Space Lesson Plans

Space Poems, Songs & Rhymes

Space Gallery

Summer Lesson Plans

Flashlight Constellations

Lesson Plan:

​Activity:  ​

Flashlight Constellations

Lesson plan developed by Ms. Erika Geelhoed, BA Ed
​
Age Group:
​Young Infants

​* Lesson plan objective and assessment can be adapted to use this activity with mobile infants, toddlers or preschoolers.
​
Objectives:  
​Children will:

• develop their sense of sight by focusing on far away objects.
• develop gross motor skills by motioning to the stars.
• develop verbal skills by making new sounds.

CDA Competency Standard:

II.4.3a

• Activities and materials encourage children to develop their senses
  • a) Sight, sound, smell, taste and touch experiences are encouraged throughout a variety of developmentally appropriate materials and activities

Materials: 

• flashlight
• black paper
• small pin
• printout of constellations
• tape

Procedure: 

• Prepare for lesson by creating the paper constellations.
  
• Cut out a circle using the black paper that will fit into the head of the flashlight.
  
• Using the small pin, punch holes into the disc that resemble constellations.
  
• Tape the finished disc onto the head of the flashlight.
  
• Safely turn the lights off and shine the flashlight on the wall to reveal the night sky.
  
• Talk with the children about what they are seeing. ​

Assessment: 

• Observe and record the children’s reaction to the lights. Did they make any new vocalizations or gesture at the constellations on the wall? If you move the stars on the wall, were they able to track them? 

Online Early Childhood Education

Click on the course icon for enrollment information.

---

Early Literacy for Infants and Toddlers

Sharing books and other reading materials with children at a young age can establish a strong foundation for later literacy skills (McLane & McNamee, 1991). When teachers read to young children early and often, the children see reading as something that is fun to do. They become familiar with the sound of language that is used in books. They learn to turn the pages of books and learn that the print in books has meaning (Rice, Burkes, & Kaplan-Sanoff). Reading to young children builds a strong foundation for later literacy skills. It is important to share books with each child, keeping in mind the child’s level of development and interest. 

While children should not be forced to listen to stories when they do not show interest, a wide variety of age-appropriate books should be available in the classroom at all times for them to explore freely. As the children grow and mature, the experiences you have provided when they were small will help to build the skills they need to eventually become lifelong readers.