Written by contributor Tiffany Larson.
Over the summer, my oldest (6 years old) and I spent a night camping in our backyard. One of our favorite activities was staring at the night sky, looking for constellations and gazing at the moon. Wanting to study the moon further, we decided to start a moon journal over winter when the moon rises before bedtime.
As a lifelong learner, I”m always looking for experiences to share with my kids where I am not only the teacher but the student as well. Constructing a moon journal has been just that. We”ve learned that each month the moon has a name and where the term, “once in a blue moon” comes from.
We”ve answered questions about the size of the moon (2100 miles across), the length of the lunar calendar (29.5 days), the changing shape of the moon (it doesn”t change shape), and the name of each moon phase. It”s been a mini science course for both of us.
If you are looking for a fun and engaging activity to share with your preschool and elementary aged children, creating a moon journal might be just what you are looking for.
How to Moon Journal
1. Look at the Moon Phase calendar for your location to decide when to start. I wanted to start on a full moon.
2. Print off a moon journal, this simple moon journal from NWF is a great starting point or I like this more detailed moon journal.
3. Grab your coats and hats, your moon journal and get outside together. Every night.
4. Read moon books: The Moon Seems to Change, What Makes Day and Night, So That”s How the Moon Changes Shape.
5. Get creative and plan extra activities during the month:
- use Oreo cookies to demonstrate moon phases
- make a model of the earth, sun and moon
- look at a 3D image of the moon
- visit a local observatory
- for a full course on moon study for the whole family, download this great reference.
Have you created a moon journal? What types of lifelong learning activities do you like to do with your kids?
