S is for Space Song Rocket Ride: Library Notes

 


Zoom!Zoom!Zoom! We're going to the Moon!  These are the opening lines of my favourite space song but this one follows close behind.  It is a book that has an accompanying CD with the story being the actual lyrics to the song.  
  • The colours in this book are so bright and cheerful. It adds to the upbeat excitement of the book.
  • The book starts off with a countdown from 10 to blastoff!
  • Next, they set the context of the story. It is set in the galaxy called the milky way in the universe  Within the galaxy is our solar system where eight planets spin. In the middle is the burning sun.  Our blue earth is one of the planets that spin around it.  Around the earth orbits a moon and the moon impacts the tides on earth. 
  • The big picture is that we are "Where the bright stars shine all around, all around, where the bright stars shine all around," This is the chorus to the song of the story.  It is a catchy phrase, easy for children to learn and memorize, encouraging their participation, their speech and their familiarity with the written text. 
  • Space Vocabulary:  Stars, sun, planets, galaxy, milky way, solar system, universe, asteroid belt, shooting star, meteor, satellites and black holes are terms that are introduced in this book and that can be further explored.  You can match the pictures to the terms, write out definitions, draw what they are, label a diagram and so forth to practice these words.
  • Exploration of space, the science of planets orbiting a sun or the science of the moon influencing the ocean's tides are examples of key areas for further research for an interested child
  • Pretending to be an astronaut traveling in space via dramatic play makes the possibility of personally exploring space even more fun and potentially reality one day.
  • This book helps us to see our small role in the grand scheme of the universe.  It needs to be considered in conjunction with the significant role we have as individuals whose decisions impact the world around us.  We are both great and small.
  • The book can be a stepping stone to studying constellations.  By extension it can lead to study of Greek and Roman gods for whom some of the constellations are named.
  • Circles is the main shape mentioned in the book so circle art is an apt supplementary activity.  Just doing circles upon circles, ordering circles to resemble the planets orbiting the sun, marble painting or sponge painting circles to resemble planets are some ideas.  You can also try spiral art or paints in a salad spinner.
  • Try being a planet orbiting a sun or a spinning planet for gross motor fun.  You can also practice a moon walk or jumping over craters.
  • Use spinning gears to build with to discuss the motion of the planets.  You could also build a rocket ship with lego or make craters on a playdough moon with tools for fine motor practice.
  • Build a satellite with screws, nuts, bolts, wire, pipe cleaners and other bits and pieces
I am sure there are many more ideas you can come up with to relate to this book but here are a few. 
Be sure to consider the child(re) in your life and what would interest them when you read this book and build on it.  Above all, make it an enjoyable experience, preferably for both parties. 
Take the book and use it to build wonderful memories with the child(ren) in your life!

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