Training Like an Astronaut: How Crafts Build Real-World Skills Inspired by Artemis II

With NASA’s Artemis II mission preparing to take astronauts around the Moon in February 2026, space exploration is capturing imaginations everywhere - especially children’s. Rockets, astronauts and space travel naturally spark curiosity, making space a brilliant theme for learning through play.

In our My Mini Maker Space Kit, one of the first activities children explore is making their own astronaut helmet. It might look like a simple craft, but this activity kit is carefully designed to build real-world skills that children need long before reading and writing come into play.

Why an astronaut helmet?

Making an astronaut helmet can bring the Artemis II launch to life in a way that Mini Makers can understand. Helmets are vital for astronauts to stay safe, communicate, and explore new environments. 

When children make their own helmet, they step into that role through hands-on play. This kind of role play is powerful – it helps children understand the world around them while developing key skills in a way that feels fun, not forced.

What children are learning while they craft

Crafting is fun and creative but secretly it is building key skills that help children develop what they need for everyday tasks and school. Here is what you little one is working while they craft, and best of all they don’t even realise they are learning. 

🖐️ Stronger hands and coordination

Cutting shapes, threading string and sticking pieces in place all support fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and bilateral movement. These are essential foundations for writing, dressing independently and using tools with confidence later on.

🧠 Focus and following steps

The helmet activity encourages children to slow down, look closely and follow simple instructions. This builds attention and listening skills - vital for nursery or school routines.

🗣️ Language and imagination

Once the helmet is finished, the real magic begins. Children love to talk about where they’re going, what they can see and who they’re helping in space. This imaginative play supports communication skills and storytelling, which many young children still need extra practice with.

🚀 Early STEM learning

Talking about why astronauts need helmets opens the door to early STEM learning. Children begin to think about safety, design and problem-solving - the same ideas real engineers and astronauts use when preparing for missions like Artemis II.

How to extend their learning at home?

Try asking gentle questions as your child plays:

• Why do astronauts need helmets?

• Where would you like to go today in your Helmet?

• What do you need to stay safe in space?

• Would you like to go to space?

These small prompts help deepen their understanding while keeping play child-led and relaxed.

Keep exploring space through play

The astronaut helmet is just the start. In the Space Kit, children move on to rocket building and solar system activities, revisiting familiar skills in new ways as their confidence grows.

As Artemis II reminds us, big adventures start with careful preparation. With My Mini Maker, those first steps happen at the craft table – one joyful, confidence-building activity at a time.

👉 Here are some more ideas to keep your little one learning:

• My Mini Maker Space Activity Kit 

• Read about How Craft Kits Build Foundation Skills for Academic Success

• Get four activities each month straight to your door by subscribing

• A key skill in the astronaut mask is painting, read more about why painting is great for kids