There is nothing more magical than gazing upon the clear night sky. Its mysteries captivate imagination and spark creativity in children the minute they first gaze upon it. Children are easily intrigued by the wonder of the stars and the phases of the moon, so you will discover you have a willing audience to teach to. The basics in regards to the night sky can be taught by tapping into your creative side and incorporating the use of simple tools to achieve it. Not only will you be educating your children, but you will also enjoy quality time learning together.
Sources-
First you need to take a trip to your local book store or library to find books that teach about the universe (stars, moon, planets etc) and are appropriate for the age group you are targeting. If those options are out of the way for you than let the internet be your source for either gathering information or ordering the books you need. Kids love bedtime stories that teach about the universe so reading to them at bedtime is a great introduction to the night sky.
Twinkle, Twinkle…-
Stars twinkling like diamonds in the night sky are so beautiful that it doesn’t take much to draw in star gazers of any age. Sitting outside on a clear dark night within the city, limits the amount of stars you may see but you will still be able to identify many stars and constellations. If you live in the country then you are lucky and will see a full blanket of stars because you won’t have the city lights dimming your view.
Teaching your children about stars and their constellations can be fun for every one. Take a trip to the craft store and purchase art paper that glows in the dark or already manufactured glow in the dark stars and planets. Then based on the constellation patterns you have found on the internet or in books arrange the stars on the ceiling or walls of your child’s room accordingly. Then turn out the light and use a small flashlight to trace constellation patterns in the dark. This is an easy way to introduce your children to the constellations and an easy way for you to practice until you have a clear sky to star gaze.
Quality Time-
Once your children have mastered the constellations within the walls of your home it is time to venture outside. Make a family night of it. Prepare some snacks or popcorn and hot chocolate and set up blankets in your back yard. If you live in an apartment or condo, take a trip to the nearest park. Make sure every one has a small flashlight with them, get comfortable and start shining your flashlight into the sky. If it’s dark enough you will see the light trail as you trace the outlines of constellations. Most nights of the year the Big Dipper, Little Dipper, and Orion can be easily seen. Make a game out of naming the stars in Orion’s belt or a race to see who can locate the north star. Depending on where you live and what time of the year it is you may by fortunate enough to see shooting stars or Northern lights.
Moon Phases-
Have your children cut out glow in the dark moons of all shapes and phases. Each night, providing the night is clear, enough have your children seek the phase of the moon and hang the appropriate moon phase they crafted onto their wall of stars. Remember no moon for a new moon.
Planets-
Foam balls can be purchased and painted to represent the planets. Wire can be used to form the rings of Saturn. Cut a giant sun out of fireproof paper and stick it to the light shade in your child’s room and hang the planets from the ceiling in order revolving around the sun. When the lights are on the sun lights up and the planets are clearly identified. This is a fantastic decoration that your kids will love.
You will find that learning about the night sky is easy to teach and your children are so willing students. The mysteries of the universe have always inspired imaginations and wonder into the minds of our planet’s inhabitants and by teaching your children what you can, you not only encourage their creativity but discover new ways to spend quality time with them.
