Let's Explore SpaceCore Learning Pathway

Monthly Planning Cycle Program Planner

3 - 5 years

Hi there, I'm Jodie!

Jodie Clarke is an early childhood professionalsupporting educators who want and need to staypassionate about the work they do!

She has 30 years hands-on experience in the earlychildhood and human services sectors acrossmany different roles.

Jodie is mum to 3 in Australia and has already helped thousands of educators with their workthrough her popular blog posts, activity ideas,online training and e-books.

A Little About MeA Little About Me

How do the 7 Empowered Educator Core Early Learning Areas correspond tothe Australian EYLF Outcomes?

Core Learning Areas & Outcomes Program Quick Guide

Empowered EdMonthly Program Planners

Outcomes 1,2,4,5

EYLF Outcomes 1,2,4,5

Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5

Outcomes 2,3,4,5 Outcomes 3,4,5

Outcomes 1,2,4

Outcomes 2,4,5

Children have a strong sense of identityChildren have a strong sense of wellbeingChildren are confident & involved learnersChildren are effective communicators

Children have a strong sense of identityChildren are connected with & contributeto their worldChildren are confident & involved learners

Children are connected with & contributeto their worldChildren are confident & involved learnersChildren are effective communicators

Children have a strong sense of wellbeingChildren are confident & involved learnersChildren are effective communicators

Children have a strong sense of identityChildren have a strong sense of wellbeingChildren are confident & involved learnersChildren are effective communicators

Children have a strong sense of identityChildren have a strong sense of wellbeingChildren are confident & involved learnersChildren are effective communicators

Children have a strong sense of identityChildren are confident & involved learnersChildren are effective communicators

What will ignite our curiosity and learning this month?

Let's Explore... SPACE

This Program Begins:______________

Ends:_______________

Monthly ProgramPlannerPathway Curiosity Sparks

I Wonder...

What can we see

from our Earth?

Week 1 INVESTIGATIONS

- Sun- Moon- Clouds- Stars

I Wonder...What can we

explore when

in space?

Week 2 INVESTIGATIONS

- Gravity- Food- Clothing- Rocket

I Wonder...Who/what

explores &

investigates

space?

Week 4 INVESTIGATIONS

- Astronomers- Astronauts- Space Station- Observatory

I Wonder...

What is in

space?

Week 3 INVESTIGATIONS

- Rock planets- Gas planets- Galaxies- Stars

Core Learning Pathway- Space

Dip into this collection of ideas and online links to extend your curiosity spark exploration,

planned activities, children's emerging interests, spontaneous learning and environment changes.

Monthly Planner Everyday Experiences Toolkit

BOOKS TO EXPLORE & CURIOSITY SPARK VIDEOSA list of suggested books and online resources to spark interest, investigation

and further learning on this planner pathway.

Let astronauts on the space stationtake over storytime as they readchildren’s books from space HERE.

Are We There Yet? All About thePlanet Saturn!

Little Kids First Big Book of Space -Catherine D. Hughes

Papa Please Get the Moon for ME- Eric Carle

The Magic School Bus, Lost in theSolar System - Joanna Cole

Space: For Kids Who Really LoveSpace! Roger Priddy

Little Cloud - Eric Carle

Peep Inside Space - Anna Milbourne

Little World: To the Moon: A push-and-pull adventure - Allison Black

Hello, World! Solar System - JillMcDonald

Mousetronaut: Based on a (Partially) True Story - Mark Kelly

Pete the Cat: Out of ThisWorld - James Dean

The Skies Above My Eyes -Charlotte Guillain

3 - 5 years

Look Inside Space - Rob Lloyd

Jones

The Ultimate Book of Space -Anne-Sophie Baumann

Core Learning Pathway- Space

BOOKS TO EXPLORE & CURIOSITY SPARK VIDEOSA list of suggested books and online resources to spark interest, investigation and

further learning on this planner pathway.

Why can I see the moon during theday? Watch this video for a simpleexplanation to share!

See how astronauts on the spacestation make a peanut butter andjam/jelly sandwich in this video

Pizza Delivery at the space station -watch how to make pizzas whileeverything is floating in this video.

How do astronauts in space washtheir hair? Find out in this video

Can we make coloured water ballsin space? Find out when you watchthis video.

What happens when you sendNickelodeon slime to theInternational Space Station? Go ona virtual field trip above the Earthto find out here.

Why does the moon change?SciShow explains simply in this video.

A fantastic easy to understand videoexplaining Astronomy for kids andwhat we can see through a telescope.Watch it here.

3 - 5 years

Busy People: Astronaut - Lucy M. George

Go on a Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventure withMike & Muttnik on the Moon here.

Elmo talks about exercising to staystrong in space with a NASA astronautin this video.

Get moving using different bodyactions when you go on a kids spaceadventure with Bounce Patrol in thisvideo.

A simple song video (sung to the tune ofTwinkle Twinkle) to help children recognisewhere planets are in our solar system.

MUSIC & MOVEMENTChallenge little bodies to move, groove, balance, coordinate & make

music with these ideas.

Play toss, run and catch like thegame you see in the first section ofthis video.

2 fun songs exploring the Moonand Sun:

See how to train like anastronaut in this video fromNASA

This is a fantastic collection of 20fun movement, balance andcoordination games. You have totry one!

Core Learning Pathway- Space

3 - 5 years

Time to Shine Moon Song Here

I’m So Hot - The Sun Song here.

The librarians at Jbrary have created thisspace themed storytime song collection onYouTube to share with all ages. You’llrecognise most of the tunes but make sureto try out the different hand movementsand body actions too for somethingdifferent - you will all be laughing!

Do some fun hip hop movements andsinging with this active ‘Up and Down’position song from Miss Nina

Need to cool off? Try one of these hilariousgroup water games!

MUSIC & MOVEMENTChallenge little bodies to move, groove, balance, coordinate & make

music with these ideas.

Settle down together before rest timeand listen to this song version of thepopular storybook “Goodnight Moon”.

Core Learning Pathway- Space

3 - 5 years

An old favourite with younger children - MrGolden Sun. Remind yourself of the lyrics here.

Core Learning Pathway- Space

LEARNING CENTRESInspiration to set up everyday smaller spaces, invitations and explorer

baskets for children to engage with and lead their own playful learning.

Add some different lighting elements to your room, try a strand of ‘twinkle star’ lights on the shelves or ceiling. Use the dramatic play printables from your Space Curiosity Spark Pack to help you create and set up some props for differentdramatic play spaces each week. Provide big and small cardboard boxes, loose parts, recyclables, clothing, boots, helmets, gloves, clipboards, pens and morefor children to set up their own space station, rocket, observatory or launchpad. Add to block play and dramatic play spaces andsee what they create! Set up a table or soft space down low in a corner of the room as an inquiry and investigation area for the children to wanderover to at different times.

1.2.

3.

4.

3 - 5 years

The card and poster printables of the planets and constellations from your curiosity spark pack.Different sizes and shapes of rocks along with some small brushes for cleaning.Egg carton or other textured surfaces along with images of the craters on a moon’s surface.Electronic items like earphones, microphones, old mobile phones and keyboards to simulate a control panel.Magnifying glassesPowerpoint slideshows of space images or interesting facts.Photos of astronaut food and plants in space.

You could add:

5. Place small baskets of space-themed books near the door to take outside or throughout the room to create small interest areas.6. Display the build and engineer printable prompts in the construction areas to challenge problem-solving skills and invite creativity.

Core Learning Pathway- Space

LEARNING CENTRESInspiration to set up everyday smaller spaces, invitations and explorer

baskets for children to engage with and lead their own playful learning.

7. Introduce a writing provocation by stapling together some blank sheets of paper and encourage children to turn them into a‘space journal’ they can draw or write in to share their journey to ‘space’.8. Store some shiny open-ended materials including tubing, tinfoil trays, tin cans and baking trays in a large tub and use it as a‘space parts’ workshop. What can they create for their spaceship or for their space station?9. Hang stars and different sized planets (balls!) from the ceiling along with images from your curiosity pack to invite discussionsand comparisons.10. Add some silver duct tape to jumpers or pants to create the look of space clothing.11. Tie (or use a rubber band) large car wash type sponges to the bottom of dress up shoes so children can walk differently -could it be like walking on the moon?12. Take some old keyboards, laptops, circuit boards, headphones, steering wheels etc outside and set up on a table/log/rock tocreate a mission control area. Where could they blast the rocket from? Make sure there are lots of loose parts available for them tobuild with.13. Set up a research area for little astronomers and scientists to explore their finds! Add some rocks, magnifying glasses, imagecards, scales, a moon rock sorting area ...let your imagination go wild!14. Provide colourful shapes or glass gems to arrange and create patterns on a light table or black cardboard.15. Add baskets of small cars, trucks, figurines, tin lids, cotton balls, egg carton cups and cardboard rolls to the block area alongwith pictures of rockets, the moon surface and astronauts.16. Cut out the feltboard images provided in your curiosity printables pack and on the back add a little velcro to use on the feltboard or a small magnet to use on a tray or magnetic board. You could also just cut out some simple star and moon shapes fromfelt for children to use on the feltboard and create their own stories.

3 - 5 years

Monthly Planning Cycle - Program Planner

WEEK ONE PROGRAM

Sun Chocolate Dipper

Moon Craters

Weekly Curiosity Spark

Week 1 ProgramActivities & Experiences for Active Learning

This Program Begins:____________ Ends:_______________

Cloud Characters

Starry Universe

Cloud Count & Create

Coloured Star Sorting

Sun Spinning

Cloud Throw

Clay Constellations

Dough Moon Phases

Nature Star Wands

What can we see from our Earth?

Moon Painting

Sunny Skin Game

Starry Night Art

Your program activities for this week - simply connect the numbers on your program with the

numbers below then download the corresponding numbered activity guides (AG) in member hub.

Core Learning Pathway - SpacePlanner Resource Guide - WEEK 1 PROGRAM

Playful Learning Quick GuideThese easy to understand icons have

been added to help educators simplify playful

learning outcomes and to communicate

confidently with families the ways their child is

learning through 'just playing'.

Exploring & using my senses

Exploring Culture, Diversity

& Community

Building My Language

& Literacy Skills

Building My Social &

Emotional Health

Exploring Simple

Science Concepts

Exploring Simple

Math Concepts

Challenging my fine

motor muscles

Challenging My Gross

Motor Muscles

Looking After My Environment

Planner Activities Activity Guide Number

Cloud CharactersStarry Universe

Sun Chocolate DipperMoon Craters

Nature Star Wands Moon Painting

Clay ConstellationsDough Moon Phases

Sun Spinning Cloud Throw

Sunny Skin Game Starry Night Art

Coloured Star Sorting Cloud Count & Create

AG 250

AG 251

AG 252AG 253

AG 254AG 255

AG 256AG 257

AG 258AG 259

AG 260AG 261

AG 262AG 263

What do I need to know or do to start this week feeling confident and organised?

Week Beginning:______________Week 1 Program Preparation & Planning

Family Communication

Environment Changes Materials & ResourcesIntentional Teaching &Focus Children

Incursions or Excursions Events & Celebrations Activity Guide #

|Weekly Curiosity Spark: What can we see from our Earth?

Program Reflections Future Curiosity Sparks What worked? What Didn't? Why?

What would I do differently next time?

What interests or learning evolved this

week that we could extend on next?

Child Observations Ready for an

Evaluation Quickie

Family Feedback Conversations, Collaboration

& Comments

Something I want to change ordo better & why...

Something new I learnt thismonth & how it is useful...

MiniCritical

Reflection

Something I need to know moreabout & how I'll do it

Program Evaluation Week Ending:______________Review & Reflect

Week 1 - Completed Child Observations - Evaluation QuickiesFor Week Ending:______________

CHILD NAME:_________________DATE:__________________________

What learning took place?

What strengths, interests or concerns can I identify?

Can I plan future experiences from this knowledge?

How could I further support & extend this child's learning?

CHILD NAME:_________________DATE:__________________________

What learning took place?

What strengths, interests or concerns can I identify?

Can I plan future experiences from this knowledge?

How could I further support & extend this child's learning?

Week 1 Program Week Ending:______________Extending the Learning

Curiosity Sparks

Incidental Learning

Children's Voices & Interests

Intentional Teaching Moments

iWhat do we want to

extend on?What did I observe? What did they tell me? What learning took place?

How can we do this? What did we learn? Where could this lead? Can I extend on this? How?

Curiosity Spark:

Monthly Planning Cycle - Program Planner

WEEK TWO PROGRAM

Weekly Curiosity Spark

Week 2 ProgramActivities & Experiences for Active Learning

This Program Begins:____________ Ends:_______________

Astronaut Fun Faces

Clay/Dough Aliens

Space Story Stones

Gravity Jump & Drop

Space Food Smoothie

Bedtime Buckle

Space Walk

Astronaut Fitness

Circuit

Sticky Wall Space

Window

Shape Rockets

Bottle Blast Off

Sustainable Space

Planting

Recycled Rockets

Sensory Moon Walks

What can we explore when

in space?

Your program activities for this week - simply connect the numbers on your program with the

numbers below then download the corresponding numbered activity guides (AG) in member hub.

Core Learning Pathway - SpacePlanner Resource Guide - WEEK 2 PROGRAM

Playful Learning Quick GuideThese easy to understand icons have

been added to help educators simplify playful

learning outcomes and to communicate

confidently with families the ways their child is

learning through 'just playing'.

Exploring & using my senses

Exploring Culture, Diversity

& Community

Building My Language

& Literacy Skills

Building My Social &

Emotional Health

Exploring Simple

Science Concepts

Exploring Simple

Math Concepts

Challenging my fine

motor muscles

Challenging My Gross

Motor Muscles

Looking After My Environment

Planner Activities Activity Guide Number

Astronaut Fun FacesClay/Dough Aliens

Bottle Blast OffSustainable Space Planting

Recycled RocketsSensory Moon Walks

Sticky Wall Space WindowShape Rockets

Space WalkAstronaut Fitness Circuit

Bedtime Buckle

Space Food Smoothie

Gravity Jump & DropSpace Story Stones

AG 264AG 265

AG 266AG 267

AG 268AG 269

AG 270AG 271

AG 272AG 273

AG 274AG 275

AG 276AG 277

What do I need to know or do to start this week feeling confident and organised?

Week Beginning:______________Week 2 Program Preparation & Planning

Family Communication

Environment Changes Materials & ResourcesIntentional Teaching &Focus Children

Incursions or Excursions Events & Celebrations Activity Guide #

|Weekly Curiosity Spark: What can we explore when in space?

Program Reflections Future Curiosity Sparks What worked? What Didn't? Why?

What would I do differently next time?

What interests or learning evolved this

week that we could extend on next?

Child Observations Ready for an

Evaluation Quickie

Family Feedback Conversations, Collaboration

& Comments

Something I want to change ordo better & why...

Something new I learnt thismonth & how it is useful...

MiniCritical

Reflection

Something I need to know moreabout & how I'll do it

Program Evaluation Week Ending:______________Review & Reflect

Week 2 - Completed Child Observations - Evaluation QuickiesFor Week Ending:______________

CHILD NAME:_________________DATE:__________________________

What learning took place?

What strengths, interests or concerns can I identify?

Can I plan future experiences from this knowledge?

How could I further support & extend this child's learning?

CHILD NAME:_________________DATE:__________________________

What learning took place?

What strengths, interests or concerns can I identify?

Can I plan future experiences from this knowledge?

How could I further support & extend this child's learning?

Week 2 Program Week Ending:______________Extending the Learning

Curiosity Sparks

Incidental Learning

Children's Voices & Interests

Intentional Teaching Moments

iWhat do we want to

extend on?What did I observe? What did they tell me? What learning took place?

How can we do this? What did we learn? Where could this lead? Can I extend on this? How?

Curiosity Spark:

Monthly Planning Cycle - Program Planner

WEEK THREE PROGRAM

Weekly Curiosity Spark

Week 3 ProgramActivities & Experiences for Active Learning

This Program Begins:____________ Ends:_______________

Ribbon Explorer

Hot Venus Game

Spinners

Planet Discovery

Comet Icecream

Orbit Line Bodies

Solar System Spheres

Comet Ring Throw

Baked Cotton Balls

Lego Moons

Alien Heads

Light Up A Planet

Galaxy Goo

Rocky Planet Shake

What is in space?

Your program activities for this week - simply connect the numbers on your program with the

numbers below then download the corresponding numbered activity guides (AG) in member hub.

Core Learning Pathway - SpacePlanner Resource Guide - WEEK 3 PROGRAM

Playful Learning Quick GuideThese easy to understand icons have

been added to help educators simplify playful

learning outcomes and to communicate

confidently with families the ways their child is

learning through 'just playing'.

Exploring & using my senses

Exploring Culture, Diversity

& Community

Building My Language

& Literacy Skills

Building My Social &

Emotional Health

Exploring Simple

Science Concepts

Exploring Simple

Math Concepts

Challenging my fine

motor muscles

Challenging My Gross

Motor Muscles

Looking After My Environment

Planner Activities Activity Guide Number

AG 292AG 293

AG 294AG 295

AG 296AG 297

AG 298AG 299

AG 300AG 301

AG 302AG 303

AG 304AG 305

Ribbon ExplorerHot Venus Game

Alien HeadsLight Up A Planet

Galaxy GooRocky Planet Shake

Baked Cotton BallsLego Moons

Solar System SpheresComet Ring Throw

Comet IcecreamOrbit Line Bodies

SpinnersPlanet Discovery

What do I need to know or do to start this week feeling confident and organised?

Week Beginning:______________Week 3 Program Preparation & Planning

Family Communication

Environment Changes Materials & ResourcesIntentional Teaching &Focus Children

Incursions or Excursions Events & Celebrations Activity Guide #

|Weekly Curiosity Spark: What is in space?

Program Reflections Future Curiosity Sparks What worked? What Didn't? Why?

What would I do differently next time?

What interests or learning evolved this

week that we could extend on next?

Child Observations Ready for an

Evaluation Quickie

Family Feedback Conversations, Collaboration

& Comments

Something I want to change ordo better & why...

Something new I learnt thismonth & how it is useful...

MiniCritical

Reflection

Something I need to know moreabout & how I'll do it

Program Evaluation Week Ending:______________Review & Reflect

Week 3 - Completed Child Observations - Evaluation QuickiesFor Week Ending:______________

CHILD NAME:_________________DATE:__________________________

What learning took place?

What strengths, interests or concerns can I identify?

Can I plan future experiences from this knowledge?

How could I further support & extend this child's learning?

CHILD NAME:_________________DATE:__________________________

What learning took place?

What strengths, interests or concerns can I identify?

Can I plan future experiences from this knowledge?

How could I further support & extend this child's learning?

Week 3 Program Week Ending:______________Extending the Learning

Curiosity Sparks

Incidental Learning

Children's Voices & Interests

Intentional Teaching Moments

iWhat do we want to

extend on?What did I observe? What did they tell me? What learning took place?

How can we do this? What did we learn? Where could this lead? Can I extend on this? How?

Curiosity Spark:

Monthly Planning Cycle - Program Planner

WEEK FOUR PROGRAM

Weekly Curiosity Spark

Week 4 ProgramActivities & Experiences for Active Learning

This Program Begins:____________ Ends:_______________

Observatory Tunnel

Space Station Build

Rocket Block Build Team

Solar System Chalk Hop

Salty Moon Rocks

Sticky Glove Puzzles

Comet Tails

Spray Space Galaxy Wall

Star Hunt

Tiny Telescopes

Solar Drinking Water

Rock Investigation

& Clean

Scratch Patterns

Fizzy Moon Rocks

Who or what explores &

investigates space?

Your program activities for this week - simply connect the numbers on your program with the

numbers below then download the corresponding numbered activity guides (AG) in member hub.

Core Learning Pathway - SpacePlanner Resource Guide - WEEK 4 PROGRAM

Playful Learning Quick GuideThese easy to understand icons have

been added to help educators simplify playful

learning outcomes and to communicate

confidently with families the ways their child is

learning through 'just playing'.

Exploring & using my senses

Exploring Culture, Diversity

& Community

Building My Language

& Literacy Skills

Building My Social &

Emotional Health

Exploring Simple

Science Concepts

Exploring Simple

Math Concepts

Challenging my fine

motor muscles

Challenging My Gross

Motor Muscles

Looking After My Environment

Planner Activities Activity Guide Number

AG 278AG 279

AG 280AG 281

AG 282AG 283

AG 284AG 285

AG 286AG 287

AG 288AG 289

AG 290AG 291

Ribbon ExplorerHot Venus Game

Alien HeadsLight Up A Planet

Galaxy GooRocky Planet Shake

Baked Cotton BallsLego Moons

Solar System SpheresComet Ring Throw

Comet IcecreamOrbit Line Bodies

SpinnersPlanet Discovery

What do I need to know or do to start this week feeling confident and organised?

Week Beginning:______________Week 4 Program Preparation & Planning

Family Communication

Environment Changes Materials & ResourcesIntentional Teaching &Focus Children

Incursions or Excursions Events & Celebrations Activity Guide #

|Weekly Curiosity Spark: Who or what explores &investigates space?

Program Reflections Future Curiosity Sparks What worked? What Didn't? Why?

What would I do differently next time?

What interests or learning evolved this

week that we could extend on next?

Child Observations Ready for an

Evaluation Quickie

Family Feedback Conversations, Collaboration

& Comments

Something I want to change ordo better & why...

Something new I learnt thismonth & how it is useful...

MiniCritical

Reflection

Something I need to know moreabout & how I'll do it

Program Evaluation Week Ending:______________Review & Reflect

Week 4 - Completed Child Observations - Evaluation QuickiesFor Week Ending:______________

CHILD NAME:_________________DATE:__________________________

What learning took place?

What strengths, interests or concerns can I identify?

Can I plan future experiences from this knowledge?

How could I further support & extend this child's learning?

CHILD NAME:_________________DATE:__________________________

What learning took place?

What strengths, interests or concerns can I identify?

Can I plan future experiences from this knowledge?

How could I further support & extend this child's learning?

Week 4 Program Week Ending:______________Extending the Learning

Curiosity Sparks

Incidental Learning

Children's Voices & Interests

Intentional Teaching Moments

iWhat do we want to

extend on?What did I observe? What did they tell me? What learning took place?

How can we do this? What did we learn? Where could this lead? Can I extend on this? How?

Curiosity Spark:

Our Monthly Learning Experiences Photo GalleryOur Core Learning Focus this Month:_____________________

Weekly Curiosity Spark

Week 1 ProgramActivities & Experiences for Active Learning

This Program Begins:____________ Ends:_______________

Weekly Curiosity Spark

Week 2 ProgramActivities & Experiences for Active Learning

This Program Begins:____________ Ends:_______________

Weekly Curiosity Spark

Week 3 ProgramActivities & Experiences for Active Learning

This Program Begins:____________ Ends:_______________

Weekly Curiosity Spark

Week 4 ProgramActivities & Experiences for Active Learning

This Program Begins:____________ Ends:_______________