Night Sky Noticing

Your Child Will Learn

How to observe and describe things in the world around them

Here’s What to Do

1. Before bedtime, head to a window with a view of the night sky (or head outside).
2. Direct your child’s attention to the sky.
   1. What do they notice about the sky?
   2. If you can see the sun, moon, clouds, or stars, what does your child notice about them? 
   3. What is the weather like?
   4. What noises do you hear? Do you hear any birds, animals, or people?
3. Repeat each night before bed over the course of a week or two. What are some of the changes your child notices?
4. Can’t do this at night? You can still do a similar activity during the day, noticing the sun, clouds, weather, and animals.

Put PEER Into Action

PAUSE

• Look together with your child for a place inside or out where you can view the sky.  Found one?  You’re ready to begin!.

ENGAGE

• Ask: “What do you notice about the sky tonight?” Is the sky light or dark? Are there any colors? Are there any clouds? Can we see the moon or stars?”
• Is it sunny, cloudy, or dark? Is it rainy or snowy? Is it windy or calm?”

ENCOURAGE

• If your child is stuck and not sure what to say, share an example like, “See the moon over there? It’s so big round tonight!”
• Take turns making observations to introduce different kinds of things to see.

REFLECT

• “How did the night sky change from the last time we made an observation?”

Not Quite Ready

Focus on just one aspect of the sky, such as the clouds.

Ready for More

Prompt your child to describe more details like the shape of the moon, kind of clouds, or amount of stars.

As Your Child Masters This Skill

Your child will be able to describe details about the outside world.

Time to Complete

5-10 minutes repeated over several days

Materials Needed

None