Rocket Hunt Expedition

3-2-1 ... blast off! If you've already journeyed to the planetarium and booked it to the bookstore, head to outer space at your local toy store. There you'll find toy rockets, glow-in-the-dark star stickers, astronaut helmets, spaceship models, solar system mobiles, windup space rovers and more. The sky's the limit! What to Pack

• A budget (your ammunition against the "I want that! And that! And that!" syndrome)

Now Get Exploring!

• Discuss your budget. Let kids know how much they can spend, or limit your purchases to one toy each.
• Go on a scavenger hunt. At the store, see if your child can spot: a rocket model, space stickers, a toy astronaut, an outer space puzzle, a telescope, a robot, a space felt board, a rocket ride-on toy.
• Tell a tale. Find a toy astronaut and have your child make up a story about him and his best robot pal.
• Spot stars. How many star shapes can you find in the store? Look on packaging, signs, wizard hats, magic wands and so on. Then look for other shapes as well.
• Size 'em up. Practice pre-math skills by lining up toy rockets or robots in size order from biggest to smallest.
• Study the planets. See if you can find a mobile or puzzle showing the solar system and teach your child the names of the planets.
• Be ready for tough questions. How do astronauts go to the bathroom in space? Visit NASA's Web site for the answer to this and other questions.
• Investigate. Ask your young space explorer these questions:
  • If you discovered a new star, what would you name it?
  • If you could build a rocket, what would you have inside? Where would you go?
  • If you could only bring three things to the moon, what would they be?
• Read all about it. Check out Baloney (Henry P.) by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, Harry and Horsie by Katie Van Camp, and Little Kippers Rocket by Mick Inkpen.

Educational Perks Learning about rockets helps kids begin to think beyond their own experiences, opening their imaginations to other worlds and other life forms beyond Earth.

Bonus Explorer Activity Next stop? Your local appliance store. Ask for a large appliance box and paint it with your child at home to resemble a rocket ship. When it's dry, jump in and get ready to blast off!

For more exploring, play Dora's Great Big World game, find do-together Dora crafts, recipes, and activities, and print a personalized Explorer Kit for your child at DoraTheExplorer.com.

Thanks to Susan Hood

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