Are your kids studying the moon phases this year? I have a list of some great books and activities that is sure to spark conversation during your next read aloud!
The books and activities suggested here I have used in my classroom to teach science standard SC.4.E.5.2 which is all about the different moon phases.
SC.4.E.5.2: Describe the changes in the observable shape of the moon over the course of about a month.
These books provide continuous learning opportunities to explore the phases of the moon. They are all good for different reasons which I will go further down below.
Let’s dive right in!
Books About Moon Phases
1.The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons
This picture book is a must-have to teach about the Moon phases. It covers a range of topics from the different phases of the moon to myths about the moon. The illustrations appeal to kids and there are funny blurbs or facts related to the moon.
2. The Moon by Seymour Simon
This is a nonfiction picture book. The pictures found in the book are the actual photograph of the moon.
This book is great for advanced readers since it’s loaded with technical information about the moon. It also goes into great depth about the moon.
3. Man, On the Moon by Anastasia Suen
I absolutely love this book! The story is told by the perspective of the astronaut that goes to the moon.
This is a great read-aloud that merges science and reading. The illustrations in the story lend itself to teaching point of view.
4. Papa, Please Take Me to the Moon by Eric Carle
If you know anything about this beloved author you know that his books are top-notch! And this book doesn’t disappoint.
The story does a great job of illustrating the relationship between daughter and dad. At the same time, it illustrated the different phases of the moon.
5. So That’s How the Moon Changes Shape! by Allan Fowler
This a nonfiction picture book appropriate for beginner readers. The size of the text is big, and it contains tons of facts about the moon. It also shows photographs of the moon and in its different phases.
Finally, learning about the moon phases doesn’t stop with just reading books. Here is a list of activities that are great to pair up with these books.
Moon Phases Activities
1. Uncle Milton Moon Lamp
Do you believe there is a lamp in the shape of the moon? What is neat about this lamp is that it shows the phases as well with a touch of a button!
The moon lamp comes with a small remote control that allows you to change the position of the light. This is a neat way to see the lunar cycle without waiting a month for it.
2. Moon Phase Calendar
My class and I also track day by day each phase. We keep a record of our observation in the moon phases calendar.
When we miss a day or we use Moon Giant to track the current moon phase.
I highly recommend using this website if you are getting familiar with the different phases of the moon. It clearly shows you the moon and details about each phase.
3. Hula Hoops Moon Phases
This is a great activity to introduce kids to recognize the changes the Moon goes over the course of a month. The best part about this activity is that the set up is a breeze!
First, I gathered tape, a hula hoop, and pictures of the Moon phases for each group.
Then, I printed and cut the Moon Phase pictures and taped it to the hula hoop in order.
Finally, I placed students in groups of four. Each group placed one person in the middle while the other three students held the hula hoop around their heads.
The student in the middle rotated slowly while looking at the pictures of the moon phases.
Furthermore, I let the students holding the hula hoops rotate while the student in the middle stood still. This gives them a firsthand look at the Moon phases.
One of my all-time favorite units in science is the Moon phases! There are many great books and activities to explore the phases of the moon.
Don’t want to forget these ideas for your lesson plans? Then pin it and come back to add these books and activities to your lesson plans next time you are teaching the moon phases!
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