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A great book I use when teaching stars to infants is ‘How to catch a star’ by Oliver Jeffers. It is a simple an engaging story of a little boy who dreams of catching a star to be his friend. It is a great discussion starter and encourages the kids to think about stars, space and dreaming big.
After this module I will do ‘counting the stars’ activity using the jars of marbles. This will link very well with the story. In the book the boy wants just one star but there are millions in the sky!
I will also use ‘lots and lots of stars’ for some creative art – we will make our own starry sky and create the sky the boy looked up into-full of stars he wanted to catch. I will use dark paper and the paint splatter effect. The children may like to add their own ‘special star’ to try and catch, like the boy.
There is so much to do with this book linking literacy, numeracy and real science learning as I found this module encouraged.Leana this is a winner in our class too. Kids adore this book and it makes sometime a blast. You have given some lovely activities to try too.
Junior Infants Lesson Plan: Exploring the Moon
Learning Objectives:
• Develop curiosity about the moon.
• Use language to describe what they see and feel.
• Engage in imaginative and sensory play.
• Respond to a space-themed song through music and movement.1. Introduction & Inquiry (10 mins)
Circle Time:
• Show photos or a short video of the moon.
• Ask: “What do you think the moon feels like?” / “What shape is the moon?”
• Read Whatever Next! by Jill Murphy (optional, 5–6 mins).
• Let children share what they would bring to the moon.
2. Sensory Exploration Activity (15 mins)
“Walking on the Moon” Tray:
• Use a tray filled with flour or sand to represent the moon’s surface.
• Add toy astronauts or small figures.
• Let children create “moon footprints” and find pretend moon rocks.
Talk prompts:
• “What does it feel like?”
• “Can you walk like an astronaut?”
• “What do you see on the moon?”3. Song Time: “Hello, Hello, Mr. Moon” (5–7 mins)
(Sung to Twinkle, Twinkle)
Teach the song and add actions (arms in a circle for the moon, waving, reaching high, etc.)Lyrics:
Hello, hello, Mr. Moon,
Up so high and round like a balloon… (etc.)
Repeat and let them sing along with actions!
4. Follow-up Creative Task (10 mins)
Drawing Prompt:
• Ask: “What would you see or bring on the moon?”
• Children draw their Moon adventure and share their pictures with a partner or the group.
Display the drawings as a “Moon Wall” gallery in the classroom.5. Closing Reflection & Calm Down (2–3 mins)
• Sit in a circle and ask:
• “What did you like best about our Moon adventure?”
• “What would you still like to know about the Moon?”
• Close with a quiet “astronaut rest” moment—children lie back, close their eyes, and imagine floating in space with calming space music or soft humming.I love the idea of sun and shadows activities too. I feel they work so well because they let children see and experience how light and shadows change throughout the day, making abstract ideas concrete. They encourage curiously and questions, involve movement and play and create magical ‘WOW’ moments that build early science understanding in a fun hands on way.
How you would use one inquiry-based activity in your classroom
Activity
Title: What’s in Space?
Inquiry based Question: “What do you think is in space?”
Learning Aims:
• Explore and ask questions about space.
• Identify basic space objects (sun, moon, stars, rockets).
• Develop language and imagination.
Materials:
Picture cards, flashlight, black paper, crayons, star stickers, books like Whatever Next!
toy rocket or box.
Activity Steps:
1. Introduction (Circle Time):
Show a “space box” with mystery items (moon, rocket, star). Ask, “What’s this? What else might be in space?”
2. Exploration Stations:
• Light & Dark: Use flashlight to show how night/day happens.
• Rocket Building: Build a rocket from blocks or a cardboard box.
• Star Art: Create starry skies with black paper and stickers.
3. Share & Reflect:
Discuss what they discovered and want to know more about.
ASSESSMENT:
I will observe the children curiosity, use of new words and engagement.
