• Create flannel board activities based on the stars and outer space.outer space image by Doug Stacey from Fotolia.com
  
  Flannel boards are inexpensive to make but create a handy tool for the classroom or at home. A bulletin board, sturdy cardboard or a piece of plywood can create the base. Cover it with a large sheet of flannel or felt. The pieces for the outer space activities are cut from additional pieces of flannel or felt. Flannel and felt naturally sticks to itself so the pieces will stay on the board. The kids can manipulate the pieces to further explore outer space topics.
  
  

Planets

• A planet flannel board helps the kids learn the order of the planets and recognize them. Cut out each of the planets from flannel in a color that reflects the actual color of the planet. For example, green or blue flannel works well for Earth while a red-orange color is ideal for Mars. Make the size of the flannel planets relative to one another based on their actual sizes. Pluto would be very small while Jupiter would be the largest circle. The kids can place the planets on the flannel board in the correct order.
  
  

Constellations

• Cut out lots of flannel stars for this flannel board activity. Provide pictures of different constellations that show the star arrangements. The kids use the flannel stars to recreate the constellations on the flannel board. They can also use the stars to make up their own constellations. Have them give their constellations a name and describe what they look like similar to the way actual constellations resemble other objects.
  
  

Astronauts and Space Shuttles

• Cut out several astronauts and a space shuttle from flannel. You can also combine this activity with the stars and planets used for the other activities. The kids must arrange the items to create an outer space theme. They can also use the flannel pieces to tell a story about outer space. Have them move the pieces around as they tell the story to show the action. Another option is to retell a story book that relates to space using the pieces.
  
  

Outer Space Patterns

• Incorporate math and patterning skills with the outer space theme. This flannel board activity works well for young kids who are learning about patterns. Cut out a variety of outer space items. You'll need multiples of each item. Ideas include stars, planets, moons, asteroids and space ships. The kids create patterns with the space items. A simple pattern might go moon, asteroid, moon, asteroid. Older kids can create more complicated patterns. Another option is to start a pattern for the kids and have them continue it on the flannel board.