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Tina Robertson

Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray

October 22, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

For today’s dynamic learning adventure, we are making a paper plate stingray to highlight its unique body and characteristics. Also, look at my Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook for more ocean ideas.

Stingrays are a type of fish that live in warm, shallow waters.

And they have flat diamond-shaped bodies with long, whip-like tails.

Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray

If you have ever seen it in the ocean or an aquarium their bodies seem to effortlessly float gracefully through the water.

They use their large pectoral fins to propel themselves.

They flap their fins in a wave-like motion, starting at the head and moving down to the tail.

This creates a powerful thrust that allows them to move quickly and efficiently through the water.

While you are making your paper plate stingray there is no reason why you can’t learn more about them with facts, videos, and books.

And then use it as a path to more amazing paper plate ocean animals that I have rounded up for you.

OCEAN BOOKS FOR KIDS

Too, look at these fun ocean books to add to your home library.

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet! 

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

Also, look at some fun facts about stingrays.

STUPENDOUS STINGRAY FACTS

Some species of stingrays can grow to be very large. The giant oceanic manta ray can grow up to 23 feet long and weigh up to 3,000 pounds!

Stingrays use their tails to defend themselves from predators. The tail has a sharp, barbed stinger that can cause painful wounds, but it is also used to steer them through the water.

Stingrays are made of cartilage instead of bone and their bodies are very flexible.

They are carnivores and eat worms, mollusks, shrimp, crab, clams, oysters, mussels, small fish, and crustaceans

Stingrays are related to sharks and share many similar features; the biggest difference is that stingrays have their pectoral fins fused with their head.

There are many different types of rays including stingrays, electric rays, butterfly rays, round rays, manta rays, guitarfish and sawfish. There are about 220 different species all together.

Check out this Wild Kratts video, The Vanishing Stingray, to learn so much more about these fascinating ocean creatures.

If you are interested the resource shown here is The Big Book of Blue and contained a wonderful two page spread on our subject.

Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray

I also want to share with you these plastic ocean animals that can be used to create sensory bins, trays, dioramas, or just to add a bit of the theme to your science shelf or in a basket to introduce the topic.

MORE OCEAN ANIMAL ACTIVITIES

  • Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink
  • Exploring The Ocean With Ice Experiments: Simple Sea Animal Rescue
  • How To Mix Glow In The Dark Slime Ingredients To Make Awesome Ocean Slime
  • How to Make a Fun Paper Plate Fish | F is for Fish
Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray

And look at these paperplate ocean animals.

ADORABLE PAPER PLATE OCEAN ANIMALS

  • Wow isn’t this Paper Plate Whale just amazing? I love the detail and uniqueness of this craft to show off a special feature.
  • You just have to include this cute Paper Plate Crab Craft into your paper plate ocean animal collection.
  • Make a Paper Plate Pufferfish to show off this amazing inflatable creature.
  • Combine two inexpensive craft supplies to create a Paper Plate & Bubble Wrap JellyFish Craft.
  • This Paper Plate Starfish is almost unrecognizable as a serviceable disposable plate, you could make it your own with patterns.
  • This Seahorse Paper Plate is absolutely adorable and looks like so much fun to make.

HOW TO MAKE A PAPER PLATE STINGRAY

You will need:

  • Craft glue or hot glue
  • A paper plate
  • A paper bowl
  • Scissors
  • Craft paints
  • Paintbrushes
Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray

Begin by laying out two paper plates and drawing a stingray’s body on one, including the wings.  then use the second to create the long whiplike tail.

Be sure you leave the body big enough to fit the bowl.

Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray

Cut out those outlines and glue the two pieces together with the tail at the back.

Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray

Add the paper bowl on top, securing all the way around with glue. Trim the edges a bit if necessary.

Paint all over, covering both the plates and the bowl in your base color.

Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray

Before the paint is completely dry you can come in with a second or even third color to add some detail to your stingray.

Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray

We made a black stingray for our model like in our reference book.

Don’t forget to add some eyes.

Allow it to dry completely.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science, ocean, science

13 Living Books Ancient History Your Kids Will Love

October 21, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a list of engaging living books ancient history your kids will love. Also, look at my Ancient Civilizations page for fun hands-on ideas and free lapbooks to go with studying ancient history.

Studying ancient history is a fascinating and wide-reaching topic.

It should be taught in a way that draws a child into the period you’re studying about.

That is what a living book does as opposed to a dry boring textbook which kids can loathe.

13 Living Books Ancient History Your Kids Will Love

Too, when I first started homeschooling, I knew what we were reading for history wasn’t presented to my kids in a way they could understand.

A list of dry boring facts does not stir critical thinking skills or nurture my sons’ love for wanting to learn more.

I wanted my sons to read books like I did while growing up.

Little did I know then, there was a name for a book that is lively, engaging, encourages conversations and that is a living book.

WHAT ARE LIVING BOOKS FOR KIDS

Also, through the years I’ve read many excellent definitions of what is a living book.

Be sure you take time to understand what they are so that when you study any topic, especially ancient history, you can bring the topic to life.

Besides, not all, but a lot of them are older books.

They were written at a time when authors did not talk to children, even very young children. And they were written before there was a banned book list or before libraries adopted politically correct views.

However, one of the best features of living books is that the author usually talk about the topic in a story or narrative form. All ages love stories. We never outgrow them.

Additionally, the author is not a textbook writer but an authority on the topic who has infectious enthusiasm for the topic.

This excites the reader.

Even books that are fictional history, the author can weave in dates, events, and details that are true. However, while the story is untrue it still can bring the history period to life.

It helps readers to understand the stream of time.

Additionally, keep this balance in mind as you learn about living books.

Not all vintage books are living books.

However, if you are considering one that is a classic, look for ones that are not edited and have beautiful artwork especially if it’s a picture book.

Many older print pictures books are beautiful and have a higher reading level than you may think.

MORE LIVING BOOKS FOR KIDS LIST & TIPS

  • 5 Steps to Choosing Geography Living Books Your Children Will Love
  • Ancient Civilization History Living Books
  • 13 Living History Books about Ancient Greece
13 Living Books Ancient History Your Kids Will Love

In addition, I have a 5-point checklist to help you decide what is a living book on my post 5 Steps to Choosing Geography Living Books Your Children Will Love.

Your definition and lists of books will grow as you homeschool longer.

Finally, look at this list of living book ancient history for kids.

13 ANCIENT HISTORY LIVING BOOKS FOR MULTIPLE AGES

Add one or two of these books to your day for a unit study or add them to your home library for books to keep.

The Children's Homer

It recounts the perilous adventures of Odysseus on his journey back from the war in Troy, including his encounter with the horrible Cyclops, the duplicitous Sirens, and the evil Circe. One of Colum’s many successful children’s novels, these stories will be enjoyed as much today as they were when they first appeared. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and is wonderfully illustrated by Willy Pogany.

The Arabian Nights

Full of mischief, valor, ribaldry, and romance, The Arabian Nights has enthralled readers for centuries. These are the tales that saved the life of Scheherazade, whose husband, the king, executed each of his wives after a single night of marriage. Beginning an enchanting story each evening, Scheherazade always withheld the ending: A thousand and one nights later, her life was spared forever.

The Golden Goblet

Ranofer wants only one thing in the world: to be a master goldsmith like his beloved father was. But how can he when he is all but imprisoned by his evil half brother, Gebu? Ranofer knows the only way he can escape Gebu's abuse is by changing his destiny. But can a poor boy with no skills survive on the cutthroat streets of ancient Thebes? Then Ranofer finds a priceless golden goblet in Gebu's room and he knows his luck−and his destiny−are about to change.

City of the Golden House

A slave and a cripple, A saint and a Roman officer, An Emperor and a conspirator . . . A city on fire! The events surrounding the burning of Rome and the subsequent Christian persecution provide the backdrop for this story of faith and friendship. A young slave from Britain finds himself in Rome at a tumultuous time. Through his acquaintance with Christians he comes to understand and love the new religion. Out of his zeal for the love of the Christ, he performs a great spiritual work of mercy that sadly goes awry. In the end, God's providence and mercy shine through.

Boy of the Pyramids

The pictured wall of an Egyptian tomb supplied the inspiration for this unusual story, which takes place during the building of the Great Pyramid of Khufu more than 4,000 years ago. Kaffe and Sari, an Egyptian noble's son and a slave irl from the nomadic Sand People of the Sinai region, help solve a troublesome mystery and trap its culprit. All told against a colorfully detailed backdrop of ancient Egypt.

Gilgamesh the Hero

This is one of the oldest stories in the world, and it's about things that still matter to us today: friendship, fame, courage, happiness.Gilgamesh and Enkidu are friends -- best friends. Together they can work wonders, fight monsters, brave earthquakes, travel the world! But waiting in the dark is the one enemy they can never overcome.Retold by award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean, and illustrated with great power by David Parkins, Gilgamesh the Hero is a story that will linger in the imagination long after the book has been put down.

The Arkadians

Lucian is on the run from a pair of murderous soothsayers. Joy-in-the-Dance knows magic and marvels, and is on a quest. Fronto is a poet-turned-donkey who wants to break the spell that turned him into an animal. The three of them join forces and set out through Arkadia—on an amazing trip that will change their lives. “Master storyteller Alexander keeps the action brisk, packs the text with a riveting collection of weird characters, fantastic settings, plot twists, derring-do, heroes, villains, magic, prophecy, humor, shipwrecks, fires—what more could readers ask for?”—Kirkus Reviews

Archimedes and the Door of Science

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.Greece, 200 B.C.

The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

A brother and sister's search for a new life and new home . . .5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur. Marjorie Cowley vividly imagines the intrigues, and harsh struggle for survival in ancient Mesopotamia.

God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah

A never-before published tale by the author of the best-selling Hittite Warrior carries the reader back to Ancient Egypt and biblical Jerusalem. It is 701 B.C—rule of the Kushite dynasty in ancient Egypt. Young Prince Taharka, a very minor royal son, succeeds unexpectedly to the throne of Kush and Egypt—a "divine" rulership. It's not long, however, before a treacherous plot pushes him into sudden exile and into the hands of Amos, an emissary of King Hezekiah seeking help against the Assyrians. Posing as a medical assistant, Taharka journeys with Amos to Judea where he encounters two kings in conflict. His true identity suddenly uncovered, he must choose with whom he will fight—the mighty Assyrian, Sennacherib, promising alliance, or Hezekiah, the Jew who trusts in Yahweh. A novel inspired by research on the historical King Taharka and his period. Includes an introduction, with home-education suggestions, by Daria Sockey.Egypt and Judea, 700 B.C.

Mara, Daughter of the Nile

Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom in ancient Egypt, under the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. Mara is not like other slaves; she can read and write, as well as speak the language of Babylonian. So, to barter for her freedom, she finds herself playing the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies—each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt.   Against her will, Mara finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, and she starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake.

The Boy of the Painted Cave

Tao is an outcast. Unlike the great hunters of his clan, Tao does not want to kill the wild bears or woolly mammoths of the hunt. Instead he wants only to paint them. But only Chosen Ones can be cave painters. What's more, Volt, the clan leader, violently despises Tao. And when the other clan members discover Tao's secret talent, they cast him out into the wilderness alone. There, he befriends a wild wolf dog named Ram, and the mysterious Graybeard, who teaches him the true secret of the hunt.

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

Here are the greats of ancient Greece—gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters—as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come.  “For any child fortunate enough to have this generous book . . . the kings and heroes of ancient legend will remain forever matter-of-fact; the pictures interpret the text literally and are full of detail and witty observation.”—The Horn Book

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Book Lists Tagged With: ancient, Ancient Babylon, ancient civilizations, ancient egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient HIstory, book lists, books

How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School

October 20, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Autumn art projects for middle school can be a great way for teens to express themselves but also open new learning experiences. Look at my pages How to Turn a Pumpkin Lapbook into a Fun Unit Study and Fall Season Unit Study and Free Lapbook for more ideas!

No longer are handprint projects and cutting and pasting going to delight your child.    

It’s time to step up the game with more challenging, detailed, and intriguing art projects.

How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School

The rich colors lend themselves beautifully to all sorts of autumn themed art projects from paintings of pumpkins to scented pinecones meant to be decor as well.

To celebrate the arrival of autumn I have gathered up autumn art projects.

I have fresh idea of my own which is a book pumpkin, and some great information on the Autumn Equinox.

Autumn Equinox- The autumn equinox occurs when day and night are approximately equal in length. This event signifies the official start of fall, and typically falls around September 22nd or 23rd.

In many cultures, the autumn equinox is celebrated with festivals and rituals.

These celebrations often focus on the harvest and the changing seasons.

FALL BOOKS FOR KIDS

Use some of these fun living books about fall for read aloud or to include your younger children.

Even middle school kids still love picture books. Shh! Don’t tell them we know.

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.

This day, autumn equinox, is also a key period for observing natural phenomena like the Northern Lights due to increased geomagnetic activity.

The word “equinox” comes from the Latin words aequus which means “equal “and nox which means “night”).

But the day and night are not exactly 12 hours each on the day of the equinox.

Those who live farther from the equator will have slightly longer days because the sun takes longer to rise and set from there.

On the days close to the equinox, the sun might be visible for anywhere between 12 hours and 6 minutes to 12 hours and 16 minutes.

Now that you know a little bit more about the autumn equinox let’s move on to the art projects and more that I have for you.

6 MORE BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN ART PROJECTS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

  1. If you have not yet ventured into the world of chalk pastels you will want to try this Beautiful Chalk Pastel Sunflowers – Art Project for Kids
  2. These Wax Paper Stained Glass Leaves take an old idea and elevate it a bit, taking it from elementary to more challenging levels.
  3. Check out my Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art that will have them spending time off screens and creating beautiful art that will become heirloom decorations.
  4. At first glance you might think that Paper Bag Owls and the Sharpie Art Workshop is kids play but these techniques definitely make it an art piece for all ages.
  5. Look at pumpkins from a new angle, literally and create the Glue and Watercolor Fall Pumpkin Unit Study.
How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School

UPCYCLED BOOK PUMPKIN ART FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Our book pumpkin is not only fun to make but creates a wonderful decoration for the home that fits in perfectly with book lovers and homeschoolers.

You will need:

  • Paperback book
  • Scissors or utility knife
  • pencil/marker
  • Orange craft paint
  • Brown craft paint
  • paintbrush
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
  • Raffia or ribbon
How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School

First, you can use any old paperback or hardcover book that you have or pick one up from a thrift store, you can also find them like I did at dollar tree.

Rip off the cover and loosen up the binding by bending the book spin backwards 4-5 times you don’t want to rip it apart. You just want to loosen it a bit.

Draw a pumpkin with a pencil or sharpie marker on one side of the book. I like to make it flat along the bottom, so it sits nicely.

How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School

Either use scissors or a utility knife to cut along the pumpkin outline that you made.

How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School

Using scissors like I did here you won’t be able to cut very many pages at a time, but this method is much safer for younger children.

How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School

Continue cutting through as many pages at a time as you can until you have cut the entire book.

HOW TO MAKE AN UPCYCLED BOOK PUMPKIN WITH KIDS

Open the book so that the last page and the first page are touching. Secure these two pages together with hot glue.

How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School

The book will not immediately resemble a pumpkin shape; you’ll have to fluff the pages and spread them out and work it as you go around the entire circle.

How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School

 The next thing you’re going to do is paint your stem if you left one Brown or you can hot glue a small piece of stick to the center from your yard to give it a little bit more of a rustic look.

Now you can leave it just as if you like just showing the pages but to help it look a little bit more like a pumpkin I like to take a paintbrush and just roughly brush over the edges of the pages.

How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School

Allow paint to dry and add a piece of raffia, ribbon, or yarn to the stem to finish it off.

How To Make An Upcycled Book Pumpkin | Autumn Art Projects For Middle School

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: fall, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, pumpkin, recycle

Free Ada’s Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

October 19, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a set of free Ada’s violin worksheets and a fun tutorial for recycled instruments that you can make just like they did in the book. Also, look at my page South America Unit Study Resources for more ideas about South America.

Ada’s Violin is an incredible retelling of a true story about Ada Rios and the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay.

This orchestra was made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash.

Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

It is a beautiful story and an inspiration to try making your own ornaments from recycling.

There are so many wonderful things you can take away from this story and share with your child.

It calls attention also to other people and communities in the world.

This is also a wonderful take on reusing, recycling, and taking care of our planet by finding new ways to use “junk” instead of just tossing it out.

You can also use it as an opportunity to introduce your child to different types of music.

The book references 60’s bands the Beatles and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Finally, as you make your instruments you can talk about the parts of an instrument and what family it belongs to.

There are lots of wonderful ideas for taking an impactful story like Ada’s Violin and turning it into a lovely mini-unit study.

BOOKS ABOUT MUSIC & RESOURCES FOR KIDS

Next, look at these fun books about music to add to your study for the day.

8 Books and Resources for a Music Unit Study

There are many concepts to cover for a music unit study and one of them is to learn about styles of music.

The Phantom of the Opera (SeaWolf Press Illustrated Classic)

The Phantom of the Opera was first published as a serialization in Le Gaulois in 1909. The novel is partly inspired by historical events at the Paris Opera during the nineteenth century and an apocryphal tale concerning the use of a former ballet pupil's skeleton in Carl Maria von Weber's 1841 production of Der Freischütz. The setting of The Phantom of the Opera came from an actual Paris opera house, Palais Garnier, that Leroux had heard the rumors about from the time the opera house was finished. Act one of the opera Helle had just finished when a fire in the roof of the opera house had melted through a wire holding a counterweight for the chandelier, causing a crash that injured several and killed one. Using this accident paired with rumors of a ghost in that same opera house, Leroux wrote Le Fantôme de l'Opéra and published it in 1910

BendyFigs Phantom of The Opera

  • Bend and pose into different positions.
  • Perfect for Play or Display. Includes a detachable display base.
  • Phantom of The Opera - Journey to The Lair - Musical Figurine

    A beautiful keepsake if you have serious lovers of the music like I do. Plays the Tune: "Music of the Night", 18 note movement

    Music Appreciation for the Elementary Grades: Book 1

    Music Appreciation for the Elementary Grades: Book 1 will introduce children to seven different composers, dating from 1685 to 1828 (Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Paganini and Schubert). Each composer's childhood and adult life are vividly described in individual biographies. Every important incident is mentioned and every detail of the stories is true. Each book contains written music and delightful pictures throughout. It is more than the human side of these books that will make them live, for in the music the great masters breathe. This book includes a variety of hands-on activities such as: geography lessons, history lessons, recipes, instrument studies, music vocabulary, hand writing, musical facts of the Classical period, timelines, character trait studies, and so much more. Geared for a variety of learners-auditory, kinesthetic, visual, and just plain "active"-the Student Activity Book is an excellent companion to your reading experience. * Exceeds all of the national standards required for music appreciation (kindergarten - sixth grade.) * User- friendly for multi-age groups * Geared for a variety of learners- visual, auditory and kinesthetic * Incorporates activities from across the curriculum.

    The Music Appreciation: Middle Ages Thru Classical Era Course

    The Music Appreciation: Middle Ages Thru Classical Era course consists of 36 lessons about the music, genres, styles, and composers of Western Music from 450-1800. You'll learn about Gregorian Chant, the beginnings of musical notation, organum, Medieval church modes, Hildegard von Bingen, Guido d'Arezzo, Josquin des Prez, madrigals, motets, the beginnings of opera, music of the Reformation, Buxtehude, Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, hymn writers, Beethoven, and many more!

    A History of Musical Style (Dover Books On Music: History)

    Style — the distinctive manner of presentation, construction, and execution in any art — is a topic of primary importance in music history. This highly regarded text by noted musicologist Richard Crocker (University of California, Berkeley) takes a much-needed fresh look at the subject and attempts to reshape some basic ideas in the light of modern research. Seeking the reasons for stylistic change within the history of style itself (rather than in the history of men or of ideas), this enlightening account shows how music, growing out of its own past, has shaped its own development.Professor Crocker's exceptionally clear and systematic presentation enables students to easily follow the evolution of Western musical style from Gregorian Chant (ca. 750) to the atonal music of the mid-20th century. The book stresses the continuity of basic musical principles over long periods of history, while it explores in detail moments of high stylistic achievement and the composers who exemplified them.

    What Is Rock and Roll? (What Was?)

    Rock and roll sprang from a combination of African-American genres, Western swing, and country music that exploded in post World War II America. Jim O'Connor explains what constitutes rock music, follows its history and sub-genres through famous musicians and groups, and shows how rock became so much more than just a style of music influencing fashion, language, and lifestyle.

    Photo Credit: learn.musicinourhomeschool.com

    Music in Our Homeschool

    Self-paced online music appreciation courses especially suited for homeschoolers either at home or at a homeschool co-op.

    I loved the colorful collage illustrations throughout the book.

    It inspired the upcycled little guitar we made.

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    I have a few ideas for you below to add to the story and make it and the lessons it contains come alive.

    ADA’S VIOLIN MINI UNIT IDEAS

    First, make your recycled instruments by laying out lots of items for your child to choose from and to use their imagination.

    Tis can be boxes, cardboard tubes, rubber bands, old mason jar rings and lids, scraps of wood and cloth, yarn, and other safe items from the garbage or recycling bin.

    Even old jugs can make a great instrument.

    Take some time to listen to the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay and hear their beautiful music.

    This video is not only a great example of their music but also shows images of the landfill and the beautifully crafted instruments being made and played.

    I think these FREE Printable Instruments for Kids Playdough Mats Activity look fun and are another way to build kids’ fine motor strength.

    Add these adorable miniature musical Instruments to your study in a sensory bin for a unique way to introduce and talk about each of the instruments, and listen to each one played to hear what they sound like while they play.

    To go along with the above idea of learning about different instruments and their families here is a Virtual Field Trip to the Symphony Learning About Musical Instruments with links to each family of instruments for listening.

    Include a little science into this literary activity with this DIY Water Xylophone Activity – Sound Science Experiment For Kids that allows them to learn about pitch with different water volumes.

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    Look at more unit study resources.

    MUSIC UNIT STUDY RESOURCES

    • Relax! How to Easily Add Art and Music to Your Homeschool Day
    • Beethoven & The French Revolution Minibook (Music Unit Study)
    • Homeschool Music Curriculum on the Beat
    • Fun Facts About the Phantom of the Opera & Styles of Music Unit Study
    • Fun & Easy Hands-on Ideas with Zeezok Music Appreciation

    SOUTH AMERICA ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

    Additionally, look at these other South America activities for kids.

    • South America Unit Study resources
    • Appreciating the Culture of South America Through Dance
    • Free Machu Picchu Mini Book & Completed South America Lapbook
    • 6 South America Country Notebooking Pages
    • How to Memorize the Countries of South America & Mountain Climate Zones Minibooks
    • South America Unit Study– Colorful Free Printable Map
    • South America Geography Salt Dough Map + Printable Pennants

    HOW TO MAKE A RECYCLED INSTRUMENT & ADA’S VIOLIN WORKSHEETS

    You will need:

    • Corrugated cardboard
    • Scrap boxes- cereal, macaroni, etc
    • Large rubber bands (or string)
    • Push pins
    • Hot glue gun/sticks
    • Jumbo popsicle sticks or thin wood scrap
    • Scissors
    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    First, decide what type of instrument you would like to make.

    You can easily make a small guitar, ukulele, or violin using the following instructions but you’re only limited by your imagination as to which type of instrument you create.

    Trace the general shape onto a large piece of corrugated cardboard with a pencil.

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    Cut the shape out with scissors or a straight blade.

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    Lay the cardboard cutout onto a flattened box like a cereal box and trace it, you might need or want to use more than one.

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    Coat the cardboard in hot glue and press your printed boxes onto the top, leaving a small opening at the top unglued.

    ADA’S VIOLIN WORKSHEETS

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    Smooth the printed cardboard over the corrugated and trim the edges up if needed.

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    Slip your wood scrap or a piece of cardboard cut into a strip between the corrugated and printed cardboard pieces.

    Add hot glue and secure this part down.

    An inexpensive wooden ruler would also be a great option for the neck of the guitar.

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    Cut a circle from black construction paper to make the sound hole and glue it near the bottom.

    Add two dabs of hot glue just below the hole and quickly press 2 thumbtacks into it to help hold them in place.

    Hot glue and press 2 thumb tacks through the top of the neck of the guitar.

    It may be difficult to push it through the wood without cracking it. You could also snip off the pins of the push pins and just use the plastic head to create the frets.

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    Once the glue is dry knit an extra-large rubber band or sting to the thumbtacks and run them up the length of the guitar and over the tacks at both ends.

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    It is not loud, but the rubber bands do make a fun low twangy sound.

    To create a violin just alter the shape a bit and use another scrap of wood for the bow.

    ABOUT ADA’S WORKSHEETS & MUSIC INSTRUMENT FAMILIES

    Finally, I have 2 free worksheets for your children.

    Here is some background information to help your child fill out the worksheets.

    First, go to this post to grab free country reports for countries in South America. It includes a report for Paraguay.

    About Ada’s life in Cateura. Cateura is a trash heap. Encourage your children to understand what that means.

    For example, why do people live near or on a trash heap? Introduce poverty and talk about what it means to recycle. How would your child spend their day if they lived near a trash dump?

    How did Fabio Chavez change Ada’s life and the other children? He was a musician. So, he taught the children how to play the violin, guitar and cello.

    Why learn music? Encourage your children to talk about the benefits of music.

    The benefits of learning music go far beyond academics. It teaches children about art and appreciate the beauty of life no matter what our circumstances are. And it shows how from something bad we can have hope.

    How did Mr. Chavez solve the problem? He taught them how to recycle trash to make their own instruments. How many instruments can your child make from trash?

    Recycling means to make something new and useful. This can empty landfills. Discuss what is a landfill and how they can fill up quickly.

    About the music families. There are 4 music families.

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    Look at the list of instruments you child can list under each category and a simple definition to help them understand the sound each one makes.

    BRASS MUSIC FAMILY

    Like the name implies, the instruments are made of brass and sometimes other metals. Musicians place their lips on a mouthpiece to make a buzzing sound. Changing from note to note is by using slides, valves and the vibration of their lips.

    Examples of instruments in this family are trombone, trumpets, tuba and horn.

    PERCUSSION MUSIC FAMILY

    These instruments make noise when a musician strikes, hits or shakes them. They come in various shapes and sizes. You can use materials use plastic, metal and wood.

    Some instruments in the family are drums, hand bell, chime, cymbal, tambourine, xylophone and piano. Explain that the piano is in this family because it makes sound by pressing keys which strikes strings.

    STRINGS MUSIC FAMILY

    Musicians play these instruments by pulling a long bow over the strings. And sometimes you pluck the strings instead of using the bow.

    Guitar, harp, violin, cello, fiddle, viola, banjo and mandolin are examples of instruments in this family.

    WOODWIND MUSIC FAMILY

    Woodwind instruments are played by blowing into a mouthpiece. They are made of wood and metal. And some instruments have reed. These pieces of wood vibrate when a musician blows on them.

    Flute, clarinet, bagpipes, bassoon, recorder, oboe, flute and saxophone are some of the woodwind family instruments.

    Free Ada's Violin Worksheets And How To Make A Recycled Instrument

    Now, how to grab the free worksheets. They are subscriber freebies

    That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

    1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

    2) Grab the freebie now.

    3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, music, picture books, recycle

    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    October 18, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have a fun way to explore the raspberry life cycle with exciting activities including a yummy raspberry muffin recipe and a couple of free life cycle pages.

    Cooking is always a wonderful activity, whatever your topic is. 

    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    Not only are you teaching valuable life skills and spending time with your child as you prepare the recipe together.

    Besides, cooking also helps develop reading skills, following directions, math, science, and nutrition as they make a simple recipe.

    But we are not stopping with a recipe.

    You will find facts to share and more activities like crafts, additional recipes, and even a body scrub to fill out your lesson further.

    ABOUT THE RASPBERRY LIFE CYCLE

    The first thing of course is following the life cycle of the raspberry.

    The life cycle of a raspberry is a fascinating process that begins with a tiny seed.

    The seed is planted in the spring, and it germinates and sprouts into a small plant.

    Over the summer, the plant grows and produces leaves and flowers.

    The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects, and the fertilized flowers develop into raspberries.

    The raspberries ripen in the fall, and they are ready to be eaten fresh or used in jams and pies.

    After the raspberries are harvested, the plant dies back to the ground.

    However, the roots survive the winter, and the plant will grow new shoots the following spring.

    If you are curious about the resource you see pictured I used Food Anatomy which had a great spread on berries and other fruits that goes along well with my free printables.

    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    Be sure to take some time to examine the fresh raspberries as well before you put them in the recipe.

    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    Let’s learn more about the raspberry life cycle with exciting activities and facts.

    RASPBERRY LIFE CYCLE FACTS

    1. Raspberries are a type of berry that grows on bushes, some berry types grow on trees, others on vines or little plants.
    2. In the United States about 90% of all raspberries that are sold come from Washington, California and Oregon.
    3. Raspberries are in the rose family, and they are usually red, but can also be black, gold, yellow, or purple.
    4. Raspberries are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
    5. Raspberries can be eaten fresh, cooked, or processed into jams, jellies, pies, tarts, and other desserts. Raspberry leaves can be used to make tea.
    6. While raspberry bushes are native to Europe and Asia, they are now grown all over the world.
    7. They are made up of many tiny bead-like fruits called “drupelets” clustered around a center core. Each of these drupelets contains one seed, with an average raspberry bearing 100 to 120 seeds.

    EXCITING RASPBERRY ACTIVITIES

    Little fingerprints make the sweetest “I Love You Berry Much” Fingerprint Raspberry Card Idea that can be sent to grandma or anyone else.

    Make a Raspberry Puffy Paint recipe using fresh berries then create a masterpiece.

    Check out my Fun American Civil War Crafts for Kids and Make Raspberry Jam and learn more cooking skills.

    Create a Raspberry Dye Recipe for coloring playdough that is chemical free and a fun way to learn about another use for the fruit.

    Kids love fruit roll-ups, but you’re going to really love this natural homemade fruit roll-up recipe that you can make with any type of berry Raspberry Fruit Roll Ups.

    Here you will find a step by step lesson on How to Draw a Raspberry for kids.

    Teens will love creating their own homemade Raspberry Lemonade Sugar Scrub to use or to gift to friends and family.

    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    Also, look at more berry hands-on activities for kids.

    BERRY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

    • Free Printable Strawberry Notebooking Pages
    • How To Make An Easy Ink pot & Quill Pen with Berry Ink
    • How To Create A Sweet Strawberry Letter S Handprint Craft
    • Fun American Civil War Crafts for Kids and Make Raspberry Jam
    • Life Cycle Of a Strawberry Facts and Fun Hand Sewn Felt Strawberry
    • Strawberry Unit Study

    Finally, look at how to make easy raspberry muffins.

    EASY RASPBERRY MUFFIN RECIPE

    First, you can use either fresh or frozen strawberries for this recipe, you do not need to thaw the frozen berries first.

    You can also freeze your muffins and thaw them for later if you like.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 cups of whole purpose flour
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup white granulated sugar
    • 3 teaspoons baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¾ cup milk
    • ¼ cup+ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 2 eggs, large
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 ½ cups raspberries
    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    Coat a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350.

    Combine all dry ingredients in a bow l- flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt, until well mixed. 

    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    In a separate bowl combine all the wet ingredients including eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla.

    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    Stir wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.

    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    Finally, fold in raspberries very gently with a spatula until they are throughout the batter, if you mix too much they will fall apart in the batter.

    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    Transfer the batter to muffin tin and bake for 25 minutes until the tops are golden brown.

    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    Take a toothpick and insert into the center if it comes out clean, they are ready.

    Allow to cool, if you can wait, and then enjoy your homemade raspberry muffins. 

    HOW TO GET THE FREE RASPBERRY LIFE CYCLE WORKSHEETS

    Finally, I have two free sets of raspberry life cycle notebooking pages.

    Explore the Amazing Raspberry Life Cycle with Exciting Activities & Free Worksheets

    Like most of my printables, I give the same printable blank and 1 form with answers.

    The first worksheet is the raspberry life cycle page and the second one describes 3 fruit classifications.

    Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

    That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

    1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

    2) Grab the freebie now.

    3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life cycle, life science, raspberries, science

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