Pretend Play Space Station
Space Activities for Preschoolers
Even with the limited space I have available for dramatic play in my in-home preschool, I am always able to create a fun and meaningful pretend play area for my preschoolers. The space dramatic play and space theme activities are favorites in our classroom. The space lesson plans and activities are fascinating for both teacher and students!
Setting up your Space Dramatic Play Area
I start by setting the scene for an outer space astronaut play experience. First, I cut black garbage bags to hang around and create a space background. Then, I add glow in the dark stars, pictures of planets, and my “Space Station” pennant banner. Check out my Space Station Printables to see all that is included in my set.
One part of my space station that I find most important is my “control panel.”
- Find cardboard or posterboard and paint silver or cover with foil.
- Print, laminate and attach images such as a speedometer, satellite, countdown numbers, and button covers. I include printable components for the control panel in my Space Station Dramatic Play pack.
- Then, I use recycled lids and CDs to create knobs and buttons. I drill a hole into each and then put a brad through the center so it can be turned and twisted by preschoolers. It is actually part of preschool motor skills standards to be able to push and twist! (You can see all the preschool standards with ideas for how to teach them here: Preschool I Can Statement Posters with Strategies)
- I also created some “sliding” knobs with yarn and plastic cups, added old cords and keyboards, and you can add light switches, recycled dishwasher or oven knobs, etc.
Incorporating Math and Literacy into Pretend Play
The space station dramatic play center also provides many opportunities to incorporate math and literacy skills for preschoolers. Above is a photo of our mission log: preschoolers choose a number for the mission (math – number recognition) choose a destination planet (science and literacy) and they write the name of the astronaut in flight (writing). It is also a great opportunity for collaboration, social skills, and oral language development. In my school I also incorporate bilingual instruction as the students are taught in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
I also created data sheets about each planet so that teachers and students can learn about our solar system together!
Add more math, literacy and science integration with the pretend play space station’s interior. Here I have rock observation recording sheets for students to practice making observations, measuring, weighing, and recording data.
I also added “space food” to play pretend on our trips to the moon as we discuss what happens when astronauts experience zero gravity. You can also add a first aid station and repair station with loose parts such as nuts and bolts, and hammers with nails.
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