On a Starry Night

[20 Minutes]

Take your child outdoors and tune into the greatest show in our galaxy--the night sky!

You'll need:

• warm clothing • blanket • blue construction paper • adhesive stars

What to do:

1. Bundle up your child in some warm clothing and go outdoors to enjoy some family stargazing.
2. Spread out a blanket, lie down and look up at the sky above.
3. First look at the moon. Is it "big" and full or a "little" crescent sliver? Is it bright?
4. Then look at the stars. There are many stars on a clear night, and they appear to twinkle. Very large and bright stars are nearby planets.
5. Stars make patterns (or pictures) in the night sky and are called constellations.
6. Look up with your child and see if you can find the "Big Dipper."
7. At home, give your child a sheet of blue construction paper and some adhesive stars. Let him place the stars on the paper just like he saw them in the night sky.
8. End this evening event with a sing-along. The most appropriate song might be "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What did we see when we looked up at the night sky?
• Is the sky pretty? Do you like it better in the daytime or at night?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop observational skills, and matching skills.