chalk Coloring...
During the J week, we worked on Jupiter..
Keep seeing you all around during our ongoing space exploration!
Hugs,
Teacher Rashida
