Starry Night

Star gazing activity

Instructions

Find a picture of the painting "The Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh (internet or library)
Ask child to describe what he sees in the picture
Go outside at night and start counting the stars. You could probably see around 2,000 stars but there are millions in the sky
Explain that the stars are always there but during the day it is too bright to see them

Simplify

Help the child to say the painter's name - Vincent van Gogh. Explain that he was a famous painter who lived in the 1800's - over 100 years ago - in a country called Holland or the Netherlands. He sold only one painting but his paintings now are very famous. Find the country of Holland/Netherlands on a map or globe. Encourage a child to draw his own starry night picture.

Extend

Help the child to describe what the night sky looks like in "The Starry Night" painting: the town and the church and it's steeple, the dark structure on the left side of the painting what that could be, how many stars are shown, etc. Look for another painting by Vincent van Gogh

QUESTIONS FOR A CHILD

What type of materials would an artist need to create a painting?

Becoming an artist takes talent and practice. What is something you want to practice so you can become better at doing?

Materials

picture of "The Starry Night"
clear starry night

Activity Resources

Find "The Starry Night"

Share This Activity

Curriculum Plan Resources

Skills Focus

Shape - Star
Color - Purple
Number - Review
Alphabet Letters - S, V
Senses - Touch
Character Trait - Respect
Target Words - Hot, Soft, Above, Below

Monthly Proverb

Scottish-He that is wise can make a friend of a foe

Did You Know?

"The foundations of social competence that are developed in the first five years are linked to emotional well-being and affect a child’s later ability to functionally adapt in school and to form successful relationships throughout life." National Scientific Council on the Developing Child