— December 7, 2024

A picnic under the night sky is the perfect end to a week of lessons all about stars. Extending this activity over two days is easiest because part of the activity is in the kitchen baking cookies. The second part is decorating and lastly, enjoying them on a blanket stargazing and reading books.

As I said this is the perfect end to a week of lessons. To discover more star activities to get your 3-5 year old stargazing check out Ss is for Star. A craft for learning to spell their name and a free printable to learn about constellations are a couple of activity ideas. Next, you’ll find available coloring pages for learning the letter S and so much more.

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Ways to learn about the stars in the sky. 

Read books about stars.

The best way to answer questions about those mysterious glowing orbs in the sky is to read about them. Stars have a fascinating history. From being used for navigation at night to communicating mythological tales. These little lights ignite curiosity and imaginations in young and old and books are the best way to fuel this. 

Whimsical selections include How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star by Iza Trapani, and Escape at Bedtime from A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson. While The Sun is My Favorite Star by Frank Asch and Our Stars by Ann Rockwell are full of information presented at a child’s level. 

Complete star crafts for preschoolers.

I enjoy crafts, especially if there is a specific learning purpose behind them. Ss is for Star highlights a star craft activity that teaches your child how to spell their name and practice fine motor skills. It’s a simple craft that only requires you to have star stickers on hand. Look for them in office stores or in the office section of supermarkets and general stores. They are the simple star stickers that teachers will use for reward charts in school. You can also purchase them here, star stickers.

You simply write your child’s name in large capital letters on a piece of construction paper. Then give them the star stickers. Their goal is to place star stickers all along the lines of the letters of their name. Once complete you have a funky and fun picture of their name. After this activity my 3 year old made it his mission to learn to write his own name as well!

Study the constellations.

One of the best ways to meet a child at their level is to find constellations in the night sky. Discovering a mama bear and her cub (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), a scorpion (Scorpius), or a hunter with a bow(Orion) can make studying the stars more interesting. Nature Constellations is a perfect post for helping your child visualize the shapes before seeking them out in the night sky.

There are two ways I like to add to learning about the constellations. First, by reading Star Stories by Anita Ganeri. She provides details and stories behind the constellations. Second, we use the free version of Skyview in our homeschool. The app provides basic constellations, planets, names of stars, even satellites in an immersive map of the stars. It’s like holding a planetarium in your hand.

A how to for stargazing with preschoolers.

Part 1: Baking star shaped sugar cookies.

What recipe do you use to make sugar cookies at Christmas time? Or do you not have one and need to test one out? Well this is the perfect time to pull out the tried and true or simply try a new one. If you do not have one then have your child call a family member, grandma or aunt and ask them for their favorite recipe. Be sure not to call on the same day you plan to make cookies because they may not be able to provide you with the recipe right away. Use this recipe to make sugar cookies and these star cookie cutters if you do not have any.

If you are hesitant to invite your child(ren) into the kitchen because it can be stressful then read this post here, Kitchen Rules. It’s all about cooking and baking with young children to keep the environment peaceful and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Part 2: Get creative by decorating the star cookies.

The day after we bake the cookies is the day I prefer to decorate. Trying to mix the dough, roll and cut out cookies, then bring the boys back into decorate once they have cooled is usually too much in one day for me. Not when I’ll be right back in the kitchen making dinner.

Instead I wait for the next day to decorate. I use a coloring page from Ss is for Star to entertain the boys while I whip together the frosting and color it. Once it’s ready the boys can decorate and make a huge mess! Finally, put that last finishing starry touch to the cookies I provide them with star sprinkles which you can usually find at the grocery store in the baking section.

Part 3: Set up a stargazing picnic. 

Create a magical stargazing experience.

I enjoy ending our Ss is for Star week by laying out a blanket and pillows under the night sky. A few of our favorite books and a flashlight are on the blanket ready to read as the boys lay under the stars. I place a plate of cookies and cups of milk on the children’s picnic table as well as a candle so they can see the treats. 

After everything is set up, I turn off the yard light and invite the boys to join me outside. They eagerly grab their lap blankets and run outside. After they sit down on the big blanket, I pass out cookies and tuck them in. I sit next to Daddy in one of the Adirondack chairs and begin reading the selections they request. 

Enjoy the moment and stargazing at the heavens.

While I read, they lay back and stargaze, sip their milk, and grab another cookie to enjoy on the blanket next to their brothers. After I’ve read several books and poems, I join them in gazing at the stars and we simply listen to the night sounds. 

Occasionally, we will point to a constellation and that usually prompts the boys to run around the yard seeking more in other parts of the sky. After I can tell the boys grow restless, I offer my phone with the Skyview app for them to explore more constellations, stars, planets, and other objects above us.

Creative activities for 3-5 year old’s.

Although stars are just small lights winking in the dark to little ones, children too can understand and comprehend what these stars are all about. Books that have been written for a kids’ level and that have beautiful illustrations are an easy way to introduce facts about stars. Whimsical books can pique their imaginations and create wonder. The hands-on activities allow a child to interact with the concept, even if they can’t actually interact with a real star. This helps children to cement ideas and facts that may have seemed too big for them. Challenge your child with more star activities from Ss is for Star.

Letter of the Week reimagined for home learning.

Ss is for Star is only one week in a 26-week curriculum that highlights the alphabet. Using science experiments, arts and crafts, math activities, printables, coloring pages, books and more, Letter of the Week comes to life. Homeschool is meant to be full of play based learning, wonder, and curiosity. Explore more about this preschool curriculum by following the button below.

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