Get ready to blast off in this out-of-this-world astronaut school dramatic play center. Students reach for the stars as they pretend to be astronauts through active play and imagination. This dramatic play unit is an excellent addition when learning about outer space.
Creating engaging dramatic play areas by adding a few items into a basic kitchen setup makes a huge impact. An astronaut school dramatic play has everything young learners need: literacy, gross motor, visual discrimination skills, and the opportunity to use the knowledge of outer space and astronauts in a fun and engaging way.
Materials Needed:
No need to consult NASA – setting up an astronaut school is easy with a few simple props!
- Astronaut dramatic play printables
- Small weights
- Yoga mats
- Computer screen (not plugged in)
- Keyboard (not plugged in)
- 2 Liter soda bottles sprayed silver with duct tape straps
Take it up to the next level by adding:
- Astronaut dress-up suits (white shirts and white pants would also work)
- Control panel for the shuttle
- Space shuttle pop up tent
Check out this Resource from my Shop!
Astronaut School Dramatic Play
$4.00Get ready to blast off into outer space with this adorable Astronaut School Dramatic Play Center! Students will learn everything it takes to be an astronaut. This is a great center to use when teaching an Outer Space Unit.
Ready to Blast Off
A check-in station is a great way to delineate the play area using a table, counter, or the Create-It-Station from Constructive Playthings. By providing an entry point, students begin to understand how to interact with the materials. Incorporating computers and a keyboard bring a literacy element that children love as they search for letters on the keyboard. Name tags allow students to choose how to play in the center. These things are ways to increase engagement and excitement within a dramatic play center.
Astronaut Strength Training
Having strong muscles and being healthy is an essential part of training. Small weights, yoga mats, and exercise cards in the strength training area allow students to incorporate movement into their learning. Just like astronauts need to keep their bodies healthy when in outer space, students can do the same in this fun corner of an astronaut dramatic play center.
Suit Up for a Spacewalk
Students will love putting on a spacesuit for their training. Provide dress-up astronaut suits or white shirts and pants, gloves, and “air tanks” in the Space Prep Area. A space suit checklist incorporates literacy skills and sequencing skills.
Enhancing the Fun with Props
Children’s imaginations are incredible. And while they can turn a cardboard box into a spaceship by themselves, it’s always fun to enhance their play with props. A basic board with buttons and switches makes a fantastic control panel. Students love pushing the buttons and blasting off into space.
The steering wheel panel has been repurposed from the Airport Dramatic Play center.
The display panel was rescued from a trash pile. Be sure your friends, family, and neighbors all know that you collect cool things for your classroom!
Star Search
Creating an outer space window can activate previous knowledge of the planets and stars. Fine motor skills get a workout at the planet viewing station when students explore planet maps. Students identify the planets displayed and color their sheets accordingly.
Read All About Astronauts
Encouraging little astronauts to prepare for their adventures to the stars is easy with an in-class library. Set up the space with comfy pillows, stuffed animals, and maybe even a flashlight to make it more enticing. Students are sure to discover a love of reading when it connects to real-life experiences. A space library with books about outer space will encourage little astronauts to prepare for their adventures to the stars.
For an astronaut dramatic play theme, some suggested titles include:
- My Best Pop-Up Space Book by DK Publishing
- Our Stars by Anne Rockwell
- On The Launchpad by Michael Dahl
- Mousetronaut by Astronaut Mark Kelly
- 8 Little Planets by Chris Ferrie
- The Sun Shines Everywhere by Mary Ann Hoberman
- Penguinaut by Marcie Colleen
- Astronaut Training by Aneta Cruz
Pair a dramatic play with a great outer space unit and watch students’ imaginations soar!
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Additional Resources for an Aspiring Astronaut
Learn from the experts at NASA in a preschool-friendly way!
Houston doesn’t have a problem with sharing information all about space!
NAEYC shares how one teacher incorporated a space theme for her Star Wars-obsessed students!
