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Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

July 18, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have some apple themed back to school crafts. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more fun ideas and tips. and my Apple Lapbook and Apple Unit Study.

Hard to believe that summer is halfway over, isn’t it?

We are already working on back to school crafts over here and I have a fun calming apple jar for you.

It is a simple little craft that is perfect for children who need a fixed visual to help soothe and calm them when frustrated.

Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft

Just give it a little shake and have them slowly breathe and watch the glitter as it falls and by the time it’s done falling most little frayed nerves are soothed.

You can use any jar you have on hand that has a screw-on lid- plastic or glass, jelly jar or mason jar.

We went with classic red, but you could make yours green, yellow, or go with all 3 for a complete set.

As soon as summer is over, we start jumping right into apple-themed everything, especially with the younger learners.

Books About Apples

And I also have some more apple themed back to school crafts, books, games, and other ideas to launch your new school year.

Fun Learning About Apples Books and Resources

You will of course need a few great books that not only teach but that your kids will enjoy, a fun game or two, and maybe a few other items to make a fun apple unit.

Apples (New & Updated Edition)

Discover the well-loved tradition of growing and picking apples - a fruit that has been in existence for about two million years. Explore the history of the apple but also the way that families and farmers grow and care for apple trees today, from planting to selling, to turning them into delicious treats and using them for classic games like "bobbing for apples" .

How Do Apples Grow?

This is a clear and appealing environmental science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom.

Questions addressed in this book include:

Did you know that when you bite into an apple, you're eating part of a flower?
Why do apple trees need bees to make apples?
How does the tree feed the growing apples and make them ready to eat?

Read and find out in the proven winner How Do Apples Grow!

My Little Golden Book About Johnny Appleseed

In this simple yet lively book, preschoolers will be introduced to John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Lyrical text and bright, appealing artwork capture the essence of this important American and early conservationist who traveled the country planting apple trees. Little ones will enjoy engaging anecdotes about Johnny Appleseed, beginning with the young John, who liked to walk barefoot in the cool, quiet woods.

Ten Apples Up On Top!

Don't let the apples drop! Three animal friends practice balancing apples on their heads in this hilarious introduction to counting, illustrated by Roy Mckie. The sturdy board book teaches all about numbers, with a dose of signature Seuss charm. Kids will learn to count to ten--and want to start all over again!

SmartGames Apple Twist Travel Puzzle Game with 60 Challenges

An "apple" game board with five twisting levels to create different puzzles!
Includes 60 challenges and is great for on the go fun.
Helps develop Spatial Insight, Problem Solving, Planning and Logic Skills
All SmartGames are made with the highest quality materials to ensure long product life
Set Includes twisting apple game board, 3 caterpillar puzzle pieces and challenge booklet

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World (Dragonfly Books)

Bake a delicious apple pie--and take a trip with this culinary global adventure!An apple pie is easy to make...if the market is open. But if the market is closed, the world becomes your grocery store. This picture book takes readers around the globe to gather ingredients for a delicious apple pie. First hop a steamboat to Italy for the finest semolina wheat. Then hitch a ride to England and hijack a cow for the freshest possible milk. And, oh yes! Don't forget to go apple picking in Vermont! A simple recipe for apple pie is included.

LeapFrog Tad's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set

Choose a level and push the letter tiles into the letter slot to reinforce letter names, phonics and word skills
Magnetic back makes it great for fridge play in the kitchen
26 magnetic letter tiles stick to the fridge and help kids learn the shape of each letter
Three photo tiles can be customized with your own photos for a unique, personalized play experience.

Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World

Get your recommended daily allowance of facts and fun with Food Anatomy, the third book in Julia Rothman’s best-selling Anatomy series. She starts with an illustrated history of food and ends with a global tour of street eats. Along the way, Rothman serves up a hilarious primer on short-order egg lingo and a mouthwatering menu of how people around the planet serve fried potatoes — and what we dip them in. Award-winning food journalist Rachel Wharton lends her expertise to this light-hearted exploration of everything food that bursts with little-known facts and delightful drawings. Everyday diners and seasoned foodies alike are sure to eat it up.

Then look at these hands-on activities.

Back to School Crafts and Apple Activities

I found a great selection of easy apple crafts to build a fun first week on, from tasty treats to paper crafts.

Finally, look how to make this fun apple calming jar.

How to Make An Easy Apple Calming Jar

You will need:

Jar with lid
Distilled water
Clear glue
Red glitter
Red food coloring
Green craft
Small wood piece or small stick
Hot glue/super glue

First, you can make your glitter jars any size you like, 8 oz is a pretty good size and gives time for the calming part to kick in.

The key is to remember equal parts water and clear glue.

Heat water to hot but not quite boiling.

The water needs to be hot for the glue to melt into it, otherwise, they will stay separate and not give you the right effect.

Pour water into the jar, you can use plastic if you feel safer than using a glass mason jar.

Add a couple of drops of red food coloring.

Pour in a generous amount of red glitter, you measure this one with your heart.

Replace the lid and give it a shake, happy with the color and amount of glitter?

If not, add more and then it’s time to move on to the next part.

After painting (or using markers to color it brown with hot glue your stem on the top of the lid.

I used a small wooden spool I have for our stem, but you could also break off a small stick from the yard, or use just about any little wood scrap you have.

Cut a leaf shape out of craft foam, bend it, and put a little crease in the middle.

Glue the leaf to the stem.

Wipe off the lip of the jar and make sure there is no water or glitter on it.

Finally, you want to put some glue around the threads on the jar and put the lid into place, so your child doesn’t open it and pour glitter water everywhere.

You could also use superglue instead.

More Back to School Crafts

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

July 17, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a Navajo Code Talkers worksheet for you to use while studying World War II. Also, grab my Free World War II Unit Study Ideas and Fun Lapbook.

And of course, I have some other great activities, ideas, and resources.

Wondering exactly what the Navajo Code Talkers were? During WWII the Marine Corps leaders chose 29 Navajo men, the Navajo Code Talkers, who created a code based on the complex, unwritten Navajo language.

Free Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and How to Make Dog Tags Activity

It was used to relay messages because the Japanese had broken every other code sent over the radio.

Navajo code was not able to be broken because the Navajo language has no definite rules and a guttural tone.

It was used to relay messages on Japanese troop movements and battlefield tactics, as well as other critical information.

How the Navajo Language Was Translated to Code

Code talkers first had to translate each Navajo word into its English equivalent. Then they used the first letter of the English equivalent.

Most letters had several Navajo words that represented them.

For instance, the Navajo word for “ant,” wo-la-chee was used for the letter “A”.

Some words did not have to be spelled out.

They assigned Navajo words to over 450 commonly used military terms such as Da-Ah-Hi-Dzi-Tsio for the word battle and Chay-Da-Gahi-Nail-Tsaidi for tank destroyer (which literally translated means, tortoise killer).

You can see why they were so important to the US military at the time.

Use my worksheet, you can get it at the bottom of the post to have your child learn more about these amazing men.

5 Navajo Code Talker Facts

Aug. 14, 1982, was declared by our then-President Ronald Reagan as Navajo Code Talkers Day.
The reason Navajo was first chosen was because of its complexity and because it wasn’t a written language.
Because of its great success, the military started recruiting from Native nations all over the United States and they served in every single branch of the military.
The Navajo Code was the only military code, in modern history, that was never broken by an enemy.
Three code talkers that were part of the U.S. Marine Corps. are still alive today. They are Peter MacDonald, John Kinsel Sr., and Thomas H. Begay.

Also, add some hands-on activities to your study.

Activities To Go With Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet

Also, look at sone of these books to add to your study about World War II and the Navajo Code Talkers.

15 Books and Resources for Studying About World War II

Add some of these books about World War II and the time in history when there has been no other war before or after that killed so many people.

Number the Stars: A Newbery Award Winner

Through the eyes of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch as the Danish Resistance smuggles almost the entire Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, across the sea to Sweden. The heroism of an entire nation reminds us that there was pride and human decency in the world even during a time of terror and war.

Great World War II Projects: You Can Build Yourself

From spy maps and victory banners to spotter planes and ration cakes, Great World War II Projects You Can Build Yourself brings one of the most defining periods of American and world history to life through hands-on building projects and activities. Detailed step-by-step instructions for creating each project combine with historical facts and anecdotes, biographies, and trivia about the real-life models. Together they give kids a first-hand look at daily life at home and on the front lines during America's war years.

Snow Treasure

In the bleak winter of 1940, Nazi troops parachuted into Peter Lundstrom's tiny Norwegian village and held it captive. Nobody thought the Nazis could be defeated—until Uncle Victor told Peter how the children could fool the enemy. It was a dangerous plan. They had to slip past Nazi guards with nine million dollars in gold hidden on their sleds. It meant risking their country's treasure—and their lives. This classic story of how a group of children outwitted the Nazis and sent the treasure to America has captivated generations of readers.

The Tuskegee Airmen Story

A grandfather reminisces about his service as a Tuskegee Airman.

Voices of Pearl Harbor (Voices of History)

December 7, 1941-the day a sleeping giant awoke. Japan's surprise attack devastated the American Naval Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and forced the Americans into WWII. These moving accounts of the lives affected by the assault capture the scope of the day's emotions and repercussions. Viewpoints of both historical and imagined characters include the mother of a Japanese pilot, officials from both countries, and the grandchild of a WWII veteran.Powerful illustrations accompany every tale.

The Book Thief

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

Who Was Anne Frank?

In her amazing diary, Anne Frank revealed the challenges and dreams common for any young girl. But Hitler brought her childhood to an end and forced her and her family into hiding. Who Was Anne Frank looks closely at Anne’s life before the secret annex, what life was like in hiding, and the legacy of her diary. Black-and-white illustrations including maps and diagrams provide historical and visual reference in an easy-to-read biography written in a way that is appropriate and accessible for younger readers.

The Chestry Oak

As he watches his homeland of Hungary being taken over and run by invaders from Nazi Germany, young Prince Michael of Chestry strives to retain his identity and integrity during one of the most dangerous seasons in human history.

Michael carries an acorn all the way from his castle home in Chestry Valley to the warm soil of
the Hudson Valley farm in the USA where he makes a new home after WWII.

Enemy Brothers

British airman Dym Ingleford is convinced that the young German prisoner, Max Eckermann, is his brother Anthony who was kidnapped years before. Raised in the Nazi ideology, Tony has by chance tumbled into British hands. Dym has brought him back, at least temporarily, to the family he neither remembers nor will acknowledge as his own. As Tony keeps attempting to escape, his stubborn anger is whittled away by the patient kindness he finds at the White Priory. Then, just as he is resigning himself to stay with this English family, a new chance suddenly opens for him to return home-to Germany!

Making Bombs for Hitler

Lida thought she was safe. Her neighbors wearing the yellow star were all taken away, but Lida is not Jewish. She will be fine, won't she?But she cannot escape the horrors of World War II.Lida's parents are ripped away from her and she is separated from her beloved sister, Larissa. The Nazis take Lida to a brutal work camp, where she and other Ukrainian children are forced into backbreaking labor. Starving and terrified, Lida bonds with her fellow prisoners, but none of them know if they'll live to see tomorrow

World War II for Kids: A History with 21 Activities

This book is packed with information that kids will find fascinating—excerpts from actual wartime letters written to and by American and German troops, personal anecdotes from people who lived
through the war in the United States, Germany, Britain, Russia, Hungary, and Japan, and gripping stories from Holocaust survivors—all adding a humanizing global perspective to the war.

Who Were the Navajo Code Talkers? (Who Was?)

Learn how this heroic group of American Indian men created a secret, unbreakable code and helped the US win major battles during World War II in this new addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series.By the time the United States joined the Second World War in 1941, the fight against Nazi and Axis powers had already been under way for two years. In order to win the war and protect its soldiers, the US Marines recruited twenty-nine Navajo men to create a secret code that could be used to send military messages quickly and safely across battlefields. In this new book within the #1 New York Times bestelling series, author James Buckley Jr. explains how these brave and intelligent men developed their amazing code, recounts some of their riskiest missions, and discusses how the country treated them before, during, and after the war.

Tales of the Mighty Code Talkers

Written and illustrated by Native Americans from various tribal nations, these graphic novels detail the deep emotions of leaving one's homeland to fight in a war far away, the comfort and benefit in finding those who speak our native language, and the pride in knowing you served your country while honoring your people. A high percentage of Native Americans serve in the U.S. military and bring special talents that have aided their fighting units during wartime, including the famed code talkers of World War I.

World War II Inspiring Stories for Kids: A Collection of Unbelievable True Tales About Goodness, Friendship, Courage, and Rescue

Note: This book does not give any content about torture & distortion stories, kidnapping, burn, or any negative events that had a relationship with killing,

This book is a collection of stories based on real-life events during World War II. A selection of 10 inspiring stories, introduces us to unique characters with different characteristics.

Great Battles for Boys: WW2 Europe

Now you can, with these exciting tales of World War II written especially for reluctant readers.

In his highly acclaimed middle-school class “Great Battles for Boys," author Joe Giorello has ignited a love of military history in hundreds of boys. Now with this engaging non-fiction book written specifically for boys ages 8-14, your son can experience that same thrilling adventure in learning.

Finally, look at this fun hands-on activity to learn more about the Navajo Code Talkers.

Navajo Code Talkers Worksheet and Dog Tags

We used this site to get the Navajo Code Talkers’ Dictionary and choose our words.

We then made 2 dog tags, one with the word in English, and the other with it in Navajo.

Your child can choose their word or words from the list and create one for everyone in the family.

You will need:

Blank Dog Tags
Metal Stamping Kit
Small Hammer
Enamel Stamping Marker or Sharpie
Masking or painter’s tape.

First, you will want to practice first to determine how hard and how many times you need to hit to get a good depth to your stamping in the metal.

Tape your dog tag down to the metal bench block.

That is the piece that absorbs the impact with minimal noise and gives you a solid surface for making the impressions.

I had some tape that is designed for spacing letters on stamped jewelry.

You don’t have to use this.

Just make marks on your masking tape, or let your child have free reign with imperfections-perfectly imperfect.

Be sure that you have enough room on your tag for all your letters.

Then hold each stamp in place.

For the correct positioning my stamps had an engraved letter on one side that needed to be facing me.

Tap firmly 2 or 3 times on the stamp with the hammer.

Continue until your entire word is spelled out.

Cover the stamped word with the enamel marker or Sharpie and allow it to sit for about 1 minute.

Take a paper towel or soft cloth and buff off the excess, you don’t want to pull it out of the grooves, this is going to help your lettering stand out more.

Add your tags to the chain and it’s ready to wear.

Moreover, grab this Navajo Code Talker worksheet. It’s one page two different ways.

One page is blank for your student to research and the second page has a few facts if you simply want to add it to a lapbook or a notebook.

How to Get the Free Navajo Code Talker Notebooking Page

Now, how to grab the free printable. This is a subscriber freebie.

1) Sign up on my list.
2) Grab the freebie now.
3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

July 16, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

In honor of Global Kinetic Sand Day on August 11th, I have an easy sand art DIY kinetic sand for you to make and enjoy. Also, look at ideas on my post Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert).

I have 12 other fun sand art activities.

Summer just gets you thinking about sand and everything that it entails.

So, even if you can’t make it to the beach there are lots of ways to enjoy playing with sand.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

We all remember the cool activity of layering sand in a bottle, and we know there are many ways to create art with it.

Kinetic sun is a super fun sensory activity, but that stuff can get crazy expensive.

Making it yourself saves a lot of money and allows you to customize it with fun colors.

Besides the fun of making it, you can then use it for fun layered creations, in sensory bins or trays, and with cookie cutters and mold.

5 Sand Facts

What exactly is sand anyway?

The definition of sand is any material made up of grains within a certain size range. Sugar and salt can qualify as sand.

The most common material to make up sand is silica, which is made of quartz crystals that have broken down as far as they naturally will.
Beach sand is silica sand mixed with fragments of coral, shell, and other materials.
Sand is commonly used in making concrete, glass, mortar, paint, and brick.
In over 3 dozen deserts around the world, there’s a phenomenon known as “singing sand.” As wind passes over the dunes or when the sand is disturbed, it creates a deep, humming sound. It is believed to be the vibrations of the grains of sand.
The recommended ratio for the perfect sandcastle is 8:1, that is 8 parts dry sand and 1 part water.

Then, here are some fun art ideas.

12 Easy Sand Art Ideas

Here are 12 more easy sand art activities to try for kids of all ages and their parents.

I remember having something similar to this Easy Aqua Sand Recipe and it was a blast, like a sand lava lamp that you customize.
I love the pretty layering in this Colored Sand Art, I also like that it will be a unique art piece every time you make it.
Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert).
We had to include a simple DIY Colored Sand tutorial for you to make your own and do whatever you want with it. It works great with several of the activities here or make up your own ideas.
Create Sand Castle Sand Art during a beach study, for summer fun, or to mark a family beach trip.
This Ocean Sand Art For Kids has limitless possibilities to create beautiful ocean scenes with colored sand.
Faux sand still counts right? Make your own Sand Art With Salt, salt is very inexpensive and easy to find, making it a good alternative to sand.
Doubling as a pretty art piece and a planter the Rainbow Sand Art Terrarium is a really fun sand art piece.
How Accurate is a Sand Clock?
These DIY Sand Art Candles are unique and would make a great handmade gift anytime or a colorful addition to a teen’s bedroom.
This Glow in The Dark Sand will no doubt be a big hit with everyone for creating sand art.
Of course, I had to include something tasty, how about this Edible Sand Art Recipe? What a fun party favor or co-op activity this would be.

There are so many good ideas here, unique ways I never thought to use sand to make art.

How to Make DIY Kinetic Sand

You will need:

2 cups fine white sand (dollar tree)
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 Tablespoon clear dish soap
½ cup white school glue
Food coloring

First, combine the sand and the cornstarch until thoroughly mixed, I find it is easier to get a better mix when you don’t stir everything in all at once.

Next, stir in dish soap and glue, mixing them in for several minutes until all ingredients are well combined.

Separate sand into as many containers as you would like to make different colors.

Add food coloring until satisfied with the color, we left one natural. A fork makes a great tool for mixing color into the sand.

Spread out the sand in a container as much as you can for drying.

Allow mixture to “dry” for 15-30 minutes until it becomes a texture that is not super sticky and flows well in your hands.

You want to be able to squeeze it into a solid mass that slowly flows out of shape.

Transfer to containers with a lid (or you can use baggies).

Add a tray to keep the mess contained and cookie cutters.

You can press through the kinetic sand with cookie cutters, but it is also fun to lay down the cutter and add sand, watching it “ooze” to fill in the entire space.

Even after the colors become mixed up, it is still a pretty and fun kinetic sand.

Store in a sealable container like a zipper baggie or mason jar with a lid.

Top 5 Reasons to Love Geronimo Stilton And Geronimo Stilton Book List 1-20

July 15, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a Geronimo Stilton book list because we love the series. Be sure to grab more Geronimo Stilton Books ideas and crafts on my page.

First, the books originated in Italy and were written by Elisabetta Dami and use the name Geronimo Stilton as the author. Clever pen name, right?

Geronimo Stilton is written from the point of view of a young nervous mouse who keeps finding himself drawn into adventures (and sometimes in a pickle) in all sorts of different places around the world.

For example, he travels to the Outback, Egypt, New York, into the jungle, and sailing with pirates to name just a few of his adventures.

Top 5 Reasons to Love Geronimo Stilton And Geronimo Stilton Book List 1-20

They are great books for visual learners, young readers transitioning to chapter books, struggling readers, reluctant readers, and pretty much any other type of reader.

Additionally, they are recommended for ages 7-10 but depending on your child’s age I feel like that span can go a little wider in either direction.

Besides, you can see from the list below that Geronimo has quite a variety of adventures.

Geronimo Stilton Spin-Off Series

Too, we are just talking about the first 20 in the original series today but here is a quick overview of the different spin-off series and how many in each.

Geronimo Stilton-82
Geronimo Stilton Journey Through Time-8
Geronimo Stilton: Cavemice Series-15
Geronimo Stilton Reporter Series-11
Thea Stilton Series-35
Thea Stilton Graphic Novel Series-8
Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novel Series-19
Geronimo Stilton: The Graphic Novel Series-4 Books
Geronimo Stilton and the Kingdom of Fantasy Series-16
Geronimo Stilton: Special Edition Series-7
Geronimo Stilton Classic Tales Series-1
Geronimo Stilton: Spacemice Series-12
Geronimo Stilton: Creepella Von Cacklefur Series-9
Geronimo Stilton: Micekings Series-7
Thea Stilton: Mouseford Academy Series-8
Thea Stilton and the Treasure Seekers Series-3

Next, look at the top 5 reasons to love the Geronimo Stilton book list.

Top 5 Reasons to Love Geronimo Stilton

They are super fun to read. And they are written in a comic book or graphic novel style with bright and fun illustrations. This helps kids get a better picture of the locations and keeps their interest. The different sizes and styles of fonts help put emphasis on words, phrases, and themes throughout the book. Often these highlighted words make for a great introduction or review of spelling/vocabulary words.
Teaches great life lessons- Geronimo’s books tend to have some kind of lesson woven in like being open to adventure, recycling, being brave, friendship, family, and other character concepts that are laid out simply for kids.
Loaded with great facts and information- While telling the crazy stories they naturally weave in facts about people, places, and things so your child can’t help but learn while they enjoy the tale. Each of these elements is casually introduced in the story so your child is learning as they enjoy a story without it being a textbook at all. There is special emphasis on geography and history and make for a great history series for younger children.
Great for boys and girls- While they do have a spin-off series about his sister Thea Stilton, Geronimo is written to appeal to both boys and girls, no matter what theme the adventure. If you have multiple kids in the house you are going to get a lot of bang for your buck on these books.
They cover a variety of topics and locations- Whatever you are learning about or piques your child’s interest there is a great chance that there is a Geronimo Stilton out there for them. Looking for a book for them to read on the flight to a family vacation in Hawaii? Try book #72-The Hawaiian Heist, need something to supplement your Egypt study? Go with #2 The Curse of The Cheese Pyramid.

Moreover, I have many hands-on activities to go wiith many of the books.

Geronimo Stilton Book List Activities

Also, look at these other crafts to go with the books.

Finally, look at the list of Geronimo Stilton books.

Geronimo Stilton Books 1 - 20

It is not necessary to go in order, each book is its own stand-alone story, and the main characters are properly reintroduced each time. So, you can choose the books based on your child's current interest, the season, or a unit study topic.

Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye

Who Is Geronimo Stilton? That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! What's that? You've never read one? Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise!Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye. It all started when my sister, Thea, discovered a mysterious map. It showed a secret treasure on a faraway island. And before I could let out a squeak of protest, Thea dragged me into her treasure hunt! In no time at all, we'd set sail for the island. It was an adventure I'd never forget....

The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid (Geronimo Stilton #2)

I'm off to Egypt! I climbed onboard a crabby old camel that would take me across the desert to the Great Cheese Pyramid. There, among mummies and hieroglyphics, I would learn the secret of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient Mouse World....

Cat and Mouse in a Haunted House (Geronimo Stilton, No. 3)

I was lost in a dark, spooky forest! Until I stumbled upon Curlypaw Cannycat's Castle.

I'm Too Fond of My Fur! (Geronimo Stilton #4)

Well, my books are full of fun. They are whisker-licking good stories, and that's a promise! I'm Too Fond of My Fur! I was on my way 'round the world to Mouse Everest! The trip was long and dangerous. I almost froze my tail off on the way. And then I was kidnapped by the Abominable Snowman! Yes, it was truly an amazing adventure....

Four Mice Deep in the Jungle (Geronimo Stilton Funny Tales)

Enter the world of Geronimo Stilton, where another funny adventure is always right around the corner. Each book is a fast-paced adventure with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love.I have never been a brave mouse... but lately, my fears were taking over my life! Soon I was too afraid even to leave my mousehole. That's when Thea and Trap decided to cure me. They dragged me away on an airplane (I'm afraid of flying!) all the way to the jungle. There I was forced to eat bug soup, climb trees as high as skyscrapers, swim in raging rivers, and even wrangle snakes! How would a 'fraidy mouse like me ever survive?

Paws Off, Cheddarface! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 6)

Who Is Geronimo Stilton? That's me! I run a newspaper, but my true passion is writing tales of adventure. Here on Mouse Island, my books are all best-sellers! They are whisker-licking good tales, and that's a promise!__PAWS OFF, CHEDDARFACE!It was the strangest thing... all across New Mouse City, rodents kept telling me I'd done things I had no memory of! I soon discovered why... there was a Geronimo look-alike out there, pretending to be me. He'd even fooled my sister Thea! And worst of all, he was trying to take over my newspaper. I had to find a way to strike back -- but how??

Red Pizzas for a Blue Count

They are whisker-licking-good tales, and that's a promise! Red Pizzas for a Blue Count My troublemaker cousin was trapped in Transratania! And before I could even squeak, my sister, Thea, dragged me along on her rescue mission. Little did we know that Transratania is the land of vampire bats! Holey cheese, bats give me mouse bumps! Why? Well, there's nothing a bat likes more than sinking its teeth into a nice, juicy mouse....

Attack of the Bandit Cats (Geronimo Stilton, No. 8)

Oh, what a day! I had just published New Mouse City's first phone book -- and almost every single number was wrong! My customers were out for my fur. So when Thea, Trap, and Benjamin asked me to join their quest for a legendary island covered in silver, I agreed. But no sooner had we set out than we were attacked by a ship of pirate cats! They mousenapped us and threatened to make us their dinner. Would we escape with our lives... or find ourselves in the soup?

A Fabumouse Vacation for Geronimo (Geronimo Stilton, No. 9)

Sometimes a busy businessmouse like me needs a nice, relaxing vacation. But of all the rotten rats' luck -- every time I tried to get away, disaster struck. My aunt Dizzy Fur's mouse hole caught on fire, my office was flooded, and our printing press broke down! When I was finally ready to depart, all the good trips were booked up. I was stuck in a flea-ridden old hotel, sharing a room with a bunch of Gerbil Scouts! I couldn't wait to get back to my comfy home in New Mouse City....

All Because of a Cup of Coffee (Geronimo Stilton, No. 10)

I, Geronimo Stilton, was in love! I went out for a cup of coffee one morning and laid eyes on the most beautiful rodent I'd ever seen. Unfortunately, I immediately tripped over my paws and ended up with my tail in a toaster! I was one mortified mouse. But I was determined to prove that I wasn't a complete stumblemouse. So I decided to join my family on their most daring adventure yet -- a journey to the eighth wonder of the world! There I made a discovery so truly amazing, I knew I could win the heart of my darling ratlette....

The Phantom of the Subway (Geronimo Stilton, No. 13)

When my sister Thea told me a ghost was haunting New Mouse City's subway tunnels, I knew I had to get the scoop for The Rodents Gazette! So I set off with Thea, Trap, and my assistant editor Pinky Pick. We soon discovered that Sally Ratmousen, the editor of The Daily Rat, was also on the trail of the mysterious ghost. But we were all in for the fright of our wee mouse lives... because the ghost turned out to be a CAT!

The Temple of the Ruby of Fire (Geronimo Stilton, No. 14)

It was my most thrilling adventure yet! My old friend Professor von Volt had discovered the location of the famous Ruby of Fire. And before I could let out a squeak of protest, my sister Thea had dragged me into race to be the first to find the legendary gem. The jewel was protected by thousands of ancient booby-traps -- a 'fraidy mouse's worst nightmare? Would I make it through with my fur?

The Mona Mousa Code (Geronimo Stilton, No. 15)

Do you like art? I do! So when Thea heard that there was a secret map hidden beneath Mouse Island's most famous painting, the Monamouse, I knew we had to get the scoop! Together we began to investigate, and soon we discovered secret clues that led us to the most fabumouse secret. And it all lay beneath the streets of New Mouse City!

A Cheese-Colored Camper[GERONIMO STILTON #16 CHEESE-CO][Paperback]

My grandfather William Shortpaws -- also known as Cheap Mouse Willy -- was back at The Rodent's Gazette, and he was determined to torture me. He wanted to publish a guide book to Ratzikistan, the Siberia of Mouse Island. And he ordered *me* to go there to write it! But as you know, dear reader,

Watch Your Whiskers, Stilton! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 17)

Cheesecake! A mysterious one-eyed rat was trying to steal The Rodent's Gazette from under my snout! I had to stop him -- but how? My business manager, Shif T. Paws, came up with a plan. He arranged for me to appear on a TV quiz show. If I won, the Gazette was safe. But if I lost -- SQUEAK! -- I had to give up my tail!

Shipwreck on the Pirate Islands (Geronimo Stilton, No. 18)

My sister had come up with a new way to torment me. She'd combined my two least favorite things - travel and ghosts! Thea had heard rumors of a haunted pirate treasure buried on a desert island. And before I could say "avast ye scurvy rats," she'd dragged me into her treasure hunt!

My Name Is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton (Geronimo Stilton, No. 19)

Have you met my very young assistant editor, Pinky Pick? She is only thirteen years old, but she is one of the cleverest mice I've ever known. If you've ever wondered how Pinky came to work for me at The Rodent's Gazette, this is the book for you! It's a looooong story... and one that's full of adventure, laughs, and of course, like all of my books, lots of embarrassing moments for yours truly!

Surf's Up, Geronimo! (Geronimo Stilton, No. 20)

Ah, there's nothing like a relaxing vacation on the beach! I would spread out by the crystal-clear water with a good book. What more could a mouse want? At least, that was the plan. But somehow, my vacations never seem to go according to plan. Instead of a beautiful seaside resort, I found myself in a fleabag hotel that was falling down around my ears! Oh, would I ever be able to relax and enjoy my vacation

8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

July 14, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have 8 facts about African elephants and a cute paper plate elephant. Also, look at my pages Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports and 6 World Wildlife Day Activities to Learn About African Lions for more ideas.

Do you need a great activity to go along with a study of Africa and its animals?

This simple paper plate elephant can be used for display and learning.

8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant

I enjoy a craft that is inexpensive and can be used as an effective learning tool.

With this one, we can learn about the different parts of the African elephant.

For example, you can learn about why their ears are so large, why they have tusks, and compare them to Asian elephants.

Comparing African To Asian Elephants

African elephants are giant creatures that roam the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa and the rainforests of Central and West Africa in herds.

Their hide is much more wrinkled than that of their Asian counterpart.

And they have two “fingers” on their trunk while Asians only have one.

Another distinction between the two is the length of the tusks.

While African elephants have long tusks on both males and females, Asian elephants have short tusks that are generally only visible on the males.

Next, look at these facts about African elephants.

8 Facts About African Elephants

The African Savanna elephant is the world’s largest land animal. The word “elephant” is actually Latin for “huge Arch”.
August 12th is World Elephant Day; a day created to educate and bring attention to the plight of African and Asian Elephants.
A baby elephant can stand within just 20 minutes of being born, a baby African Elephant weighs almost 200 pounds at birth.
Elephant tusks are enlarged incisor teeth and show when elephants are around 2 years old. These tusks will continue to grow throughout their lives.
90% of the African elephant populations have been wiped out in the last century.
African elephants live in sub-Saharan Africa, the rain forests of Central and West Africa, and the Sahel desert in Mali.
African elephants are made up of two living elephant species, the African bush elephant, and the smaller African forest elephant.
African elephants live in a sunnier, hotter climate than Asian elephants do which is why their larger ears are better suited to them. Take a closer look at them, they also resemble the shape of the continent of Africa.

Look at more paper plate elephant activities.

Resources to Go Along With the Paper Plate Elephant

Easy How to Draw an African Elephant for Kids Tutorial Video
This elephant word search is a great simple activity for kids.
Grab a map, atlas, or globe, and have your child find locations where African Elephants live. We used a small plastic elephant to mark them as we went along. You can find the largest groups in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, and South Africa.

Fold an origami elephant, glue on long paper tusks and you have an African Elephant.
Need a good read-aloud? The Magician’s Elephant is a great option for the whole family to keep with the elephant theme.

Watch African Elephants from Amazing Animals on YouTube to learn more about them.
Add this African elephant family to your collection. Use for dramatic small-world play, in dioramas, sensory bins, and as inspiration for drawings and paintings.
Elephants of Africa by Gail Gibbons, a shorter living science book, makes a great resource book as well.
Peek in on the live elephant cam at Tembe Elephant Park in South Africa.

African Elephant – Paper Plate Elephant

You will need:

2 paper plates
Grey craft paint
Black marker/pen
Scissors

Cut out 2 tusks and 2 ears from the smooth center of one plate and a trunk from the ridged edge.

When the body is done, trim to size.

Paint the other plate, the trunk, and the ears entirely gray and allow them to dry.

Flip and paint the other sides, as you will be able to see some of both sides in the final result.

Once your plate is dry, fold it in half, creasing it gently in the center.

Cut out the general shape of the legs, head (minus the trunk), and tail from both sides at the same time.

Add details to your elephant’s body, ears, and trunk like wrinkles and eyes with a fine-tipped black pen or marker.

Glue the tusk and trunk in between the fold of the paper plate.

Attach the ears to either side of the head.

You can now open your elephant and put it on display. It will stand nicely and look great as part of your collection.

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Resources to Go Along With the Paper Plate Elephant

African Elephant – Paper Plate Elephant

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