What to do with this activity?
Look at the night sky with your child and learn to spot the planets that, along with our moon, are the brightest lights in our night sky. Even in the city, if the night is reasonably clear, you should be able to spot the planets. If you have an iphone or tablet you might like to download a sky map and find out which planets you are looking at. Or if you have an android smart phone (anything that isn't Apple), download Google Sky Map.
Get to know about our solar system, and learn together about the sun and our neighbouring planets. Choose one or two of the videos below to watch with your child, depending on how interested they are.
Look at this Youtube video to hear about our solar system in fairly simple terms. Here's another video from National Geographic that explains how our solar system was formed.
Or click on Solar system exploration by the American Space Agency NASA for a very comprehensive explanation, along with key facts on each planet.
For more information on each planet from Primary Science, and a quiz on Planet Profiles, click on the yellow activity link below.
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Why am I doing this?
Reading is like a muscle – the more your child practises it the stronger their ability to read becomes. Reading with your child, encouraging them and giving them space to read makes reading part of their everyday lives.
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How can I do more?
Talk to your child about which books they liked and what they think would be good to read next. Look out for other activities for your child’s age group in your local library.
Use magazines and newspapers for ideas, words and facts. Use the pictures as well as the words. Show your child different types of books - storybooks but also poetry and factual books for children, for example on nature, animals or insects. Encourage your child’s interest in reading about topics they enjoy, for example animals, music and football. Enjoying reading is the most important thing.
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