Henry, like a lot of little kids his age, loves space. I'm sure it has something to do with his love of star wars, but also, its just so cool! There are so many great ways to learn about space, astronomy and our place in it. Lately, we have been using these Montessori inspired space or earth sorting cards.
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We have studied space many times before and some of our space work has become a stable in our classroom. In particular, our DIY Solar System mat is a constant hit! And, I'm shocked how much knowledge Henry has acquired using it! Many of our other space themed trays have also come back on many occasions!
Recently, I made a set of sorting cards for him. These cards included a bunch of images of either objects in space or on Earth. It was then his job to sort which belonged to which. Henry very much enjoyed this task, but the sorting was not a challenge for him. And, I was shocked how many objects in space he could name with surprising accuracy.
Still, he used this work several times in a row before sitting back to admire it. At this point, I asked some open ended questions to engage him in a new way.
"I wonder how the things on Earth are the same as the things in space? I wonder how things are different? What are some things you see on Earth? Do you see them in space? I wonder why."
Ultimately, he led himself to the conclusion that only Earth contained life and only Earth contained water. Despite our previous studies, this was a very new and very mind blowing idea. The open ended nature of the cards will allow us to have a variety of interesting conversations about space and our role in it. They really can lead us in so many different directions.
The cards themselves are essentially classification cards. I made them without words so even younger kids can sort them. I think as young as 3-year-olds could do this work with a bit of context.
I hope you enjoy these cards as much as we have! They are an easy way to explore both life on Earth and space. They are just one of so many cool space themed materials that you could have at home! These figures are also awesome! And how cool do these solar system magnets looks? And this model?! Pretty much the sky is the limit!
Do your children like space? What aspects have you studied together?
12 Months of Montessori
This post was brought to you as part of the 12 Months of Montessori Series! This month's theme is astronomy. To see more Montessori inspired astronomy themed ideas, don't miss these great blog posts.
Moon Activities - Montessori Inspired Astronomy (Free Printables) | Natural Beach Living
Free Astronomy Home Study {Printable Set} | The Natural Homeschool
Montessori-Inspired Moon Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers | Living Montessori Now
Montessori Inspired Space or Earth Sorting with Printable | The Kavanaugh Report
Montessori Inspired Solar System Introduction | Mama’s Happy Hive
Space Yoga for Kids | Sugar, Spice & Glitter
How to Introduce Space and Planets to Toddlers | The Pinay Homeschooler
Montessori-inspired Astronomy Resources for Kids | Every Star is Different
Gearing up for Astronomy | Grace and Green Pastures
Astronomy for Christian Children | Christian Montessori Network
