Ask your students what they already know about outer space. Start by asking them what kinds of things can be found in outer space, such as the sun, moon, stars, etc. Finding out what they already know will help you determine what information to focus on and what information you can spend less time on.
Give a brief overview of the solar system. Explain that there are eight planets and that each revolves around the sun, which is the biggest star in the solar system. Explain that Earth is one of those planets. Explain that the stars are all around the planets and that some planets -- including Earth -- are orbited by one or more moons.
Tell your students the name of each planet. Teach them the order of the planets in the solar system, starting with Mercury -- the closest one to the sun. Show them what each planet looks like, using a poster, textbook or hanging mobile. To help your students remember the order of the planets, use a mnemonic device, such as "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles," in which the first letter of each word is the same as the initial letter of the eight planets of the solar system, in order.
Explain how the movement of the planets relates to time and the seasons. Explain how the planets revolve around the sun and how each complete revolution is one year and how one day is when a planet rotates one full time.
Show an educational video about the planets and solar system. You can get a video from the library or buy one from PBS, the History Channel, or NASA. Showing a video should engage your kindergartners and give them an excellent visual representation of the solar system.
Visit a local planetarium. A field trip to an educational facility like a planetarium will provide your students with an engaging astronomy experience and give them a chance to learn in a new and exciting setting.