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Tina Robertson

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

November 9, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some great Navajo crafts for kids for you starting with a tutorial on how to make a medicine bag. You’ll also love my page Native American Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning.

Medicine bags were made from leather. For example, they used buckskin from deer, elk, or buffalo and stitched together with sinew or rawhide lace.

However, we are going to modify it a bit for simplicity and to keep our craft affordable.

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

Also called a medicine bundle, a medicine pouch is a traditional Native American bag for various items that have totemic, spiritual, or supernatural power.

The Navajo word for medicine pouch is- jish.

Additionally, the Navajo Indians, also known as the Diné, are the largest Native American tribe in the United States.

They live on the Navajo Nation, a vast reservation that spans parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.

Besides, the Navajo people have a rich culture and history that dates back centuries.

Next, look at some of these fun books.

BOOKS ABOUT THE NAVAJO FOR KIDS

8 Books about the Navajo Past and Present for Kids

Add one or two of these books to your reading day or home library.

Navajo Coyote Tales

Coyote encounters Rabbit, Fawn's Stars, Crow, Snake, Skunk Woman, and Horned Toad in these 6 delightful, English-language adaptations of traditional Navajo Coyote stories collected by anthropologist William Morgan and translated by him and linguist Robert W. Young.

Sing Down the Moon

In this powerful novel based on historical events, the Navajo tribe's forced march from their homeland to Fort Sumner is dramatically and courageously narrated by young Bright Morning.

Like the author's Newbery Medal-winning classic Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O'Dell's Sing Down the Moon is a gripping tale of survival, strength, and courage.

Little Navajo Bluebird

Describes the simple life among Navajo's today-caring for sheep, weaving blankets and making jewelry and an Indian child passionately rejects white society and its ways and wants to belong only to her own tribal group.

Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two

Throughout World War II, in the conflict fought against Japan, Navajo code talkers were a crucial part of the U.S. effort, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code that used their native language. They braved some of the heaviest fighting of the war, and with their code, they saved countless American lives. Yet their story remained classified for more than twenty years. But now Joseph Bruchac brings their stories to life for young adults through the riveting fictional tale of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy who becomes a code talker. His grueling journey is eye-opening and inspiring. 

The Water Lady: How Darlene Arviso Helps a Thirsty Navajo Nation

Underneath the New Mexico sky, a Navajo boy named Cody finds that his family's barrels of water are empty. He checks the chicken coop-- nothing. He walks down the road to the horses' watering hole. Dry. Meanwhile, a few miles away, Darlene Arviso drives a school bus and picks up students for school. After dropping them off, she heads to another job: she drives her big yellow tanker truck to the water tower, fills it with three thousand gallons of water, and returns to the reservation, bringing water to Cody's family, and many, many others. Here is the incredible and inspiring true story of a Native American woman who continuously gives back to her community and celebrates her people.

The Navajo: Herders, weavers, and silversmiths

Native American Studies, Cultural Studies

Songs from the Loom: A Navajo Girl Learns to Weave

Jaclyn Roessel live in Kayenta, Arizona, on the Navajo reservation. Like most young girls, Jaclyn has many interests. She likes her math class, she plays basketball and volleyball, and she loves in-line skating. She is also interested in rug weaving, and she has asked her grandmother to teach her how to weave. For the Navajos, weaving is more than a craft or hobby. It is an important part of the culture and history of the Dine―the people. Jaclyn's grandmother has explained that she wants Jaclyn to learn not just the technique of weaving but the stories and songs that go along with it. These stories about Spider Woman and Changing Woman have been passed down from generation to generation. In Songs from the Loom, photographer and writer Monty Roessel accompanies Jaclyn and her grandmother as they shear sheep, gather plants to dye wool, and weave a rug. Navajo rugs are highly valued and hang in museums around the world. This book looks at what the beautiful rugs mean to the Navajos.

Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow, The Diary of Sarah Nita, a Navajo Girl (Dear America)

As one of the latest editions to the Dear America series, this tale provides the first-hand account of a Navajo girl who, along with her family and friends, endured the hardships of the Long Walk in an effort to survive and reach her final destination.

But before we get onto our crafts and resources here is some good information to share about the past and present-day Navajo people.

ALL ABOUT THE NAVAJO PEOPLE OF PAST AND PRESENT

Navajo History

The Navajo people are believed to have originated in the Southwest around 1,500 years ago.

They were originally nomadic people who hunted, gathered, and farmed.

Over time, they developed a complex society with a strong oral tradition and a deep connection to the land.

They were believed to have settled in the Four Corners region of the southwestern United States, which includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.

 Another idea is to have your child locate this area on a map.

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

Navajo Culture

The Navajo people have a rich culture that is based on their traditions and beliefs.

They are known for their beautiful arts and crafts, including weaving, pottery, and jewelry making.

They also have a strong oral tradition, and their stories and legends have been passed down from generation to generation.

The Long Walk

In the 1860s, the Navajo people were forced to leave their homeland.

They walked over 300 miles to a reservation in New Mexico.

This journey, known as the Long Walk, was a difficult time for the Navajo people. Many died along the way. Those who survived were forced to live in harsh conditions on the reservation.

The Navajo Nation Today

Today, the Navajo Nation is a thriving community with over 170,000 members. The Navajo people have worked hard to preserve their culture and traditions, and they have also made great strides in education and economic development.

The Navajo people have a strong oral tradition.

And their stories and legends have been passed down from generation to generation.

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

They have overcome many challenges, and they continue to thrive today. The Navajo people are an important part of the American story, and their contributions to our country are immeasurable.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE NAVAJO INDIANS

The Navajo Code Talkers were a group of Navajo soldiers who used their native language to send secret messages during World War II.

  • The Navajo call their traditional homelands Dinétah, which means “among the People”.
  • The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American reservation in the United States today.
  • They primarily made their home in a Hogan. It was built from wooden poles, tree bark, and mud. They were typically octagonal or hexagonal in shape, with a conical roof made from mud or clay. The door faced east towards the sun.
  • The Navajo language is the most spoken Native American language in the United States.
  • The Navajo people are known for their beautiful arts and crafts, including weaving, pottery, and jewelry making.

EXCITING NAVAJO CRAFTS FOR KIDS

  • Make this Navajo Fry Bread recipe and have a taste of a staple menu item of their traditional diet.
  • Check out my Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity.
  • Navajo Ribbon Weaving
  • To go along with your crafts use this Native American Unit Study to cover many different areas and tribes.
  • Try Navajo Sand Painting for kids as a unique history/art lesson.

HOW TO MAKE A MEDICINE BAG

You will need:

  • Felt
  • Twine or cording
  • beads
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
  • needle and thread
Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

First, fold a piece of brown felt in half and cut out a large pocket shape from both pieces at the same time so that they match up.

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

Cut small openings along the top edge of both pocket halves, this is where you will thread your drawstring.

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

Cut a strip off the scraps (or use a new piece) the same length as the base of your bag, cut strips all the way across not quite cutting through to create a fringe.

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

Hot glue the fringe across the bottom of one side of the pocket and set aside.

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

Take the other half of the pocket and run a needle that has been threaded and knotted through one side of the pocket.

Knot it wherever you would like your beading to start.

Run it through and slide beads in any pattern you like over the needle.

When you are satisfied with your design run the needle back through to the first side.

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

Drop down and repeat as many lines as you like.

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

Hot glue the two sides together, stopping the glue just before the top edge where your cording will go.

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

Start threading your cording at the ‘back’ of the bag going both ways, in and out all the way around to the front.

Exploring Navajo Crafts for Kids: How to Make a Medicine Bag

Cut off excess cord, leaving enough to tighten the bag and cinch it.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, Native Americans, nativeamerican, nativeamericans, Navajo

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

November 8, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Fall and winter are the best times of the year to make a cranberry sensory bin that is fun and engaging.

We aren’t stopping there.

Also, I will load you down with facts, more hands-on activities, and resources to highlight the cranberry.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Cranberries are small, tart berries that are native to North America.

They are a popular ingredient in many dishes, including cranberry sauce, juice, and muffins.

Cranberries are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy snack for kids.

Grab a bag of fresh berries the next time you are shopping and create this cranberry sensory bin for your preschooler.

AUTUMN BOOKS FOR KIDS

15 Fall Books For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

With a chill in the air and leaves falling, grab one or two of these fun books for your home library.

Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic

A compilation of Native American speeches affirming the desire to live in spiritual and ecological harmony includes the words of Geronimo, Sitting Bull, and Cochise, covering such topics as fishing rights, peace treaties, and the devastation of their land.

Autumn Harvest

"Mr. Tresselt writes quiet, factual prose about katydids, reapers and threshing, falling leaves, apple-gathering, and the first frost."--New York Herald Tribune.

Autumn Leaves

A concise text and crisp, close-up, color photographs of thirteen different leaves from North American trees teach very young children how to look at and compare the leaves of autumn, and are accompanied by an explanation of why they turn color.

The Apple Pie That Papa Baked

These are the apples, juicy and red,that went in the pie,warm and sweet,that Papa baked...for guess who!

Sophie's Squash

Kids will love this playful story of of a unique fall friendship between a girl . . . and her squash!On a trip to the farmers' market with her parents, Sophie chooses a squash, but instead of letting her mom cook it, she names it Bernice. From then on, Sophie brings Bernice everywhere, despite her parents' gentle warnings that Bernice will begin to rot. As winter nears, Sophie does start to notice changes.... What's a girl to do when the squash she loves is in trouble?

Autumn Story: Introduce children to the seasons in the gorgeously illustrated classics of Brambly Hedge!

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the miniature world of the mice of Brambly Hedge!

Bad weather is on the way and the autumn stores are still not gathered in!

Quickly, all the mice of Brambly Hedge set to work to finish the harvesting before the rain begins. Primrose, Lord Woodmouse's daughter, meant to help, but somehow she daydreamed her way over the cornfield and into the Chestnut Woods, and before she knew it, she was lost. The sun went down, the wind rose and it began to rain. Primrose was all alone in the dark and she was frightened.

Poor Primrose, would she find her way home again?

Mr. Hermit Miser and the Neighborly Pumpkin: the green edition |

Mr. Hermit Miser doesn’t like his neighbors, and they don’t like him. But when a pumpkin vine sprouts in Mr. Hermit Miser’s yard and makes its way into the neighbors’ yards, but he wants all those pumpkins for pies … well, what is he to do?

With adventures in pumpkin-snatching, failed attempts at baking pies, and pumpkin goo everywhere, this tale about being neighborly in a not-so-perfect way will be an endearing autumn story for all the readers in your circle.

This reprint of a 1949 classic adds some recipes, a poem, and a bit of pie-history as well.

Dance Like a Leaf

As her grandmother's health declines, a young girl begins to lovingly take the lead in their cozy shared autumn traditions. Poetic prose paired with evocative illustrations by Mexican illustrator Claudia Navarro make for a beautiful celebration of life and a gentle introduction to the death of a loved one.

The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night

"[Spier's] finely detailed, action-packed New England autumn vistas are almost startlingly beautiful."—The New York Times  Over fifty years after he won a Caldecott Honor for The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night, legendary illustrator Peter Spier went back to this time-honored favorite in 2014 to paint the half of the book that was originally printed in black and white. In this glowing, restored vision of Spier’s beloved classic, follow the wily fox as he roams a sleepy New England town in search of a meal, with tones and textures so vivid you can almost hear the crackle of crisp fall leaves and the ripples of the river in the moonlight.

Down Buttermilk Lane

An Amish family, traveling by buggy, spends a day doing errands in the village, visiting, and returning home in time for supper

Fall Leaves

Autumn is in the air: days grow shorter and nights are long. Birds leave, flowers, too. Apples and temperatures fall—then snow!Part poem, part silent stage, this luminous picture book puts autumn on display and captures the spirit of change that stays with us long after fall leaves. Unlock the secrets of this busy and beautiful time of year as the natural world makes way for winter.

Hooray for Fall!

Mama has a surprise for her three little squirrels: three bright red sweaters to keep them warm throughout the fall. Imagine the siblings’ surprise when they find that everything in the autumn woods—the leaves, the berries, even the setting sun—is red too, just like their sweaters.This celebration of a perfect fall day will have young and old alike looking for signs of autumn in their own neighborhoods. Kazuo Iwamura’s books celebrating the seasons (Hooray for Spring!, Hooray for Summer!, Hooray for Fall!, and Hooray for Snow!) are perennial favorites—introducing children to the beauty and joy of each season. Iwamura masterfully captures the small wonders of nature in his illustrations and his stories with their gentle humor warm the heart.

Hopefully the Scarecrow

The perfect Fall book for kids! A poignant picture book about a scarecrow who befriends the young girl who reads to him day after day until one day he's left wondering where she is.A scarecrow stood in the garden. Tall, proud, and smiling. Every day a girl brought her favorite books to the garden and she read to him. He heard tales of courage and of hope. And when she said, "The End," the scarecrow always felt a little bit taller and braver. Year after year, she came and she read to him.Until one spring, two different hands picked him up from the garden shed and placed him in the garden. He waited, but she didn't come to read to him.With poignant words from award-winning author Michelle Houts and lush illustrations by Pura Belpré Honor winner Sara Palacios, Hopefully the Scarecrow is a tender distillation of the enduring power of friendship and a heartwarming look at the ways stories connect us.

Maple & Willow Apart

Funny, relatable sibling dynamics make this story a wonderful way to address navigating big changes. Lori Nichols’s expressive artwork beautifully portrays Maple and Willow’s strong bond, and children will love the creative, kid-powered solution. Maple and Willow have always been inseparable. So what happens when Maple starts big-girl school and Willow stays behind? Well, of course, both girls have marvelous adventures of their own, but the truth is, they miss each other. And when they see that the missing is mutual, they find a unique way to feel connected even when they have to be apart.

Now It's Fall (Lois Lenski Books)

School bells and apples and big ripe pumpkins-all the pleasures of fall come alive in this newly reissued classic by award winner Lois Lenski. First published in 1948, Now It's Fall is a timeless celebration of autumn that will enchant a whole new generation of young readers with its gently recolored illustrations.

But, what else can you do with a bag of fresh cranberries from the grocery store?

CRANBERRY FUN RECIPE IDEAS

Make cranberry sauce. Cranberry sauce can be enjoyed all year long.

Kids can help to make cranberry sauce by washing the cranberries, chopping them up, and adding sugar and water.

  • Make cranberry juice. Cranberry juice is a refreshing and healthy drink that is perfect for kids. Kids can help to make cranberry juice by squeezing the cranberries and straining the juice.
  • Make cranberry muffins. Cranberry muffins are a delicious and nutritious snack that is perfect for kids. Kids can help to make cranberry muffins by mixing the ingredients and baking them in the oven.
  • Make cranberry soap. Cranberry soap is a gentle and moisturizing soap that is perfect for kids. Kids can help to make cranberry soap by melting the soap base, adding the cranberries, and pouring the soap into molds.

Today’s activity is going to incorporate all your child’s senses.

First encourage your child to give the fresh cranberries a taste straight from the bag and describe the look, taste, and smell.

Then you are going to put together a simple sensory bin that will keep them engaged for hours as they “cook” and sort and explore the items.

5 CRANBERRY FACTS FOR KIDS

  1. Cranberries are not true berries but are instead considered “false” berries or epigynous fruit.
  2. They are one of only a few fruits that are native to North American, concord grapes and blueberries are the others.
  3. Cranberries are often harvested in the most unique way. They are grown on sandy bogs or marshes, but because cranberries float, some bogs are flooded when the fruit is ready for harvesting and they are scooped off the top of the water.
  4. They are made up of approximately 90% water and still pack a nutritional punch with a healthy dose of vitamin c and other important vitamins and minerals.
  5. Native Americans used cranberries to make their survival cakes known as pemmican. They also used this fruit in poultices and dyes.
How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Next, look at hands-on cranberry ideas.

HANDS ON CRANBERRY FUN

Make this Easy Crockpot Cranberry Sauce Recipe with just 5 ingredients and let your child dump each of the ingredients in the crockpot and occasionally stir.

Learn How to Make the Best No-Cook Cranberry Playdough and then use it to practice forming letters, create unique shapes, and build fine motor skills.

Here you will find 11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray, another sensory activity that will get your child really involved in their learning.

You have to Make Cranberry Oobleck Recipe for yet another sensory play idea that they will love, what is it about this Newtonian fluid kids just love? (I mean, me too)

Find out what cranberries and Ivory soap have in common in The Science Behind Cranberries, I love a good stem activity.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Finally, look at how to create a cranberry sensory bin.

HOW TO CREATE AN ENGAGING CRANBERRY SENSORY BIN

Now, anything on this list of supplies is optional (except cranberries of course).

Use what you have on hand to add scent, texture, and color to your sensory bin. It is fun to change it up a bit for fall and winter themes.

You will need:

  • A large shallow bin, tray, bucket, etc.
  • water
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • pinecones
  • An orange
  • An apple
  • Whole cloves, star anise, allspice
  • Essential oil-optional
How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

You will also want to grab some fun kitchen implements like a wooden spoon, bowls, spatulas, strainer, etc…

First, fill a shallow bin with several inches of water, you can use whatever you have on hand but I thought this metal tub was fun and it gave plenty of room for exploring.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Add a bag of fresh cranberries.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Slice fresh apples and oranges to add to the mix.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Then, include your other elements like pinecones, whole spices, and cinnamon sticks.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

If you like you can add a drop or two of your favorite seasonal essential oil to ramp up the scent.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

Extend the play by adding spoons, bowls, strainers, measuring cups, and other kitchen items so that your child can fill, dump, measure, mix, sort, and explore the bin.

How To Create An Engaging Cranberry Sensory Bin

You may want to move this one outdoors or place a plastic disposable tablecloth underneath to contain the mess.

You can also add alphabet tiles to spell out’ cranberry’ or ‘cranberries’ and practice letter identification with your child.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: cranberries, fall, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, science

Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

November 7, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making an adorable leaf hedgehog craft that is worthy of display on any wall, amid family pictures and other decor. Also, you’ll love my page Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Of course, while we do that, we can learn about them through facts, videos, books, and other hands-on activities.

Hedgehogs are small, spiky mammals that are found in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

They are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night.

Hedgehogs have long snouts, short legs, and round bodies.

Their backs are covered in sharp spines that they use to protect themselves from predators.

Hedgehogs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.

Their diet includes insects, worms, snails, fruits, and vegetables. Hedgehogs are also known to eat beetles, caterpillars, snakes and even mice.

Hedgehogs are solitary animals, meaning they live alone.

They only come together to mate.

Female hedgehogs give birth to a litter of 4-8 babies, called hoglets.

Hoglets are born blind and deaf, but they quickly grow up and become independent.

Hedgehogs are important members of the ecosystem.

They help to control the population of insects and rodents. Hedgehogs are also a source of food for other animals, such as owls and foxes.

Hedgehogs are popular pets.

They are known for being friendly and gentle animals.

And hedgehogs are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some special attention.

Hedgehogs need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat.

They also need a cage that is large enough for them to move around and exercise.

HEDGEHOG BOOKS AND RESOURCES FOR KIDS

Next, look at some of these fun books and resources.

5 HEDGEHOG BOOKS AND RESOURCES FOR KIDS

Add these fun resources and books to your learning day.

Miss Jaster's Garden

After getting caught in Miss Jaster's spring planting, Hedgie the hedgehog discovers he has become a four-legged, walking flower garden.

The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How-To Poems

Be they practical (how to mix a pancake or how to bird-watch) or fanciful (how to scare monsters or how to be a snowflake), the poems in this book boast a flair and joy that you won’t find in any instruction manual. Poets from Kwame Alexander to Pat Mora to Allan Wolf share the way to play hard, to love nature, and to be grateful. Soft, evocative illustrations will encourage readers to look at the world with an eye to its countless possibilities.

Hedgehog Plush

Little ones love to hibernate with this realistic stuffed animal hedgehog with a multicolored overcoat in their arms.

Hedgehogs (National Geographic Kids Readers)

Packed with beautiful and engaging photos, kids will learn all about these adorable animals--their fascinating features, behavior, and habitat. This reader is carefully leveled for an early independent reading or read aloud experience, perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow!

Hedgehog Hustle

  • The Owl is on the Prowl in the Hedgehog hustle ping pong ball Game . Draw a card and take the given number of shots to bounce your Hedgehog ball into the food targets. Don't miss!
  • Additionally, look at facts about hedgehogs.

    HEDGEHOG FACTS

    If you are thinking about getting a hedgehog as a pet, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder.

    1. There are 19 species in five genera of hedgehogs worldwide:  Erinaceus, Paraechinus, Mesechinus, Atelerix and Hemiechinus.
    2. Hedgehogs can roll into a ball when they are threatened- this is called “hogging.”
    3. Hedgehogs have very poor eyesight, but they have a keen sense of smell and hearing.
    4. Hedgehogs are very good swimmers and can swim for over half a mile, pretty good for such a little swimmer.
    5. When they are born their spines are soft and short. But soon after birth, about 3 weeks later, their spines harden, becoming stiffer, sharper and longer.
    6. Hedgehogs can live for up to 8 years in captivity, so it is important to be prepared for a long-term commitment.

    We found a hedgehog card in our Professor Noggin Pet’s Game; you can learn more about them and other unique pets by playing.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    In addition, look at some fun hands-on hedgehog activities.

    HANDS-ON HEDGEHOG FUN

    • Grab a plastic disposable fork and create this Fork Painted Hedgehog Craft, an excellent project for the youngest of learners.
    • Autumn Spiky Paper Hedgehogs
    • I just love a good tp roll craft for its frugalness but they usually just come out adorable like this Hedgehog Toilet Paper Roll.
    • Where do they live? What do they eat? Watch 15 facts about Hedgehogs to find out the answers to these questions and more.
    • Build number recognition skills at the same time that they build fine motor skills by creating and playing with this clever Hedgehog Counting Craft.
    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    Finally, look at how to make this adorable leaf hedgehog craft.

    LEAF HEDGEHOG CRAFT

    The next time you are on a nature walk or wandering in the backyard, gather a basket of dried fall leaves and a few small sticks for this autumn leaf hedgehog craft.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    You will need:

    • A canvas
    • Dried fall leaves
    • Sticks
    • Glue stick
    • Hot glue gun/sticks
    • Dried berries, buttons, or beads
    • A pencil
    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    First, decide if you would like your hedgehog walking along the ground or a little more whimsical and upright like we did ours here.

    Sketch the outline of a rounded body and a tipped-up nose with a pencil.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    Once you are happy with your design, retrace the pencil with a fine line marker.

    To help children develop fine motor skills you can let them trace the pencil outline with a pen or permanent marker.

    You may want to mark with a pencil where to stop the leaves for younger children.

    Demonstrate for your child how to add a generous amount of glue to the line along the back and press leaves into the glue down to the base.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    Repeat until he has a full back of leafy spines 2-3 layers thick.

    Use a google eye, small button, or something like these little dried berries we found outside to make his eye and little upturned nose and glue in place.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    Erase the pencil lines if there are any showing to clean up the work a bit.

    For the framing part of this craft, you will want to use hot glue to be sure that it holds in place well.

    Break your sticks to the approximate length of the four sides of the canvas and glue into place.

    Fun and Easy Leaf Hedgehog Craft for Autumn Days

    Allow it to harden and it’s ready to hang and bring some autumn memories to your wall.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: fall, fall crafts, fall leaves, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, science

    Discover The Best Gifts For Biology Lovers

    November 6, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have combed my favorite sites to bring you gifts for biology lovers that range from baby to adult and many aspects of biology.

    Biology is the study of living things.

    It’s a big field that includes studying plants, animals, and even humans.

    Discover The Best Gifts For Biology Lovers

    Biologists try to understand how living things work, how they interact with each other, and how they change over time.

    It is a broad field with many different branches, each of which focuses on a different aspect of living things.

    Just in case you are not a biology nerd yourself of course I am including a breakdown of what sciences fall under it.

    The main branches of biology cover a wide variety of interests from the body to plants and insects as well as bacteria and viruses.

    BRANCHES OF BIOLOGY FOR GIFTS FOR BIOLOGY LOVERS

    The main branches of biology cover a wide variety of interests from the body to plants and insects as well as bacteria and viruses.

    Anatomy: The study of the structure of living things.

    Biochemistry: The study of the chemical processes that take place in living things.

    Botany: The study of plants.

    Cell biology: The study of cells that make up living things.

    Ecology: The study of how living things interact with each other and with their environment.

    Evolution: The study of how living things have changed over time.

    Genetics: The study of how traits are passed down from parents to offspring.

    Immunology: The study of how living things protect themselves from disease.

    Microbiology: The study of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.

    Molecular biology: The study of the molecules that make up living things.

    Physiology: The study of how living things function.

    Zoology: The study of animals.

    Discover The Best Gifts For Biology Lovers

    Next, look at more gift guides.

    MORE GIFT GUIDES

    • Explore The Best American History Gifts For Kids And Educators
    • Elevate Playtime with 15 Best Steam Gifts for Kids
    • 11 Unique Turtle Gift Ideas for Reptile Enthusiasts
    • Step Back in Time with These 12 Little House on the Prairie Gift Ideas
    • 12 Gifts For Medieval History Buffs
    • Navigating the Perfect Present: 22 Gifts for Geography Lovers
    • Ignite the Love for Learning: 10 Homeschool Gift Ideas That Spark Joy
    • How To Gift A True Crime Fan : 8 Best Gifts For True Crime Fans
    • 13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History
    • Unleash Your Inner Scientist: 12 Amazing Gifts for the Science Lovers
    • Ten Best Tech Gifts for Teen Boys
    • Gifts For Kids Who Are Wild About History
    • 5 Gift Ideas for the Homeschool Mom Who Needs a Cooking Reboot
    • Fungi Fun: 11 Unconventional Mushroom Gift Ideas for the Adventurous Spirit

    So, whether your recipient is a child, teacher, college student, or just enthusiast you are likely to find something unique that they will love here in this list of gifts from books to games and everything in between.

    BIOLOGY GIFTS

    Discover the best gifts for biology lovers.

    The Amoeba Sisters' Cartoon Guide to Biology: Science Simplified

    From the dynamic sister duo behind the beloved Amoeba Sisters YouTube channel, this visual learning book features 24 major educational concepts commonly taught in life sciences courses. Designed to alleviate the intimidation often associated with complex science concepts, this guide employs amusing mnemonics, real-world examples, and light-hearted humorous anecdotes to make biology topics more approachable and relatable.

    Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game |

    BIOLOGY BOARD GAME - Learn cell biology from a science game! Players build enzymes, hormones, and receptors and play with proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and DNA or mRNA, just like in biology class. This game is great on a learning table in a classroom to teach students about various parts of cell biology, including animal cell organelles, enzymes, and hormones.

    Photo Credit: shrsl.com

    Personalized DNA Science 3D Lamp Wooden Base

    Personalized DNA Science 3D Lamp Wooden Base, Biology Science Gift.

    Photo Credit: shrsl.com

    Plant Cell Dangle Earrings

    If your biology fanatic is especially a fan of botany these Plant Cell Earrings are not only an adorable conversation starter but really let their interest shine.

    Taxidermy Octopus, Real Octopus Specimens

    UNIQUE OCTOPUS SPECIMEN: Our Octopis specimen is a one-of-a-kind collectible that is perfect for fans of taxidermy animals, oddities, and wet specimens.

    Baby Biochemist: DNA:

    For the baby that has everything, you can get them started on the path to learning about biology with a DNA Board Book, science minded parents will appreciate this gift as well.

    The Awkward Yeti Organ Attack! Card Game, A Family Fun Game for Kids and Adults

    Organ ATTACK! Do you like Doctor Games or Human Body Games?Another hit family friendly card game by Awkward Yeti! This Medical Card Game is the absolute hoot!

    GIANTmicrobes Sick Day Themed Gift Box

    Feeling under the weather? Rough night and just can’t get to school or work? These adorable Sick Day microbes will cheer up friends and family, inspire you and have you feeling better

    LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection

    Blue morpho butterfly (Morpho peleides) – Capture the shades of blue in this butterfly’s wings and its white dots. The model also includes a buildable honeybee and flower to round out your butterfly decorations

    Botany Board Game |

    • EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF THE HUNT!: Take on the role of a plant hunter in the Victorian Era as you travel the world in search of fame, fortune, and the coveted Queen’s Prize in Botany. Earn the most points by collecting and safely returning botanical specimens to your growing English estate.

    Vintage Butterfly Poster Hanger Frame

    • Real Retro: Our poster printing process intentionally incorporates a weathered design to achieve an authentic vintage look and feel; this creates a unique retro charm that reflects the passage of time, adding character to any space

    Anatomicum: Welcome to the Museum

    Welcome to a museum that is always open to explore. Inside these pages you’ll get a peek at the workings of the major systems of the human body, from the minute muscles used to convey emotion to precise workings of the human brain. With stunning artwork by Katy Wiedemann and expert text by Dr. Jennifer Z. Paxton, this beautiful book makes anatomical knowledge both accessible and beautiful.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Gift Guides Tagged With: biology, gift, gift list, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolgiftideas, science

    4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

    November 5, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have a free 4-week Shakespeare unit study for kids. Look at these other Best Homeschool Unit Studies and my Fun Renaissance Unit Study Ideas for Kids and Lapbook Renaissance for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

    Although there is debate about Shakespeare’s exact date of birth, we do know he was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, a town in a farming area.

    His mother, Mary, was the daughter of a local farmer. His father, John, was a glove-maker and wool trader with a large family house.

    4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

    And Shakespeare lived during a remarkable period of English history.

    The life of William Shakespeare is surrounded in mystery due to the lack of records from that time.

    Elizabeth I became the Queen of England in 1558.

    During her 45-year reign, London became a cultural center where learning and literature thrived.

    Also, I share a few of the ideas we did at our co-op. There are just some activities that are way more to do with a group.

    Especially if you have a tough subject to teach, gather families together and use the creative brain of those families in your group.

    BOOKS ABOUT SHAKESPEARE

    Next, add a few of these books that will get you started on your unit study.

    And where possible, I prefer living books over textbooks to teach with.

    6 Books About Shakespeare For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

    Add one or two of these books to your unit study or learning day.

    A Child's Portrait of Shakespeare (Shakespeare Can Be Fun series)

    Who is William Shakespeare?" For more than 20 years, Lois Burdett has asked that question of her elementary school students in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, leading them on a voyage of discovery that brings the Bard to life for boys and girls ages seven and up.

    A Child's Portrait of Shakespeare, written in rhyming couplets is suitable for staging as class plays as well as reading aloud.

    Tales from Shakespeare (Wordsworth Children's Classics)

    Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb was written to be an 'introduction to the study of Shakespeare', but are much more entertaining than that. All of Shakespeare's best-loved plays, comic and tragic, are retold in a clear and robust style, and their literary quality has made them popular and sought-after ever since their first publication in 1807.

    This edition contains the delightful pen-and-ink drawings of Arthur Rackham.

    Favorite Tales from Shakespeare

    Retellings of the exciting stories of Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and Hamlet are augmented by full-color illustrations

    Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare

    Nobody knows exactly when or why William Shakespeare left his boyhood home of Stratford-on-Avon for the great city of London, but it didn't take long for him to make a name for himself. His plays are now performed almost every day in just about every part of the world; even people who've never seen them use words and phrases he introduced into the English language.

    How did a man from an unremarkable family create a legacy that the world, even 400 years after his death, has never forgotten? There will always be unsolved mysteries about Shakespeare, but what we do know of his life, his times, and his theater makes for a very dramatic story.

    How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare

    Ken Ludwig devised his friendly, easy-to-master methods while teaching his own children. Beginning with memorizing short passages from the plays, his technique then instills children with cultural references they will utilize for years to come. Ludwig’s approach includes understanding of the time period and implications of Shakespeare’s diction as well as the invaluable lessons behind his words and stories. Colorfully incorporating the history of Shakespearean theater and society, How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare guides readers on an informed and adventurous journey through the world in which the Bard wrote.

    Romeo and Juliet

    Joining Bruce Coville's earlier prose adaptations of Shakespeare's plays is this picture book treatment of the Bard's most popular work ever. The tender story of the young star-crossed lovers from warring families, Romeo and Juliet has moved audiences to tears for four hundred years. And Coville tells it in a way that will surely whet the appetite of young audiences, who will then find even greater enjoyment in the original. As with his earlier adaptations, Coville expertly combines his own dramatic language with key lines from the play. Dennis Nolan, who illustrated Coville's version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, contributes stunning paintings, including a gatefold of the famous balcony scene. In addition to A Midsummer Night's Dream, which Publishers Weekly called "A first rate entree to the Bard," Coville also retold The Tempest and Macbeth. Of the latter, School Library Journal said, "Coville's muscular sentences, full of dramatic word choices, make this a good read-aloud." Both Macbeth and A Midsummer Night's Dream were honored as ALA Quick Picks for Young Adults.

    Next, look at some of these fun ways to incorporate history and geography into your Shakespeare unit study.

    HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY SHAKESPEARE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

    Queen Elizabeth I ruled from 1558, until her death on March 24, 1603, marking the Elizabethan era.

    She was the daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

    Queen Elizabeth also recognized the importance of the arts to the life and legacy of her nation.

    She was fond of the theater, and England’s greatest playwrights.

    • Salt Dough Map of England gets your kids involved hands-on.
    • The Globe Theatre, built in 1599. Make your own globe theater stage
    • Learn about the fashion of the Elizabethan period. Fabrics like velvet, silk and brocade. The wealthy wore extravagant clothing. A ruff is a collar that is large and comes around the neck.How to make a paper maché Elizabethan ruff
    • Make a Tudor Rose and learn what is symbolized. Takes its name and origins from the House of Tudor, which united the House of Lancaster and the House of York. The Tudor rose consists of five white inner petals, representing the House of York, and five red outer petals to represent the House of Lancaster.
    • Research the contributions of England’s maiden queen then create a 3-D portrait.
    • This was the Age of Exploration. Research Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake. Look at how to make a Sir Francis Drake Ship.
    • Another fun twist on geography is to make a map of places where Shakespeare’s plays take place. For example, Macbeth took place in Scotland and some in England, Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona, Italy and A Midsummer Night’s Dream took place in Athens.

    NATURE & SCIENCE SHAKESPEARE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

    Also, study a list of plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.

    For example, learn about roses.

    4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

    A rose symbolizes love and beauty.

    And think about the line “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” from the play Romeo and Juliet.

    Here are some more examples and research about what they mean.

    • Hamlet – Holly, Violet, Daisy, Fennel, Willow, Cypress
    • The Winter’s Tale – Marigold, Mint
    • A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Pansy, Cowslip
    • Romeo and Juliet – Rose, Briar, Basil
    • Make a homemade candle
    • Plant a mini herb garden planting thyme, rosemary and lavender as used during the Elizabethan period.
    • The clothes had to be dyed as well as using berries for ink. Look at this post for how to dye fabric from berries and vegetables and How to Make a Quill and Berry Ink.

    MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS SHAKESPEARE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

    Additionally, here are some fun ways to add a bit of math and language arts to your unit study.

    Besides the obvious idea of focusing on a couple of Shakespeare’s plays, look at more ideas to flesh out your study.

    • Talk about the 3 ways of telling time during Shakespeare’s time. Hourglass, sundial, and clocks. Look at this article which has interesting facts about time and how inaccurate clocks were then.
    • Take a twist on math and learn about the structure of a Shakespearean sonnet which is 14 lines and research about iambic pentameter.
    • Too, look at my post How To Teach Your Homeschooled Children Shakespeare
    • Shakespeare Unit Study Starters
    • Another fun way to bring Shakespeare’s plays to life is to act out certain parts. We had some teens in our group make a few props like a balcony and costumes and acted out their parts. It was way more fun for our teens.
    • Discuss the shapes of The Globe Theatre to learn about geometry. Build a scale model of it.
    • Learn about the money used during this time. For example, pounds, shillings, and pence.
    • Prepare food of the time and practice math measurements. For example, learn about pottage, bread was popular, meat pies, cheese, beers and ale. Honey was a popular flavoring since sugar was expensive. Look at my post Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids.
    • Apothecary was an occupation during Shakespeare’s time. Look at my post Apothecary Salve.
    • And I know not everyone lives near a renaissance fest but I contacted them to get names of folks they used as actors. We had a volunteer “Bard” come and go over with our kids about Shakespeare.

    Also, look at some of my favorite sites. They are text retellings.

    • Absolute Shakespeare.
    • Beautiful Stories From Shakespeare.
    4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

    ARTS & CRAFTS SHAKESPEARE UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

    Finally, look at these fun art and craft ideas during the Shakespeare and Elizabethan period.

    • Look at these fun puppets and coloring pages for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
    • In addition, use simple paper plates, string, paint to make masks of favorite characters from his plays.
    • Make stained glass windows. Look at my post How To Make A Kids Easy Medieval Stained Glass Window and Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft.
    • In addition, learn about glassblowing. Look at my unit Glass Blowing lapbook and unit study.
    • And here are some fun dresses for paperdolls. Use them to create your own costume or use them for paperdolls.
    • For older kids interested in fashion of the time look at these model templates they can use to create their own designs.
    • Discover some of the trade crafts of that time. For example, there were playwrights like Shakespeare, quillmaking, costumer, actor, blacksmith, chandler, tanner and shoemaker.
    • Host a fashion contest within your co-op.
    4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

    Last, whether your focus is on poetry, history, comedies or tragedies, look at some of Shakespeare’s works.

    4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

    Also, grab my Renaissance lapbook to go with this unit study.

    • Dynamic Renaissance Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      Dynamic Renaissance Lapbook for Multiple Ages

      $4.00
      Add to cart

    TRAGEDIES

    COMEDIES

    • Antony and Cleopatra
    • Romeo and Juliet
    • Macbeth
    • King Lear
    • The Taming of the Shrew
    • Much Ado About Nothing
    • A Midsummer Night’s Dream
    • The Merry Wives of Windsor
    • A Midsummer Night’s Dream

    HISTORIES

    POETRY

    • Henry VI
    • Richard II
    • 154 Sonnets
    • Venus and Adonis
    4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

    We add to our unit study as we learn more about Shakespeare.

    What hands-on fun have you done?

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Do Unit Studies Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, shakespeare

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