I Want to Be an Astronaut
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
When Daisy becomes interested in the space shuttle, she goes to the library to find books about how astronauts train and work in outer space.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to travel in space?
If you were an astronaut, what would you be most excited to see or do?
How do you think astronauts help us learn more about our planet?
What qualities do you think make someone a good astronaut?
Can you think of any other jobs that involve exploring new places?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, altering your voice for different characters or scenarios described in the book.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as the main character, asking how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Relate the story to real-life astronauts and space missions to help contextualize the story's themes.
Discuss the teamwork aspect of being an astronaut and the importance of working together to achieve big goals.
After reading, consider watching a short video or documentary about space to further inspire curiosity and learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Aspiration and Ambition
Explanation: The protagonist in 'I Want to Be an Astronaut' dreams of exploring space, showcasing a strong desire to achieve a significant and inspiring goal.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of setting goals and dreaming big, which can motivate them to strive for their own aspirations in various aspects of life such as education, sports, or creative pursuits.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The journey to becoming an astronaut is depicted as challenging yet rewarding, emphasizing that hard work and dedication are crucial.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by persisting through difficulties in their tasks or learning new skills, understanding that perseverance often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Educational Importance
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of education and learning about science and space to achieve the dream of becoming an astronaut.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take an interest in their academic studies, especially in subjects like science and mathematics, to build a foundation for their future dreams.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Astronauts working together in space is a key aspect of the story, showing that collaboration and communication are essential.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work collaboratively in group settings such as school projects or team sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to achieving great results.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is filled with learning and discovery, highlighting a curious mind's role in personal growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain curious and proactive about learning, exploring the world around them and asking questions to gain deeper understandings.