How to Teach Planets of the Solar System
Planets are a fun and information-packed topic for young learners! Learn how to {easily} teach about the solar system during your space unit using books, mini-lessons, and interactive activities!
Where to start?
Simply see what your little learners know! This might begin as a simple group conversation or individual and informal chats with your students. You can also create a Wonder Chart with all of their wonderings and questions about planets and space to get started.
Okay, so now you’ve checked out their background knowledge and you’re ready to go deeper. There are lots of informative books about planets available, but many are too complicated for young learners. Also, most of us don’t have time to read a book about each planet! This problem prompted me to create a simple summary of all of the planets.
Planets of the Solar System Lessons
10 informational slides and comprehension slides (all planets + moon and sun)
Both of these resources have 6 engaging printables for students!
10 informational slides and comprehension slides (all planets + moon and sun)
All cards have audio, perfect for all learners!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My students enjoyed the slideshow and learning about each planet. They also enjoyed writing about their favorite planet and sharing it with their partners. Overall, this resource is engaging for students and easy to navigate!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved that the BOOM cards had the worksheets so my kids could follow along and show their learning as they went at their own pace!
Solar System Visuals
So you and your students have enjoyed the slideshow lesson or Boom deck, and now it’s over? No way! Why not display some matching visuals on a wall or bulletin board? This Planets of the Solar System Bulletin Board set is a great reference point for students to access during further planet inquiry and activities. You could also use this display for simple games like Guess Which Planet I’m Thinking Of?
Planet writing
If you’re planning some literacy centers to incorporate into your solar system learning, you can incorporate these Planet Vocabulary Cards for a write-the-room activity, word wall, or a vocabulary set students can use in their formal writing activities.
If you’re students are ready to write more, check out this Planets of the Solar System Research Writing Templates.
STEM fun!
If you have a BeeBot or a Coding Mouse, you can translate space knowledge into some coding fun! These BeeBot coding cards are great to incorporate a coding center into your space learning.
Don’t be a stranger to books! Be sure to check out the planet books on Epic Books, and in your school and community library!
I hope these ideas will fit into your programming, and your students are engaged in learning about the planets!
If you have other great resource ideas, please share below!
Jenn