Tina Robertson

12 Free & Unique Geography Resource History Makers Pages

May 8, 2024 | 8 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have 12 free geography resource history makers pages. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

Because I want to stay on track somewhat with our school because of how crazy my summer has been, I am sharing my first set of history maker freebies.

I’ve learned that at times history needs to be mixed up.

12 Free & Unique Geography Resource History Makers Pages

For example, if you study one period in history or one event, things could get boring fast.

Creating my history maker pages makes for a nice segue in your history day.

First, look at these fun resources if you’re studying American history.

10 U.S. Geography Resources

If you're looking to teach U.S. geography in a hands-on way, you'll love adding one or two of these resources to your day or study.

The Scrambled States of America Game

Quick! Find a state that ends with the letter A. Now find one that borders Tennessee. Have fun learning about the United States in this madcap game of observation and quick reflexes.

The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

Explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming with these 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps! Includes an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.Discover more than 2,000 facts about the people, cities, nature and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. Ghost towns, swamp tours, the center of the universe… bacon donuts, brainy berries, salmon jerky… The French Fry King, The Mother of Oregon, The Queen of Blues… be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of our great nation in this curious collection of fact-filled maps.

National Geographic Kids U.S. Atlas

Kids will have fun learning about each and every U.S. state in this amazing 6th edition atlas, packed with maps, stats, facts, and pictures

The U.S. History Cookbook: Delicious Recipes and Exciting Events from the Past

Who knew history could be so delicious? In The U.S. History Cookbook, you'll discover how Americans have lived and dined over the centuries. This scrumptious survey of periods and events in U.S. history mixes together a delectable batter of food timelines, kid-friendly recipes, and fun food facts.

The United States in 100 Words

How do you sum up a whole country in just 100 words? This striking book takes on the challenge! From amendment to Vegas, each of the carefully chosen 100 words has its own 100-word-long description and beautiful illustration, providing a snapshot of what the USA means to people today: its roots, its values, its culture, and customs. Basically, everything you need to know in a nut shell.

Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

This Toob includes figurines of the Lincoln Memorial, Hoover Dam, Liberty Bell, Alamo, Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Gateway Arch, U.S. Capital, Empire State Building, White House, as well as a flag and an eagle.

Geographic USA Scrunch Map

Easy Storage: Unfold and spread flat when you need it or scrunch it up and store away when you're done. The USA map makes a wonderful addition to your home, office, library, kid's room, classroom or playroom.

States & Capitals Flash Cards for Kids – 50 American State Cards

LEARN STATES & CAPITALS IN A FLASH: Get to know each of the 50 states! How well do you know your home state and neighbors? Perfect for all ages

50 FLASH CARDS: Includes 50 educational flash cards for studying important school subjects such as US Geography and History!

9 LEARNING GAMES: Teach and participate in 9 specially made enrichment activities: Name Games, What's the Motto, Heads Up, Region Round-up, State Trivia and more! Fun symbols

1000-piece USA Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster 50 States | Illustrated American Landmarks

Test your geography knowledge with Talking Tables beautifully illustrated 1000-piece USA 50 States Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster. This USA Map Puzzle features landmarks from across America! Our Jigsaw Puzzles For Adults make for Fun Indoor Activities and can be framed as Wall Art

Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary

Have you ever wondered what a badland is? What about a gulch?
Do you know what an isthmus is? Or a seamount? What about the difference between a plateau and a plain, or a knob and a knoll? Well look no further. This broad introduction to the fascinating world around us explores our planet’s physical features from the highest mountain peak to the deepest ocean trench. The team behind Maps & Globes proves that geography can indeed be an adventure.

Additionally, look at these other geography resources.

Geography Curriculum and Resources

Geography Resource

You can download it at the bottom, but I wanted to give you a quick glance at the textbook we have been using off/on and that inspired this set.

The geography book which is by World Cultures and Geography that I mentioned last week turned out to be real useful when I had little time to plan while hubby has been at the hospital.

The thing that I don’t like about textbook because you know I normally loathe them, is actually exactly what I need right now.

Sometimes just a sprinkling or smidgen of facts is what I need so that I can plan and still do my own thing.

Just the fact the book had cultures in the title told me the book wasn’t just about spatial things or physical geography but had some tidbits of history or the people which is what keeps us eagerly coming back to studying geography.

The section we used over the last few weeks is the History Makers section.

The people mentioned in each box scattered throughout the book are from ancient to modern periods.

This has gone well with my focus on wanting to cover history in some broad strokes as well.

So I created the first set of History Makers from the textbook.

Here is a bigger picture of one of the pages so I can explain how we are using it.

It has just a few lines at the top to jot down some of the important facts.

In the middle section, I added the time period so that your child can lightly shade it in or check it off if they want to.

When they are finished it is easy to put the pages in chronological order or in your timeline notebook.

Making it something that even the youngest or most reluctant writer can use, I created a space at the bottom to draw or illustrate.

So if your child is not up for much writing or you either, then have them illustrate something about that person.

The whole idea is to do a little bit of independent research, become familiar with some of these people and locate them in the stream of time.

List of 12 History Makers

Next, look at the history makers pages included in this download.

Abraham Lincoln
William Lyon Mackenzie King
Father Miguel Hidalgo
Benito Juarez
Fidel Castro
Oscar Niemeyer
Alexandar
Prince Henry
Winston Churchill
Vaclav Havel
Peter the Great
Joseph Stalin

How to Get the 12 Free History Makers Notebooking Pages

Now, how to grab the subscriber freebie.

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

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie.

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

Must-Have Best Homeschooling Materials for The New Homeschooler

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

Before curriculum, there are homeschooling materials, especially for the new homeschooler that are essential must-haves to consider. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more tips! You’ll love tips on my page Free Boot Camp for new homeschoolers.

This list is for any type of homeschooler even if you’re deciding what kind of homeschool family you want to be.

Must-Have Best Homeschooling Materials for The New Homeschooler

For example, there is Charlotte Mason, unschoolers, unit study families, eclectic, classic with every subject laid out in a box, or anywhere in between.

Beyond the basics, I like materials that can be used for more than one year by different ages and for more than one purpose.

I like to get the most bang for my buck, don’t you?

Not included in the list are copious amounts of coffee, bubble baths, and chocolate but they are also helpful.

Additionally, I could continue adding to this list for ages, art supplies, science tools, sewing machines, items for organizing, and others but that is for another post another time.

I wanted to narrow it down to the very basics.

So, we are going to start with the basic must-haves.

And if you already have some of these you are ahead of the game and ready to round out your list with some other useful items on the bonus list that I still consider important for a basic homeschooling foundation.

Must-Haves for New Homeschoolers

Next, besides the materials I list below, here are a few more essential things.

Library card. While I do spend plenty on books sometimes if it is a book that you will use just once it is smart to just borrow it from the library, my sagging shelves are always grateful.If you do not already have one head straight to your local library and get everybody a card to check out books for fun and learning. Most libraries offer extras now too like checking out toys, instruments, DVDs, CDs, video games, and other items.

Memberships to zoos and museums are a huge part of learning for any age.
Annual passes to state parks and national parks.
YMCA pass if you have a location near you because some do a homeschooling class.

More Homeschooling Materials Resources

Now, look at some of our favorite homeschooling materials for the new homeschooler.

Homeschooling Materials for The New Homeschooler

Grab some of these resources for new homeschoolers and homeschooling materials.

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don't Know Where to Begin

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling. Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops.When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge

A good printer that doesn’t require frequent ink refills is essential. It may be an upfront investment but both you and your children can use it. Digital unit studies will need to be printed and it is expensive at office stores, when your child types a paper, for practice worksheets, photos for a scrapbook, I have the last version of this and just love it. I print with it quite a bit and have only refilled it once in the last year.

2 Pack Wall File Organizer

I know, duh right? But don’t overlook its importance and have a variety on hand. Copy paper for the printer, construction paper, graph paper, cardstock, watercolor paper, and even newspaper. Keep them where they are easy to get to inspire them to get creative as well as use them for everyday assignments.

I use this wall-mounted rack to organize our different types of paper.

World Map Tapestry Wall Hanging for Kids

A good map and or globe is a must-have item. Whether you use a box curriculum, unit studies, unschooling, or anything in between there will be lots of times and situations that you will point out states, countries, and bodies of water.

Geographic USA ScrunchMap, Portable, Easy-to-Store USA Map, Water and Tear-Resistant Map

If you don’t want to invest the wall space or money on a big wall map, these scrunch maps take up very little space and can be used anywhere. Honestly, even if you have a good map this is a great item to have anyway.

Thermal Laminator, 1 Laminating Machine, Gray

You can get a really good laminator for under $30. This is something that will last several years and can be used more often than you think. I have used mine to laminate things like flashcards and flat craft projects, awards, etc… It has been used countless times to turn consumable worksheets into reusable practice sheets for new writers, to make playdough mats, and so much more.

Electric Pencil Sharpener

For obvious reasons a good pencil sharpener should be on your list. While the kids should have cheap little manual ones too, an electric pencil sharpener will get a lot of use. For this item I say you don't need to go to the top of the line but don't buy the cheapest either, it won't hold up.

Magnetic Whiteboard/Dry Erase Board, 18 X 12 Inches

It doesn’t have to be a huge board that takes up half your wall, I think a 17”x23” or so size is plenty big enough. You can use it as a fun way to introduce new themes, vocabulary words, “announcements'' like field trips for the week, to demonstrate a new math concept, and so much more. If you do not have a dedicated space, it is still easily tucked behind or under a couch.

I also like to have personal-sized ones, that you can find even at Dollar Tree year-round, for the kids to use for drawing, practicing spelling words, family games, and other times.

Heavy Duty 3 Hole Punch

Go ahead and get a heavy-duty one, the cheap ones only hold a couple of sheets of paper and break quickly. This is another item that both you and your children will use to put together assignments, your yearly records, hole punching manuals for toys, games, and school-related things, and placing them in a binder is a great way to keep them organized and at hand.

Merriam-Webster’s Everyday Language Reference Set: Includes: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, and The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder

I know we can just ask our phones and have the answer right at our fingertips and yes I use it often but I still think learning how to look things up in a good old-fashioned dictionary is an important skill for kids to learn.

The Julia Rothman Collection: Farm Anatomy, Nature Anatomy, and Food Anatomy

I love and highly recommend, often, the entire series of Anatomy books by Julia Rothman. They are fantastic for science reference and have the prettiest illustrations with just enough information, while not comprehensive they are a good go-to for art inspiration, and diorama ideas, and make great field guides. One of the best features is that they can be used from preschool through high school in my opinion. There are currently 5 in the series.

Honey-Can-Do Rolling Storage Cart and Organizer with 12 Plastic Drawers

If you have a dedicated homeschool room or space these, come in handy but are especially nice for those that are using the kitchen table or couch to school. Drawers can be used to store school supplies like pens and pencils, paper, small board games, flashcards, manipulatives, and other items like that. or you can label each drawer for a day of the week and put your materials for each child in the drawer. When you're done it can simply be rolled out of the way and put up for the next day.

The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids

Learn practical strategies to make reading aloud an attainable family goal.

The stories we read--and the conversations we have about them--help shape family traditions, create lifelong memories, and become part of our legacy. Many parents can't get their children to become book-lovers. Other parents lose touch with what their child is reading.

Reading aloud with your children not only has the power to change a family--it can help your children grow into thoughtful, intelligent, empathetic adults.

Washable, Neon Colored Egg Chalk for Outdoor Play and Chalkboard Art

Vibrant & Neon Colors: Spice up your and your kids' creativity with our 6-piece multicolored chalk set! This chalk set consists of 6 different colors from yellow to pink. Ideal for games like hopscotch, tic tac toe, writing fun messages, or drawing bright, vibrant pictures.

Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}

May 6, 2024 | 9 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We are picking up on our Ancient Greece unit study. Studying Archimedes stomachion, we added a bit of geometry. Also, you’ll love my two Ancient Greece Lapbooks. Go here to Fun Ancient Greece Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook and Free Awesome Ancient Greece Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Activities to grab both free lapbooks.

Ancient Greece Unit Study Play Stomachion Like Archimedes {Explore Geometry}

So, we have the book, TOOLS OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS: A Kid’s Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Greece (Build It Yourself), which is fantastic for hands-on ideas.

So Tiny picked out another activity from this book, which is playing Stomachion.

The book brought out that some called the game loculus Archimedius (Archimedes’ box).

First, look at some of these other books about Ancient Greece we loved.

Books about Greece for Ancient Greece

8 Living History Books about Ancient Greece

You'll love this roundup of living history books about Ancient Greece.

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

In print for over fifty years, D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths has introduced generations to Greek mythology—and continues to enthrall young readers. 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

Ancient Greece for Kids Through the Lives of its Philosophers, Lawmakers, and Heroes (History for Kids - Traditional, Story-Based Format)

The suggested reader age for this book is 8 to 14 years old. To write this book, I went back to Herodotus, Plutarch, Diogenes Laertius, and other ancient sources of biographical anecdotes, and extracted from them the stories that will be most memorable to a modern kid. I retold them without adding any fictional color. I have omitted some things, however. Anything gruesome or seriously cruel is not included. Anything off-color, or outside traditional-family-friendly morality is not included. I have included only accounts of the most major battles, and without much detail. Battles are important, but as a kid - maybe as a girl - I was falling asleep over the ancient battles. Politics: Again, I have included only major turns of events.

I wove the information about the social order and geography of Ancient Greece into the stories of the era's historical figures. So, no worries, the kid will learn about the Agora and Acropolis of Athens, the city-states of Corinth and Sparta, daily life in an Ancient Greek household, the major Greek temples, and the three orders of Ancient Greek architecture. This book is richly illustrated. I don't agree that if you are 13 or 16 you should be content with pages and pages of text and no pictures. Illustrations help both kids and grownups to visualize - and therefore to remember - events and descriptions. I have illustrated the book mostly with paintings portraying historical figures or everyday life in classical Greece. Whenever I could, I chose late 19th century and early 20th century art over the older neoclassical paintings for a more accurate representation of the Ancient Greek costume and environment.

The Iliad for Boys and Girls

The Iliad is typically described as one of the greatest war stories of all time. Set during the Trojan War, this timeless poem vividly conveys the horror and heroism of men and gods wrestling with towering emotions and battling amid devastation and destruction. Homer's tale is a compassionate view of human life lived under the shadow of suffering and death in the face of an often uncaring divinity.

Archimedes and the Door of Science (Living History Library)

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.

The Great Philosophers: Socrates, Plato & Aristotle - Ancient Greece - 5th Grade Biography - Children's Biographies

You have probably heard about Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. When it comes to ancient minds who created foundations in philosophy, science, and math, these three names would automatically come up. But what exactly did they do to warrant immense respect and admiration? Well, your fifth grader will soon find out from this biography book.

Marathon Looks on the Sea

Illustrated by Erwin Schachner. The story of the Battle of Marathon and how it determined the future of Athens.

Life in Ancient Athens (Picture the Past)

What was it like to live in Ancient Athens? All the people who lived in ancient Greece spoke the same language and worshipped the same gods and goddesses. But they all lived in different city states a city and the land around it that it controlled. These city states were all run differently, and there were often fights between them. Despite their differences, there were things that united the city states. Find out more in this exciting title.

Growing Up In Ancient Greece (Growing Up In series)

Describes daily life in ancient Greece, discussing life in the city, life in the country, school, ceremonies and festivals, food, and other aspects

Hands On Math

It just requires a few things and instead of printing off the puzzle pieces, Tiny decide to do it himself.

Stomachion 1 @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

So this is what we started off with, but like normal, we change it a bit as we went along.

12 inch square poster board
ruler
pencil
sharpie
scissors
markers or map pencils.

We started off using the Prismacolor Colored Pencils, but decided we would go with our professional art markers because Tiny could color the puzzle pieces faster and they were brighter too.

Either set would be okay for this project.

So he began by making 1 inch grids on his poster board page.

Then he copied the pieces following the coordinates on the picture out of the book TOOLS OF THE ANCIENT GREEKS: A Kid’s Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Greece (Build It Yourself ) and suppose to have ended up with 14 pieces.

Ancient Greece Unit Study Hands On Activity

He caught his mistake (he only has 13 shown) after I took the picture, but too he is doing more of his own self-checking instead of me supervising so closely.

So here he corrected his mistake by coloring the piece black.

Here is the 14 piece puzzle after he colored each piece.

Then he cut out each piece.

He started playing with the shapes and made an elephant.

Isn’t this just the coolest?

Of course, his pieces are off a bit in size proportion, but then again this was a lesson too in measuring accurately and taking your time, but I wanted it fun for him too.

Then next, he made this. Is it a hummingbird or is it a diving duck?

Uhmm, well Tiny said hummingbird, so I’ll go with that.

Point is, Tiny is having lots of fun playing with these puzzle pieces and exploring geometry like Archimedes did.

He has made a few more pictures, but this baby is not as easy as it looks to build.

Unlike the squares and triangles he did in grade school, they shapes are more challenging.

He is loving exploring about Ancient Greece this this fun math activity! Have you tried this before?

More Hands-on Ancient Greece Activities for Kids

Ancient Greece Unit Study. Try Archimedes game stomachion to explore geometry@ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Don’t Forget Follow My Ancient Greece Pinterest Board

Follow Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s board Ancient Greece on Pinterest.

6 Boy Approved Books Which Spark the Love of Reading

May 5, 2024 | 5 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have six boy approved books today. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more tips.

Not wanting my boys to be among the boys-who-hate-to-read statistics, it was a challenge in the beginning to keep my boys’ enjoying reading.

I had a LOT to learn about how boys learn.

Sharing these 6 boy approved books which spark the love of learning, I’m hoping that one or more of them will flame that ember to read in your boys.

3 Boy Mom Reading Tips

Now that I have lifelong adult son readers, I know you’ll benefit from these three simple, easy, and tried and true reading tips.

1. Quit thinking like female teachers.

I know, it sounds crazy because homeschool stats reveal that a majority of the teaching is done by moms.

It’s hard to not think like a woman when you are one.

Where am I going with this?

The point is we add to our son’s dislike for reading when we try to use the books we loved as a girl to spark a boy’s interest.

My boys didn’t connect with a lot of the books I loved as a girl.

When I started homeschooling, I felt like I had a diversified reading diet growing up, but it didn’t include a lot of topics boys liked.

6 Boy Approved Books Which SPARK the Love of Reading!! Sharing these 6 boy approved books which spark the love of learning, I'm hoping that one or more of them will flame that ember to read in your boys. CLICK here to look at this short but TRIED and TRUE List!!

Sure, some of the books were the same ones I loved like Where the Red Fern Grows and The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.

But I had to expand what I thought were appropriate topics to read about.

2. The Hero or Heroine Matters.

Although boys love to get lost in a world of fiction too, relating to the hero matters.

It’s hard for boys who are struggling to read to relate to a sentimental girl.

At the time my first son was struggling with a love of reading, unless the girl was mischievous or a tomboy, it wasn’t easy for my boys to understand the sentiment.

Too, a lot of boys, including mine, develop slower.

Their maturity rate is different than girls.

They don’t necessarily see themselves in a place through the eyes of the character, so you have to be sure they do.

Instead of trying to read between the lines, my boys needed to understand the why of a point directly.

Finding a solution to the problem was more paramount than understanding exactly how a character felt.

A story line with male role models no matter the age was a good starting point in helping my sons identify with people who are like them.

3. Boys LOVE Pictures.

Boys are not ready to move away from pictures as fast as girls may be.

Realizing that significant fact, I was so grateful for the Great Illustrated Classics series.

True, some of the pictures are not like the comic books that boys love, but pictures are still pictures to boys.

The size of the print mattered to my first reader too.

The bigger the better in the beginning.

Until he felt comfortable and was hooked on reading, we just kept on reading most of the books from the Great Illustrated Classics series.

I never worried whether the books were abridged or unabridged until I hooked my reader.

Out of all the books I used for my boys to hook them on reading they narrowed down their favorites to these 6 choices to nurture a love for reading.

Where the Red Fern Grows
The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (Great Illustrated Classics)
Invisible Man (Great Illustrated Classics)
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
Shiloh
Stone Fox

One or more of these books or series should give your boys a taste of boy approved books, but more important they’ll nurture a love of reading.

A book list doesn’t have to be long to work; the book list needs to be focused on what boys can relate to.

I’ll be sharing more book lists that have worked for us through the years.

Does your son have a favorite book or series that worked to fan that tiny ember to a raging love for reading?

You’ll love these other tips:

P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

May 4, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today’s P is for pineapple craft is a fantastic simple idea for summer that can double as home decor to give your space a tropical fun vibe. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

Besides, handprint crafts are a wonderful way to preserve those tiny hands.

Before you know it, those hands grow into large ones that reach for the car keys and shy away from having their palms slathered in paint.

P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

You can create today’s craft on sturdy paper or even on a canvas to create a sturdier art piece.

Even though it’s summer, you can still have lots of fun learning with your preschooler and incorporate the summer theme at the same time.

They will never know all the “juicy tidbits” they are learning about science, geography, math, and more.

It will seem like child’s play.

Next, look at more phonics or letter activities for your little learner.

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

Next, look at some fun facts about pineapples.

Facts About Pineapples

First, just a few important things about this tasty fruit:

Pineapples belong to the family Bromeliaceae, the only edible fruit of its kind.
Their scientific name of Ananas comosus means” excellent fruit” (agreed).
They were found in the West Indies by Christopher Columbus. And now can be found all over the world in tropical locations.
They are grown from cuttings, not seeds.
Each pineapple plant only produces one pineapple at a time.

Additionally, look at ideas for teaching phonics.

P is for Pineapple Craft Phonics Tips

As you are creating your pineapple handprint craft repeat the P sound often to help reinforce it in your child’s mind.
Grab any letter tiles or alphabetic magnets that you have in the letter P and point as you say the letter and its sound.
Hide letter tiles or pieces of paper with a P drawn on it around the room and have your child find them, identifying what it is each time they find one.
If your child is at the stage for writing you can make P’s lightly with a pencil and have them trace over them with a highlighter or crayon to practice.
Use pineapple as a starting point, what other words make that sound as well? Pinecone is an easy transition, but also look at the supplies you are using today- paint, pencil, paper. Have your child call out words and write them on a piece of paper for them to look at as they list them.

Also, look at these hands-on ideas for learning about pineapples.

10 Pineapple Hands-On Activities

Research where the most pineapples are produced, the big 3 countries are Indonesia, the Philippines, and Costa Rica. Hawaii is also known for pineapples. Locate these places on a map.
Middle school students don’t have to miss out on the summer themed fun, check out my Fun Pineapple Candle For Fun Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
Grab some fresh pineapple from the store and a can as well, taste test each and compare flavor and quality. Encourage your child to use descriptive words like sweet, juicy,sour, etc..
Cut off the pineapple top and plant in soil, this one’s an investment in time but in 18 months or so you can be harvesting your own fresh pineapple.
Put their afternoon snack in a pineapple boat! To do this all you have to do is cut off the bottom of the pineapple when you’re chopping it up for snack time, hollow it out and use it for an ice cream treat or fruit salad.
Learn About Fruits Around the World Fun With Food Activities
Measure a pineapple from base to the tip of the crown, then use a flexible measuring tape to measure its circumference, weigh on a scale if you have one.
Make a Pineapple Volcano, eruptions are always a hit with the preschool bunch!
Try pineapple lacing for an easy way to work on fine motor skills.
Here is another idea for older kids so that they can join in on the fun too, make a Pineapple Sorbet using just two ingredients, including fresh pineapple.

Handprint Pineapple Craft

You will need:

Green craft paint
Yellow craft paint
Paint brushes
Black marker
Sturdy paper or canvas

First, lightly draw a pineapple shape on your sturdy card stock, we are going for the general idea here, not perfection.

Then erase it until you can just barely see the outline. This is just to give your child a rough shape to follow.

Dip a thumb or finger into the yellow paint and add dots all over within the circle including the outline. Set aside to dry.

Once the yellow has dried completely you can erase some of the visible pencil lines if you like.

Paint the entire hand green and have them press it onto the top of the pineapple firmly, repeat two or three more times to get a full pineapple top.

Let the picture dry and don’t forget to write P is for the pineapple at the bottom to help your child make the connection that letters make words and words tell us what something is.