Objective

By the end of this lesson, the toddler will be able to understand basic concepts about astronauts and the solar system.

Materials and Prep

• Paper
• Crayons or markers
• Scissors
• Tape
• Books or pictures about astronauts and the solar system

Before starting the lesson, familiarize yourself with basic information about astronauts and the solar system.

Activities

1. Create a Spaceship: Help the toddler create a simple spaceship using paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and tape. Encourage them to be creative and decorate their spaceship as they like.
2. Learn about Astronauts: Read books or show pictures about astronauts to the toddler. Talk about what astronauts do, what they wear, and how they travel to space.
3. Explore the Solar System: Show the toddler pictures or illustrations of the solar system. Point out the sun, planets, and explain their names. Teach them a simple mnemonic to remember the order of the planets (e.g., "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles" for Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune).
4. Create a Solar System Craft: Help the toddler cut out and color paper circles to represent the planets in the solar system. Arrange the circles in the correct order and tape them to a wall or poster board to create their own solar system.

Toddler Grade Talking Points

• "Astronauts are special people who go to space in spaceships."
• "They wear special suits called spacesuits to protect them."
• "Astronauts travel to space in rockets."
• "The sun is a big, hot star in the center of our solar system."
• "There are eight planets in our solar system. Can you say their names with me?"
• "Mercury is the closest planet to the sun."
• "Venus is the second planet from the sun. It is very hot and has lots of volcanoes."
• "Earth is our home planet. It has land, water, and air for us to breathe."
• "Mars is often called the 'Red Planet' because it looks reddish."
• "Jupiter is the largest planet. It is like a big ball of gas."
• "Saturn has beautiful rings around it. They are made of ice and rock."
• "Uranus is a very cold planet. It spins on its side."
• "Neptune is the farthest planet from the sun. It is very cold and windy."