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Objective:
Creating ways to explore outer space
Skill Development: Dramatic Play
Minimum Age: Preschool
Messiness: Low
Materials
3...2...1... Blast Off
Our Dramatic Play center is complete with our very own Space Station. They will be learning through play as they explore Outer Space, dig for moon rocks, and even try out some Astronaut Ice Cream.
Creating Moon Rocks:
Bring out some magnetic letters and pull some foil out of the cupboard. I set out the foil in a pile of precut pieces and the children had so much fun wrapping (or "hiding") the letters inside of the foil.
Moon Rock Exploration:
Now it's time to Explore! The moon rocks (foil covered magnetic letters) are placed into our sensory bin along with science goggles, magnifying glasses, and sensory jumbo tweezers.
{These tweezers from S&S Worldwide are great for little preschool hands. They increase fine motor skills and encourage the correct grip for learning to write}
Dramatic Play:
Children (and most people) learn best by doing. Pretend Play is important as it allows children to explore the environment around them safely. Studies have shown that pretend play increases cognitive and social development.
Astronaut Food:
Developed for NASA's missions, these freeze-dried ice cream sandwiches are a fun snack as we discussed what Astronauts eat.
The Neapolitan sandwiches broke easily and not all the kids thought it tasted great, but it allowed us to discuss how in outer space, the food as to be packaged differently than here on Earth.
Sensory Play:
When you provide your children with sensory items, you're setting up their foundation for art and encouraging their innate curiosity. This Kinetic Sand is a perfect addition to our Outer Space pretend play especially when we add the adorable alien guys from Toy Story!
Come on, let's play!
Space Station:
Check out these print outs from Pocket of Preschool. You, too, can create your very own space station.
Check out our Instagram page and stories for more ideas of How 2 Play Today with your children.
