Cosmos ... Not every adult understands the whole essence of this complex concept. And how to explain to a small child, a preschooler, what is space? For children, there is nothing but what surrounds them. Therefore, it is very difficult to understand that there are planets somewhere above us, that something else is hiding behind the blue sky. But it is possible if you do everything thoughtfully and correctly.
Preparatory stages
Regardless of whether you are a parent or a kindergarten teacher, you need to be prepared to answer all the questions of curious kids. Therefore, it is worth first familiarizing yourself with the topic in order to have a clear idea of what space itself is. It is also important for children how you submit this information. After all, if the explanation is dry or slurred, all interest may completely disappear.
In order to interest kids, to give them new knowledge, you can read various subject literature. Astronomical encyclopedias, magazines, and teaching materials can be found in every bookstore. It is only advisable that the story about space for children is not a simple statement of facts, but becomes a fascinating, interesting story.
General concepts
The first thing that needs to be explained to the little man is the basics of astronomy. Yes, and do not forget to tell what astronomy in general is. You should not start telling children about space and astronauts without introducing them to the basics. So, first of all it is worth telling that the science of astronomy studies space. And already starting from this concept, everything that is connected with astronomy should be explained.
Of course, there is no need to delve into the study of this topic. By the way, the first knowledge of children and curiosity can arise when watching cartoons. Already from there, kids scoop up concepts like UFOs, aliens, stars, planets, the Sun, a month. It will be enough to talk about the solar system and the elements of which it consists: planets, stars, asteroids, comets, galaxies, black holes and nebulae.
Based on the study of these concepts, space for preschool children will no longer represent the unknown. Kids going to first grade will already understand that planet Earth is only a small part of the vast Universe. After that, you can begin the practical part of space exploration.
Interesting activities
After the kids figured out what space is, a number of classes on this topic can be arranged for children. After all, it is during the game that kids learn the learning material much better than in normal conversations. Next, we bring to your attention several classes devoted to this topic.
Sample lesson number 1
For him, it is necessary to prepare several crafts with aliens (or UFOs). They can be from plastic plates or bottles, plasticine. Based on the prepared things, it is worth talking about aliens, Martians and lunatics. Just do not choose stories- "horror stories." Remember: we cause interest in unusual things, which is also heated by cartoons. The theme of aliens and flying saucers is raised in the cartoons "Smeshariki", "Fixies", "All About Cossacks", "Luntik" and others. Based on these animated series, you can plan your lesson.
Sample lesson number 2
In this lesson, you can tell children about space and astronauts. The story that a person has traveled beyond the borders of our planet will certainly appeal to preschoolers. For classes you need to arm yourself with paper models of a rocket and an image of an astronaut.
Sample lesson number 3
This lesson can be devoted to the survey of planets. Handy materials of a round shape of different sizes are very well suited for this. They need to be placed around the "Sun" in order and on this example tell how they rotate around it and how many planets are in the universe. Special attention should be paid to their location. Focus on the fact that space (and not only) consists of them. Planets for children should be made colored so that they understand that these celestial bodies are different.
Sample lesson number 4
Here you can summarize what the children learned from your lessons. The most optimal would be the art lesson "Space through the eyes of children." In this lesson, you can use a variety of materials that children will choose. After all, it is easier for someone to draw a picture, and for someone - to create an application or fashion a figure from plasticine. The choice of material is diverse, as well as the imagination of the child. But it is worth evaluating each completed work and pointing out possible errors. Gently, unobtrusively point out errors, be sure to praise for the efforts. After all, space for preschool children is a kind of mystery, which they will have to solve in the future.
Space exploration devices
When telling children about distant galaxies and stars, it is advisable to back up your words with facts. Optimally, if you have a telescope available, through which they can see a distant planet or bright stars. But if this is not possible, it is worth preparing for the kids a kind of slide show with vivid pictures of planets, comets and other cosmic bodies.
If the stories about space for children are accompanied by vivid photographs or slides, and the story itself will be fascinating, then the first knowledge of extraterrestrial galaxies and civilizations will be remembered by the kids for a long time.
Space exploration materials
Undoubtedly, without a proper visualization, any topic will become boring. And even more so, the study of such a serious topic as space. Therefore, in order for small children to be clear and interesting, you should thoroughly prepare.
For these purposes, any handout is suitable . A visual aid can be not only pictures and photographs of space, but also various figures (made of paper, designer, plasticine), which will indicate some kind of subject on this subject.
You can excellently present the material in the form of a role-playing game or thanks to the table puppet theater. After all, your favorite characters will provide educational material much more interesting than a parent or educator.
Riddles and poems will also help answer the question "what is space" for children. It is these short forms that will make the study extraordinary, and also help develop imagination and logical thinking.
Do not forget about the astronauts
In the process of studying this complex topic, do not forget about those who study and conquer space - astronauts. Moreover, there is a holiday - Cosmonautics Day. On this day, you can tell the children about the work of the astronaut, consider a photograph of Yuri Gagarin, tell about this man. Thanks to such a small excursion, children will learn to remember and respect their history and will strive for something significant.
And finally ...
Do not think that young children are not ready to understand adult topics. Just to study these topics is necessary from the point of view of children. Personification, role-playing games, slide presentations, or imaginary space travel - it does not matter which form of presentation of the theme you choose. The main thing is to interest children without destroying the light of curiosity in their souls.