The heavens are beautiful and astonishing to the whole world. But how do we teach our Christian children astronomy while keeping our Christian values? I’m excited to share with you some great resources and ideas for teaching your kids Christian astronomy!
I have been a star gazer my whole life. As a child I would spend hours marveling at how wide our universe is without really understanding how it all came about. As a teenager, I was challenged to think how God, who knows me and loves me, could also have created such a vast space. As a parent I want to bring the same awe and wonder of the stars to my children, but I struggle with keeping the secular views of astronomy out of our Christian home.
As part of the 12 Months of Montessori Learning series, I want to share with you some helpful bible quotes, resources, and crafts for you to bring the wonder of the stars to your Christian astronomy lessons.
What the bible says about the stars
As a christian family, the bible is our guide. If we have a question about how the world works, we can find the answers in the bible. The kids and I dove into the bible first to learn more about what God thinks about the stars and how we study them.
“And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.” (Genesis 1:16)
In the first chapter of the bible we see how God made the stars. At the very basic level we can help our children understand that God made the stars and our study of astronomy is to learn more about Him and His creations.
“He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.” (Psalm 147:4)
This is so important to help children understand that God knows each and every one of His creations by name! He has given a name to each of them and gives the name of each of the stars to us.
“To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing” (Isaiah 40:25-26).
In biblical times, the stars and constellations were named after Roman gods. I like to use those names as history and what some people thought of before they were introduced to God. You are welcome to approach this as you see fit for your own family. We know God made the heavens as well as the earth and He knows every star by name!
I really enjoyed the 10 Reasons You Need to Teach Your Homeschooler Astronomy on Intoxicated on Life. Luke discusses classical, Christian education and relates it to Christian astronomy lessons. It’s well worth the read!
How to Teach Astronomy to Children
There are TONS of amazing materials and crafts available to help teach your kids astronomy. Here’s a list of over 15 of the very best Montessori inspired, Christian astronomy ideas I could find!
Christian Astronomy Crafts & Activities
Teach Children Star Constellations on Bubba Blue and Me is an easy way to bring the constellations to life with recycled materials! (pictured)
Bring astronomy to your sensory child with the Space Sensory Bin on Sugar, Spice & Glitter! This bin is so inviting you won’t be able to keep the kids away. (pictured)
If you are learning the phases of the moon, your kids are going to love this editable depiction of the moon on Natural Beach Living! (pictured)
Or you may need to add in a little gross motor work with this fun game to learn the phases of the moon. Find out how to play on Learn Play Imagine. (pictured)
Fun, hands-on learning on how planets orbit the sun on Gift of Curiosity. Use simple materials to help your Montessori inspired family learn more about astronomy!
There is a really beautiful video on Planting Peas with a full description of the materials in the Montessori By Mom Space Explorer Toolbox!
This is a great astronomy kit to make learning astronomy easy for your Montessori home! Read more on Making Montessori Ours with several really fun ways to bring hands on learning to your astronomy lessons.
These are really cool and will bring the constellations into your home! Check out this Starry Starry Day Activity Kit on Nature Watch.
Erupting Moon Rocks are easy to make and a lot of fun for your little learnings. Read the whole post on Learn Play Imagine.
Your older students will love these Solar System Posters on Upper Grades Are Awesome!
Constellation craft for kids is a lot of fun! Use simple materials and learn more about the lesson on Gift of Curiosity.
Bring math fun to your solar system learning with Solar System Math Facts from JDaniel’s Mom.
Christian Astronomy FREE Printables
Every Star is Different has an amazing list of free astronomy printables.
Here’s a great set of free Montessori Constellation Cards on Max and Naoli. (pictured)
Constellation Cards on Kids Activities Blog are simple to use and easy on the printer ink! (pictured)
Literary Hoots bring you a free printable that makes learning constellations easy!
No matter how old your child is they are going to LOVE these Relative Size of Planets printables from Research Planet. (pictured)
Start Sewing Cards on Kids Activities Blog are a great way to bring fine motor skills to your astronomy learning! (pictured)
I hope you have a blast exploring God’s amazing creation with Christian astronomy!
12 Months of Montessori Learning
Please take a minute to click through the other posts in this month’s edition of the 12 Months of Montessori Learning.
Moon Activities – Montessori Inspired Astronomy (Free Printables) | Natural Beach Living
Free Astronomy Home Study {Printable Set} | The Natural Homeschool
Montessori-Inspired Moon Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers | Living Montessori Now
Montessori Inspired Space or Earth Sorting with Printable | The Kavanaugh Report
Montessori Inspired Solar System Introduction | Mama’s Happy Hive
Space Yoga for Kids | Sugar, Spice & Glitter
How to Introduce Space and Planets to Toddlers | The Pinay Homeschooler
Montessori-inspired Astronomy Resources for Kids | Every Star is Different
Gearing up for Astronomy | Grace and Green Pastures
There are so many great ideas and resources here. I love thinking about astronomy in a spiritual manner.
The constellation viewers are a fantastic idea! I appreciate all the resources you have shared. The relative size of planets is really cool.
I love the Christian perspective on astronomy. It was the focus of our parent practicum last year for our Christian homeschool group. The discussion blew my mind. We learned how astronomy is the culmination of numbers in space and time. It is truly the work of a mindful God.
I love all the awesome activities and resources in this post! I really appreciate how you have given credit to God for all his marvelous works in the night sky.
We have to try the constellation! Fantastic collection! Thank you for sharing!
My daughter loves astronomy so I read this with great interest! Thank you! I was confused by your comment on secular views. Which ones are you concerned about?
Thanks for including my constellation tubes in your post. There’s some other great ideas here too.
You are welcome, Emma! Thank you for stopping by!