Isn’t outer space fascinating? It’s amazing to think about where astroscience is and where it is going. Like you and me, preschoolers also find outer space fascinating. My kids are constantly asking me questions about space, so to keep their enthusiasm for learning, I’ve made up some fun space theme games to teach one to one correspondence and counting.
Space Games for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners
One of the most significant number sense skills children need to know in preparation for formal schooling is one to one correspondence in counting.
Preschool number sense skills include a range of skills, including rote counting, number matching, and teaching children to count the correct number when given a specific number of objects. These math skills are critical in preschool.
So it teaching one to one correspondence skills in early childhood.
Naturally, children love learning math through play, and learning to count with these counting games for a space preschool theme can be really playful. Let me show you how.
FAQ About Teaching a Preschool Space Theme
Outer space can be a pretty abstract topic for preschoolers. After all, they can’t really see space firsthand. But that doesn’t mean that the concept of space is too hard. Start by teaching your preschoolers about the sun, moon, and stars. Those are all things they can see in the sky. Then teach about the planets and how humans might explore space.
The solar system consists of the sun and everything that travels around the sun. This is called orbiting. Eight planets and their moons orbit the sun, as well as dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and small icy objects. These are all part of the solar system.
Astronauts have plenty of things to keep them busy in space. They conduct scientific experiments, collect data and samples, and do repairs on the spaceship. Astronauts have meetings via their computers with scientists on Earth, too. They also clean the ship and work out at least two hours a day to stay healthy and strong.
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Space Counting Game
Grid games are simple, but effective. Not only do they teach children to count, but also how counting builds, thus teaching beginning addition concepts. The space printable I’ve put together counts to 20, which is a realistic amount for my preschoolers.
Materials
- free space counting grid game printables (found at the bottom of this post)
- space themed counters
- die
Ok, the truth is that I juts used floral pebbles from the dollar which because that’s what I had on hand, but here are some space themed counting toys that will take these outer space games to the next level.
The Set-Up
Begin by printing the free printable in color and on heavy cardstock. Laminate for added durability. I am always amazed at how rough my preschoolers can be on my printables, so my laminator saves me a ton of money in printing costs!
Set out a grid game and the counters and invite your preschooler to join you for space themed counting fun!
How to Play Number Grid Games
Invite your preschooler to roll the dice and identify the number. You can use a numeral dice or regular dice, or even flashcards if you don’t have a dice on hand.
Count out the corresponding number of counters and place them on the grid game.
Begin by placing them at the bottom of the board and work up to the goal. Each grid game is slightly different, with a “task” to complete, such as helping the astronaut get to the moon or helping the martian get to his spaceship.
When I offered this to my daughter, she insisted on counting on every grid game because she couldn’t choose just one. This was fine by me as she got lots of extra counting practice in!
There are arrows on the counting mats, pointing to the direction the counters should be added to the grid. In grid counting games like this one, counters shouldn’t be added at random, but in a line that moves along all the rows of the grid.
This helps preschoolers make connections in number sequencing and progression. These math skills transfer over to prereading, too.
Related Reading
Get Your Space Theme Grid Game
Think these grid games are something your little one would enjoy? You can download your own copy right here.
Then keep reading for more space themed activities.
More Space Themed Activities for Preschoolers
I’m Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home-mama of five! I’m the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught a range of levels, from preschool to college and a little bit of everything in between. Right now my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.
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