3-2-1 Blast off! It’s almost impossible not to be awed by Space. Right?
Last year my kids developed a huge interest in space and we spent months learning about the planets, space travel, and the International Space Station. I think I learned almost as much as they did.
If your little one is fascinated by stars and outerspace, then this is the perfect story time for you. It has great read alouds, fun songs, and fantastic activities all about outer space.
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Exploring Stars and Space Story Time
Let’s start with read alouds. You can find a full list of amazing books about Outer Space and Astronauts here, but below are my favorites for reading aloud.
Books about Stars and Space
How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
Once there was a little boy who loved stars and wants to catch one. So begins this beautiful story about a creative child and their inventive attempts for catching a star. I love how Jeffers views children and childhood. His books always have an air of dreaming and wonder to them. 3+
On The Launch Pad: A Counting Book About Rockets by Michael Dahl
A simple countdown from 12 stars twinkle in the morning sky and 11 workers take care of tasks to ONE shining rocket blasting off to the sky. Perfect introduction to the exciting event of a takeoff for a little one. 2+
Mousetronaut Goes to Mars by Astronaut Mark Kelly
This adorable book follows the adventures of a mouse astronaut, Meteor. He is determined to be apart of the first human misson to Mars. Children will be rooting along for this little mouse hero. 3+
Moonshot by Brian Floca
We are huge fans of Brian Floca and this book is no exception. Stunning illustrations, fascinating information, and amazing retelling of the story of Apollo 11 for the next generation. 5+
More Space Books: 15+ Picture Books about Astronauts & Outer Space
Songs about Stars and Planets
Planets, Planets from Music With Nancy
My kids still sing this song all the time and it is absolutely how they learned the names of the planets. Such a simple and fun song.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
This is a classic song so you probably already know the words. If you want to add a little extra fun, watch this video – the second time through they throw in some cute hand motions.
If You’re Going to the Moon
This is such a cute song for story time. I learned it from the Jbrary librarians. My kids love this one too.
Table Invitations about Stars and Space
There are seemingly endless possibilities for extensions when you start exploring space. Here are some of our favorites.
Outerspace Word Building
I put this on their shelf during our Space Unit to practice making words and recognizing lowercase letters. The tray is from the Melissa and Doug magnetic letters. The right side has magnetic letters and the right side has cards with space themed words written down.
Materials
- Tray or Basket (this one is from a Melissa and Doug toy)
- Letters (these are our Melissa and Doug magnetic letters)
- Index Cards
- Sharpie
To Make
Write simple space themed words on index cards. Put the letters needed to create the words in the tray with the index cards.
To Play
Introducing a new material to your child before they use it independently is often a good idea. In this case, after our story time, I pulled out the tray and we did a few words together. Afterwards, this tray was added to their shelf for independent work.
Also Read:
Women in Space Storytime
During story time we built the word STARS and SPACE together.
I held up the first word on a card and asked if they knew what it said. They weren’t sure, so I modeled sounding it out.
Next I asked if they could help me build the word with our letters. They were eager to help so I asked what letter we needed first. They called out S!
One preschooler found the S for us and then we checked the card again to see what letter came next. T!
We continued until we had built the whole word. You can stop there or build a second one giving them the lead on the activity and just helping where needed.
This is an easy literacy activity to do for any interest unit.
More Stars + Space Activities
Literacy Activities
15+ Picture Books about Astronauts & Outer Space from My Storytime Corner
Star Blends Puzzles from Sea of Knowledge
Outerspace Moonshot Inspired Puppet Show from Bambini Travel
Storytime about the Moon from My Storytime Corner
Math Activities
Create Your Own Star Stamps from The Educators’ Spin On It
Sensory Activities
DIY Cardboard Space Shuttle from Mama Smiles
Solar System Sensory Bottle from Inspiration Laboratories
Shooting Star Spinner Toy from Teach Beside Me
Science Activities
Edible Mars Soil Space Experiment from Preschool Powol Packets
Printable Constellation Mats from JDaniel4’s Mom
Ball Solar System and Simple Gravity Experiment from Bambini Travel
Pre-K Into Space International Space Station Unit from Bambini Travel
