At ChildSol Creche & Pre-School, we believe curiosity isn’t just about asking questions — it’s the heartbeat of learning. Through playful learning, children turn questions into discoveries, and wonder into wisdom. And what better way to spark young imaginations than by exploring the vast and wondrous universe beyond our planet?
This week, we’ve launched into the mysteries of space, using stars, planets, and astronauts as our gateway to curiosity. Here’s how a space exploration theme can ignite wonder, encourage questioning, and support early development — both in and out of the classroom.
Why Space?
Space is the perfect blend of science and imagination. It’s filled with things children can see — like the moon and stars — and things they can only imagine — like black holes and galaxies far, far away. This balance makes space the ideal theme for early learners, offering endless opportunities for exploration, creativity, and playful engagement.
When children learn about space, they encounter words like orbit, gravity, comet, and planet, which stretch their vocabulary. They also begin asking deep, thoughtful questions:
“Why does the moon change shape?”
“What’s inside a rocket?”
“Can people really live on Mars?”
These aren’t just questions — they’re the seeds of thinking, problem-solving, and discovery.
Bringing Space into the Classroom
To turn this theme into a rich experience, our educators have designed hands-on activities that invite children to think, build, and imagine.
🚀 DIY Rocket Launches
Using recycled materials like paper towel tubes, cardboard, and foil, the children build model rockets. As they create, they wonder: How do rockets fly? What do astronauts wear? This kind of playful learning encourages both fine motor skills and scientific thinking.
🌌 Constellation Art
With black paper and white crayons, children connect stars to form constellations — real or invented! They name them, tell stories, and discover how imagination and science can travel hand-in-hand.
🪐 Planet Walks
By simulating the solar system with floor markers, children physically “travel” from one planet to another. This helps them visualise space and understand that Earth is part of something much bigger — the ultimate adventure awaits moment.
🛰 Story Time from Space
Books like There’s No Place Like Space or Mae Among the Stars bring space down to earth through storytelling. We even stream videos of astronauts reading from the International Space Station — proof that even space makes time for a good story.
🪩 The Magic of Planetarium Visits
While classroom fun sparks interest, nothing beats seeing the stars “up close.” Planetariums offer an immersive journey through the cosmos. Twinkling stars and swirling galaxies captivate children and help abstract concepts come to life.
For many, it’s their first step into a much larger universe — where adventure awaits behind every celestial body.
🌍 Recommended Planetariums in Gauteng:
Johannesburg Planetarium – Wits University
South Africa’s oldest planetarium in Braamfontein offers child-friendly shows and holiday programs.
Website: www.planetarium.co.za
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre – Newtown, Johannesburg
This interactive science hub frequently hosts space exhibits and mobile planetarium experiences.
Website: www.sci-bono.co.za
Unizulu Science Centre (Mobile Planetarium)
Often visiting schools in Gauteng, this mobile unit brings the wonders of space directly to children.
Encouraging Curiosity at Home
Parents can continue this journey at home with simple but powerful activities:
✨ Night-time Stargazing – Look up, count stars, and guess what might be out there.
🧠 Open-Ended Questions – Ask, “What do you think?” to encourage independent thinking.
🧱 Build Together – Construct rockets or space stations with recycled materials or blocks.
📺 Watch Space-Themed Shows – StoryBots, Octonauts: Above and Beyond, and short NASA clips offer bite-sized space knowledge.
What Children Learn
While space exploration might seem like fun and games (and it is), it strengthens key areas of early development:
Cognitive Growth: Asking questions sharpens memory, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Language Skills: Learning words like meteor and astronaut enriches communication.
Emotional Development: Imagining new worlds builds confidence and sparks curiosity.
STEM Readiness: Early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and maths — all through playful learning.
Final Thought: Questions Are the Engines of Discovery
At ChildSol, we celebrate every “Why?” because it marks the start of a journey. A question about stars might lead to a rocket drawing, a planet walk, or a bedtime conversation about the moon. That’s how learning begins — with wonder.
So if your little explorer dreams of flying to Jupiter or reading stories among the stars, encourage that imagination. Because in a universe full of unknowns, adventure awaits — and one question can launch a lifetime of learning.