I have chosen The Planets as my activity. I would aim to teach this lesson to a Senior Infant Class. I would begin by asking the children to gather the in a circle and ask if they know what makes up our solar system.
Next I would introduce the concept of planets and explain that there are eight main planets orbiting the sun. Show them a model or images of the solar system and briefly explain that each planet is unique. I would go through each planet one by one, sharing simple facts and characteristics.
Keeping explanations brief and engaging:
Mercury: Closest to the sun and very hot.
Venus: Known as Earth’s twin but is very hot and has clouds.
Earth: Our home planet with water and living things.
Mars: The red planet; may have had water.
Jupiter: The biggest planet with a big storm called the Great Red Spot.
Saturn: Famous for its beautiful rings.
Uranus: Has a tilted axis and looks blue.
Neptune: The farthest planet and very windy.
Use planet cards for visual reinforcement.
Activity: Create Your Own Planet (20 minutes):
I would then ask the pupils to choose one planet to draw or paint. I would provide them with paper, crayons, and markers. I would encourage them to use their imagination and add features they think would be on that planet.
While they are drawing, walk around to engage with each child and ask them about their planet (e.g., “What color is your planet?” “Does it have rings?”).
Once everyone has completed their artwork, invite students to share their planet with the class. Ask questions like, “What did you name your planet?” “What makes it special?” Lastly I would gather the drawings and create a “Planet Gallery” on a bulletin board to display their artwork, recap the names of the planets, encouraging students to shout out their names or do a simple chant together. This lesson provides an interactive and enjoyable way for young children to learn about the planets in our solar system while allowing them to express their creativity.