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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

  • Alphabet Letter A is for Apple Craft for Preschool | Fun Apple Study
  • Letter O is for Owl Preschool Craft | Fun Great Horned Owl Study
  • Alphabet Letter H Handprint Craft For Fun Preschool Horse Study
  • How To Make An Alphabet Teeth Cleaning Activity | 5 Preschool Letter T Crafts
  • Alphabet Letter R is for Rainbow Craft for Preschool | Fun Rain Mobile
  • Alphabet Letter M is for Monkey Handprint Preschool Fun Monkey Study
  • Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask
  • W Is For Winter Craft Easy Snowman Oobleck Activity
  • Letter E Is For Eagle Easy Preschool Eagle Study
  • Alphabet Letter N Is For Nest Handprint & Fun Nests Preschool Craft
  • B is for Bird Craft | Free Preschool Bluebird Study
  • X is for X Ray Craft | Unique Crayon Resist Skeleton
P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

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

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

10 Pineapple Hands-On Activities

  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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..
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Learn About Fruits Around the World Fun With Food Activities
  7. 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.
  8. Make a Pineapple Volcano, eruptions are always a hit with the preschool bunch!
  9. Try pineapple lacing for an easy way to work on fine motor skills. 
  10. 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
P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschool preschool, phonics, pineapple, preschool, preschool skills

12 of the Best Books For Beginner Readers Being Homeschooled

May 3, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Finding the best books for beginner readers was at the top of my list when I sat my first homeschooled grad on my lap at 3 years old to teach him to read. Also, look at my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum for more tips.

Equally important was learning the other skills I needed as the homeschool educator to teach him to read.

Like many educators who have their first budding reader I too was overly worried about the process.

First, look at some of these tips for teaching beginning readers which have worked for me through my many years of homeschooling.

12 of the Best Books For Beginner Readers Being Homeschooled

Books for Beginner Readers

  • Trust that the process is natural. Unless your child has special needs or a disability to hamper learning how to read, he will learn to read. What I’m saying is that children learning to read are learning with every breath they take. Seizing their love of learning in their organic environment (your home and your lap) is where the seed is planted.
  • In addition, I didn’t realize the value of my habit of reading aloud to my first reader and reading silently. The point is from the beginning I was placing not just a high value on the skill of reading, but a love for it. Although you may not think so now, teaching a child a child to read can be quite easy compared to teaching him to be a lifelong reader. Lifelong readers model what they see.
  • Next, like a lot of new homeschool educators, I concentrated on intensity instead of consistency. That was a mistake and I almost gave up homeschooling. So the power of little and often cements a pattern for how your child learns to read. Short fun spurts throughout the day teaching your child to read is how to make true progress.

Timeless Tips for Beginner Readers

Picture Books Library Lists

Second, remember that while you’re teaching your child to read, he will need direct phonics instructions.

Not only are you training his eyes to read or decipher (decoding), but you’re training his ears to hear sounds (encoding).

On top of that, remember to look at the BIGGER picture as you embark on your journey to teaching your child to read.

Direct phonics will help your child to decode words, and training his ear to distinguish between sounds and writing the correct symbol for that sound is encoding.

The Power of Little and Often

What I’m saying is that you want to pair a phonics program along with teaching your child to read.

Look at some of these helps:

  • 5 Easy Steps to Putting Together Your Own Homeschool Phonics Program and
  • How to Build Elementary Homeschool Curriculum Directly From Amazon
All About Reading

In addition, you also want plenty of time reading aloud to your child which doesn’t include direct instruction.

You constantly want to reaffirm that reading is enjoyable, meaningful, and should be pain free. Keeping that warm and fuzzy feeling for reading is essential.

Books that Help Kids Learn to Read

So read below about books which make it easier for teaching beginner readers being homeschooled.

12 Books For Beginner Readers

Bob Books Sight Words: Kindergarten

The set of Bob books have been keepers for years in the homeschool world and there are several reasons.

One is because it normally takes only about 10 to 15 minutes a day.
The second reason is that the books hold your child’s attention and are
short.

Go, Go, Go (Read with Dick and Jane)

You’ll get mixed feedback on the Dick and Jane series that so many parents remember from their childhood.

Although what may seem as funny repetition, the books works for budding readers.

New readers need the constant repetition found in these series of books.

Too, it’s been my experience that struggling readers do well with this series since the text is predictable.

Maisy Mouse Collection 10 Books Set Series 2 Lucy Cousins Early Learner Children

Then, Mouse Mouse book series hails from England and your kid gets a nice influence to other cultures.

While reading about everyday things like bedtime, your beginning reader is entertained while his reading skills are sharpened. It’s just a fun and sweet series which entertains your kids.

A story of visiting the bookshop for the first time from the multi-award-winning Lucy Cousins. Maisy goes to the bookshop to buy a new book, and she also wants to get one as a present for her friend Tallulah. Titles in this Set Includes Maisy goes to Bookshop, Maisy Goes by Plane, Maisy Sports Day, Maisy Plays Football, Maisy Goes To The Cinema, Maisy Goes To Nursery, Maisy Goes To Hospital, Maisy Goes To The Library, Maisy Goes on a Sleepover, Maisy Charley and The Wobbly Tooth.

Usborne My First Phonics Reading Library Collection 12 Books Box Set (Phonics Readers) (WITH FREE AUDIO ONLINE)

Usborne My First Phonics Reading Library Collection 12 Books Box Set (Phonics Readers) (WITH FREE AUDIO ONLINE):Titles In This Ape's Great Escape (Phonics Readers)Chimp with a Limp (Phonics Readers)Hyena Ballerina (Phonics Readers)Giraffe in the Bath (Phonics Readers)Goat in a Boat (Phonics Readers)Bug in a Rug (Phonics Readers)Kangaroo at the Zoo (Phonics Readers)Mole in a Hole (Phonics Readers)Lizard in a Blizzard (Phonics Readers)Flamingo plays Bingo (Phonics Readers)Raccoon on the Moon (Phonics Readers)Phonics Llamas in Pyjamas

Usborne Very First Reading Boxed Set Collection Pack with 16 books

The beauty of the phonics readers is that text is still predictable and rhyming. Decoding which is the common thread with phonics readers makes the Usborne phonics readers a keeper.

Remember the power of little lessons done often creates a master reader.

The Cat in the Hat

I remember using the Cat in the Hat series to teach my first reader and every kid after him.

However, I had no idea how this series of books set up all my kids for reading success lifelong. Maybe Theodor Geisel didn’t have a clue either.

Whatever the case, building stories around sight words is not easy. Building a silly story with sight words is what worked for all of my kids. Too, this series is great for many ages, not just beginning readers.

I remember reading how Dr. Seuss was trying to kill the 1950s Dick and Jane series which some viewed as boring

Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read! Launched by Dr. Seuss in 1957 with the publication of The Cat in the Hat, this beloved early reader series motivates children to read on their own by using simple words with illustrations that give clues to their meaning. Featuring a combination of kid appeal, supportive vocabulary, and bright, cheerful art, Beginner Books will encourage a love of reading in children ages 3–7.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Additionally, filling my bookshelves and yes floor with books with repetitive texts like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See was something else I did right.

Little did I know then that repetitive text in fun books in how kids learn to read.

Multiple exposures to text encourages mastery..

Know that readers are nurtured by reading nursery rhymes at the newborn to preschool ages turns to repetitive text in books in the early years of reading. That equals mastery and brings meaning to reading.

Elephant & Piggie: The Complete Collection (Includes 2 Bookends) (An Elephant and Piggie Book)

Although the Elephant and Piggie series is classified closer to a first grade level, grade levels are subjective; we know that as home educators.

Besides you need a variety of levels as your child repeats and reads higher level books. Then he backs up and reviews basic concepts from lower grade levels.

Reading well is accomplished by pushing the boundaries to the next level without your child feeling any pressure.

Photo Credit: www.happyhomeschoolmom.com

McGuffey’s Eclectic Readers Free PDF Downloads

Here are the six McGuffey Eclectic Readers free PDF downloads in one convenient location! Plus, I’ve also included the McGuffey Speller free PDF download as well.

Splat the Cat: I Scream for Ice Cream (I Can Read Level 1)

One of the best things about the I Can Read series is the multiple levels. From prek to level 4 you have many choices of fun stories to go up and down in level to repeat texts as your budding reader needs it.

Splat can barely sit still during the bus ride. He's imagining the mountain of ice cream he thinks he'll get to eat! But when Splat gets there, that mountain becomes more of an avalanche. It's up to Splat and his classmates to save the day!

Beginning readers will practice the –eam sound in this easy-to-read addition to the Splat series.

I Can Read It! Book 1

Next, like the other readers listed with controlled vocabulary which means that a handful of words are repeated, the I Can Read It Series does the same.

What I also love about them as a parent is not just the predictable text, but in the fourth volume there is a word list which is helpful to me.

Controlled-vocabulary stories, with real plot, action, and humor, engage your childs attention and interest. Reading lessons move your child through a natural progression of phonetic and spelling patterns. Easy to use. Includes I Did Read It! diplomas. Fun!

Buzz Said the Bee, Grade 1 (Hello Reader)

Lastly, I used the Hello Readers from Scholastic to not only teach my new readers, but the sight word practice found in each book was needed for my kids

know some of these books will work for you because they have worked for homeschool families for years. Our needs at home vary because we want to teach phonics, love of reading, and sight words all in a natural way.

I know some of these books will work for you because they have worked for homeschool families for years.

Our needs at home vary because we want to teach phonics, love of reading, and sight words all in a natural way.

More Tips for Beginner Readers

  • 12 of the Best Books For Beginner Readers Being Homeschooled
  • How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations
  • 6 Boy Approved Books Which Spark the Love of Reading
  • How To Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading
  • 10 Best Homeschool Phonics Curriculum For Kindergarten
12 of the Best Books For Beginner Readers Being Homeschooled

Other Tips or Books for Beginner Readers

Our tools and books we choose should help us to nurture lifelong readers so I know you’ll love these.

Do you have other favorite new reader series?

You’ll love these other tips which work solidly for me through the years for beginner readers.

  • How To Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading
  • Awesome Reading Aloud Tracking Time Homeschool Form
  • 6 Boy Approved Books Which Spark the Love of Reading
  • 6 Tricks for the Kid That’s NOT in Love with Reading!
  • Homeschool Colorful Reading Journal to Motivate Kids
  • 25 Fun Learning Apps and YouTube Videos for Little Learners
  • 5 Easy Steps to Putting Together Your Own Homeschool Phonics Program
  • How to Know What A Homeschooled Child Should Learn Yearly?
  • How to Teach Homeschool Preschool From the Inside Out (And Preschool Skills)

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts, Teach Homeschool Preschool Tagged With: book lists, books, homeschool preschool, homeschoolreading, preschool, preschool skills, reading, readingcomprehension

Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

May 2, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Renaissance inventors changed the world with its forward thinking and science and art were very much intertwined at this time. Also, look at my unit study and lapbook Renaissance 1300 to 1600.

Leonardo Da Vinci was an amazing artist.

Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

However, he also dabbled in architecture, anatomical studies, cartography, civil engineering, chemistry, geology, geometry, hydrodynamics, mathematics, mechanical engineering, optics, physics, pyrotechnics, and zoology.

The Renaissance is credited as being the bridge between the Middle Ages and modern-day civilization.

Next, look at this list of living books about Leonardo Da Vinci.

Leonardo Da Vinci Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Add a few of these books to your library about Leonardo Da Vinci and his fascinating life.

Leonardo da Vinci

Based on thousands of pages from Leonardo da Vinci’s astonishing notebooks and new discoveries about his life and work, Walter Isaacson “deftly reveals an intimate Leonardo” (San Francisco Chronicle) in a narrative that connects his art to his science. He shows how Leonardo’s genius was based on skills we can improve in ourselves, such as passionate curiosity, careful observation, and an imagination so playful that it flirted with fantasy.

Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions: You Can Build Yourself

Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions You Can Build Yourself introduces readers to the life, world, and incredible mind of Leonardo da Vinci through hands-on building projects that explore his invention ideas. Most of Leonardo's inventions were never made in his lifetime. They remained sketches in his famous notebooks. Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions. You Can Build Yourself shows you how to bring these ideas to life using common household supplies. Detailed step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and templates for creating each project combine with historical facts and anecdotes, biographies and trivia about the real-life models for each project. Together they give kids a first-hand look into the amazing mind of one the world’s greatest inventors.

Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo's inventions went way beyond art. Fascinating picture book.

The Art of Leonardo Da Vinci

The Art of Leonardo Da Vinci.

Leonardo's Horse

"Filled with engaging details of Leonardo and his world. . . . Illustrations which range from utterly recognizable scenes of Florence to the ghostly horses at Leonardo's deathbed. . . . An unusual biography for young people, and one well worth poring over . . . . A unique way of picturing a unique world . . . . An extraordinary tribute."

Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?

Leonardo da Vinci was a gifted painter, talented musician, and dedicated scientist and inventor, designing flying machines, submarines, and even helicopters.  Yet he had a hard time finishing things, a problem anyone can relate to.  Only thirteen paintings are known to be his; as for the illustrated encyclopedia he intended to create, all that he left were thousands of disorganized notebook pages.  Here is an accessible portrait of a fascinating man who lived at a fascinating
time—Italy during the Renaissance.

The Renaissance Inventors: With History Projects for Kids

In The Renaissance Inventors with History Projects for Kids, readers 10 through 15 explore the period of European history from the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries while focusing on the biographies of five inventors from that time and the creations they brought to the world. The lives of Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Leon Battista Alberti, Johannes Gutenberg, and Gerardus Mercator are brought to life as kids discover the challenges these men faced and the discoveries they made using their critical and creative thinking skills combined with their passion for science and engineering.

Imagine a world without inventors and scientists. How would people understand the environment around them? What new technologies would improve people's lives? During the Renaissance, inventors and other creative thinkers designed and constructed many new things, including a more accurate map that showed the spherical Earth on a flat paper, a printing press that brought books beyond just the realm of the rich, and a machine that measured the speed of the wind. In The Renaissance Inventors, readers learn about what it is to be an inventor, both now and in the past. They also discover how brainstorming and tinkering with everyday materials can lead to the development of great problem-solving skills, not to mention the creation of new inventions.

With 10 hands-on projects that use the engineer design process, kids create their own versions of many amazing inventions from the Renaissance. Activities such as making a parachute and creating a globe from an orange let middle schoolers stretch their inventive wings and learn what it’s like to be an inventor. Fun facts, primary source illustrations, fun STEAM activities, and links to online resources all spark an interest in the Renaissance. Even without a time machine, learners can experience the Renaissance!

The Renaissance Inventors is one of a set of four books in the Renaissance for Kids series. Books in the Renaissance for Kids series invite readers ages 10 to 15 to learn about the inventors, artists, explorers, philosophers, scientists, and politicians who lived in Europe and around the world during the Renaissance and who made contributions to the wealth of human knowledge and experience that have lasted far into the future. Primary sources, color photography, relevant quotes, and hands-on STEAM activities that promote the scientific method or engineering design process keep even the most curious kids satisfied! Titles in this series include The Renaissance Thinkers: With History Projects for Kids; The Renaissance Inventors: With History Projects for Kids; The Renaissance Artists: With History Projects for Kids; and The Renaissance Explorers: With History Projects for Kids.

Leonardo da Vinci: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House

When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #10: Monday with a Mad Genius, they had lots of questions. Why was Leonardo da Vinci interested in flight? What are some of his most famous painting? Did he really keep noteboooks just like Jack? What do scientists today think of his ideas? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.

Let’s learn about some of these incredible Renaissance Inventors, what they made that changed the world.

And even make our own hands-on version of the submarine to incorporate some of our own science.

Renaissance Inventors

  • 1284- Eyeglasses were invented by Salvino D’Armate and were made of glass or crystal with a metal handle to hold them up to the eyes.
  • 1440- At this time, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press which is commonly believed to be the most important invention of the world because it gave us the ability to distribute information faster to a larger audience.
  • 1515– While not the inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, is credited with sketching a primitive submarine. Ironically, Leonardo did not reveal his idea for a submarine “because of the evil nature of men who practice assassination at the bottom of the sea.” It would become developed later by Dutch inventor Cornelis Drebbel.
  • 1608- The telescope was developed and patented by Hans Lippershey and gave us the ability to make very distant things seem closer.
  • 1656- With the use of the pendulum, Galileo Galilei’s invention in 1581. Mechanical clocks were greatly improved upon by increasing their accuracy and were created by Pope Sylvester II, known as Gerbert.

Additionally, look at these hands-on activities for learning about the Renaissance.

Hands-on Renaissance Inventors Middle Ages Activities for Kids

  • STEM: Build a Da Vinci Parachute Activity
  • Middle Ages History: Make a Coat of Arms Activity
  • Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History: Fun Hands-On Activity
  • Kids Free Glass Blowing Lapbook on The History Of Glass Blowing
  • Fun Dragon Unit Study Ideas and Salt Dough Dragon Craft
  • The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft
  • The Inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci

In addition, look at some facts about submarines.

How Does The Submarine Craft Work

A submarine or boat floats when the mass of water that it displaces is equal to the mass of the boat.

This displaced water causes an upward force called buoyancy. Buoyancy works in the opposite direction of gravity, allowing objects to float above.

While a sailboat cannot control its buoyancy, submarines are designed so that they can.

Submarines have ballast tanks that can be filled with water to make them more dense so that they can go down below the water or they can be filled with air that pushes all the water out and makes them buoyant again. Real submarines carry compressed air tanks on board to do this.

Our bottle works in much the same way, the bottle would actually be the ballast itself.

As the bottle submarine is filled with air it is buoyant and rests on the top of the water.

When you gently squeeze to fill the bottle with water it becomes more dense than the water surrounding it and is pulled down by gravitational forces.

When your straw submarine is in the water it is buoyant, the buoyant force competes against the gravitational pull that is pulling the straw down and the difference between the two forces decides how buoyant the submarine is, more water makes it more dense, more air increases its buoyancy.

Simply put- When you allow it to fill with water it sinks, as you blow the water out and fill it with air, it rises.

  • Displace-Pushes out of the way.
  • Buoyancy-The ability to float in water or air or some other fluid.
  • Ballast-a heavy substance placed in such a way as to improve stability and control.
Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

Finally, how to make a fascinating Da Vinci submarine craft.

How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

You will need:

  • An empty water bottle
  • Bendy straw
  • Coins
  • Clay
  • Rubber bands
  • Large shallow container
  • Water
  • Sharp blade
Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

First, use a sharp blade or the tip of a pen if the lid is soft enough and poke a hole just large enough for the straw to fit in.

Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

Slide the short end of the bendy straw into the hole and press clay around it to seal it well.

Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

Use a permanent marker to note three spots about 2” apart on one side of the bottle.

Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

Then use a razor knife to cut out holes on these spots.

Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

Make two stacks of quarters, a pile of 4 and a pile of 2. Tape each stack together. We are going to use these to give our submarine a bit of weight, like a ballast.

Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

In between the holes you secure the quarters to the bottle with a rubber band, placing the larger stack nearer to the bottom of the bottle. Be sure not to cover the holes.

Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

Now for the fun! Place your submarine into a large container of water, hole side down and allow it to fill with water until it sinks, but keep the straw above water.

What do you notice? The heavier end sinks, the end nearest to the straw with only air remains floating.

Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

Blow into the straw to expel the water from the bottle and observe what happens now. The bottle, rather the submarine, rises.

Renaissance Inventors: How To Make A Fascinating Da Vinci Submarine Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: da Vinci, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, inventors, Leonardo Da Vinci, renaissance

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

May 1, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a 4-week summer unit study because learning doesn’t have to stop while you enjoy the change in weather. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more fun unit studies.

Today, summer is about relaxation and travel.

Also, I have some fun facts about starfish and how to make this adorable starfish craft.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Besides, in some places where the temperature doesn’t soar too much you can get outside and explore the great outdoors.

From geography to oceans to the history of summer and the flora and fauna, a summer unit study is a great way to involve all ages.

Too, many educators talk about the summer slide but when you homeschool summer is just another season of fun learning.

Also, if you’re looking for more ideas or ways to summer learning, look at my post A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas.

And if you’re new to homeschooling, look at How to Use Summertime to Put a Foot in Homeschooling and 7 Advantages to Starting Your Homeschool Year in the Summer to get your year off to a great start.

SUMMER BOOKS FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books to add to your home library.

Additionally, I prefer living books when I can find them and then add reference books.

13 Books About Summer to Read to Kids and For Kids to Read

Grab some of these fun books about summer to add to a summer unit study or to learn about the change in the season.

Summer: An Alphabet Acrostic

In a companion volume to Autumn: an Alphabet Acrostic and Spring: an Alphabet Acrostic, sandy beaches, juicy watermelons, and porch swings are just a few of the warm-weather delights featured in acrostic poems about summer.

The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate―Discoveries from A Secret World

Are trees social beings? In The Hidden Life of Trees forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that, yes, the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death, and regeneration that he has observed in his woodland.

A Frog in the Bog

There’s a small green frog on a half-sunk log in the middle of the bog. He eats one tick, two fleas, three flies, four slugs, and five snails. And the frog gets a whole lot bigger. Then a hungry gator shows up, ready to eat the big fat frog. The frog opens his mouth wide to scream and out comes everything he’s eaten! And the frog gets a whole lot smaller.

The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read

It's not easy to teach a cat to read, but one boy tries to anyway in this sweet and silly picture book debut that captures the challenges and rewards of learning to read.Nick loves to read books--and he loves to play with his cats, Verne and Stevenson. So naturally Nick decides it's a great idea to teach his cats to read.

And Then Comes Summer

When the days stretch out like a slow yawn, and the cheerful faces of Johnny-jump-ups jump up . . . then it’s time to get ready for summer! From flip-flops and hide-and-seek to fireworks and ice-cream trucks, from lemonade stands and late bedtimes to swimming in the lake and toasting marshmallows, there’s something for everyone in this bright and buoyant celebration of the sunny season.

The Lorax (Classic Seuss)

Dr. Seuss’s beloved story teaches kids to treat the planet with kindness and stand up and speak up for others. Experience the beauty of the Truffula Trees and the danger of taking our earth for granted in a story that is timely, playful, and hopeful. The book’s final pages teach us that just one small seed, or one small child, can make a difference. 

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

It was such a hot summer. The sky was deep blue and the sun never faltered. All along Brambly Hedge, the mice did their best to keep cool. Poppy Eyebright sought refuge in the mossy shadows of the mill wheel; Dusty Dogwood took to walking by the banks of the cooling stream. Dusty and Poppy spent more and more time together, so no one was at all surprised when they announced their engagement. They decided on a very unusual setting for the wedding ceremony, but even they didn't realise just how unusual it was prove to be!Also look out for Spring Story, Autumn Story and Winter Story!

The Raft

Nicky is convinced that his summer with his grandmother in the Wisconsin woods is going to be the worst summer ever. She cooks food that he doesn’t like, there’s an art studio where her living room should be, and he’s expected to do chores—including fishing, the most boring chore ever.

But one afternoon, while Nicky is trying to catch their dinner, a raft drifts down the river towards him. The raft has a calming magic about it, affecting both Nicky and the wildlife of the river and woods. Through the raft and the adventures it brings him on, Nicky finds new common ground with his grandmother, a fellow river rat, who encourages him to explore his newfound talent for art.

Summertime in the Big Woods (Little House Picture Book)

The winter is finally over, and now it is summertime. Laura and Mary are busy all day helping Ma in the garden and playing outside.

We Were Tired of Living in a House: 55th Anniversary Edition

"We were tired of living in a house.

So we packed a bag with

sweaters and socks and scarves

and mittens and woolen caps.

And we moved to a tree...."

So begins this whimsical tale of four small children, a dog and a cat who decided they were tired of living in a house. They try a tree, a pond, a cave and the seashore, but in each place something unusual happens to make them move on to the next place-and finally home.

Blueberries for Sal

Sal and her mother a picking blueberries to can for the winter. But when Sal wanders to the other side of Blueberry Hill, she discovers a mama bear preparing for her own long winter.  Meanwhile Sal's mother is being followed by a small bear with a big appetite for berries! Will each mother go home with the right little one?With its expressive line drawings and charming story, Blueberries for Sal has won readers' hearts since its first publication in 1948."The adventures of a little girl and a baby bear while hunting for blueberries with their mothers one bright summer day. All the color and flavor of the sea and pine-covered Maine countryside.

Over and Under the Canyon

Over and Under the Canyon takes young readers on a thrilling tour of a desert canyon ecosystem. Over the canyon, the sun scalds the air, baking desert mud to stone. But under the shade of the cliffs hides another world, where bighorn sheep bound from rock to rock on the hillside, roadrunners make their nests in sturdy cacti, and banded geckos tuck themselves into the shelter of the sand. Discover the wonders concealed in the curves of the canyon, the magic of a desert wildflower bloom, and all the unexpected creatures that bring the desert to life.DISCOVER AMAZING ANIMALS: Kids are endlessly curious about the natural world and the wildly varied animals living in it—and the desert is FULL of amazing and surprising animals!

Over and Under the Waves

Award-winning duo Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal return in this latest addition to the Over and Under picture book series, this time exploring the rich, interconnected ecosystem of the ocean!Over the waves, the sea lions bark and seagulls wheel and call. The bay is smooth and bright in the sun. But under the waves, there's a whole hidden forest, full of whales and wolf eels, sardines and sea bass, leopard sharks and luminous jellies, as well as the waving kelp that shelters them all. Discover the magical depths of the kelp forest, and all the fascinating creatures living just a paddle's length away—over and under the waves.SO MANY FASCINATING FACTS: Kids are endlessly curious about the natural world and the wildly varied animals and plants living in it—and the ocean is FULL of amazing and surprising life!ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MADE WONDERFUL: Preservation of our wilderness—and of our oceans in particular—is essential, and this book makes such a great, upbeat jumping-off point for discussions of the importance and wonder of our world's natural habitats and ecosystems.

Next, look at ideas for how to add each subject to this summer unit study.

Keep in mind that not all school subjects may fit naturally into a unit study. Don’t force a fit with a subject.

However, it is a chance to tie concepts in and fit as many ideas as you can in a fun way.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY SUMMER UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

For example, talk about the early origins of summer.

Summertime has been a time of focus on agriculture for thousands of years.

Besides, the Mesopotamians and Egyptians relied on the sun to grow crops.

In addition, other countries celebrate summer through festivals. Like the Swedes during the Middle Ages.

They began raising midsummer poles decorated with flowers and danced around it.

Research about how different countries celebrated the beginning of summer.

Ancient countries like Rome and Celts celebrated the day to honor the sun for a good harvest.

Then here are some history topics/ideas to learn about.

  • summer festivals
  • countries to visit during the summer
  • Titanic
  • create a summer geography travel journal
  • history of baseball
  • history of lighthouses and why they were needed
  • history of solstice

Here are some posts with hands-on ideas.

  • How to Make Celtic Cakes -Recipe for Hands-on History
  • 5 Cool Lighthouse Facts and Make a Chip Can Lighthouse
  • Hands-on Ancient Babylon: Hanging Gardens Fun Activity

In addition, the idea of a summer vacation is a relatively new concept in the 19th century.

A summer break allowed children to help with farming during the busy summer months.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

As you can see public school then built their schedule or school year around the harvest time.

Because of that public schools started in the fall to allow the children to help their parents in the field.

NATURE & SCIENCE SUMMER UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Additionally, the topic summer study makes for a heavy on the nature and science topics.

Next, here are some nature/science topics/ideas to learn about.

  • camping
  • nature study
  • seeds
  • berries
  • ice cream
  • tadpoles to frog and toads to amphibians
  • study animals found on an island
  • coral reefs
  • weather patterns
  • gardening
  • seashores, oceans, marine animals and ponds
  • tide pools
  • watermelon
  • butterflies
  • dandelions
  • farming
  • summer sensory bins
  • organize cooking classes

Then, look at some of these hands-on ideas to teach about the topics above.

  • 5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas
  • Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial
  • Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity
  • Free Carnivorous Plants Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • How to Create Homeschool Farming Curriculum and Adorable Clothespin Sheep Craft
  • 10 Edible Beach Crafts For Teens and Make Edible Beach Glass
  • How to Make Fluffy Lemonade Summer Slime With Kids
  • 5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science
  • Fun Hands-on Coral Reef Activities and Play Dough Invitation to Play
  • Coral Reef Unit Study and Lapbook
  • The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef
  • Celebrate World Reef Day with a Blow Painting Coral Reef Hands-On Activity
  • How Do Sharks Float STEM Activity Free Shark Unit Study & Notebooking Pages
  • From Egg to Sea Turtle Nature Unit Study & Lapbook
  • Cutest Ever Egg Carton Sea Turtle Craft and Learning Activities for Kids
  • How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learning
  • How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft
  • Weather In A Bottle | How To Make An Amazing Tornado In A Jar. 
  • 5 Simple Wind Energy Activities For Kids & Fun DIY Anemometer.
  • Hands-on Weather Activities for Kids and Awesome Weather Sensory Tray 
  • How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids
  • Seed and Gardening Unit Study 
  • Gardening Projects For Homeschool Easy Composting With the Amazing Dr. George Carver (Free Printable About Compost

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS SUMMER UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

In addition, there are some fun hands-on ideas to add for fun math and language arts summer unit study ideas.

  • track daily temperatures during the summer. Older kids can create line graphs
  • look for geometry in nature and patterns in nature
  • Use Swiss Family Robinson book to do a whole unit study about living on an island Swiss Family Robinson Unit Study.
  • Read The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs: Use Outdoor Clues to Find Your Way, Predict the Weather, Locate Water, Track Animals – and Other Forgotten Skills.
  • younger children can keep an easy weather journal
  • use summer themed counters like mini starfish, ocean animals or seashells
  • keep a nature journal
  • do storytelling by creating art on stones
  • have older children choose a country and focus on learning its summer celebrations.
  • do a math scavenger hunt
  • create a summer reading challenge
  • 20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial
  • Fun Felt Weather Chart & Free The Magic School Bus Kicks Up A Storm Worksheet
  • 20 Nature-Inspired Kids’ Novels to Nurture Interest In the Outdoors
  • How to Make a Cool Fibonacci Lemonade and 8 Things to Learn about Fibonacci
  • Free Weather Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning

ELECTIVES & CRAFTS FOR A SUMMER UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

Finally, summer is the perfect time to pursue electives or crafts that we just couldn’t squeeze into our regular schedule.

Too, look at some of these ideas.

  • 30+ Summer Activities for Middle School Kids
  • Fun Pineapple Candle For Fun Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • 20 Fun Summer Ideas for a Teen
  • Homeschooling Through the Summer with My Highschooler
  • 25 Summer Homeschool Ideas To Keep The Learning Spark Alive
  • How to Make an Ocean-Inspired Sea Shell Necklace | 8 Summer Beach Crafts
  • Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • 11 Fun Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • 10 Sea Shell Activities for Kids and Make Crystal Sea Shells
  • Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box
Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Finally, look at some fun starfish facts and how to make this giant starfish.

7 STARFISH FACTS

  1. Starfish are predators and eat a variety of animals, including mollusks, crustaceans, and worms.
  2. Starfish are not actually fish! They are echinoderms, which are a group of marine animals that also include sea urchins and sand dollars.
  3. Starfish have five arms, but some species can have up to 40 arms!
  4. Starfish have a water vascular system that helps them move around and capture prey.
  5. Starfish can regenerate their arms if they are lost or damaged.
  6. Starfish have tiny tube feet on the underside of their arms that help them grip surfaces and move around.
  7. Starfish can change their color to camouflage themselves with their surroundings.

GIANT PAPER MACHE STARFISH

Now, look at how to make this giant fun starfish. Most starfish have 5 legs.

But they can have anywhere from 5 to 40 legs, and we had so much fun creating the armature of the legs we ended up with a 6 legger.

You will need:

  • Roll of toilet paper
  • Aluminum foil
  • Duct tape
  • Water
  • School glue
  • Craft paints
  • Paintbrush
Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

First, use aluminum foil to create the body and arms of the starfish.

Next, make it any size you would like, squeeze it together tightly.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Then, connect each leg to the body with duct tape. Set aside while you work on the paper mache pulp.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Shred most of the roll of toilet paper into small pieces, put into a saucepan.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Add just enough water to cover the paper.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Bring to a boil and stir.

STARFISH CRAFT FOR KIDS

Turn off heat and use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree the mixture.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Allow to soak for a couple of hours.

Place mixture in a strainer and let it drip until a good portion of the moisture has drained off, 15-20 minutes.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Give it a few squeezes to help remove more excess water.

Put pulp back into the pan and add half a bottle of white school glue, mix well.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Add a couple teaspoons of table salt.

Paper mache pulp takes a while to dry and if it takes too long to dry it might mold. Adding salt to the mixture helps keep away mold and mildew.

Lay your starfish base on a silicone mat, alternatively you could use another piece of aluminum foil.

Begin pressing paper mache pulp onto the structure, squeezing to form it to the body and legs of the starfish.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Continue until it is covered in a ¼ thick layer on both sides.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Leave it to dry for 2-3 days until completely dried out.

Paint in the style of any starfish you like.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

We went with the coloring of a Cushion Sea Star.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Paint the underside as well

Let the paint dry.

Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft

Last, add any more details you would like to the top or underside with a small brush or a paint pen.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, starfish, summer, summer crafts, summerideas, summerschool

Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

April 30, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love this fun (and delicious) hands on Japan activity for older kids. Also, look at more ideas on my page Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D.

I have two simple sushi recipes for you today using just a little variation on ingredients.

It can be hard to find cool hands-on ideas for older kids.

One of my standby ideas, especially when studying other countries, is cooking.

Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

Since Sushi is such a huge part of the way of life in Japan, I thought it would make a perfect activity for our study.

Our favorite sushi rolls are California roll and the vegetarian sweet potato roll so that is what I wanted to share.

They are also very simple, which makes them great for beginners, be they older or younger kids so everyone in the family can join in.

Sushi is vinegared rice topped with other ingredients and there are several ways to prepare it.

Maki Rolls are rice, veggies, and fish rolled up in seaweed and is what most people think of when they think of sushi.

Japan is rich in culture, art, contributions, history, and complex traditions.

Books About Japan For Kids

11 Books and Resources for Studying About Japan

You'll love these resources and books for studying about Japan. Add them to my Medieval Japan Unit Study or just fun for the day.

Samurai: An Illustrated History

This Japanese history book traces the story of a unique historical phenomenon: a period of 700 years--equivalent to the entire stretch of Western history between the reigns of the Crusader king Richard the Lionhearted and of Queen Victoria at the height of the British Empire--during which an enclosed civilization was dominated by a single warrior caste.

The historical narrative of samurai history is supported by explanations of samurai armor, weapons, fortifications, tactics, and customs, and illustrated with nearly 800 fascinating color photographs, maps, and sketches, including ancient scroll paintings and surviving suits of armor preserved for centuries in Japanese shrines.

Samurai Arms, Armour & the Tactics of Warfare

Part of the acclaimed Book of Samurai series, which presents for the first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ry samurai school of war, this volume offers an exceptional insight into the weaponry and armour of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for use on and off the battlefield.

Life in Old Japan Coloring Book

More than 40 handsome, ready-to-color illustrations depict samurai warriors, the imperial villa at Kyoto, a Shinto shrine, a tea ceremony, a Noh play, a typical city street, a restaurant, music makers, more. Introduction and detailed captions describe Japanese culture and provide detailed information on art, government, costume, and daily life.

Japanese Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 Japanese Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages

Learning a new language is a new way of meeting new people, opening doors in your professional career and attracting fresh opportunities when traveling around the world, as you may know. The great thing is - whether you want to learn Japanese to visit Japan’s precious historic landmarks, watch anime and movies or simply meet wonderful Japanese people - we’ve got you covered!

All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids

A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place--and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, and learn some Japanese songs.

The Inch-High Samurai

The brave little boy who sailed to the Capital in a teacup and fought a demon with a needle to win the love of a Lady is a Japanese cousin to Tom Thumb.

The Crane Girl

In this magical retelling of a Japanese folktale, a mysterious girl weaves silk to help repay the kindness of a boy and his father until the father's greed finally exposes her secret.

While gathering firewood, Yasuhiro comes upon an injured crane hidden in the snow. He rescues and comforts the bird, then watches as it flies away over the wintry hills.

The next night, a mysterious young girl arrives at Yasuhiro's home seeking shelter from the cold. The boy and his father welcome the girl, named Hiroko, to stay with them. When Hiroko notices that Yasuhiro's father is struggling to earn money, she offers to weave silk for him to sell. After the fabric fetches a good price, the boy's father becomes impatient for more silk, and his greed has a life-changing effect on them all.

Lyrical storytelling deftly interwoven with original haiku create a magical adaptation of a popular Japanese folktale--an inspirational story of friendship and the power of kindness to transform lives.

Commodore Perry the Opening of Japan (Landmark Series, #56)

For more than 200 years Japan had isolated herself from the world - now Commodore Perry, representing the US government had arrived on the shore of Japan. Perry's mission was to open a door into Japan so US ships might stop for fuel & water on their route to China.

3D Puzzle Wooden Craft Kits DIY Model Building Kit

This 3D wooden Puzzle is the oldest tower in Japan and one of the iconic buildings, ancient and elegant.

Japan Tokyo Skyline Famous Architecture Model Block Set

The iconic landmark you love,Build this detailed Japan skyline model!Features an elaborate façade with Tokyo Tower,Tokyo SKYTREE, Mount Fuji,Sensoji Temple,Osaka Castle and more.

Japanese Flower Pavilion Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree Bricks Kit

Japan Sakura Tree House Building Set consists of 1810pcs + mini-blocks. It includes detailed step-by-step color instructions, and exquisite details of various sizes and color componentsand.

Whether you are studying Ancient or more modern Japan, homemade sushi fits perfectly as it is strongly associated with Japanese Culture.

Originally, around the Yayoi period (early Neolithic–early Iron Age 300 BC) the earliest form of sushi, today referred to as narezushi, was fish fermented with vinegar, salt and rice.

Then the rice was discarded. 

People began to eat the rice as well as the fish during the Muromachi period (1336–1573).

In addition to sushi making, you can find other hands on resources.

For example, a books, games, and crafts to add to your Japan Unit.

Enjoy your journey to “The Land of The Rising Sun” and  linger as long as you like, no passport or return date needed.

While not entirely authentic this is close to the real thing with just a few modifications to make it a little simpler for first timers.

But before we begin the sushi tutorial let me show you a few more fun hands on resources to use for your unit.

Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

Next, look at more hands-on ideas for kids learning about Japan.

Hands on Japan Activity Ideas

  • If you are a game loving family like we are you have to try Sushi Go!
  • Give this Ancient Japan for Kids: Fun and Simple Handwriting Activity a go to learn how to create your own ancient text.
  • LEGO is an extraordinary way to incorporate themes. Their variety is so good that you can usually find a set to fit any topic like this Bonsai Tree.
  • Check out these Origami Koi Fish for another activity to keep hands busy.
  • Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity.
Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids
  • Make this super easy hand fan,. Besides being used in summer to cool down, they are a fashionable accessory. They are paired with a kimono and yukata at bon odori dances,at firework displays, and of course summer matsuri (festivals).
  • Learn Japanese by tucking these learning notes all over the house to reinforce some basic words.
  • Grab this inexpensive sushi making kit to make quick work of those rolls.
Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

Finally, look how to make this simple homemade sushi.

How to Make Simple Homemade Sushi

You will need:

  • Sushi rolling mat
  • Nori (seaweed for sushi)
  • 1 cup uncooked white sushi rice
  • 2 cups of water or follow instructions on rice
  • 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
  • 1 large, sweet potato
  • 1 avocado 
  • 1 cucumber
  • Crabmeat
  • Soy sauce
  • Finger Bowl of water
Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

First, cook rice according to package directions.

Combine rice vinegar and sugar until dissolved.

Stir the sugar and rice vinegar mixture into rice.

Slice vegetables into strips about 2” long – avocado, cucumber, and sweet potato.

Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

Toss in oil and then bake the sweet potato strips in the oven at 350 or in the air fryer until softened.

Lay out all your ingredients including thin slices of crabmeat, rice, and vegetable strips.

Place Nori sheet on a sushi rolling mat rough side up with the lines going in the same direction as those on the mat, horizontal to you.

Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

Cover the bottom ⅓ of the Nori with a thin layer of rice. Wet fingertips to spread the rice without it sticking to you.

Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

Add strips of your desired fillings to the bottom half of the rice.

Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

Grab the mat at the bottom and roll it from the bottom up, tucking veggies in as you go.

But for the right technique you do not want to roll the bamboo inside the sushi roll, just pull it along over it.

Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

Stop ½” from the edge and run water along the exposed portion, continue rolling, the water will help seal your roll.

Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into ½” pieces.

Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

California Roll- Use crab, cucumber, and avocado.

Sweet Potato roll-Use sweet potato, cucumber and avocado.

Experiment with sauces like Yum Yum, Soy, Ponzu, Sriracha, or wasabi.

Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient Japan, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, historycostumes, Medieval Japan

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