Book Inspired Preschool Lesson Plan – Seeking Future Rocketeers

It’s hard to not be inspired by a book as creative and beautifully drawn as Rylee the Young Rocketeer! The interesting story, with an inspiring message, encourages children to be imaginative and explore. I was so inspired by this book, I felt as though I needed to share it with you! Your child will love crafting and creating right along with Rylee with this book-inspired preschool lesson plan. 

Literature 

Normally, I like to start my preschool lesson plans with a science activity. However, if you haven’t had the opportunity to read the book, this is a must! Listen and watch the read-aloud on YouTube first!  

Your child will understand and enjoy the activities much more if they understand what they are inspired by. 

Science 

While I don’t have an engine for my child to play with…I absolutely have left of nuts, bolts, and Allen wrenches laying around!  

For this activity, I raided the toolbox for extra parts and pieces that we have left over from other projects. 

If you haven’t heard, I’m a bit of a hoarder. It pays off when I start doing toddler crafts! Check out my post 5 Money Saving Tips for Preschool Crafts, to see how your hoarding habit can save you money too! 

For this activity, I used all the spare parts I found in the toolbox and a piece of foam board (left over from another project) and let my daughter practice screwing and unscrewing nuts and bolts! 

Finally! My obsession with saving mini wrenches from furniture construction projects has paid off! 

Math 

This is like the activity from my star theme lesson plan. This activity practices one-to-one correspondence. Essentially, it is the act of counting objects one at a time to find the total number of objects. Practice is a very important part of mastering any new skill, so for this activity, I have created a FREE astronaut and star counting page for your child to practice! Simply print out and match the astronaut with the correct number of stars. 

The link is a template link on Canva. Feel free to change the numbers and more numbers, or whatever your child needs.  

Art  

Rylee explores space in a rocket she created herself! Grab your left-over boxes and recycled parts to create your own rocket!  

One easy method for you to do is a box with straps.  

• Cut out the bottom of the box for your child to step through 
• Cut off two of the box flaps on opposite sides. This should leave two wing-like flaps 
• Get creative and decorate the rocket as much or as little as your child would like!  
• Add straps to the inside of the rocket. This allows your child to wear the rocket for easier play. These straps should be able to rest on your child’s shoulders. 

Evie is a ‘paint and go’ kind of person, while I’m a little craftier. I like to do some designs while she’s napping and then save some painting for her! 

Movement 

Rylee the Young Rocketeer blasts off in her rocket to visit different planets. For this activity, we are going to board our crafted rockets and zoom around space visiting different planets too! 

I love doing the obstacle course because it allows me to intentionally give my daughter exercises to practice her gross motor skills. While doing your obstacle course you can have your child 

• Follow a line through an asteroid field (balloons or aluminum foil balls) 
• Circle a planet without getting too close (gravity will pull them in!) 
• Balance on a ‘beam’ before takeoff. 
• Practice directional terms such as up, down, left, and right to avoid obstacles 
• Jump over craters on a planet 

Please let me know what you think about this book inspired preschool 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!