National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books Series
on Goodreads (960)
What’s inside...
This educational book, part of the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series, provides an engaging exploration of space for young children. It covers topics such as our solar system, planets, stars, galaxies, and much more. The book features colorful illustrations by David Aguilar, real-life pictures, and simple text suitable for beginning readers or reading aloud. It explains basic concepts of space starting from familiar aspects like the Earth, moon, and sun, and expands out into the universe. The chapters include a variety of topics from the other planets in our solar system to space exploration like humans on the moon and the International Space Station.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is your favorite planet in the solar system and why do you find it interesting?
How do you think space exploration can help us learn more about Earth?
Can you imagine what it would be like to be an astronaut traveling through space? What would you be most excited to see?
Why do you think it's important for scientists to study space?
How do you feel when you look up at the stars at night?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child's curiosity by asking them what they know about space before reading. This builds a connection between their existing knowledge and new information.
While reading, relate the content to real-life events like space missions on the news, celestial events like meteor showers, or visits to planetariums to make the information more tangible.
After reading, utilize multimedia resources like planetarium visits, space-related documentaries, or online interactive space games to reinforce learning and make the experience exciting.
Let your child express their understanding by drawing their favorite scene from the book or creating a simple model of the solar system. This helps in assessing their comprehension and making learning enjoyable.
End discussions with speculative questions like what your child thinks the future of space travel might be or what they would do if they met an alien. This encourages creativity and deeper thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity about the universe
Explanation: This book inspires curiosity by exploring various aspects of space, including planets, stars, and galaxies.
Real-World Application: Fosters a love for science and exploration, encouraging children to learn more about the world beyond our planet.
Example Lesson: Understanding basic astronomy
Explanation: Through vibrant images and simple explanations, children are introduced to basic concepts of astronomy.
Real-World Application: Kids can start to identify celestial bodies and understand their movements, fostering a basic understanding of the natural world.
Example Lesson: Importance of exploration and discovery
Explanation: The book highlights the significance of space exploration and the discoveries made by astronomers.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and discover new things in their environment, promoting intellectual growth and creativity.