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Tina Robertson

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

August 29, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Are you looking for skill sharpeners grammar and punctuation resources for grades K to 6th instead of a full curriculum? Also, look at 24 Borderline Genius Ways To Relieve Language Arts Boredom.

Also, I cannot lie but I love this fun ampersand craft to add to a school area or your office.

There are plenty of great books, games, and activities out there to help your child master the art of grammar without using a boring, dry curriculum.

After all, each child learns differently, and you can tailor their lessons to their learning style.

Grammar covers the rules of a language governing sounds, words, sentences, and other elements.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

It includes things like sentence structure, parts of speech, tense (past, present, future), and syntax.  While spelling is considered mechanics of language arts it still goes hand in hand with grammar.

I also have included a tutorial for a fun and easy ampersand bookend to celebrate World Ampersand Day, September 9th.

This fun bookend helps contain those piles we all have on our shelves and tables.

About the Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Series

First, there are several reasons why I love using the skill sharpeners series.

  • As I mentioned, sometimes you need to focus on one skill whether your child needs reinforcement with one skill or if focusing on less helps your child to grasp concepts faster. Curriculum mixes several different components of language arts and isolating one skill keeps learning simple.
  • Next, you know my love for themes and unit studies, and I love the fact that these colorful workbooks have themes.
  • Rules are highlighted in the boxes and easy to learn and the best thing is it’s just pick up and go.

More Grammar and Punctuation Language Arts Resources

Also, look at more resources to go with the skill sharpeners grammar and punctuation series.

  • How to Easily Add Language Arts to Homeschool Unit Studies (& Resources)
  • How To Teach Your Homeschooled Children Shakespeare
  • Hands-On Learning: Punctuation Mark Stick Puppets (free printable)
  • Shakespeare Unit Study Starters
  • Letting Go of the Homeschool Language Arts Stranglehold
10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Next, look at how to make this fun ampersand craft. Just too cute.

How to Make an Ampersand Bookend Craft

You will need:

  • Paper mache ampersand (Hobby Lobby)
  • Grey Paint
  • Baking soda
  • Clean, dry sand
  • Grey felt
  • Masking tape
  • Small funnel
  • Scissors
  • Paintbrush
10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Paper Mache letters have supporting spacers throughout that block some of the channels, because of this it makes it hard to fill them to give them enough weight completely.

So, to work around that without cutting off the whole back, we will make several holes.

Use scissors or a Phillips head screwdriver to make a hole big enough to fit a small funnel.

Poke in as far as you can without coming through the other side.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Pour sand in and move it around to be sure to fill as much of it as you can.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Lay a piece of masking tape over the hole just big enough to cover it.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Repeat 3-4 more times, be sure that you do at least 2 more on the bottom half.

I found that the very top on both sides of the bottom and one on each side halfway up allowed me to fill the entire thing pretty much despite the support pieces.

Also, I was able to get probably between 1 ½- cup of sand.

Now to make faux concrete we are going to mix 2 Tablespoons of gray paint with 1 Tablespoon baking soda and stir well.

That is just enough paint to cover the 8 ¼” size ampersand but if you go bigger you will need to mix up a little more.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Paint on a fairly thick coat, be sure to get inside all the cracks, crevices and turns.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

While the paint is still wet dip your paintbrush in the sand and dab it all over to give it a rougher texture like concrete.

Be sure to pay extra attention to the areas that you taped over to blend in the seams but don’t build it up too much or it will call attention to these areas.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

 Once completely dry flip it over and paint the other side and allow that to dry as well.

Once all the paint is completely dry cut small pieces of gray felt slightly smaller than the flat bottom and hot glue them in place be sure to smooth the hot glue out, so it lays as flat as possible.

This will keep the rough texture from scratching up your shelf or table.

10 Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Resources & Fun Ampersand Craft

Lastly, look at these language arts resources.

Skill Sharpeners & Language Art Resources K to 6th Grade

Sometimes you just need language art supplements to go with your unit studies and not a full program. You’ll love these language art resources.

Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation, Grade 6

Help children improve their writing while learning important grammar and punctuation rules. These colorful activity books make language skill practice fun!

Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential grammar and punctuation skills. Plus, a Language Handbook provides you with a quick reference of the concepts covered.

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that sixth graders enjoy, such as ancient civilizations, superheroes, and gaming. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concept, and includes:

-A reading selection A short fiction or nonfiction text engages children and presents the concept or skill in context.-Rule boxes Grammar and punctuation rules are made simple with a short explanation, and clear examples help to teach the skill.-Colorful practice activities A variety of activities include fun illustrations to motivate your child to practice the grammar and punctuation skills.-Riddles and word games Your child will use critical thinking skills while applying the targeted grammar or punctuation skill in a fun format!-Writing practice The Write It Right! page encourages your child to use the skills in context, which further promotes understanding.-Review page The short review activity is a great way to check your child s understanding.

Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 5, Full-Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

With the Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 5, Full-Color Activity Book, parents will be able to give their fifth-graders a boost in the classroom in reading and writing success. Our homeschooling workbook contains 15 different units that introduce different grammar and punctuation concepts. Each unit has a unique theme, including outer space and sports, with reading texts that will appeal to grade five students. We use a variety of riddles and word games that will keep gr. 5 children engaged while they're learning these important grammar and punctuation rules.

Writing Practice

BOOK - SKILLS GRAMMAR PUNCTUATION GR 4

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that children enjoy; such as dinosaurs, pirates, and toys. Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential skills. Plus, a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concepts, such as nouns, letters, word type, sentence structure and so much more!

Evan-Moor Grammar & Punctuation, Grade 3

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that children enjoy; such as dinosaurs, pirates, and toys. Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential skills. Plus, a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concepts, such as nouns, letters, word type, sentence structure and so much more!

Evan-Moor Grammar & Punctuation, Grade 2

The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that children enjoy such as dinosaurs pirates and toys Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections activities and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential skills Plus a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concepts such as nouns letters word type sentence structure and so much more!

Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 1, Full-Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

The Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade 1, Full-Color Activity Book is a smart addition to any homeschooling classroom, as it gives kindergartners an introduction to skills they need for reading and writing. Our full-color homeschool grammar workbook provides gr. K kids with a basic understanding of grammar and punctuation rules. Clear examples on each of the full-color pages give young students the basic knowledge they need to begin understanding punctuation and grammar. We also keep kids entertained, using riddles and word games that make learning about grammar and punctuation fun.Home Enrichment Workbook

Evan-Moor Skill Sharpeners Grammar and Punctuation Grade Pre-K, Color Activity Book - Supplemental Homeschool Workbook

Help children improve their writing while learning important grammar and punctuation rules. These colorful activity books make language skill practice fun! Skill Sharpeners: Grammar and Punctuation provides visually engaging reading selections, activities, and word games that will motivate your child to practice and learn essential grammar and punctuation skills. Plus, a Language Handbook and Dolch Sight Word list provide you with a quick reference of the concepts covered. The activity book is organized into 15 theme-based units around topics that preschoolers enjoy, such as animals, families, and birthdays. Each unit focuses on a grammar concept and punctuation concept, and includes: • A reading selection – A short fiction or nonfiction text engages children and presents the concept or skill in context. • Rule boxes – Grammar and punctuation rules are made simple
with a short explanation, and clear examples help to teach the skill.

Gross Me Out Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game

Mad Libs is the world’s greatest word game and the perfect gift or activity for anyone who likes to laugh! Write in the missing words on each page to create your own hilariously funny stories all about gross things!Some days, my burps smell just like TYPE OF FOOD! With 21 “fill-in-the-blank” stories about passing gas, belching, and eating expired food, Gross Me Out Mad Libs is the perfect activity for any young fan of gross things! Play alone, in a group, or in a porta-potty! Mad Libs are a fun family activity recommended for ages 8 to NUMBER.

Basher Basics: Grammar

It used to be that learning grammar was one of the most boring exercises ever, but not anymore! Using his trademark personality-based approach, Basher illustrates each grammar basic - from parts of speech to sentence components to groupings and agreements - with its own character, who explains exactly what makes them tick and how they are used. Plenty of practical advice will help everyone unravel the rules and regulations of the English language. The book's cutting edge design and innovative approach will make it perfect reference for linguists of all ages who struggle to remember the difference between a preposition and pronoun.

Looney Labs Mad Libs: The Game - Best Card Game for Adults Kids

If you really enjoy mad libs there is even a board game to play to build those skills in parts of speech.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: grammar, homeschool grammar, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts

Free Fun Lapbook for Kids About the French And Indian War Years

August 28, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free lapbook for kids about the French and Indian War years. Also, you’ll love my page French and Indian War 1754 -1763.

The French and Indian War was part of wider conflict between the European Powers.

It was called the Seven Years War and began in North American and spread to Europe.

Free Fun Lapbook for Kids About the French And Indian War Years

From the British view, it was the French and Indian War.

The French who lived in Canada called it the War of Conquest or Guerre de la Conquete.

They saw the British as warriors who took away the land.

10 Facts about the French and Indian War Years

  1. George Washington experiences in the French and Indian War prepared him to be a military leader.
  2. In the mid-1700s France and Britain were power empires. And France and Britain were often enemies.
  3. The War began with the dispute over control of the Forks of the Ohio, an area the French, British and Indians all recognized as important. Fort Duquesne (later known as Fort Pitt) was situated where the Allegheny River and Monongahela River join to form the Ohio River.
  4. The Indians of the region are major players. Tanaghrisson, a Seneca, has aligned himself with a young Virginian, George Washington, who has been sent on a mission to tell the French to vacate the Forks.
  5. One of the most powerful Indian groups was called the Iroquois Confederacy. The Iroquois originally had 5 nations: the Seneca, the Onandaga, the Mohawk, the Oneida and the Cayuga.
  6. The British and French tried to get different tribes on their side by either trading or giving them guns, tools and other items.
  7. The British became allied with the Iroquois.
  8. The French made allies with many of the other nations or tribes. This include the Delaware, Ojibwa, Shawnee and Ottawa to name a few. These tribes were not friendly toward each other, but they were united in their hate against the Iroquois.
  9. Fur trapping was a profitable business. And the Rocky Mountains became a popular place for mountain men. Before long, beaver was overhunted and it contributed to the starvation of Indians.
  10. Children can learn about the “mourning practices” by Native Americans which is to take captors to replace dead family members.

More French and Indian War Resources

  • Free Homeschool History Cards to put history on an O ring
  • 15 Hands-on History Ideas for Kids Studying the French and Indian War
  • French and Indian War Comic Strip Unit
Free Fun Lapbook for Kids About the French And Indian War Years

Also, look at some books and resources for a fun unit study.

Keep in mind that this is another ugly time in history.

Some books claim to be true or accurate and can be quite revealing as to pain and suffering.

It’s important that you know and decide which ones are best for your kids at which age if any since children are affected by events during history.

7 Books and Resources about the French and Indian War

Grab some of these books and resources to bring to life the years during the French and Indian War.

The Matchlock Gun

The book is set in the year 1756 during the French and Indian War in Guilderland, New York.

The Last of the Mohicans

The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper is a timeless classic adventure novel. Set to a backdrop of the French and Indian War of 1757, this renowned novel follows the journey of Natty Bumpo, his two Mohican friends, Chingachgook and Uncas, and the daughters of British Lt. Col. Munro from Fort Edward to Fort William Henry. Widely hailed as Cooper's masterpiece, The Last of the Mohicans is an influential work of literature and an early contender for the title of the "Great American Novel."

River of the Wolves

During the French and Indian Wars, Dave Foster was taken captive in Maine by a Canadian war party. The story of the long, dangerous trek back to Canada, of a winter of enforced idleness in the Indian village during which Dave became a skilled hunter and trapper, and of his eventual escape, all make an historical story.

Courage to command,: A story of the capture of Louisbourg; (Winston adventure books)

"In March of 1745, a fleet of ninety ships set sail from Boston under a cloud-ridden sky, with a stormy sea threatening outside the harbor. They were heading for the jagged coast of Cape Breton Island to stage a surprise assault on the 'impregnable' Fortress of Louisburg. This is the story of that incredible attack, and of Caleb Hatch, a young Boston lad chosen to record the events."

WITH WOLFE IN CANADA A TALE OF THE FRENCH & INDIAN WAR

The struggle between Britain and France for supremacy in the North American continent.

The Seven Years' War (Essential Histories)

The closest thing to total war before World War One, the Seven Years' War was fought in North America, Europe, the Caribbean and India with major consequences for all parties involved. This fascinating book is the first to truly review the grand strategies of the combatants and examine the differing styles of warfare used in the many campaigns. These ranged from the large-scale battles and sieges of the European front to the ambush and skirmish tactics used in the forests of North America. Daniel Marston's engaging narrative is supported by official war papers, personal diaries and memoirs, and official reports.

Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison

When twelve-year-old Mary Jemison and her family are captured by Shawnee raiders, she’s sure they’ll all be killed. Instead, Mary is separated from her siblings and traded to two Seneca sisters, who adopt her and make her one of their own. Mary misses her home, but the tribe is kind to her. She learns to plant crops, make clay pots, and sew moccasins, just as the other members do. Slowly, Mary realizes that the Indians are not the monsters she believed them to be. When Mary is given the chance to return to her world, will she want to leave the tribe that has become her family? This Newbery Honor book is based on the true story of Mary Jemison, the pioneer known as the “White Woman of the Genesee.” This ebook features an illustrated biography of Lois Lenski including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s estate.

Seven Years War Minibooks Included with Lapbook

Also, look at these minibook which go with the lapbook.

  • Wolfe and Montcalm
  • George Washington/Key Events in the Life of George Washington
  • Edward Braddock
  • Chief Pontiac
  • Captive and Captor
  • Coming to Trade
  • Facts at a Glance – When was the war, Where did it take place, Who were some of the key players, Who won the War,
  • French and Indian War – Who fought on which side, How did it begin, What was important about Ohio Country

Free French and Indian War Lapbook

This is a subscriber freebie.

Free Fun Lapbook for Kids About the French And Indian War Years

 1) Sign up on my list.

2) Grab the freebie now.

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: French and Indian War, French Empire, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, lapbook, lapbookresources

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

August 27, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

How to make a chalk pastel bird nest easy drawing. Also, you’ll love this Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests.

.A chalk pastel bird nest easy drawing project gives your child some creative freedom in recreating some of the most common types of bird nests as they learn about them.

While they are a bit messy, they are wonderful for creating soft and hard lines as well as blurring, they are very forgiving.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

They can be made from natural materials like sticks, twigs, hay, grass, and leaves but they will also use scraps of string, cloth, paper, and plastic bits that humans leave out.

There are many different types of nests but most fit into 1 of 5 categories -cupped (or half-cupped), cavity, pendant, scrape, and burrow and these are the ones we are going to explore here.

Types of Bird Nests

  • Cup- a cup-style nest is the most seen, it is a cup-shaped build that offers eggs some protection and still allows momma bird to sit on her eggs. They are usually built on the fork of tree branches but will also be built on the ground, in bushes, and even in porches and barns. Tiniest cup nest belongs to the hummingbird at about 1”.
  • Cavity- Just as the name implies this Nest is made inside the cavity of trees, bird’s houses, and in the cavities of building structures such as chimneys. There are roughly 85 different bird species that use this method like woodpeckers, wood ducks, and owls. Some birds create their own cavity while others use already-formed openings.
  • Pendant/Suspended cup- This type of nest resembles a hanging sack. It can either have a cuplike structure or a tunnel shape with openings throughout.  Weavers, Orioles, Sunbirds, Swallows, and Martins are the most common tenants of this style.
  • Scrape/Ground- Killdeer, Ostrich, and the arctic Tern as well as a few other birds find that making their nest by using or making hollow depressions in the ground.  They use little or no nesting materials, commonly it would be down feathers, grass, and weeds.
  • Burrow- Some birds use a burrow for a nest like the puffin, kingfishers, kiwi, and the burrowing owl. They prefer it for maintaining an even temperature as well as protection from predators and weather. They often use a hole that was dug and abandoned by other animal species.
How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

No Nest –Emperor and King penguins do not make nests at all, rather they hold the egg on top of their feet.

Next, look at these fun resources and books for learning about birds.

17 Books, Resources, and Activities About Birds

You'll love these fun resources if you're studying about birds. Besides, you can study about birds anytime of the year.

So, add one or two of these to your unit study, nature journaling, or just fun for the day.

1. A Place for Birds

In simple yet compelling language, Melissa Stewart showcases twelve North American birds, from the familiar eastern bluebird to the rare Kirtland's warbler. Her clear narrative shows the threats these birds face, and informative sidebars describe a wide variety of efforts to save them. In addition, remarkable full-color illustrations vividly and accurately depict the birds within the ecosystems that support their survival. Range maps and additional bird facts are also included.

2. Feathers: Not Just for Flying

Young naturalists explore sixteen birds in this elegant introduction to the many, remarkable uses of feathers. A concise main text highlights how feathers are not just for flying. More curious readers are invited to dig deeper with informative sidebars that underscore how feathers of all shapes and sizes help birds with warming or cooling, protect them from the sun, help them swim, glide or even
dig.

3. A Nest Is Noisy (Family Treasure Nature Encylopedias)

This gorgeous and informative look at the fascinating world of nests, from those of tiny bee hummingbirds to those of orangutans high in the rainforest canopy.

4. Big Book of Birds (The Big Book Series)

The book draws in children and parents alike with captivating information about and charming illustrations of hummingbirds, peacocks, flamingos, bald eagles, secretary birds, puffins, red-crowned cranes, and more. The book also invites young bird-watchers to protect birds where they live and make their gardens bird-friendly. The text is chatty, funny, and full of remarkable facts.

5. Peterson Field Guide To Birds

For decades, the Peterson Field Guide to Birdsof Eastern and Central North America has been a popular and trusted guide for birders of all levels, thanks to its famous system of identification and unparalleled illustrations. Following the Spring 2020 update to Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America, this guide will feature updated text and range maps, and art updated to reflect current knowledge in ornithology. 

6. How to Feed Backyard Birds: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids

How to Feed Backyard Birds: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kids is the perfect resource for beginners who are young (and not so young) to discover the joy of attracting birds to your yard. Bird lover and expert Chris Earley wants to share his passion for our colorful singing and flying neighbors with the whole family.

7. Wingspan Board Game - A Bird-Collection, Engine-Building Game

Competitive, card-driven, engine-building board game.

Challenging strategy game recommended for those ages 14 plus

Game includes 170 unique bird cards, 26 bonus cards and 16 Automa cards, 103 food tokens and 75 egg miniatures, 5 custom wooden dice and 5 player mats, 1 birdfeeder dice tower and 2-piece Game Trayz custom tray, 1 goal mat and 8 goal tiles, 1 first-player token and 40 action cubes, 4 clear plastic resource containers, 1 scorepad, and 3 rulebooks.

8. Beaks!

Young naturalists explore a variety of birds, their habitats, and how their beaks help them build, eat, and survive. From the twisted beak of a crossbill to the color changing bill of a seagull, readers will learn fun facts about how beaks are designed and used as tools by birds of all shapes and sizes.  Bright, bold cut-paper illustrations create amazingly realistic tableaus of birds in their natural
environments with their beaks in action.

9. Bird Figurine Toy Birds for Kids Realistic Bird

Set of bird figurine toys, which contains 7 different small plastic birds. The weight of bird figure toy is 96G / 0.2LB. The set of small plastic bird contains 7 pecies of toy birds,such as robin, bluebird, oriole, woodpecker, etc. Please refer to the picture for the actual size and color.

10. Professor Noggin's Birds of North America Trivia Card Game

PLAY & LEARN: Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.

FUN FACTS: Everything young birders need to know about the most common and interesting Birds of North America. Learn to identify different species and discover fascinating facts about their habitat and behavior.

CARD GAME: Each of the thirty game cards combines trivia, true or false, and multiple-choice questions. A special three-numbered die is included which adds an element of unpredictability.

11. Audubon's Birds of America Coloring Book

Including the red-winged blackbird, painted bunting, wood duck, great blue heron, ruby-throated hummingbird, purple finch, and blue jay, 46 different species of birds from all parts of the United States are included in this book. The pictures have been faithfully redrawn by Paul E. Kennedy from originals by John James Aububon (1785–1851), the most famous American painter-naturalist.

12. The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon

If there was one thing James loved to do more than anything else, it was to be in the great outdoors watching his beloved feathered friends.In the fall of 1804, he was determined to find out if the birds nesting near his Pennsylvania home would really return the following spring. Through careful observation, James laid the foundation for all that we know about migration patterns today.

13. Attracting Birds to Your Backyard: 536 Ways To Turn Your Yard and Garden Into a Haven For Your Favorite Birds

Enjoy your home and garden as never before when you have a yard that's filled with colorful birds and bird songs as well as flowers. This A-to-Z guide includes:Terrific tips and plans for building bird feeders, birdbaths, and birdhouses.Recipes for making bird food that is sure to be a hit with your feathered friends--including Chickadee Doughnut Delights and Easy Bird Treat Mini-Muffins.The 25 best plants to grow to attract birds to your yard--including columbine and honeysuckle, hummingbird favorites.How to identify and attract goldfinches, chickadees, cardinals, and more than 50 other favorite birds to your yard. Plus, you'll learn what their songs and antics really mean.

14. Field Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds

Describes all species found in the North American region and offers information on breeding cycles, nesting habits, and provides pictures of nestlings and eggs

15. What's That Bird? Teacher Guide

This study guide accompanies What's That Bird? published by Storey Publishing in 2005, incorporating facts to know, comprehension questions, and characteristics of specific birds. Sections include: 'Meet the Bird', 'How Birds Live', and 'The Wider World of Birds'. Student Book and What's That Bird? sold separately.

16. Paint by Sticker: Birds: Create 12 Stunning Images One Sticker at a Time!

Nature's Masterpieces—ready for paintingPeel the sticker,Paint the sticker, And watch your painting come to life.Paint by Sticker: Birds celebrates the rainbow of colors and shapes of the avian world: a red-headed woodpecker, a blue jay, an orange and black Baltimore oriole, an electric bright hummingbird.

17. Sibley Backyard Birding Flashcards

The Sibley Field Guide to Birds is now transformed into 100 easy-to-reference cards housed in one handsome pull-drawer gift box. Divided into one stack of 50 common Western and Eastern North American birds, and one stack of 50 common birds found across North America, each card features precise illustrations and text concerning habitat, behavior, and voice description necessary for easy identification. Edited with the backyard birder in mind, each bird card is accompanied with a regional map as an additional guide to migratory patterns.

Next, look at some other activities I have here for you to include a study of birds.

More Activities to Learn About Birds

  • Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial
  • Free Peregrine Falcon Lapbook And Fun Unit Study Ideas
  • Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet
  • Make Way For Ducklings Fun Duck Pond Playdough Invitation to Play
  • How to Make an Easy Bird Craft Fun Paper Plate Peacock
  • Free Bird Journal – Hands-on Nature (Coloring & Identification Pages)
  • Bird Nest Designs – How Do Birds Make Nests Is a simple look at the different ways birds make their nests.
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Free North American Robin Bird Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Bird Craft For Kindergarten Make an Adorable Fun American Robin Foot Print
  • 15 Most Amazing Nests Built By Bird Architects YouTube
  • Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft
  • Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests
How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing
  • Dynamic Delightful Bird Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Delightful Bird Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

Finally, look how to make this fun chalk pastel bird nest easy drawing.

Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

You will need:

  • Chalk pastels
  • Art paper
  • Scissors
  • Cotton balls or pompoms
  • Book for reference
How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

I started with 9×12 paper and cut it into 4 rectangles.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

After researching and deciding on the types of nests they want to draw, have them lightly sketch out the outlines.

For a cup nest-an oval with a small oval in it gives a good start, it kind of resembles a fried egg.

Once they are satisfied with their general outline, they can begin filling it in a bit starting with lighter colors.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

Continue to layer on dots, lines, and slashes to create the look of a woven nest.

Experiment with going back and forth on lighter and dark colors to create some depth and interest.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

Use a fingertip or pompom to smudge some of the chalk and fill in the white spots.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

Blow off the excess chalk as you go.

Finally, they can add in some eggs if they like.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

Encourage them to draw all the basic nest types like a cavity in a tree.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

Or a tiny hummingbird’s nest with a bird peeking out.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

How about a pendant nest?

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

To preserve your drawing spray with a light coat of aerosol hairspray to set the chalk.

How to Make a Chalk Pastel Bird Nest Easy Drawing

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: birds, crafts, earth science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, science

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

August 26, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Turn a sweet little handprint into an Australian animals art project by creating a cuddly koala out of it. Also, look at this Hands-On Geography: Australia Awesome and Deadly Animal Art.

Are you learning about Australia as a country? Just Australian animals? Marsupials specifically?

This easy craft project is perfect for all the above, or even just because you want a cute handprint craft.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Kids love to get involved fully hands-on and moms love to see their little ones’ handprints in art projects.

This is a very sweet option to create a keepsake while they learn.

It’s a simple and fun way to talk about Australian animals, their habitats, eating habits, characteristics, and where they live in the world.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

3 Koala Questions and Answers

  1. Where are koalas from? Australia, in the open forest and woodland areas.
  2. What do they eat? Mostly eucalyptus (Gum Tree) but will sometimes snack on other trees.
  3. What is a marsupial?  They are a group of mammals that are known for carrying their young in a pouch.

Also, look at more hands-on activities to learn about animals in Australia.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas

Make it a full lesson on the creatures from the outback.

Photo Credit: www.notimeforflashcards.com

Koala Craft

My goal for this lesson was not creativity ( process art is much more appropriate for that) or even specifically learning about koalas.

Photo Credit: learncreatelove.com

Wombat Printable Craft

Wombats are cute, pudgy marsupials that are found in Australia.

Australia Awesome and Deadly Animal Art

My son began his research at the library, checking out various books on Australia in general, and a few on the animals themselves. For further investigation, we also watched a YouTube video and looked at various pictures of aboriginal art online.

Photo Credit: frompond.blogspot.com

Kookaburra Craft (Frog Spot)

Turn plain boring cups into the laughing Kookaburra Craft.

Photo Credit: woojr.com

Kangaroo Ears Headband

 I’m excited to show you how to make this fun Kangaroo Ears Headband that’s great for a kangaroo lesson or just for your little one to hop around with!

Photo Credit: www.thecrafttrain.com

Paper plate Ringtail possum

Make an adorable paper plate possum using our latest printable template. This easy craft for kids is based on the Ringtail possum which is common all over Eastern Australia.

Photo Credit: cookcleancraft.com

Paper-bag Perry the Platypus Craft

 I made Perry the Platypus from the TV show Phineas and Ferb, complete with his own little hat.

Photo Credit: artprojectsforkids.org

Easy How to Draw a Kangaroo Tutorial and Kangaroo Coloring Page

You’ll find an easy step-by-step tutorial for how to draw a Kangaroo and a Kangaroo Coloring Pages

Photo Credit: www.craftprojectideas.com

Quokka Craft

Conservationists want people to take selfies with quokkas? Quokka’s are considered a vulnerable species and the internet fame quokkas have acquired in recent years have put their names on the map! 

And you’ll love adding these resources.

Australian Animals Art Ideas and Resources

To expand upon this simple koala handprint activity, you can:

  •  Help your child find Australia on a map. I really like the scrunch maps because they can be taken anywhere and are easy to pull out onto the floor for investigating.
9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft
  • Watch Wild Kratts Koalas on YouTube together to learn more about these sweet creatures.
  • Grab some eucalyptus even if it’s dried or artificial for your child to examine the main food of the koala.
  • Add some of these adorable Australian animals to a sensory bin or just strew them around with books and other props to build interest.
  • Play a fun and silly game like Koala Capers.
  • Include an interesting book like Explore My World Koalas with lots of photos and information to help them learn more.

Finally, look at how to make this adorable koala handprint keepsake.

How to Make a Koala Handprint Craft

You will need:

  • Cardstock
  • Grey craft paint
  • Brown craft paint
  • Green craft paint
  • White craft paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Black markers

Have your child paint a tree trunk that is wide enough for their entire handprint on the center of the paper as well as some branches sticking out here and there.

Allow it to dry completely.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Once the tree trunk is completely dried, paint your child’s entire hand gray; you’ll want the thumb pointing upwards on the tree.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Press it down firmly to make a good solid print.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Use a paintbrush to draw a round head over the top of the thumb and a half circle on either side for ears.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

While this part of the painting is drawing, put a small amount of green paint in a dish and have your child dip one finger into it.

They can then stamp little leaves all over the branches with little fingerprints.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Once everything is dry go back and add details like a little claw on the end of the paws.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Draw on an oval-shaped koala nose and mouth, as well as eyes and any details you like to the ears.

Let this final part dry completely and it’s ready to go up on display.

9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Australia, crafts, elementary science, handprint, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, koala, life science, science

Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook

August 25, 2023 | 5 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a seashore beach lapbook and unit study. Grab more ideas on my lapbook ideas page and on my best homeschool unit studies page.

I can smell the beach from here! Okay, maybe not where I live now, but I feel that way since I grew up with the beach a short 30 minute drive. And we never missed a chance to go to it.

We would cook crab or gumbo, spend hours on the shoreline and build a fire.

Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook

Seashore watching was an activity I loved as a kid and I made sure my kids knew about it. I think you’ll love these ideas for a seashore watching unit study.

Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook. Whether you want to study the beach or seashore in the summer or winter, your kids will love this free super seashore watching unit study and free beach lapbook along with hands-on activities! CLICK HERE to grab it!

Note: My Seashore Lapbook was free for a limited time.

I gathered up several activities that I think you’ll love for an easy homeschool seashore watching unit study and then I have an easy lapbook about things you can find along the beach shoreline.

Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook

Like most all of my unit study resources I share multiple ages links so you can pick and choose links for your kids.

This one is no different. I have resources for kids from Prek to High School.

Seashore Kids Activities

Too, we love and used this book, Seashore Watcher, as a guide because we love it.

Also did I mention it has some easy hands-on activities in it also.

Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook

I loved the fact that the book came with a plastic water protector cover so you could pick up and go to the beach. It’s the little things that amuse me.

More Seashore and Beach Activities for Kids

  • How To Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells: A Creative And Delicious Recipe
  • 5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas
  • How to Make an Ocean-Inspired Sea Shell Necklace | 8 Summer Beach Crafts
  • 11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities | Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment

Seashore Lesson Plans, Printables, and Activities

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium, Curriculum preK-12, tide pools, crabs; claws and shells, beach in a pan to name a few you’ll love.
  • 70 page pdf tidepool guide.
  • Tide pool discovery.
  • Common seashore plants.
  • SeaCrets of tide pools.
  • Life at the seashore curriculum.
  • Free Under the Sea Worksheets : Dive into the Ocean’s Wonders
Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook

  • Match the seashells.
  • Rocky shore food Web Drama.
  • Life under the sea.
  • Sensational seaweed.
  • Gifts from the sea.
  • Kelp science activity guide.
  • Stranded along the coast.
  • How wealthy is your tide pool.
Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook
  • What the Sea Saw teacher’s guide.
  • Life on the Beach guide.
  • New Zealand Rocky Shore activities. Many can be used here in the states too.
  • Planning a trip to the seashore checklist.
  • Padre Island National Seashore.
  • 10 Nature Discoveries on the Sandy Shore.
  • Sand, sun and geometry.
  • Jumpstart Your Beach Unit with Free Lesson Plans.
Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook


(You can see why I loved this book, Seashore Watcher for an easy unit study. It has easy hands-on ideas.)

Seashore Watching Media 

Decorator Crabs Make High Fashion at Low Tide | Deep Look
Seaweeds powerpoint.

Seashore Watching Hands-on Activities

  • Make a ceramic starfish.
  • Fun coloring pages. Common seashore creatures.
  • Seaweed art.
  • Motion from the ocean fish mobile.
  • 21 fun and active games for kids to play on the beach.
  • How waves affect beaches hands-on activity
  • 25+ Beach Learning Activities to Build Background Knowledge Before Your Beach Trip.
  • 15 Seashore Inspired Kid Crafts.

Also, you’ll love this seashore lapbook.

Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook
  • Dynamic Seashore Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Seashore Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

Also, this is not our first time studying about the beach and ocean life.

You’ll love our hands-on edible geography where we made the tidal zones and edible ocean layers. (yum)

Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook


You’ll love my free ocean unit study lapbook and free coral reef lapbooks.

.

Note: My Seashore Lapbook was free for a limited time.

Free Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook

Look at these other links:

  • 30+ Summer Activities for Middle School Kids
  • A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Homeschooling Through the Summer with My Highschooler
  • Seashells by the Seashore | Notebooking Pages from Jenny at Faith & Good Works
  • 10 Nature Discoveries on the Sandy Shore from Eva at Eva Varga
  • Turtle in the Sea Online Book Club from Dachelle at Hide the Chocolate
Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook. Whether you want to study the beach or seashore in the summer or winter, your kids will love this free super seashore watching unit study and free beach lapbook along with hands-on activities! CLICK HERE to grab it!


5 CommentsFiled Under: Geography, Hands-On Activities, Lapbooks, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}, Science, Science Based Tagged With: earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, life science, nature study, ocean, science, sciencecurriculum, The Nature Book Club Link Up

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