Stars

Stars in the night sky

Stars are symbols for good things (e.g. hope, wishes, excellence) and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is adored by children around the world. Children may become interested in stars when they see them in the sky.

Stars relate to The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) as they promote curiosity, imagination and creativity (4.1). Children learn about real stars in space by researching and investigating (4.2).

Learning experiences

Stick dots

Create a constellation art project by sticking small circular objects (e.g. dot stickers or sequins) on black paper. Children can stick the dots in any arrangement they like, or they can attempt to copy actual constellations.

Watch stars glow

Stick glow-in-the-dark stars inside a large cardboard box or underneath a table covered with a blanket. Teach children to crawl in with a torch to "charge" the stars. They then turn the torch off to see the stars glow.

Make a mobile

Cut out star shapes from paper so children can decorate them with glitter, pens or paint. These can be used to make a mobile to hang in their room.

Eat star-themed snacks

Assist children to cut healthy sandwiches into star shapes, or make star-shaped biscuits or pancakes.

Look at a sky map

Children may not see stars in the sky while they attend a childcare centre. They may even be in bed before stars start shining. An alternative way to see the night sky is by viewing a star map online, like SkyMap.

Make the night sky

Make several round holes in a piece of cardboard, so they look like scattered stars in the night sky. Place the cardboard into a large white envelope and stand in a dark room. Shine a torch onto one side of the envelope and watch the stars glow.