Make your own constellation

     I've talked a lot about fostering a love for things, so I wont go off on another rant about it haha.  You can read my rant here if you want to know why its so important.  Remember my blog about cloud watching?  Well lets take it a step further and star watch!

     Henery's Stars is a story about a pig who sees a great pig constellation in the sky and rushes to the barn yard to tell his friends.  His friends all see something different in the stars and it causes an argument until Henry can't see his pig anymore.  This story is a great way to introduce constellations in a way that shows that we can create our own.

     Another great book is Star Climbing.  This book is full of beautiful art work and a sleepy story.  It introduces constellations in a way that promotes love over education.  We loved this book so much that we renewed it three times!  I am a sucker for good art work.  There is also a section in the back that briefly explains the story of the constellations in the book if your child is interested.

     Now on to the activity.  I kinda like to do this one on the same day I do the cloud watching because they go together so well!  On a camping trip is the perfect time.  I get really excited to do these activities for the first time so while we are waiting for it to get dark I like to do some connect the dots, and Chloe LOVES connect the dots.  If you can find one about constellations all the better!
     The activity part of this is pretty easy.  You can lay out a blanket and look up at the stars.  If you lay out at the end of sunset you can watch as more and more stars come out adding to the educational experience.  Start saying what shapes you see in the stars and allow your kiddo to join in when they are ready.  It can also be fun to have a telescope and a phone with the star app ready for further fun!

Let me know what you see in the stars!