25+ Awesome Space Sensory Bins for Kids

Looking for space sensory bin ideas? Try these fun outer space sensory bins with your toddlers and preschoolers!

---

Space is a common fascination for hyperlexic kids, even as a toddler or preschooler. They'll learn facts about all the planets, read all the books they can about the solar system, and rattle off all the names of the moons of the different planets (among many other things).

My hyperlexic son, for instance, has gone through periods of intense interest in outer space, off and on since he was about two. There's just something about space that appeals to hyperlexic kids!

So if your kid loves all things outer space related, then they'll love these space sensory bins. They're a great way to use your child's interest to introduce them to new textures and experiences. And some even incorporate other hyperlexic interests, such as letters.

This post was updated on May 10, 2024. New links were added and dead and/or broken links were removed. Descriptions were also added to make it even easier to find a sensory bin your kids will love.

Space Sensory Bins the Kids Will Love!

Using a wide range of materials from rice and beans to water and moon sand, you'll find tons of great outer space sensory bin ideas below to try with your kids.

These ideas are great for a preschool unit on space or for those kids who are extremely passionate about all things outer space, which is the case for many hyperlexic children - see intense fascinations of hyperlexic children).

And there are a few space sensory activities on this list that even incorporate letters to really appeal to those hyperlexic learners! I've marked them as such in their descriptions.

Ready to dig in? There's over 25 fun space themed ideas to try!

1. Outer Space Small World Sensory Table (pictured below) - While I didn't make this in a bin per se, I actually highly recommend doing it in a clear bin to make clean up so much easier! Regardless, this sensory activity was incredibly immersive and lots of fun.

2. Space Themed Sensory Play with Space Painted Rocks from Learning and Exploring Through Play (pictured) - This bin uses colored salt as the base. I especially love the painted rocks in this sensory bin, especially since the painting is accompanied by written words, which is perfect for hyperlexic learners.

3. Coffee Beans Space Sensory Bin from I Heart Crafty Things (pictured) - I love the combination of materials in this bin. And I bet the coffee beans are fun to play with!

4. Night Sky Sensory Bin from Preschool Inspirations - This bin is made using dyed pasta and rice and looks so pretty!

5. Glowing Galaxy Water Bin from Fun-A-Day! - The addition of glow sticks to this sensory bin are fun. It reminds me of the glow stick baths we used to do when my boys were younger.

6. Space Water Bead Sensory Bin from 3 Dinosaurs - I really like the black water beads as the base for this activity. It makes the bin kind of eerie.

7. Space Sensory Bin with Aquarium Gravel from Little Bins for Little Hands - Aquarium gravel is a bit of an underused and under rated sensory bin filler. Definitely give it a try if you want something a bit different.

8. Space Themed Sensory Bin with Dyed Chickpeas from Rainy Day Mum (pictured) - If you're familiar with my blog, then you already know I'm a huge fan of dyed chickpeas. So, of course, I like the look of this sensory bin.

9. Night Sky Sensory Bin for Language Skills from Life Over C's - There's a lot going on in this sensory bin and it might be better suited for older kids as it uses lots of tiny pieces. It uses dyed rice as the base.

10. Spell A Star Sensory Bin from Adventures of Adam on My Mundane & Miraculous Life - If you have a hyperlexic learner, then they'll love the alphabet stars in this bin. You can use them to practice spelling different words.

11. Solar System Bin with Painted Rocks & Dyed Rice from Parenting from the Heart Blog - You can start this activity off with a craft by painting rocks with your child. Then once they're all dry, toss them into a sensory bin with dyed rice.

12. Space Sensory Bin from Sugar, Spice, & Glitter - I like the additional of tinfoil stars in this bin, especially because they contrast so well with the gold and black beans.

13. Galaxy Sensory Bin from Best Toys 4 Toddlers - Another sensory bin with black beans as the base. I like the use of glow in the dark stars and planets.

14. DIY Glittery Space "Rocks" Sensory Bin from Life Over C's - If you want a slightly different base for your space themed sensory bins, then try this idea. You can make your own glittery space "rocks."

15. Space Sensory Bin with Painted Rock Solar System from Capturing Parenthood - Another rock painting craft and sensory bin to try. I love the adorable peg doll astronaut and aliens that are part of this bin.

16. Erupting Moon Dust Sensory Tray from Learn Play Imagine - This activity would be a lot of fun, especially if your kids enjoy a good old fashioned baking soda and vinegar experiment.

17. Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Sensory Play from Playground Park Bench - Another sensory bin with water beads as the base. This one uses black and purple water beads.

18. Moon Walking Sensory Bin with Kinetic Sand from 3 Dinosaurs - I like the simplicity of this one. Just some kinetic sand, space figures, and black rocks.

19. U is for Universe Sensory Bin from Growing Hands-On Kids - Another space sensory bin with black beans. I really like how it's set up in a small storage bin that has a lid. Makes it perfect for packing away for another day of play.

20. Solar System Sensory & Imagination Bin from 1+1+1=1 - This bin uses a lot of different materials from pom poms and marbles to unifix cubes and pipe cleaners.

21. Galaxy Themed Sensory Bin with Dyed Rice from S&S Blog - The pictures of the glow in the dark materials in action are so cool! How could the kids not enjoy it?!

22. DIY Space Sensory Bin with Black Beans from Learning Resources Blog - I love the colored rockets in this sensory bin! That means there is some color learning happening with this bin too.

23. Moon Sand Outer Space Sensory Bin from Little Bins for Little Hands - Want something a bit different for your sensory base? Try making moon sand!

24. Alphabet Star Search from Pre-K Pages - Another bin that includes some alphabet stars, perfect for hyperlexic learners.

25. Space Themed Sensory Bin with Moon Sand from Pre-K Pages - Make your own moon sand out of play sand and corn starch, mix it up with a bit of color, and pair it with some space figures to create this lovely little sensory bin.

26. Glow-in-the-Dark Solar System Sensory Bin from The Chaos and the Clutter - I like the combination of glitter gravel and decorative black rocks as the base for this sensory bin.

27. Outer Space Water Table Activity from Happy Toddler Playtime - You don't have to use a water table for this idea. You could recreate it in a plastic container inside instead. I like how colorful and inviting it looks!

28. Moon Rock Letters Sensory Bin from Happy Toddler Playtime - Here's another great activity that will appeal to hyperlexic learners. The moon rocks are essentially just letter magnets wrapped in aluminum foil.

29. 4 Space Themed Sensory Trays from Coffee Cups & Crayons - I like the variety shown here. All four options look fun and engaging.

As you can see, a lot of these space sensory bins are out of this world! (Sorry, I can't resist a good pun.) So, hopefully, you're little spacing loving kid will enjoy these ideas.

6 Awesome Outer Space Sensory Bags

Looking for sensory bags for toddlers and preschool? Try one of these outer space sensory bags that feature stars, planets, and galaxy inspired colors.

---

Outer space and planets are common interests of hyperlexic kids, especially during the late toddler and preschool years. They love to learn about space and read everything they can about the topic. It becomes a huge passion (or special interest) for them.

For instance, my hyperlexic son has been interested in all things outer space, off and on, since he was about two. It's why we've done quite a few outer space activities ourselves over the years.

These outer space sensory bags are especially great for tactile sensory avoiders (more on sensory avoidance here) because you don't have to worry about touching anything sticky, messy, or gooey directly.

They're also great for the littlest space loving kids, no matter the age or ability. You don't have to worry about mouthing or choking on small objects. 

Plus, these sensory bags look pretty! It's like a whole galaxy is contained inside some of them.

Outer Space Sensory Bags for Kids

Ready for some mess free sensory play with these out-of-this-world space themed sensory bags? Then you're going to love these ideas! They're perfect for kids who love outer space, planets, stars and constellations, and all things galaxy related.

1. Galaxy Sensory Bag with Cotton Balls from Views From a Step Stool (pictured) - This sensory bag is stunning. With beautiful colors, glitter, and cotton balls, this sensory activity really does look like a little galaxy in a bag.

2. Starry Night/Constellation Sensory Bag from Playground Parkbench (pictured) - I love the star shaped confetti in this sensory bag. The stars really pop on the black background.

3. Glow in the Dark Space Sensory Bag from Rainy Day Mum - This bag features glow in the dark stars and space themed mini erasers. You can try this activity with the lights on first and then really transform things by flicking off the lights. It's like two sensory bags in one!

4. Solar System I Spy Sensory Bag from Research Parent (pictured) - This sensory bag is like a little scavenger hunt. It's such a fun idea that's especially perfect for those hyperlexic kids who love all things outer space.

5. DIY Galaxy Sensory Bags from Crafty Little Gnome - Here's a super sparkly one. It uses lots of glitter and sequins and looks really pretty.

6. Starry Sky Water Sensory Bag from Learning and Exploring Through Play - This sensory bag is really simple to put together. I especially love the big stars in it.

As you can see, it doesn't take much to put together one of these gorgeous outer space sensory bags. Add some stars, some glitter, and some galaxy inspired colors and voila. Which one are you going to try making?

Free Outer Space Reading Comprehension Worksheets

Free outer space reading comprehension worksheets and activities for kids in Kindergarten up to middle school grades. 

---

When people ask me questions about hyperlexia, one of the most common themes is comprehension. Specifically, asking for ideas on how to improve a hyperlexic child's level of comprehension and understanding.

Well, one thing you can do is practice using high interest passages. Lester (1997) found that, "high interest strongly aided the comprehension for the hyperlexia participants."

So if you want to use reading comprehension worksheets with your hyperlexic kids (okay, any child really), it's best to use something that will be highly appealing to them specifically. Since one of the most common special interests of hyperlexic kids is all things outer space, it's a great starting point for these kids. That's why I decided to put together this list of find 15+ free outer space reading comprehension worksheets for kids.

They're perfect to use during this period of distance learning and home educating.

Free Printable Reading Comprehension Worksheets & Passages that are Outer Space Themed

Learn about the solar system, the planets, and being an astronaut with this list of free outer space reading comprehension worksheets and passages. Most of these are non-fiction, but there are a couple of fiction ones on this list as well. You'll find a variety of levels and grades, ranging from early readers and kindergarten up to middle grade levels.

You will need an account on Teachers Pay Teachers in order to access most of these. Don't worry, it's free to join!

1. Solar System Non-Fiction Reading Comprehension from Denise Hill on TPT

2. Astronaut Reading Passage from Faith Love Lipstick on TPT

3. Solar System Reading Comprehension: Mars, Neptune, & Uranus from The Happy Learning Den on TPT

4. Solar System Reading Passage: Pluto from Nothing but Non-Fiction on TPT

5. 2 Fictional Space Reading Comprehension Passages from Laughroom Literacy on TPT

6. The Solar System Information Texts for Grades 4-7 from JBirdEdu on TPT

7. Solar System Reading Comprehension Passage from Reading Tree 123 on TPT

8. Solar System Pack with Sun Reading Comprehension Passage from Little School on the Range on TPT

9. What is the Solar System? 1st Grade Reading Comprehension from ReadWorks on TPT

10. Solar System Passage and Text Dependent Questions from Samantha Daughtry on TPT

11. Solar System for Second Grade from Kuwaiti Princess on TPT

12. Baby Bear's Space Journey Reading Passage for Kindergarten from Great Schools

13. What is it Like in Space? Quick Reading Comprehension Activity from Appleseed Education on TPT

14. Cloze Reading Space Theme Pack from Resource Rose on TPT

15. NASA & Space Exploration Reading Comprehension from Soft Schools

Other Reading Comprehension Resources You'll Love

Comprehension Dice Games {Free Printable!}

Resources to Teach Reading Comprehension, WH Questions, & Inferences

Free Printable WH Question Word Cards

The Best Planet Crafts for Kids Who Love Space

Looking for planet craft ideas? Try one of these awesome outer space and planet crafts for kids!

---

We've gone through many phases in our house. There was a maze phase. A traffic light phase. A Roman numerals phase.

Then there are the interests and passions that come and go...

For my oldest son, who's hyperlexic, space is one of those come and go interests. One day he's absolutely fascinated by all things space related and the next, it's like meh, not interested.

Actually, for many hyperlexic and autistic children, outer space is a common special interest or passion. In fact, it's one of the most common interests for hyperlexic kids (see #7 on this list). After letters and numbers, of course.

So, if your child is currently into all things outer space, then you're in the right spot. These planet crafts for kids are awesome and, as cliche as it sounds, they are out of this world!

This post was updated on May 31, 2024. New ideas were added, dead/broken links were removed, and descriptions were included to make it even easier for you to find a planet craft or two.

The Best Planet Crafts for Kids

Below you'll find tons of awesome planet crafts for all ages and skill levels. There's really something for everyone on this list. 

Some of these crafts and art projects use materials like yarn or modeling clay, while others use tissue paper or paint. You'll even find some DIY planet necklaces and jewelry that you can wear - how fun!

Anyway, here are some of the planet craft ideas that you should check out:

1. Yarn Wrapped Planets Craft (pictured in the collage and below) - All you need to recreate the entire solar system is some cardboard and yarn. These planets are great for building fine motor skills.

2. Black Glue Galaxy Planets Craft from I Heart Crafty Things (pictured) - I love the contrast between the black glue and the paint in this fun art project.

3. Space Stained Glass Planet Suncatchers from Adventure in a Box - These planet suncatchers are gorgeous!

4. Coffee Filter Planet Suncatchers Craft from Fun-A-Day! - Have some coffee filters on hand? Then give this craft idea a try. They look so pretty hanging up on a window.

5. Colorful Tea Light Planets from Journey into Creativity - Here's a really neat idea using tea lights that make the planets glow. The end result is seriously stunning.

6. Puffy Planets Art from I Can Teach my Child - Making puffy paint is so much fun to begin with. You can use it to create your own planets or solar system.

7. DIY Solar System Necklace from Ashley Hackshaw aka Lil Blue Boo - How about a little craft project you can wear? Why not! The finished necklace is really cool.

8. 3D Paper Planets Mobile Craft from Easy Peasy and Fun - Simply print, cut, and assemble to make your own mobile of the solar system.

9. Marbled Planets from I Heart Crafty Things - Here's a great little process art project using the classic shaving cream marbling technique.

10. DIY Outer Space Clay Planet Jewelry from Pink Stripey Socks - Here's another great jewelry craft to try (or you could make them into ornaments). This craft uses modeling clay.

11. Classic Paper Mache Planets Craft from Red Ted Art - Ah, nothing beats a good old classic paper mache craft, don't you think? Why not make some planets?

12. Torn Paper Planets from 3 Dinosaurs - A craft like this makes me reminisce about doing collages in elementary school...besides what small child doesn't enjoy ripping paper?

13. Solar System Suncatchers from Someone's Mum - I like how this particular craft uses laminating pouches. Doing so will make these suncatchers very durable.

14. Watercolor Planets Art from Rainy Day Mum - Kids will love creating their own unique planets with this simple art project.

15. Fingerprint Solar System Craft from Darcy Brian - Create your own tiny solar system using your fingerprints as little planets. The end result is so cute.

16. Salt Dough Planet Necklace from Kitchen Counter Chronicles - One more necklace craft to try out. This one is specifically of planet Earth, but you could make any planet you wish.

17. 3D Paper Planets from Babble Dabble Do - Here's a really neat art project to try using colored paper. Kids can build their own unique 3D planet.

18. Melted Crayon Solar System Suncatchers from Tell Love and Party (pictured) - Do you remember doing melted crayon and wax paper crafts as a child too? I know I do! You can use this technique to make really pretty planets to hang up in your windows.

19. Tissue Paper Planet Suncatcher Craft from Preschool Play and Learn - We've done our fair share of tissue paper suncatchers over the year, but I've never done one using a laminator pouch before. We usually use contact paper, but I love the idea of laminating them though! This one focuses on making planet Earth, but feel free to make whatever planet you want.

20. Tissue Paper Planet Craft for Preschoolers & Toddlers from Darcy Brian - Similar to the idea above, but on paper instead of making it transparent. Again, the focus is an Earth craft, but you can use it to make any planet you'd like.

There are so many fun ideas on this list with projects that are great for kids of all ages, from toddlers and preschoolers and up. Which of these planet crafts for kids are you going to try?

Calming Outer Space Sensory Bottles for Kids

Looking for some calming sensory bottles to add to a calm down kit? Try one of these outer space sensory bottles!

---

If you have a hyperlexic child, then you likely already know that space and planets are common interests for hyperlexic kids. It's a topic they gravitate to while quite young.

So, if your child (hyperlexic or not) also needs a bit of help with sensory regulation (or you're just looking for a nice quiet time activity to keep them busy), then these outer space sensory bottles might be just what you need.

You'll find lots of ideas below that incorporate stars and galaxy inspired colors, but some incorporate astronauts and planets. So there should be something up your child's alley below. 

This post was updated on May 23rd, 2024. New ideas were added and dead/broken links were removed. Descriptions were also added to make it even easier for you to find the perfect sensory bottle!

Calming Space Sensory Bottles for Kids

Whether your child is passionate about all things outer space or not, these sensory bottles are out of this world (so cliché, I know).

But seriously, these galaxy and space themed sensory bottles are beautiful and engaging, making them a great addition to any calm down kit, regardless of how old your kids are. So let's take a closer look at these ideas.

1. 3 Ingredient Galaxy Calm Down Bottle from Preschool Inspirations (pictured) - I love the darkness of this one combined with the glittery stars floating around. It looks really easy to make.

2. Star Wars Light Saber Sensory Bottle from Little Bins for Little Hands - These sensory bottles are so unique! They're perfect for little Star Wars fans.

3. Rainbow Galaxy Sensory Bottle from Rhythms of Play - You'll need an assortment of different colored glitter glues to make this bottle, but the end result is 100% worth it. It's gorgeous!

4. Solar System Sensory Bottle from Inspiration Laboratories (pictured) - This bottle features floating (or should I say orbiting?) planets, which is really fun.

5. Oil & Water Galaxy Sensory Bottle from Capturing Parenthood - I really love how this one looks when everything settles. Be sure to watch the video of it in action too!

6. Count the Stars Glowing Sensory Bottle from Kids Activities Blog (pictured) - This sensory bottle features glow in the dark mini stars and glow in the dark paint! It looks really cool.

7. Space Travel Sensory Bottle from STEAM Powered Family - I love how this bottle looks like the shuttle and astronaut are floating in space. It's also quite different from the others on this list that focus on making a galaxy. By the way, you can also watch a video of this bottle to see it in action.

8. Space Sensory Bottle from The Chaos & The Clutter - If you're looking for an idea that doesn't use water as the base, then give this one a try. It features black gravel/sand as the filler. This bottle almost acts like an I spy game.

9. Galaxy in a Bottle from Little Passports - I love how these ones look with the cotton balls inside. I also like how they made the lids look more space themed with some tin foil.

10. Galaxy in a Jar from Lemon Lime Adventures - I really like the color of this sensory bottle as it's a nice deep purple. Plus, it looks really simple to make.

11. Galaxy Sensory Bottle from Mom Life and Media - The holographic bottle used for this calm down bottle is SO cool! It really makes the galaxy pop.

There are so many cool outer space sensory bottles on this list to try. Which one are you going to try recreating?

Planets I Spy Game {Free Printable for Kids}

This free printable planets I spy game for kids is a perfect way to work on a variety of skills!

---

My oldest son has been extremely interested in learning about planets for quite some time. So, we have done our fair share of space themed activities over the past year or so. 

I'm not surprised he's into planets and learning about space so much lately. After all, it's a common interest for hyperlexic kids.

Inspired by his love for planets, I created this free printable planets I spy game for him. 

He can scan and count the different planets (tapping into something else he loves - anything number related!) and record them on the answer sheet.

There are also lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this one, as I have highlighted below.

I also highly recommend pairing this I spy game with this free planets Scrabble math printable.

I Spy Games are Versatile!

I spy games are tons of fun and great for kids of all ages. You can use them with toddlers or preschoolers or even preteens and teens. I know that lots of people have even used my I spy games with elderly people and those with dementia.

What I love about I spy games is how versatile they are, even beyond appealing to various age groups. There are lots of different ways to use them (there's a section below with some ideas) and they can also be used in different settings.

For example, I spy games are perfect to use as a quick boredom buster activity at home when the kids are saying, "I'm bored!" Or to keep kids busy while you're cooking supper.

They can also be used in the classroom as part of a learning center or included in a specific lesson or unit. You could also use them as filler activities for those kids who finish their classwork quickly.

You could also print off a bunch of the I spy games, package them up into a binder, and create a busy book for road trips or plane rides. You could even laminate them first (here's the laminator I use and love) or put them into sheet protectors and use a dry erase marker so that the book could be reused over and over.

I spy games are also a great activity to use in speech or occupational therapy since they can be used to target a variety of skills, which we'll touch on in the next section.

The Benefits of I Spy Games for Kids

There are lots of benefits to playing I spy games like this space themed one.

For instance, they're great for developing visual tracking skills and improving visual discrimination. After all, these printable games require kids to visually scan through the objects, compare and contrast them, and find all the ones that are the same.

Then there's obviously the math benefits. I spy games are a great way to practice and develop math skills such as sorting, counting, comparing, etc.

You can also work on fine motor skills using I spy games. You might cross off items, cover them in play dough, or use tongs to place pom poms to cover the items (see the next section for other ideas for how to use I spy games).

Furthermore, you could work on handwriting skills with I spy games. After all, there is an answer sheet to record your answers and kids can practice writing numbers or drawing tally marks.

Playing I spy games with your kids is also a great way to work on speech and language skills. You could target articulation and vocabulary for instance. All of my I spy games include written words to accompany the images to aid in comprehension, especially for hyperlexic learners.

I spy games can also be a great way to work on executive functioning related skills and working memory.

See, lots of benefits! Now, let's take a look at some different ways to use this I spy game.

How to Use this I Spy Game

The most obvious way to use this I spy game is to simply print and play (you'll be able to download your copy below). Just grab a pencil, start counting, and record the number of items you found on the answer key (write the number or use tally marks, if you'd prefer). 

Maybe you also want to cross off or circle items on the game sheet with a pencil as you find them.

Another option would be to use bingo dabbers or dot markers. You could also use pom poms or counters to cover the items as you count. You could even pair pom poms with tongs or tweezers to target different fine motor skills.

You could also laminate the I spy game first to make them reusable. Simply use dry erase markers to cross off the items as you find them and fill in the answer key. 

You could also use play dough instead of dry erase markers to cover the items on the laminated game sheet. That way you add an additional sensory component.

Finally, you can go digital by playing this I spy game right on the computer or tablet. You can also pull it up during a Zoom meeting, teletherapy session, or similar using the screenshare function. Then use the annotate tool to cross off the items.

Download the Free Printable Planets I Spy Game

This planets I spy game has three pages: a game sheet, a page to record the answers, and an answer key. Both the answer sheet and answer key include the image as well as written words to describe the object.

To get a copy of this I spy game, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Want More I Spy Games?

You'll find even more themes in the I spy games bundle!

Click here to get your copy of the I spy games bundle

Space Themed Activities for Kids

We have done quite a few outer space themed activities from crafts to sensory bins to space themed hopscotch, enough to put together an outer space lesson plan for preschool and kindergarten aged kids. So here are activities, crafts, books, and music for a space unit for preschool and kindergarten.

This post contains affiliate links.

Space Themed Activities for Kids

MATH & LITERACY:

Practice spelling space themed words while working on addition skills using this free printable space themed Scrabble math. It's a great way to introduce space vocabulary to kids too! And for extra learning, write the words in the boxes for some writing practice. To build language skills while working on visual scanning, try this free printable planets I Spy game.


CRAFT:

Engage those fine motor skills by making yarn wrapped planets. Turn them into a mobile to hang in your child's room or in the playroom.


GROSS MOTOR:

Head outdoors and make a giant rocket themed hopscotch to practice the names of the planets and the order of the planets.


SENSORY PLAY:

Make a space themed small world on the light table. Don't forget the moon dust! Or try making constellations on the light table. You could also try making planet themed sensory bins like our Earth inspired sensory bin.


FINE MOTOR:

Practice scissor skills with this sticky constellations activity. The yarn wrapped planets are also great for working on fine motor skills.


SCIENCE:

Explore magnetic properties by building some tin can rockets. These rockets are a great way to encourage some pretend play too!


BOOKS:

Here are two of our favorite space themed books for kids:

1. The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara - A cute space themed telling of the classic The Three Little Pigs. I love the illustrations of the planets on the inside covers.
2. There's No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System by Tish Rabe - We love the Cat in the Hat Learning Library books. This book is a great introduction to the solar system for kids.

MUSIC:

Here's a really catchy song called "Planets, Planets" by Music with Nancy.

Planets Scrabble Math {Free Printable}

Free printable planets Scrabble math worksheets for kids.

---

Scrabble math is such a great way to work on literacy skills, spelling, and math, all while learning about a specific topic. Plus, it's perfect for hyperlexic kids who love space, letters, and numbers.

This one is all about planets!

Spell all eight planets' names and then add up their scores using this free printable Scrabble math worksheet.

What You'll Need for this Space Themed Scrabble Math Activity

To do Scrabble math, you will need:

• Scrabble letter tiles

• Planets Scrabble math printable

• Pencil

Spell the words using the letter tiles and the printable. Then add up the score to find the sum! Simple math and spelling activity all-in-one. My boys also like to write the corresponding letters in the boxes after they've tallied up the word's score. My oldest, J, also likes to put the scores in order from first place to last. Lots of great learning occurs when we do Scrabble math!

Download the Free Printable Planets Scrabble Math Worksheets

This three page printable covers the names of eight planets (sorry, Pluto!).

Feel free to print and use the printable as is with a pencil or laminate and pair with a dry erase marker. Laminating will make it more durable and make it reusable.

To get a copy of this printable, click the link below:

>> Click here to download the free printable

 

Yarn Wrapped Planets Craft

Looking for space crafts for kids? Try these yarn wrapped planets crafts! They're also a great fine motor craft.

---

I've always loved the look of yarn wrapped crafts and I figured my oldest son could try the technique out to make some really cool planets crafts. 

The result is a set of beautiful yarn wrapped planets.

What You'll Need for this Planets Craft Idea

Here's what you'll need to make your own version:

• Cardboard

• Yarn

• Scissors

How to Make these Yarn Wrapped Planets Crafts

First you need to the cardboard into the rough shapes and sizes of the planets. Please note, they are not to scale. I eyeballed the sizes.  

Next, you'll cut slits all around the planets to help keep the yarn in place. Your cardboard planets should now look like those shown below.

Once you have the cardboard planet shapes, it's time to start wrapping them in yarn!

My mom brought up two bags filled with yarn for me a few months ago and luckily, there happened to be all the right colors in the bags to make these planets. I placed the coordinating yarn next to each planet to make it easier for J to make the planets.

However, I did not anticipate how much J would struggle with this activity.  His fine motor skills are pretty good, but he found this craft challenging. He climbed onto my lap and we worked on the planets together until he got the hang of things. By the time J got to Mars, he was starting to figure it out.

Wrap and pull, wrap and pull, wrap and pull...I kept chanting that to help keep J focused on the technique. Saturn's rings added another challenge, but he eventually did it.

Every time he finished a planet, we would place it in the correct order and say the planets' names together. A few days later and he can still rattle off the names of some of the planets and point to the correct one. I'm impressed with what J remembered from this activity!

And the end results are totally fabulous!  How awesome did these yarn wrapped planets turn out?!

Other Space Themed Activities You'll Love

Planet Crafts for Kids

Free Printable Planets I Spy Game

Space Sensory Bins for Kids

This post was part of the Fine Motor Fridays series. Here are some other ideas from this series:

Pouch Cap Sheep Printing from House of Burke

20 Fine Motor Skills for Toddlers from Powerful Mothering

Prewriting Fine Motor Activity from School Time Snippets

Fine Motor Cherry Blossom Tree Artwork from Still Playing School

The Carrot Seed Fine Motor Activities from Stir the Wonder

Sticky Constellations Activity for Kids

This sticky constellations activity is a great way for toddlers and preschoolers to work on scissor skills while learning about constellations.

---

Lately we've done a lot of space activities. A little rocket hopscotch. Some small world play. We've even built rockets using tin cans and magnetic tiles. But now we're branching out to constellations with this activity.

When it comes to teaching kids about constellations, there are classic constellation activities that everyone does. You know which ones I'm talking about. Think pipe cleaner constellations or marshmallow constellations. Another favorite is to make constellation cards that go over flashlights. Everybody has done them at some point. They're classics for a reason.

But sometimes you might want something a little bit different. That's where this sticky constellations activity for kids comes in. It's like a little bit sensory, a little bit fine motor, and a little bit art.

This particular activity works on scissor skills, while also providing a little sensory input. So it's a nice change from threading pony beads onto pipe cleaners or poking toothpicks into marshmallows.

What You'll Need for this Sticky Constellations Activity for Kids

What I love about this outer space themed activity is that it's low prep. You just have to tape one thing up and then the kids do the rest. Here's what you'll need:

• Contact paper - That's what makes this constellation activity sticky after all

• Yellow glass stones (for stars) - You could use pom poms, buttons, or even star beads as a substitute

• Yarn - The yarn will be used to join the stars in our constellations together

• Scissors - To cut the yarn that will be joining our constellations together. But you could always precut the yarn into different lengths and provide that instead of including scissors.

• Constellation cards (optional) - They are the same constellation sewing cards that we used for this light table constellation activity. I originally included them as part of this activity, but, as you'll see, my kids much preferred to DIY instead.

To set up this activity, I taped the contact paper, sticky side out, to the mirrors in our dining room. I set out a long piece of yarn for each of my boys, the constellation cards for inspiration, the stones, and some scissors.

With the clear contact paper and the translucent glass stones, you could set up this activity on a window to incorporate more light. Then leave the finished projects hanging up in the window afterwards as a bit of constellation art.

A Fun Make Your Own Constellation Project that Toddlers & Preschoolers Will Love

My youngest K immediately grabbed the yarn and the scissors. Unsurprising, given his love for cutting things. He added the whole piece of yarn to the contact paper and then started to cut it into shorter pieces. 

After placing a few pieces of the cut up yarn, he grabbed some of the yellow "stars" to complete his constellation. He honestly didn't care about the constellation cards and preferred to make his own constellations, such as this one that he called the "tall snowman." Makes sense, right?

My oldest, J, was only mildly interested in this constellation activity. I really thought he would be more into it given his interest in learning about space at the moment. He did try making one constellation at least, which you can see below.

This sticky constellations activity was really easy to set up and was a great way for my kids to work on scissor skills.

More Fun Space Activities for Kids You'll Love

Montessori-Inspired Constellation & Stars Printable Pack

Preschool Light Table Constellation Activity