
I enjoy using themes in my speech sessions because it helps streamline therapy planning. An outer space theme is great for any time of year and I love all these speech-language concepts you can target!
Space Themed Speech-Language Targets
- Space vocabulary – Identify and name different outer space words, such as planets, space vehicles, and more. Teach and practice words like “galaxy,” “meteor,” “comet,” “orbit,” and “gravity.” Compare and contrast words with tables or Venn diagrams to help build vocabulary.
- Descriptive language – Expand these vocabulary words with various actions and adjectives associated with them, such as “shiny star” and “gigantic planet.”
- Prepositions – Work on spatial concepts! Describe where the planets, etc. are in relation to each other or to objects in the environment.
- Wh-questions – Use space-themed Wh-questions to practice comprehension and expression skills.
- Following Directions – Give directions involving space-themed words or objects. Give multi-step directions related to space activities (e.g., “First, draw a star. Then, color it yellow”).
- Categorization – Sort and categorize planets and space vehicles based on size, habitat, or type attributes.
- Storytelling – Have the child create their own space adventure story, focusing on beginning, middle, and end.
- Sequencing – Practice sequencing events from a space-themed story or activity.
- Articulation practice – Focus on specific sounds (e.g., /s/, /r/, /l/) by having children pronounce words like “space,” “rocket,” “star,” “planet,” and “astronaut.” Create word lists with space-related terms that target specific phonemes the child is working on.
- Conversation skills – Engage in role-playing scenarios such as being an astronaut or a mission control operator, emphasizing conversational turn-taking and appropriate responses. Use conversation prompts to practice generalizing articulation sounds and practicing fluent speech.
- Rhyming Words – Practice phonological awareness with rhyming. Find words that rhyme with space-related terms (e.g., star-car, moon-soon).
- Segmenting and Blending – Practice phonological awareness with segmenting and blending words. Break down space words into individual sounds and have the child blend them together (e.g., r-o-c-k-e-t = rocket).
Space Themed Wh Questions
Who studies stars and planets?
Who travels in a spaceship?
Who helps astronauts prepare for space missions?
Who works at a space station?
Who was the first person to walk on the moon?
What is the closest planet to the sun?
What do astronauts wear in space?
What do astronauts eat in space?
What is a black hole?
When do you think astronauts sleep in space?
When do we see the most stars in the sky?
When did the first moon landing happen?
Where do rockets launch from?
Where do stars go during the day?
Where can you see the Milky Way?
Why do astronauts float in space?
Why do we use telescopes to look at stars?
Why do astronauts need space suits?
Why is the sun important to Earth?
How do rockets get into space?
How do astronauts eat in space?
How do astronauts return to Earth?
Space Themed Books

Here is a list of favorite space-themed books to incorporate in your speech therapy sessions:
Picture Books (Ages 3-7)
- “There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System” by Tish Rabe
- A fun, rhyming book featuring the Cat in the Hat, introducing young readers to the planets and other celestial bodies.
- “Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me” by Eric Carle
- A beautifully illustrated story about a girl who wishes to play with the moon and her father’s efforts to fulfill her wish.
- “Mousetronaut: Based on a (Partially) True Story” by Mark Kelly
- A tale about a small mouse who proves that even the smallest creatures can achieve great things, set in the context of a space mission.
- “How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers
- A charming story about a boy’s quest to catch a star of his very own.
- “Astronaut Handbook” by Meghan McCarthy
- An informative and fun book that gives young readers an inside look at what it takes to become an astronaut.
Early Readers (Ages 5-9)
- “National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space” by Catherine D. Hughes
- A visually appealing introduction to space for young readers, filled with facts and colorful photographs.
- “To the Moon and Back” by Buzz Aldrin
- An engaging recount of the Apollo 11 mission by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, perfect for early readers interested in real space adventures.
- “Mae Among the Stars” by Roda Ahmed
- A story inspired by the life of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space.
- “Fly Guy Presents: Space” by Tedd Arnold
- Part of the popular “Fly Guy” series, this book presents fun facts about space in a way that is accessible to young readers.
- “Pete the Cat: Out of This World” by James Dean
- Follow Pete the Cat on his space adventure as he explores the galaxy and discovers new things.
Middle Grade (Ages 8-12)
- “The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield
- An autobiographical picture book by astronaut Chris Hadfield about overcoming childhood fears and dreaming big.
- “Space Case” by Stuart Gibbs
- A mystery novel set on the moon, combining humor and intrigue for middle-grade readers.
- “George’s Secret Key to the Universe” by Lucy and Stephen Hawking
- A blend of adventure and science, this book takes readers on a journey through space with George and his scientist friends.
- “Astrotwins: Project Blastoff” by Mark Kelly
- A novel inspired by astronaut twins Scott and Mark Kelly, following two young boys as they build their own rocket.
- “The Wild Robot Escapes” by Peter Brown
- The sequel to “The Wild Robot,” featuring a robot exploring a futuristic world, touching on themes of space and technology.
Space Themed Activity Ideas
Space Themed Language Scene – Outer space speech therapy language scene! Use this busy picture scene for outer space themed speech therapy – target many language goals with this no prep activity. Includes wh questions, pre-made 1-3 step directions, conversation prompts, verbs, prepositions, basic concepts, categories, and more!

Air and Space Themed Barrier Games – Space and sky themed barrier games. Use this flexible therapy tool to work on many language goals in an engaging, interactive way! They work exceptionally well for mixed groups, to generalize concepts, and social skills groups! Target: expressive skills (giving directions), receptive skills (following directions), social skills, basic concepts, vocabulary, categorization, sentence formation, and storytelling.

Space Themed Apps
- Star Walk Kids – A kid-friendly version of the popular astronomy app, Star Walk Kids uses animations and simple language to teach children about stars, planets, and constellations. Ages 4+ FREE.
- NASA App – This official app from NASA offers a wealth of information, including news, images, and videos from space missions, as well as interactive features and games for kids. Ages 4+ FREE.
- Solar Walk Lite – Planetarium 3D – An interactive 3D model of the solar system, this app allows children to explore planets and moons, learning fun facts along the way. Ages 4+ FREE.
Space Toy
Mix & Match Magnetic Space Vehicles
I own this toy from Lakeshore, and it is a popular item! You can mix and match the pieces the 9 magnetic pieces to build space vehicles. It is very sturdy with built-in magnets. Kids love to create their own space vehicles.

Do you have any fun space-themed activities you use in speech therapy? Comment below!
You might be interested in: Speech Therapy Themes by Month

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One Response
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