Planets in a bottle

Last week, I shared with you how we explored space with Dr. Seuss. My prekindergarten age students enjoyed talking about and making their own planets so we made our own simple version of planets in a bottle for the children to take home as a way to promote discussion on planets at home too…

Planets in a Bottle by Teach Preschool

To make our planets in a bottle, the children started by filling up a clear bottle with water. Our bottles were originally milk bottles saved from Wendy’s.  They are terrific bottles because they don’t have any sticky label to clean off and they are a good quality bottle for use in the classroom. (By the way, my almost three year old grandson stopped by to visit us and he joined in the fun too)…

Planets in a Bottle by Teach Preschool

The children chose five or more waterbeads to represent their planets and placed them in their water filled water bottles. We did not hot glue our lids closed but if you are concerned with the bottles being opened when they go home, adding hot glue inside the lids of the bottles before closing the bottles up will help keep the bottles permanently closed…

Planets in a Bottle by Teach Preschool

Waterbeads are wonderful to watch move around in a waterbottle. The water beads are see-though in the light and they emulate movement in space as the beads move slowly through the water when you turn the bottle up and down…

Planets in a Bottle by Teach Preschool

We purchased our waterbeads about two years ago in small packets. They start off like small seeds and after soaking overnight in water, our waterbeads grow to about the size of a marble…

Planets in a Bottle by Teach Preschool

My students would play with waterbeads every day if I would set them out but we save them for special occasions or specific experiences throughout the year so they remain super fun and inviting…

At Play with Waterbeads

With the children’s interest in planets, the waterbeads were perfect for making our own planet water bottles…

Planets in a Bottle by Teach Preschool

And for a fun water play experience too…

Planets in a Bottle by Teach Preschool

Available on Amazon

Links to Grow On

Exploring Space with Dr. Seuss

Ideas for Space on Pinterest

Outer Space Playdough from I Can Teach My Child

Alien Space Ships from Teaching the Little People

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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