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Free 4-Week Australia Unit Study For Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning

October 24, 2024 | 2 Comments
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I have a free 4-week Australia Unit Study for kids. Look at these other Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning. Also, look at my page Hands-On Simple And Best Homeschool Geography Ideas & Tips for more fun hands-on geography.

From the Sydney Opera House, with its distinctive sail-like design to the home of kangaroos, koalas, and the platypus to the stunning Great Barrier Reef there is no shortage of topics to learn.

The beauty of unit studies is not only combining subjects but teaching multiple ages of children.

Free 4-Week Kid’s Australia Unit Study Who Love Hands-on Learning

Additionally, teaching all your children together means you can discuss the same topic but it’s the activity that is chosen which makes it age appropriate.

For example, if you’re teaching language arts, your younger children can do copywork while your older children draft an essay or learn figurative language.

Today, I have topic ideas and activities for Australian history, geography, nature and even math and language arts.

Remember too with unit studies you can use any curriculum to supplement.

To illustrate, some unit study themes may be more science oriented or history oriented. So don’t force a fit with other subjects.

Many times if we lack math or language arts, we can supplement with ready made already on hand.

By not forcing a fit with a topic it makes the unit study more natural for what interests your child.

BOOKS ABOUT AUSTRALIA FOR KIDS

First, look at this list of living books I rounded up and we love.

Living books are my go-to for unit studies. They teach facts in a story form.

9 Australia Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Grab one or two of these books about Australia to add to your unit study or your home library.

The Upside-down History of Down Under

The true story of Australia starts with a piece of land that went for a swim. Millions of years ago it floated away from Africa. Very, very, slowly. It was home to dinosaurs and giant animals, until the first Australians showed up and got comfortable. This wild and wonderful land was a mystery to the rest of the world. Then the English decided to make it the biggest jail ever . . . Experience the story of Australia from prehistory to federation in 1901.

Storm Boy & Other Stories

Set along the rugged beauty of the South Australian coast, Storm Boy cares for an injured pelican and finds a friend that shows him the power of loyalty and love. This moving story is now a major motion-picture and one of the classics of Australian writing for children. This edition comes with five other stories by Colin Thiele that capture the unique voices of Australians across the natural and suburban landscape.

Seven Little Australians

A captain who has lost his wife remarries a much younger woman to provide his six children with a new mother. Together, the couple had another child, making seven. The captain tries to run the family with stern discipline, but he is no match for the fun-loving children.

Warrigal the Warrior

The story of a killer-dog. His owner had tried to train him to the domestic life, but the call of the wild and his hunting instincts were too powerful. As a killer he roamed abroad, hunted fiercely by farmers whose stock he wantonly destroyed. It is a story that is founded in fact.As for Warrigal -- he is as nature fashioned him.“I have not sought to glorify Warrigal, neither have I condemned him. I have just tried to present him as he really is, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”

Audrey of the Outback

Meet Audrey Barlow - a girl with a lot on her mind. Her dad has gone away to work, her brother Price thinks he's too old for games, and little Dougie likes pretending to be a bird. So together with her best friend Stumpy, Audrey ponders some of life's big questions ... like whether being a swaggie is lonelier than being a girl, and whether it's better to be a sheep or a cow. Follow Audrey and Stumpy through this dazzler of a story and discover how friends are never far away ... even in the Outback. You'll soon wish you lived there too.

A Little Bush Maid

Billabong, a large cattle and sheep property in the Australian countryside, is home to 12-year-old Norah Linton, her widowed father, David, and her older brother, Jim. Norah's prim and proper aunts, who live in the city, consider she is in danger of "growing up wild" - riding all over Billabong on her beloved pony, Bobs, helping with mustering, and joining in on all the holiday fun when Jim and his friends come home from boarding school.

A fishing trip results in unexpected drama when they discover a mysterious stranger camped in the bush. Who is this stranger and why is he there? Norah's resourcefulness is tested to the full!

Rabbit-Proof Fence: 1000 Headwords

Fourteen-year-old Molly and her cousins Daisy and Gracie were mixed-race Aborigines. In 1931 they were taken away from their families and sent to a camp to be trained as good 'white' Australians. They were told to forget their mothers, their language, their home.But Molly would not forget. She and her cousins escaped and walked back to Jigalong, 1,600 kilometres away, following the rabbit-proof fence as their guide across the desert.This is the story of that walk, told by Molly's daughter, Doris.

Are We There Yet?

Join Grace and her family as they hit the road camping, experiencing, and meeting all the people and places that make up Australia.

Possum Magic

Grandma Poss uses her best bush magic to make Hush invisible. But when Hush longs to be able to see herself again, the two possums must make their way across Australia to find the magic food that will make Hush visible once more. “Another treat from Mem Fox that is sure to be treasured. The whimsical illustrations are a wonderful complement.

Next, look at these ideas about history and geography.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

When I list ideas, I think of ways you can include multiple ages of kids.

And when possible, give you ideas.

List the 6 states and territories as an introduction. 1. New South Wales: Capital city is Sydney 2. Queensland: Capital city is Brisbane 3. Tasmania: Capital City is Hobart 4. Western Australia: Capital City is Perth 5. Victoria: Capital City is Melbourne 6. South Australia: Capital City is Adelaide. There are two territories the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.
Investigate the area known as The Outback.
Understand that the country name is the Commonwealth of Australia. Australia is an independent but has strong ties to Britain.
1851 Gold is discovered and many miners in California head for Australia.
Australian Craft Ideas: How to Make a Cute Sydney Opera House

Learn landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Kakadu National Park, Daintree Rainforest, Sydney Harbour Bridge,Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Great Barrier Reef
The Aborigines were the first inhabitants of mainland Australia and the Torres Strait Islanders were people who originally inhabited the 270+ islands north of Australia in the Torres Strait
British settlers arrived in Australia in 1788.
What two animals are on the Australian Coat of Arms? Kangaroo and Emu.
Learn about who was Dutch navigator Willem Janzoon. He was the first European to make recorded contact with and map part of the Australian continent.

Also, for week 2 look at these nature and science ideas to study this week.

NATURE & SCIENCE AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Next, Australia is diverse. There are deserts, rainforests, and savannas to explore.

6 Australian Animal Craft Ideas | Easy Paper Bag Platypus
Make a Fun Edible Great Barrier Coral Reef
The 7 foot high emu is Australia’s largest bird.
Melbourne Zoo is one of the top zoos in the world.
Define marsupial: Marsupial is an animal that has a pouch, and the mother carries her baby in her pouch as it grows over time.
Australia is in the south hemisphere. How does that affect the seasons? If it’s fall here, it spring there.
The Great Barrier Reef is a chain of more than 2,500 reefs and many small islands.
Australian Wild Animals Sensory Activities To Celebrate Its Unique Wildlife

Define: Monotremes. Animals that are like reptiles in many ways but are mammals. They are different from reptiles in that they have hair and produce milk to feed their young.The only two in the world are found in Australia. Platypus and Echidna.
9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft
Explore what is an arch bridge. The city of Sidney is famous for its Harbor Bridge.
Australia is famous for its wool and sheep.
Ayers rock is the largest rock in the world. Look at my post Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages.

The Tasmanian Devil is a carnivorous marsupial found only in Tasmania.

Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforest in the world. Explore the flora and fauna.

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

How To Make A Kangaroo Pocket | Letter K Craft Preschool Australia Theme
Read and learn about Captain James Cook and see whether your agree or not if he was the discoverer of Australia
Learn about famous author Mem Fox and read some of her delightful books like Possum Magic and Koala Lou.
Research what is the Dingo Fence and why it was built.
Get your littles having fun by doing a Kangaroo Jump. Have your kids jump and measure. Then convert it to centimeters. Compare to how high and how far a kangaroo jumps.

Research and write Abel Tasman who discovered Tasmania. Hint: He was a sea captain employed by the Dutch East India Company and sailed to the west coast of Tasmania.
Write this list of 10 fun Australian words and their meaning: 1. G’day – Hello/Friendly Greeting 2. Fair Go – A fair chance 3. Tucker – Food 4. Dunny – a toilet 5. Bush – countryside 6. Aussies – An informal term for an Australian person 7. Lollies – candies 8. Barbie – BBQue 9. Bloke – man 10. Sheila – woman

Symmetry and balance is important in Aboriginal Art. Learn about symmetry and then have your child create Aboriginal Art. Also, look at this art symmetry lesson plan.

Convert prices from AUD to another currency (like USD or EUR)

ARTS & CRAFTS AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

Australia Awesome and Deadly Animal Art
Make a fun toilet roll Didgeridoo and Australian dot art.
Make Anzac biscuits
Construct a model of the Sydney Opera House
Make boomerangs out of cardboard and look at their fascinating artwork. Originally, people in Australia and other countries used boomerangs to hunt for food.

Learn about vegemite and see if you can make a recipe that tastes like it. It is a spread used for sandwiches and crackers.
Do Aboriginal Dot Painting
The Great Victoria Desert is the biggest desert in Australia. It has red sand dunes and incredible wildlife. Compare to some of the deserts here and do desert sand art.
The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: An Ecosystem Triorama

Finally, we tend to build on unit studies each year which is why we love them.

What are you studying about in Australia?

Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

October 23, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

For a fun hands-on project, we are making an edible arctic habitat diorama. Too, you’ll love my pages Arctic Region and Arctic and Inuit unit study too.

Not only for educational purposes but also to enjoy the tasty reward of our efforts, we’re making this fun diorama.

Like the equator, the invisible lines of latitude and longitude, the Arctic circles are not real red lines on the Earth.

Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

They are invisible and these polar circles are located near the poles of the earth, at 66.6° N and S latitude.

There are the Arctic Polar Circle and the Antarctic Polar Circle.

The Antarctic Circle contains Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, the Weddell Sea, and the Balleny Islands.

The conditions are so harsh in Antarctica and its surrounding areas that the only people who live there are scientists, temporarily.

Very few creatures make their home in Antarctica, on land and in the surrounding oceans.

You would see killer whales, blue whales, krill, and elephant seals.

Additionally, emperor and Adelie penguins are the only type of penguins to live on our coldest continent Antarctica.

Further, the Arctic Circle includes the Arctic Ocean, the Chukchi, East Siberian, Laptev, Kara, Barents, White, Greenland, and Beaufort seas as well as parts of Greenland, Alaska, Canada, Norway, and Russia.

There are a lot more animals that make their home in the Arctic Circle.

For example, there are Arctic foxes, caribou, Beluga whales, lemmings, puffins, polar bears, walruses, narwhals, and much more.

Unlike Antarctica, humans inhabit many parts of the Arctic Circle.

BOOKS ABOUT THE ARCTIC FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books about the Arctic.

I prefer living books when you can find them.

12 Arctic Books about People & Animals of the Arctic

Studying about the region of the Arctic is a fascinating topic. Grab some of these books about life in the Arctic and animals of the Arctic.

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow. Snowflake-catching instructions are also included for aspiring young snow scientists!

In Arctic Waters

This arctic adaptation of “This is the House that Jack Built” follows polar bears, walruses, seals, narwhals and beluga whales as they chase each other around “the ice that floats in the Arctic waters.” Not only is the rhythmic, cumulative prose good for early readers; it is a pure delight to read aloud. The “For Creative Minds” section helps children learn how these animals live in the cold, icy arctic region.

Arctic Fox: Fascinating Animal Facts for Kids (This Incredible Planet)

Fascinating Animal Facts Arctic Fox Learn all about the amazing and adaptable Arctic fox. This small yet hardy creature survives in the harshest of environments!

This Incredible Planet series provides young readers with interesting information about the Earth’s most fascinating creatures.

Beautiful color photography makes each animal come to life. Learn about the Arctic fox’s habitat, diet, breeding, lifespan, behavior, threats, and so much more!

Over and Under the Snow

A wonderful winter book for kids from the author and illustrator of the beloved Over and Under series, now in paperback! Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.

Animals in Winter (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Read and find out about how animals cope with winter in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

Have you ever seen a butterfly in the snow? Probably not. Butterflies can't survive cold weather, so when winter comes, many butterflies fly to warmer places. They migrate. Woodchucks don't like cold weather either, but they don't migrate; they hibernate. Woodchucks sleep in their dens all winter long. How do these and other animals handle the cold and snow of winter?

Read and find out in the proven winner Animals in Winter!

This is a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades.

The Inuit Thought of It: Amazing Arctic Innovations (We Thought of It)

Today’s Arctic communities have all the comforts of modern living. Yet the Inuit survived in this harsh landscape for hundreds of years with nothing but the land and their own ingenuity. Join authors Alootook Ipellie and David MacDonald as they explore the amazing innovations of traditional Inuit and how their ideas continue to echo around the world. Some inventions are still familiar to us: the one-person watercraft known as a kayak still retains its Inuit name. Other innovations have been replaced by modern technology: slitted snow goggles protected Inuit eyes long before sunglasses arrived on the scene. Andother ideas were surprisingly inspired: using human-shaped stone stacks (Inunnguat) to trick and trap caribou. Many more Inuit innovations are explored here, including: • Dog sleds • Shelter • Clothing • Kids’ stuff • Food preservation • Medicine. In all, more than 40 Inuit items and ideas are showcased through dramatic photos and captivating language. From how these objects were made, to their impact on contemporary culture, The Inuit Thought of It is a remarkable catalogue of Inuit invention.

Image for Mini Arctic Animals Figurines Set, Polar Animals Toy for Kids Plastic Arctic Reindeer,Walrus,White Whale,Polar Bear,Arctic Fox,Wolf Figures,

Mini Arctic Animals Figurines Set, Polar Animals Toy for Kids Plastic Arctic Reindeer,Walrus,White Whale,Polar Bear,Arctic Fox,Wolf Figures,

Tiny Animals Figures Party: 18 PCS Package include orca, walrus, white owl, reindeer, husky, 2pcs seal, 2pcs beluga whale, 2pcs arctic wolf, 2pcs arctic fox, 2pcs arctic rabbit, 2pcs polar bear figurines and igloo model.

Who are the Eskimos? Arctic People's Traditional Way of Life

Who Are The Eskimos is perfect for early to middle elementary students and makes a great addition to your library.

North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration

“A treat for middle-graders of an ecological bent.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) At the top of our world is a huge wild place called the Arctic. In the winter, it is a cold and barren land, where few animals can survive. But when spring comes, it attracts animals from every corner of the earth. This lushly illustrated picture book celebrates the resilient wildlife and barren, beautiful landscapes of the Arctic Circle, tracing the awe-inspiring spring migration of millions of creatures to the Arctic and reminding the reader of the hardships and harmony of life in the wild.Back matter includes additional information about the arctic, a glossary, and an index.

Arctic White

When you live in the Arctic in winter, everything is a shade of white. A young girl looks around her home in the Arctic and sees only white, white, white...but one day her grandfather takes her on a journey through the tundra. And at the end of their cold walk across the ice, they find something special that brings color into their world.

Farthest North: The Incredible Three-Year Voyage to the Frozen Latitudes of the North (Modern Library Exploration)

In 1893, Fridjtof Nansen set sail in the Fram, a ship specially designed and built to be frozen into the polar ice cap, withstand its crushing pressures, and travel with the sea’s drift closer to the North Pole than anyone had ever gone before. Experts said such a ship couldn't be built and that the voyage was tantamount to suicide. This brilliant first-person account, originally published in 1897, marks the beginning of the modern age of exploration. Nansen vividly describes the dangerous voyage and his 15-month-long dash to the North Pole by sledge. Farthest North is an unforgettable tale and a must-read for any armchair explorer.

This Place Is Cold: An Imagine Living Here book

Can you imaging living in a place where it's so cold your breath turns instantly into tiny ice crystals that glitter in the sun? Where temperatures can drop fifty degrees below zero and even lower and the sun only comes out for a few hours per day? In This Place Is Cold readers will learn how people and animals survive in Alaska's ferocious cold, and how because of global warming this region is now in trouble. Vicki Cobb and Barbara Lavallee travelled the world together to research this groundbreaking geography series, that is now updated and redesigned to appeal to today's readers.

Next, look at some of these fun facts about the walrus of the Arctic.

5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE WALRUS OF THE ARCTIC

The only natural predators of the walrus are Orcas and polar bears.
The walrus is nicknamed the Giant or King of the Arctic. Adult walrus are typically about 7.25 to 11.5 feet long and can weigh up to 1.5 tons (3,000 lb).
There are two recognized species which are the Atlantic walrus and the Pacific walrus. They are divided geographically. Atlantic walruses live in the coastal areas of Canada and Greenland. Pacific walruses live in the northern seas of Alaska and Russia.
Both male and female walruses can have tusks that reach almost 3 feet long, measure that out with a measuring tape to be impressed by this feature made of dentine.
These giant pinnipeds can withstand temperatures as low as -35°C (-31°F) due to the layers of blubber stored beneath their skin that help to insulate them from the cold.

This paper plate walrus craft is just too cute to pass up.

Learn more about blubber with my Inuit of the Arctic: How Animals Survive Harsh Winters Fun Blubber Activity

You can find out more about the walrus and other arctic animals with the Ocean Anatomy book, a favorite resource of mine.

Check out this step-by-step tutorial for drawing a walrus to include a little more art in your study.

This is great for fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and building those skills in following directions.

MORE ARCTIC ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

EDIBLE ARCTIC OR ANTARCTIC HABITAT DIORAMA

If you need animals for your arctic habitat diorama these Mini Arctic Animals Figurines Set have a great variety and can also be used as a model for drawing, in sensory bins and trays, as well as other types of dioramas.

You can make a map of either the Arctic Circle or Antarctic Circle using my simple instructions below and focus on any polar animal found in either region.

Also, we realized we had made the Arctic salt dough a few years back so we switched midstream and made this for Antarctica. Again, these directions can be for either the Arctic or Antarctica circle.

But today I am going to dig a little deeper into the walrus (found in the Arctic).

You will need:

Sugar cookie dough
Cling wrap
Baking sheet
Map of Arctic or Antarctic circle
White frosting
Blue food coloring
Red vines (licorice)

Find a map of the Antarctic Circle that you like and print it out or you can use an image from an atlas or map.

Cover the map in plastic wrap to protect the page.

Slightly soften your favorite sugar cookie recipe or store-bought prepared cookie dough.

Press gently and mold into the shape of your land mass on top of the plastic wrap.

Try to keep the thickness uniform so that it bakes evenly.

Flip the cookie dough map onto the baking sheet and bake according to the package directions.

While you are waiting you can use a plate or whatever you like as a base.

Mix a little blue food coloring into some of your frosting and cover the round surface with it.

Remove cookie from oven and allow to cool completely before transferring to the center of your frosting.

Frost the cookie map with white frosting (snow and ice).

Add animals to your map.

Finish up by creating the invisible polar circle around your map using red vines or you can get a small squeeze tube of red food coloring to use.

Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray

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

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

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

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

Crafty Ocean Adventures: How to Make a Paper Plate Stingray

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

They use their large pectoral fins to propel themselves.

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

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

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

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

OCEAN BOOKS FOR KIDS

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

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

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

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

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

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

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

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

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

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

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

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

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

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

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

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

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

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

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

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

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

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

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

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

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

Pagoo

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

Also, look at some fun facts about stingrays.

STUPENDOUS STINGRAY FACTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MORE OCEAN ANIMAL ACTIVITIES

And look at these paperplate ocean animals.

ADORABLE PAPER PLATE OCEAN ANIMALS

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

HOW TO MAKE A PAPER PLATE STINGRAY

You will need:

Craft glue or hot glue
A paper plate
A paper bowl
Scissors
Craft paints
Paintbrushes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t forget to add some eyes.

Allow it to dry completely.

13 Living Books Ancient History Your Kids Will Love

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

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

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

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

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

13 Living Books Ancient History Your Kids Will Love

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

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

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

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

WHAT ARE LIVING BOOKS FOR KIDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

This excites the reader.

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

It helps readers to understand the stream of time.

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

Not all vintage books are living books.

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

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

MORE LIVING BOOKS FOR KIDS LIST & TIPS

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

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

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

13 Ancient History Living Books For Multiple Ages

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

The Children's Homer

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

The Arabian Nights

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

The Golden Goblet

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

City of the Golden House

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

Boy of the Pyramids

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

Gilgamesh the Hero

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

The Arkadians

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

Archimedes and the Door of Science

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

The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

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

God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah

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

Mara, Daughter of the Nile

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

The Boy of the Painted Cave

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

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FALL BOOKS FOR KIDS

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

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

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

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

Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic

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

Autumn Harvest

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

Autumn Leaves

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

The Apple Pie That Papa Baked

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

Sophie's Squash

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

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

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

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

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

Poor Primrose, would she find her way home again?

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

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

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

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

Dance Like a Leaf

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

The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night

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

Down Buttermilk Lane

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

Fall Leaves

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

Hooray for Fall!

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

Hopefully the Scarecrow

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

Maple & Willow Apart

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

Now It's Fall (Lois Lenski Books)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 MORE BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN ART PROJECTS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

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

UPCYCLED BOOK PUMPKIN ART FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

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

You will need:

Paperback book
Scissors or utility knife
pencil/marker
Orange craft paint
Brown craft paint
paintbrush
Hot glue gun/sticks
Raffia or ribbon

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW TO MAKE AN UPCYCLED BOOK PUMPKIN WITH KIDS

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome

BOOKS ABOUT AUSTRALIA FOR KIDS

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

NATURE & SCIENCE AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

ARTS & CRAFTS AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

BOOKS ABOUT THE ARCTIC FOR KIDS

5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE WALRUS OF THE ARCTIC

MORE ARCTIC ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

EDIBLE ARCTIC OR ANTARCTIC HABITAT DIORAMA

OCEAN BOOKS FOR KIDS

STUPENDOUS STINGRAY FACTS

MORE OCEAN ANIMAL ACTIVITIES

ADORABLE PAPER PLATE OCEAN ANIMALS

HOW TO MAKE A PAPER PLATE STINGRAY

WHAT ARE LIVING BOOKS FOR KIDS

MORE LIVING BOOKS FOR KIDS LIST & TIPS

FALL BOOKS FOR KIDS

6 MORE BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN ART PROJECTS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPCYCLED BOOK PUMPKIN ART FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

HOW TO MAKE AN UPCYCLED BOOK PUMPKIN WITH KIDS

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