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Welcome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOOKS ABOUT MUSIC & RESOURCES FOR KIDS

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

8 Books and Resources for a Music Unit Study

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

Image for The Phantom of the Opera (SeaWolf Press Illustrated Classic)

The Phantom of the Opera (SeaWolf Press Illustrated Classic)

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

Image for BendyFigs  Phantom of The Opera

BendyFigs Phantom of The Opera

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

    Phantom of The Opera - Journey to The Lair - Musical Figurine

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

    Image for Music Appreciation for the Elementary Grades: Book 1

    Music Appreciation for the Elementary Grades: Book 1

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

    Image for The Music Appreciation: Middle Ages Thru Classical Era Course

    The Music Appreciation: Middle Ages Thru Classical Era Course

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

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

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

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

    Image for What Is Rock and Roll? (What Was?)

    What Is Rock and Roll? (What Was?)

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

    Image for Music in Our Homeschool
    Photo Credit: learn.musicinourhomeschool.com

    Music in Our Homeschool

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

    I loved the colorful collage illustrations throughout the book.

    It inspired the upcycled little guitar we made.

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

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

    ADA’S VIOLIN MINI UNIT IDEAS

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

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

    Even old jugs can make a great instrument.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Look at more unit study resources.

    MUSIC UNIT STUDY RESOURCES

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

    SOUTH AMERICA ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

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

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

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

    You will need:

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

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

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

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

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

    Cut the shape out with scissors or a straight blade.

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

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

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

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

    ADA’S VIOLIN WORKSHEETS

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

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

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

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

    Add hot glue and secure this part down.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ABOUT ADA’S WORKSHEETS & MUSIC INSTRUMENT FAMILIES

    Finally, I have 2 free worksheets for your children.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About the music families. There are 4 music families.

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

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

    BRASS MUSIC FAMILY

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

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

    PERCUSSION MUSIC FAMILY

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

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

    STRINGS MUSIC FAMILY

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

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

    WOODWIND MUSIC FAMILY

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

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

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

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

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

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

    2) Grab the freebie now.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    But we are not stopping with a recipe.

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

    ABOUT THE RASPBERRY LIFE CYCLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    RASPBERRY LIFE CYCLE FACTS

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

    EXCITING RASPBERRY ACTIVITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    BERRY ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

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

    Finally, look at how to make easy raspberry muffins.

    EASY RASPBERRY MUFFIN RECIPE

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

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

    Ingredients:

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Stir wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    HOW TO GET THE FREE RASPBERRY LIFE CYCLE WORKSHEETS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    2) Grab the freebie now.

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

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

    Free 4-Week Kid’s Paddle To The Sea Unit Study

    October 17, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have a free 4-week Paddle to the Sea 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.

    Paddle-to-the-Sea book is a must read for geography lovers.

    The journey a toy carved canoe Paddle takes through various waterways and regions highlights the interconnectedness of the Great Lakes and the rivers leading to the Atlantic Ocean.

    However, it is much more than a geography and science lover’s book.

    It is a living book that bring learning about North America, the waterways, Native Americans and history to life in an inviting way.

    Free 4-Week Kid's Paddle To The Sea Unit Study

    The story begins near Lake Nipigon, north of Lake Superior in Ontario, Canada where a canoe makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean in four years.

    The Native American boy places his canoe and person in the snow.

    Gradually, the snow melts.

    Next, the canoe is carried to Lake Superior and finally ends in the Atlantic Ocean.

    And the reading grade level is for middle school.

    I certainly think a younger reader would enjoy the poetic language and beautiful watercolor pictures.

    Too, don’t discount this beautiful living geography book for use by a high school teen.

    For example, the author uses the word Indian instead of Native American since it’s an older book.

    Discuss attitudes of people today toward early nations and now.

    However, beyond that all ages will love the adventure and dangers Paddle faces.

    There are many rabbit trails to take like exploring about canoes, wood carving, lakes, shipwrecks, Niagara, lumber mills, songs, and Canada.

    Paddle to the Sea

    Geography living books bring to life the topic you’re studying through a narrative or story form. Yet it combines other subjects while capturing our attention through excitement and adventure.

    Image for Paddle-to-the-Sea

    Paddle-to-the-Sea

    A young Indian boy carves a little canoe with a figure inside and names him Paddle-to-the-Sea. Paddle's journey, in text and pictures, through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean provides an excellent geographic and historical picture of the region.

    Now look at these topics and ideas I group together by subject.

    You will notice that you can include multiple ages of children.

    HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY PADDLE TO THE SEA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

    First, look at some of these ideas to study about the history and geography in the book.

    • Learn about the Canadian wilderness.
    • Find and label Canadian provinces, the Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean.
    • When Paddle reaches Duluth, he begins heading East along the great shipping routes. Research how iron ore, copper, wheat, and coal were carried in ships across the Lakes.
    • Paddle encounters the dangers of a sawmill while traveling the water and a French Canadian lumberjack that rescues him.
    • Name the five Great Lakes. Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Tip: Use the acronym HOMES to remember them.
    • Look at my post The Fascinating World of Sea Geography | Paddle to the Sea Craft to understand ocean and sea geography.
    • Paddle reaches Montreal which is a historic trading area. Introduce the Ojibwe or Chippewa, Huron and Frenchmen and learn about bartering, beavers, and pelts.
    Free 4-Week Kid's Paddle To The Sea Unit Study

    • What is an international border? And what does it mean to cross a border?
    • Where is Niagara Falls? Look at my post Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary.
    • What are lighthouses and how were they used? Look at my post 5 Cool Lighthouse Facts and Make a Chip Can Lighthouse.
    • How did the Native Americans use trees? For example, the Chippewa built excellent birchbark canoes. They also built baskets and homes from wood and bark. For more fun look at my post From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark.

    Additionally, look at these science and nature topic ideas.

    NATURE & SCIENCE PADDLE TO THE SEA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

    Next, many of these topics can take a day or two to learn about or spend time on what interests your family.

    • Learn how the water cycle impacts Paddle’s journey. Look at my activity Simple and Fun Hands-On Water Cycle Activity For Kids.
    • Investigate the dangers of ice to ships.
    • Paddle sees a shipwreck and rescue using a breeches buoy. Research what are breeches buoy and compare with how rescues in sea are done today.
    • When Paddle drops into a beaver pond. Look at my posts Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam and Preschool Beaver Craft: Simple Projects for Little Hands.
    • Discuss fish anatomy
    • Paddle is washed into a marsh when he reaches Lake Superior. Discuss what is a marsh.
    • Air currents act like rivers carrying floating objects. Learn about wind. Look at my 5 Simple Wind Energy Activities For Kids & Fun DIY Anemometer and Middle School Hands-on Science : Extreme Winds + Free Minibook. Too discuss how waves move as Paddle bobbed up and down.
    • Discuss how trees are used for logging.
    • Again, and again Paddle is stranded at the beach among debris as he is slowly carried northward through Lake Michigan. Discuss upcycling ad recycling

    • Identify animal tracks. Extend this to learn about scat and see my post 10 Gross Scat Facts and How to Make Edible Scat.
    • Explain the devastation of forest fires.
    • Learn about deer and antlers and investigate when deer lose their antlers. Look at my Deer Unit Study & Notebooking Pages.
    • Learn and explain how to use waterway locks. Research Soo Locks. They enable ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.
    • Investigate forest related careers. Teens may be thinking pursuing a career as a forest ranger. Are there junior ranger programs in your area? Or can you learn online?

    MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS PADDLE TO THE SEA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

    Because this is a living book do not try to dissect it in depth if you have younger children.

    However, if you have older children, focus on some literary analysis.

    I think some of this study is necessary for teens to nurture critical thinking skills but try to not reduce book the drudgery.

    A teen needs to look for themes and to understand an author’s background or biograph and an author’s message.

    In addition, here are more ideas.

    • Define buoyancy
    • Encourage your child to do simple copywork like what was carved on the underside of the canoe “Put me back in the water. I am Paddle to the Sea.”
    • How much time has passed? 4 years and discuss how we know. For example, the change in the seasons in North America.
    • What season does the story begin? In spring and we know because the geese are returning.
    • Who were the animals that came to see Paddle when he started his journey?
    • What were pennies made with when the author wrote the book? Copper. What are pennies and money made with today?

    • For stories that take years create a huge timeline together marking events that signal the start of a new season. For example, the story begins in spring since the geese are returning (Year 1) then summer activities (Year 2) could be when he is trapped in the marsh and caught with fish in the Apostle Islands,etc.
    • The journey Paddle made carried him around the perimeter of Lake Superior. Define perimeter – distance around the outside of an object. When will we need to calculate perimeter? Give some examples. To enhance this lesson determine how to calculate the perimeter if the shape is irregular.
    Free 4-Week Kid's Paddle To The Sea Unit Study

    ARTS & CRAFTS PADDLE TO THE SEA UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

    In addition, look at some of these arts and crafts ideas.

    • Carve a paddle person or canoe if you have older children stressing safety. For younger children use soap. For an example of how to carve animals with soap look at my post How To Make A Fun Animal Soap Carving.
    • Talk about what is a crooked knife or what the Native Americans called “mocotaugen.” Make your own with wood.
    • Make snowshoes. The Native American boy used them to move over snow to check on Paddle.
    • If you have younger children, explain what is a passport and have them create their own. Have them “stamp” it when they travel to a new place. For example, Canada, U.S. and France.
    • With younger kids, look at How to Make a Fun Paper Plate Fish | F is for Fish for an easy craft.
    • Make a Fun Birchbark Canoe Craft
    • Have kids use stones to tell the story. Paint stones with images or events and place in order first, middle and last.
    • The outline of Lake Superior is shaped like a wolf’s head. Look at this printable that shows all the lakes. Create a wolf head using this outline. What other animals or things can be made using geographical features or outlines of the lakes?
    • When Paddle reached the trading post the Native Americans and Frenchmen were bartering over beads and other supplies. Make a Fun Kids Iroquois Bracelet
    • Build a model of a lock and use it raise and lower boats.
    • Because Paddle ran into so much litter, have your child create something upcycled. For ideas on how to make something your child loves look at my activity How to Make a Recycled Robot.

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Do Unit Studies

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    October 16, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Upcycle a 2-liter bottle into a cute and silly emperor penguin craft with just a few more art supply items and a little bit of time.

    Take your kids on a delightful journey of creativity with plenty of penguin crafts.

    Too, I have facts and movies that I have gathered up. 

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    These ideas cover kids of all ages and can be used for a family emperor penguin unit study.

    Emperor penguins are easily identifiable.

    Their size alone sets them apart from other penguins.

    And their yellow is lighter than that of the similar king penguin, and their beak is shorter and points downward.

    From adorable paper penguins to whimsical pom-pom penguin poppers there are Emperor Penguin craft ideas to appeal to everyone.

    PENGUIN BOOKS FOR KIDS

    First, look at these fun books about penguins.

    I add living books when I can find them.

    11 Penguin Books & Resources for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

    Add some of these books and resources about penguins to your learning day.

    Image for Penguin's Way

    Penguin's Way

    With a new children’s book imprint, the Bodleian Library brings beloved classics back into print, beginning with a beautiful storybook about the life of a fascinating Antarctic species. Originally published in 1962, Penguin’s Way by Johanna Johnston tells the surprising story of these creatures, complete with colorful artwork by award-winning illustrator Leonard Weisgard. In Penguin’s Way, a playful colony of emperor penguins lives on the edge of a faraway secret sea. During the summers, the penguins are content to fish and swim in the icy waters. But, when the seasons change, they must travel more than one hundred miles to the snowy lands surrounding the South Pole. All across the snow plain, the penguins sing songs to welcome newly hatched chicks into the world, but how will the fluffy newborns survive the freezing winter? Few things pique children’s curiosity about the world around them better than a good book. Brought back for a new generation of young readers, Penguin’s Way offers a fun and creative introduction to these fascinating animals.

    Image for Mr. Popper's Penguins: All-Time Popular Children Book

    Mr. Popper's Penguins: All-Time Popular Children Book

    Charming Characters: Meet the endearing Mr. Popper and his comical penguins, each with their distinct personalities and quirks, creating a delightful and memorable cast of characters.

    Whimsical Adventures: Follow Mr. Popper and his penguins on a series of whimsical escapades, as they navigate unexpected challenges and create joyous chaos in their small town.

    Heartwarming Message: Experience the heartwarming message of friendship, family, and the importance of embracing the unexpected, as Mr. Popper's life is transformed by the presence of his unusual feathered companions.

    Image for Whiteblack the Penguin Sees the World

    Whiteblack the Penguin Sees the World

    Whiteblack the Penguin is worried. He has run out of stories for his radio show, a dire situation for the Chief Storyteller of Penguinland. So Whiteblack decides to travel in search of new tales to share. The result is a journey that spans the globe and not only introduces the precocious penguin to a host of colorful characters but teaches him about the power of friendship and what it means to be a hero. Originally created in 1937, while the Reys lived in Paris, this delightful story is being published for the first time, and is sure to enchant readers young and old. From the creators of Curious George, Whiteblack the Penguin Sees The World is a timeless tale with all the hilarity and childlike sense of adventure characteristic of the Reys’ previous work.

    Image for The Emperor's Egg: Read and Wonder

    The Emperor's Egg: Read and Wonder

    Can you imagine spending the winter outdoors in Antarctica without anything to eat? That’s just what the male Emperor penguin does. While his mate is off swimming and catching loads of fish, he stands around in the freezing cold with an egg on his feet for two whole months, keeping it warm and waiting for it to hatch. Welcome to the story of the world’s most devoted dad!

    Image for Penguins!: Strange and Wonderful

    Penguins!: Strange and Wonderful

    A new edition to the acclaimed Strange and Wonderful series. The seventeen species of penguins come in all sizes and are fascinating in many other ways. The little blue penguin, the smallest, stands about sixteen inches high, and the emperor penguin, the largest, stands almost four feet tall. Some penguins are named for how they look, such as the black-footed penguin, while others are named for where they live, such as the Galapagos penguin. Laurence Pringle's informative book, with stunning illustrations by Meryl Henderson, introduces young readers to the life and behavior of one of nature's most remarkable birds.

    Image for 12PCS Realistic Penguin Figurines

    12PCS Realistic Penguin Figurines

    This penguin figures set was made by hand painted with high realistically detailed appearance, cute face and childish eyes. Their uniquely molded textures and richly painted details make the animals vivid. And all the animal figures stands up very well, they do not fall over. Children would like to spend more time to observe and play with them.

    Image for The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins

    The Great Penguin Rescue: Saving the African Penguins

    African penguins waddle around nesting colonies in lower numbers than ever before. Despite South African government efforts to protect the penguin colonies and their ocean fish supply, young penguins still struggle to survive. Fuzzy chicks waiting for food in open nests may overheat in the sun or become prey. Others simply may not get enough food to survive on their own once their parents leave. But new conservation methods, including rescuing and hand-feeding vulnerable chicks, are giving experts hope. Can volunteers and scientists help save Africa's only penguins before it's too late?

    Image for March of the Penguins

    March of the Penguins

    This documentary chronicles the heroic and harrowing journey that emperor penguins make amid subfreezing temperatures and violent snowstorms at the South Pole in order to mate.

    Image for 365 Penguins (Reissue)

    365 Penguins (Reissue)

    A family finds a penguin mysteriously delivered to their door every day for a year. At first they’re cute, but with every passing day, the penguins pile up—along with the family’s problems. Feeding, cleaning, and housing the penguins becomes a monumental task. They’re noisy and smelly, and they always hog the bathroom! And who on earth is sending these kwak-ing critters? Bright, striking illustrations with lots of opportunity for counting (and lots of laughs), 365 Penguins has become a perennial wintertime favorite.

    Image for Penguin: A Season in the Life of the Adélie Penguin

    Penguin: A Season in the Life of the Adélie Penguin

    Beautiful, full-color photographs and an engaging first-person narrative introduce young readers to an Adelie penguin family's first view of the harsh, wild Antarctic environment.

    Image for Penguins!

    Penguins!

    An illustrated introduction to those wonderful waddling water birds!Living only in the southern hemisphere, there are seventeen different kinds of penguins.  With bright watercolor illustrations and kid-friendly language, Gail Gibbons introduces these black and white birds, describing where and how they live, what they eat, and how they hatch their young.   An exploration of the egg-laying and chick-raising habits of the emperor penguin is also included, describing how these large penguins take care of their babies in extremely cold temperatures, working together to look after one large egg at a time. Readers will also learn about threats to penguin populations, and what conservation efforts have been made to help preserve them.  A collection of penguin facts is also included.

    Next, look at these facts about penguins.

    5 EMPEROR PENGUIN FACTS

    1. Emperor penguins are the tallest and heaviest of all the penguins, at heights of 36” -48” and weighing up to 99 lbs.
    2. They can dive deeper than any other bird, including other penguins, down to 1,800 feet and can hold their breath for almost 30 minutes.
    3. Emperor Penguins do not hop rather they have a slow waddling walk, moving at about 1.7 mph. They have also been known to toboggan by sliding on their bellies across the ice.
    4. Females, after laying a single egg in April or May transfer care to the male who carefully balances the egg on his feet for 65 – 75 days to keep it warm off the cold ground in a special adapted brood pouch.
    5. Colonies of emperor penguin are made up of 5,000 or more adults and chicks who work together to huddle for warmth. They are tightly packed together and take turns shuffling around to be on the outside for a bit in the harsh cold.
    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    Also, you’ll love these emperor penguin crafts, activities, and activities.

    PENGUIN CRAFTS, RESOURCES, AND ACTIVITIES

    For little ones, find out How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft to teach them about these tuxedo clad birds.

    Watch The March of The Penguins to follow the amazing journey of Emperor Penguins in subfreezing temperatures in the South Pole.

    Learn How to Make an Easy Antarctica Diorama With Your Kids that is a fresh new take on an older idea.

    If you are going to dive right into a penguin unit why not make it a Penguin Party? Really make it special with themed snacks and decor to kick it off.

    Penguin Poppers would make a really fun indoor or outdoor activity to get the kids up and moving during the unit.

    Where is Antarctica is an engaging book from the Where is series that will hold your child’s interest while giving them many great facts about life on this icy desert.

    Give this hands on Slippery Penguins on Ice Experiment a try to learn how penguins can move across the ice quickly and easily.

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    EMPEROR PENGUIN CRAFT

    Now go gather your supplies and get ready to dive into a world of penguins and fun that turns your child into a penguin expert before you know it.

    You will need:

    • Empty 2-liter bottle
    • sandpaper
    • Black craft paint
    • Black permanent marker
    • Black craft felt
    • White craft felt
    • Yellow craft felt
    • 2 black beads
    • Hot glue gun/sticks
    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    First, peel the label off the bottle and wash out the inside well.

    Rinse it and set upside down to drain.

    You can paint the outside, but I found it much easier and cleaner to pour a bunch of black paint inside the bottle.

    Then, replace the cap, and let your child shake it until the inside is completely coated in paint.

    This also lessens the length of time needed to wait for drying times in between colors.

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    Turn the bottle upside down to allow excess to drip out until it has slowed to almost a stop.

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    Replace the cap and color it black with a sharpie.

    From black felt cut a pair of three toed feet, two wings ¾ the length of the bottle, a beak, a large circle with a beak (an oversized coffee cup is the perfect size to trace), and just the beak.

    STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MAKE YOUR OWN PENGUIN

    From the white cut a large oval piece for the belly that reaches from nearly neck to the base.

    Cut two small yellow stripes to give our Emperor penguin the distinguishing yellow collar.

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    Hot glue the white belly onto your penguin, apply the glue to the felt, not the plastic bottle or it will melt.

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    Add the wings to the sides and the feet to the base with glue.

    Hot glue the beak piece to the beak portion of the circle to make it a little firmer.

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    Gather up your black scraps and stuff the small bits into a larger scrap.

    Then ball it up and hot glue onto the cap to give the head some shape.

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    Press the circle portion over the scrap ball you put on the cap.

    And hot glue into place all around with the beak facing forward. Bend down slightly at the end.

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    Add two black beads on either side for the eyes.

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    Finally add the yellow collar and attach securely.

    Emperor Penguin Craft: Step-by-Step Guide To Make Your Own Penguin

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: 2 liter bottle, antarctica, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science, penguin, science, two liter bottle

    Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports

    October 15, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have a free 4-week Africa unit study for Kids. Look at these other Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

    In this huge unit study, I give multiple ideas for varied ages so you can teach together.

    Also, because Africa is such a large continent, I encourage you to focus on one or two countries if all your children are young.

    Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports

    However, with older children dividing the area by regions and focusing on countries in those regions gives your older kids an in depth study.

    In addition, I hold to the firm belief that hands-on activities teach in a superior way to just worksheets.

    Sure, worksheets have their place, but it’s been my experience that hands-on learning sticks lifelong.

    Let’s dive into this 4-week study first by looking at some books about Africa to add to your study.

    BOOKS ABOUT AFRICA FOR KIDS

    13 Resources for Children Studying About Africa

    Add one or two of these books to your study about the art of Africa.

    Image for Africa For Kids: People, Places and Cultures - Children Explore The World Books

    Africa For Kids: People, Places and Cultures - Children Explore The World Books

    Africa For Kids: People, Places, Culture gives children not only a peek into the land and its people but the artwork of even simple everyday items like weaving and serving plates.

    Image for Africa Coloring Book For Kids!

    Africa Coloring Book For Kids!

    Here is a coloring book filled with African souvenirs to color that is soothing and a great springboard for discussion.

    Image for African Patterns Scrapbook Paper

    African Patterns Scrapbook Paper

    I found this beautiful book of African Patterned Scrapbook paper that can be used for many craft projects.

    Image for Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

    Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

    Atinuke’s first non-fiction title is a major publishing event: a celebration of all 55 countries on the African continent! Her beautifully-written text captures Africa’s unique mix of the modern and the traditional, as she explores its geography, its peoples, its animals, its history, its resources and its cultural diversity. The book divides Africa into five sections: South, East, West, Central and North, each with its own introduction. This is followed by a page per country, containing a delightful mix of friendly, informative text and colourful illustrations.

    Image for Africa Is Not a Country

    Africa Is Not a Country

    Enter into the daily life of children in the many countries of modern Africa. Countering stereotypes, Africa Is Not a Country celebrates the extraordinary diversity of this vibrant continent as experienced by children at home, at school, at work, and at play.

    Image for The Water Princess

    The Water Princess

    With its wide sky and warm earth, Princess Gie Gie’s kingdom is a beautiful land. But clean drinking water is scarce in her small African village. And try as she might, Gie Gie cannot bring the water closer; she cannot make it run clearer. Every morning, she rises before the sun to make the long journey to the well. Instead of a crown, she wears a heavy pot on her head to collect the water. After the voyage home, after boiling the water to drink and clean with, Gie Gie thinks of the trip that tomorrow will bring. And she dreams. She dreams of a day when her village will have cool, crystal-clear water of its own.

    Image for Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions (Picture Puffin Books)

    Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions (Picture Puffin Books)

    Artists Leo and Diane Dillon won their second consecutive Caldecott Medal for this stunning ABC of African culture. "Another virtuoso performance. . . . Such an astute blend of aesthetics and information is admirable, the child's eye will be rewarded many times over."

    Image for When Stars Are Scattered

    When Stars Are Scattered

    Omar and his brother Hassan, two Somali boys, have spent a long time in the Dadaab refugee camp. Separated from their mother, they are looked after by a friendly stranger. Life in the camp isn't always easy. The hunger is constant . . . but there's football to look forward to, and now there's a chance Omar will get to go to school . . .With a heart-wrenching fairytale ending, this incredible true story is brought to life by Victoria's stunning illustrations. This book perfectly depicts life in a refugee camp for 8-12 year olds.

    Image for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Reader's Edition

    The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Reader's Edition

    When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba's tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season's crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family's life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William's windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land. Retold for a younger audience, this exciting memoir shows how, even in a desperate situation, one boy's brilliant idea can light up the world. Complete with photographs, illustrations, and an epilogue that will bring readers up to date on William's story, this is the perfect edition to read and share with the whole family.

    Image for Things Fall Apart

    Things Fall Apart

    Things Fall Apart is the first of three novels in Chinua Achebe's critically acclaimed African Trilogy. It is a classic narrative about Africa's cataclysmic encounter with Europe as it establishes a colonial presence on the continent. Told through the fictional experiences of Okonkwo, a wealthy and fearless Igbo warrior of Umuofia in the late 1800s, Things Fall Apart explores one man's futile resistance to the devaluing of his Igbo traditions by British political andreligious forces and his despair as his community capitulates to the powerful new order. With more than 20 million copies sold and translated into fifty-seven languages, Things Fall Apart provides one of the most illuminating and permanent monuments to African experience. Achebe does not only capture life in a pre-colonial African village, he conveys the tragedy of the loss of that world while broadening our understanding of our contemporary realities.

    Image for Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guides, 3)

    Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guides, 3)

    Those looking for a concise yet informative, visually breathtaking yet affordable East African safari need look no further than this spectacular field guide. Featuring full-color photos of 475 common species of bird, mammal, snake, lizard, insect, tree, and flower, Wildlife of East Africa takes us on an exquisite one-volume tour through the living splendor of the main national parks and game reserves of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Many of the species included--from pelicans to plovers, ostriches to elephants, from the daintiest of antelopes to cattlelike giants, from leopards to lions, baboons to gorillas, chameleons to crocodiles, acacias to aloes--also inhabit neighboring countries. The selection was based on the personal experiences of the authors, wildlife experts who have been leading safaris in the region for more than twenty years.

    Image for Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

    Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

    Heads up: this is a great book but there is a rite of passage and has a part about circumcision.

    Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton gives American kids a firsthand look at growing up in Kenya as a member of a tribe of nomads whose livelihood centers on the raising and grazing of cattle. Readers share Lekuton's first encounter with a lion, the epitome of bravery in the warrior tradition. They follow his mischievous antics as a young Maasai cattle herder, coming-of-age initiation, boarding school escapades, soccer success, and journey to America for college. Lekuton's riveting text combines exotic details of nomadic life with the universal experience and emotions of a growing boy.

    Image for The Bitter Side of Sweet

    The Bitter Side of Sweet

    Fifteen-year-old Amadou counts the things that matter. For two years what has mattered are the number of cacao pods he and his younger brother, Seydou, can chop down in a day. The higher the number the safer they are. The higher the number the closer they are to paying off their debt and returning home. Maybe. The problem is Amadou doesn’t know how much he and Seydou owe, and the bosses won’t tell him. The boys only wanted to make money to help their impoverished family, instead they were tricked into forced labor on a plantation in the Ivory Coast. With no hope of escape, all they can do is try their best to stay alive—until Khadija comes into their lives. She’s the first girl who’s ever come to camp, and she’s a wild thing. She fights bravely every day, attempting escape again and again, reminding Amadou what it means to be free. But finally, the bosses break her, and what happens next to the brother he has always tried to protect almost breaks Amadou. The three band together as family and try just once more to escape.

    Next, here is a bit of background information to help you plan your own unique study.

    I start with an overview and some background information.

    BECAUSE AFRICA IS A CONTINENT NOT A COUNTRY

    First, especially when my kids were young, it’s important for them to know that Africa is a large continent with many countries.

    For example, when we first studied about Africa, it had 51 countries and some island nations.

    Now, there are 54 countries according to the United Nations. Too, there are many languages spoken there which is also important to understand.

    I found it easier when teaching my kids or co-op to separate the continent by region. Each region has several countries located in it and this gives your children a focus.

    Of course, each region has its own cultures, unique geographical features, crafts and proud heritage.

    Managing in smaller chunks I believe makes it easier to teach through the years.

    Look below as I break it down by region and list a few countries to study in each region.

    AFRICAN COUNTRIES/DISPUTED TERRITORIES BY REGION

    NORTHERN AFRICA

    • Egypt
    • Morocco
    • Tunisia
    • Sudan
    • Libya
    • Western Sahara
    • Algeria

    SOUTHERN AFRICA

    • Angola
    • Botswana
    • Malawi
    • Mozambique
    • Namibia
    • Zambia
    • Zimbabwe
    • South Africa
    • Island nation Madagascar

    EASTERN AFRICA

    • Kenya
    • Ethiopia
    • Somalia
    • Rwanda
    • Eritrea
    • Burundi
    • Tanzania
    • Uganda

    WESTERN AFRICA

    • Niger
    • Ghana
    • The Gambia
    • Liberia
    • Côte d’Ivoire
    • Nigeria
    • Mali
    • Sierra Leone
    • Guinea

    CENTRAL AFRICA

    • Central African Republic
    • Republic of the Congo
    • Equatorial Guinea
    • Cameroon

    ANCIENT CIVILIZATION BEGINNINGS

    Then, a lot of our knowledge about Africa comes from the country of Egypt and rightfully so.

    Some historians believe life began in Africa first others say it began in the Fertile Crescent (preset day Iraq). Whatever the case, life has been in Africa for thousands of years.

    Look at my free lapbook about the Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities and my free Ancient Civilizations unit study on Egypt.

    Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning

    Also, the Rosetta Stone was found in the city of Rosetta (modern el Rashid) near a tributary of the Nile River in Egypt.

    See my activity Hands-On History: The Rosetta Stone and Breaking The Code.

    HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY AFRICA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

    Likewise, look at some of these geographical features and history activities as you explore the countries and regions.

    Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano.

    And Zimbabwe is where the Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world is located.

    Africa has 3 deserts: the Sahara, Namib, and Kalahari. It is divided in half by the equator.

    Additionally, the Nile River is one of the largest rivers in the world. Learn how it was used in ancient civilizations and how it’s used today? Can you name the countries it flows through?

    Next, learn about the Berber culture by learning about the Atlas Mountains. The mountain range stretches through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

    Furthermore, learn about the Red Sea and gold. Ghana is called the gold coast. Investigate gold mining.

    Also, the Congo Basin is a huge rainforest and unique ecosystem.

    Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning

    Finally, issues like the Slave Trade and apartheid can be discussed at your discretion.

    • How to Make An Embroidered African Map Fun Geography Craft
    • Look at the physical geography of Africa
    • How To Make A Mountain Volcano | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro With Geronimo Stilton
    • Explore the Baobab tree in my unit study and lapbook Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
    • Learn about the wind in the desert. Middle School Hands-on Science : Extreme Winds + Free Minibook
    • Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study

    NATURE & SCIENCE AFRICA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

    Equally you want to leave enough time to discover about the beautiful landscapes, plants and wildlife.

    Too, the issue of no electricity was told through this beautiful story The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

    Research about the lack of drinking water and electricity and how the people cope.

    In addition, look at just a few of the animals of Africa for your research.

    Lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, zebra, hippopotamus, ostriches, giraffe, African penguin, okapi, and gorillas of the Congo Basin.

    • 8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant
    • Interesting Facts For Kids About Africa | Cute Handprint Cheetah
    • Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask
    • Compare and contrast the sweet bananas we eat versus the wild bananas native to Ethiopia.
    • Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft
    • 6 World Wildlife Day Activities to Learn About African Lions
    • 8 The Water Princess STEM Activity Ideas and African Clay Pot Craft
    • Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project
    • Learn about Aloe Vera of Africa
    • The Sisal plant makes strong fibers to make rope and other things. Make cordage.
    • Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

    MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS AFRICA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

    As you can see there are numerous topics to use to investigate math and language arts topics.

    Next, look at some of these ideas.

    • Explore some of the currency of Africa. For example, the rand, naira, the Egyptian pound, and the Kenyan Shilling to name a few.
    • Another fun one for older children is to plan a safari. Estimate costs and flights.
    • Renewable energy is important like solar and wind. Calculate costs for using renewable energy.
    • Read African Proverbs
    • Investigate time zones.
    • And because a variety of patterns are used in art, learn about symmetry and patterns
    • Learn about geometry through estimate sizes of huts and architect.
    • Do a no boring language arts study on the book The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

    ARTS & CRAFTS AFRICA UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

    Last, but not least spend plenty of time to learn about the beautiful art and crafts and skills passed down to generations.

    Here are some ideas.

    • How to Make a Kids’ Fun Ceremonial African Tribal Mask
    • Do Henna Hands
    • Journey to Africa Art and Artifacts
    • People in East Africa do beautiful wood carving and weave baskets and mats
    • Do art about the beautiful deserts and here is a fun Desert Sand Art: Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert) activity
    • 10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template
    • Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums
    • Gawu African influenced tapestry
    • Make African Shekere
    • Ceremony face painting is not only an art but full of cultural meaning
    • String beads inspired by African designs
    • Then Tingatinga art is beautiful with vibrant colors
    • Do Kente cloth weaving as a paper strip craft
    Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports

    These ideas give your children an introduction to the fascinating life, culture and African civilization.

    Finally, I have 1 free Africa continent at a glance page and 10 African country reports.

    HOW TO GET THE 10 FREE COUNTRY REPORTS & AFRICA OVERVIEW REPORT PRINTABLES

    The African countries I have free printables for are:

    • Democratic Republic of the Congo
    • Egypt
    • Kenya
    • Madagascar
    • Morocco
    • Namibia
    • Nigeria
    • Senegal
    • South Africa
    • Tunisia

    Now, how to grab the freebies. They are a subscriber freebie.

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

    1) Sign up on my email list.

    2) Grab the freebie now.

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

    What area of Africa are you learning about?

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