Two weeks ago, we spent three-hours watching videos at the International Space Station on Youtube, with Violet. Enthralled with space, with the stars, and with incredible perceptive questions about space and rockets - we decided to bring out some of the tools and toys, pretend play and STEM activities, to explain about astronomy and space.
Play | We spent the morning assembling the Playmobil Space Rocket and Launch Site learning about rockets, and how they move through space. For the better part of a week, it occupied the kitchen table, a humongous toy that can be played with over, and over, and over. It’s got the value of being one of those great pretend toys, but also one of those toys that has incredible value for learning play. There are some fantastic space toys in the Playmobil collection, and you can find those at your favourite toy-stores.
Sky View | Next, we went back to an app that we downloaded last summer, Sky View. At any time, we can point it up to the sky and learn a tidbit of information about the constellations above. Whether it’s day or night, whether we’re in the city or in the mountains, we’re going to be able to pull out my phone and find out just what’s in the sky above us.
Youtube | There are some fantastic videos on Youtube for the kids to learn about space, and learn about the sky. We watched through all of the Chris Hadfield videos together, where she thought the funniest ones were how you brushed your teeth in space, and how you just swallowed the toothpaste.
We play, she plays with her friends, and she continues to ask questions about space, about planets, about rockets and about astronomy. As we play, she learns. As we play, she asks questions and I find her answers. Every time we play, she’s learning. Every time we play, she’s finding her passion, and right now - that passion lies in space.