Are you ready for the next solar eclipse? Observers in certain regions will witness the moon pass directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow and creating a breathtaking display of astronomical alignment. The exact timing of the event will vary depending on your location, emphasizing the significance of checking specific schedules for your region. As the moon gets in front of the sun’s path, it’s an opportune moment for students and enthusiasts to engage in educational activities, fostering a deeper understanding of celestial phenomena.
The celestial event of a solar eclipse offers a unique opportunity for elementary teachers and occupational therapists to blend science exploration with skill-building activities. Not only does it spark curiosity about the universe, but it also provides a canvas for honing essential occupational therapy (OT) foundation skills.
Consider purchasing approved solar eclipse glasses to make the day safe and fun for your students.
Check out these fun and educational activities for students:
**1. Eclipse Viewer Creation:
- OT Foundation Skills: Fine motor precision, visual-motor integration
- Materials Needed: Cardboard, foil, tape, paper, and a pin
- Instructions: Assist students in creating simple pinhole viewers using cardboard and foil. This activity enhances fine motor skills as they manipulate materials to observe the eclipse safely.
**2. Solar System Mobile Craft:
- OT Foundation Skills: Fine motor control, visual-motor coordination
- Materials Needed: Paper, string, markers, scissors
- Instructions: Have students cut out and color representations of the sun, moon, and planets. String them together to create a solar system mobile, enhancing fine motor precision.
**3. Eclipse Story Writing:
- OT Foundation Skills: Handwriting, creative expression
- Materials Needed: Paper, pencils, markers
- Instructions: Encourage students to write imaginative stories inspired by the eclipse. This activity fosters handwriting skills while engaging their creativity.
**4. Eclipse Sensory Bin:
- OT Foundation Skills: Sensory exploration, tactile discrimination
- Materials Needed: Bin, black beans (representing space), small toys representing the sun and moon
- Instructions: Create a sensory bin with black beans and hidden sun and moon figures. Students explore through touch, refining tactile discrimination.
**5. Eclipse Art:
- OT Foundation Skills: Fine motor precision, visual-motor integration, bilateral hand use
- Materials Needed: Red, orange, and yellow chalk. Black construction paper and white cardstock.
- Instructions: Cut out circles from the cardstock. Have students color with chalk around the outer edge of the white cardstock. Place the colored circle on a black piece of construction paper. Students rub the chalk out from the card stock onto the black paper.
Check out this resource for even more activities
The Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Embark on an educational odyssey with Celestial Phenomenon: Solar Eclipse Discovery, an immersive resource that unravels the mysteries of solar eclipses. This comprehensive set is designed to captivate students’ curiosity about the cosmos while providing valuable insights into the wonders of solar phenomena.
When to Use:
- Perfect for lessons exploring solar eclipses, astronomy, and celestial events.
- Ideal for STEM-themed activities, sparking interest in solar phenomena.
- A valuable resource for writing centers and science stations during celestial-themed lessons.
What’s Included: Explore the activities and worksheets in this resource by clicking here.
- Tracing prewriting sheets for fine motor skill development.
- Letterbox handwriting activities to enhance letter recognition and formation.
- I-Spy math worksheets for counting and visual perception.
- Sequencing writing activities to foster narrative skills.
- Roll and cover number worksheets for math engagement.
- Writing prompts and scrambled sentence activities to stimulate creativity.
- Gross motor brain break activities to add movement and enhance focus.
- and more
Key Features:
- Differentiated Activities: Catering to various skill levels for inclusivity.
- No-Prep Design: Streamlined planning with ready-to-use, black and white worksheets.
- Versatility: Suitable for various age groups, from elementary to middle school.
- Interactive Digital Version: Utilize Easel by TpT for a dynamic online learning experience.
- Some Activities Require Prep: Enhance durability and versatility with prepared activities.
Incorporating these activities into your lesson plans not only enriches students’ understanding of a solar eclipse but also provides a holistic approach to skill development. As teachers and occupational therapists collaborate, the educational journey becomes an exciting exploration of both the cosmos and foundational skills.
About the Author
I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and have been working in a public school system for more than 25 years. My resources can be found on TPT, BOOM Learning, Made by Teachers, Classful, and Your Therapy Source. I appreciate your interest wherever you wish to shop.
My mission is to help you find creative ideas to incorporate fine motor, visual perception, gross motor, and social-emotional learning into your lessons.
I hope you consider signing up for my Free Resource Library with your Email. I send out emails about once a week and share resources, tips, and planning ideas for your classroom or occupational therapy needs. Hopefully, these help your students work on building their skills in a fun and engaging way.
