Are you ready to blast off into space? This week we will be exploring rockets with our rocket preschool lesson plan. These 5 rocket-themed preschool activities are sure to excite your astronaut in training.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
Science
If you have read my post 5 Money Saving Tips for Preschool Crafts, you know that I LOVE recycled materials.
Today we are engineering a rocket from recycled parts! Challenge your child to look at this picture of some basic rocket designs.
What shapes do you see?
Can you think of any materials around the house that resemble these shapes? Can you piece together these items to make a rocket?
For younger children, it may be easier to have some materials already gathered.
Things you may use:
- Cardboard roll tubes (from toilet paper or paper towels)
- Empty cans
- Plastic bottles
- Cardboard
- Craft sticks
This activity may require additional adult support if your child would like to cut pieces out of their recycled materials.
These activities are designed to be done with an adult. Please supervise and assist your child while these activities are being done!
Math
For this activity, we are matching the correct rocket to the correct shape planet.
On this FREE printable, you will find 5 different planets. Each planet has a different shape. The five corresponding rockets are trying to get home! Match the rocket with the same shape window to their planet!
Art
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to look out a rocket window? Experience the wonders of space from your very own rocket! While looking at pictures of space, encourage your child to use their imagination to depict what they think they would see outside their rocket window.
- Using black paper and oil pastels, have your child color a picture of their interpretation of space.
- Using an X-acto knife, remove the gray window portion of the FREE rocket window template printable. Keep the white portion of the window intact. This forms the framework of the window.
- Glue the window over the space drawing.
DONE! This activity is as easy as 1,2,3.
Language
Phonics is a wonderful starting point for children who are learning to read. Children are asked to remember the letter and the sound(s) each letter makes. This week, your child will be a detective, looking and listening for the letter ‘R’.
Print out this FREE magnifying glass template and the objects that start with the letter ‘R’.
Scatter the object cards around a room and have your child search for the letter ‘R’. Remember to emphasize the sound ‘R’ makes.
My preschool class loved making a lowercase ‘r’ with their finger (pirate hook) and making the ‘rrrrr’ sound (like a pirate). If they remembered nothing else, they remembered what sound an ‘R’ makes.
Except maybe this time they are space pirates!
Music
For our final activity in our rocket preschool lesson plan, jump aboard our rocket ship as we travel to the moon in this Super Simple Songs video!
Be prepared to put on a space suit, and a helmet. Strap in and get ready for lift-off. Can you backwards from 10 to 1?
Please let me know what you think about this lesson plan! Did you and your child enjoy this themed activity? Let me know in the comments! Just a quick reminder, all children develop at their own unique pace. If you are concerned about developmental delays, it is best to seek advice from your child’s doctor. These activities are designed to be done with a parent. Please supervise your child while these activities are being done!
[…] If you want more space activities for your astronaut in training, check out my lesson plan based on one of our favorite space-themed books or our rocket-themed preschool activities! […]