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Elevate Playtime with 15 Best Steam Gifts for Kids

January 19, 2024 | Leave a Comment
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Take playtime to learning time with these 15 amazing steam gifts for kids.

They will never know that they are learning while they build, create, explore, and enjoy.

For the most part, I like to choose open-ended gifts for kids, allowing the recipient to stretch and reach and make it what they choose.

Elevate Playtime with 15 Best Steam Gifts for Kids

I also love to give things that last longer than just a very short season of a child’s life.

For example, Lego is something that is played with from preschool to adulthood and I always consider it a good investment.

Here are 15 of my favorite STEAM gift ideas for kids that are fantastic for a wide variety of ages, levels, interests, and will be enjoyed by everyone in the family.

Gift Guides for Families

Next, look at these steam gifts for kids.

Steam Gifts for Kids

You'll love these amazing gift ideas for science.

MAGNA-TILES Classic 32-Piece Magnetic Construction Set

I just love the versatility and how open ended magna tiles are. Children can build a bridge, a castle, animal enclosures, create roads, or pretend they are building a pirate ship to sail the high seas. There are no limitations on the imagination, just simple fun that teaches so much through problem-solving, planning, fine motor skills, and executive functioning.

LEGO Chain Reactions

Design and build 10 amazing moving machines - teach your bricks new tricks. Comes with 80 page instructions, 33 LEGO pieces, Instructions for 10 modules, 6 plastic balls, string, paper ramps and other components

STEM Explorations: Roller Coaster Building Set

This K’NEX Education set includes 546 parts, plus a battery-powered motor, for a single child or a team of two to three children building a working roller coaster. Two additional models are also included in this set — a ramp and a half-pipe — which can be built one at a time. The set requires two AA batteries, which are not included.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rocket Launcher for Kids – Patent

If your gift recipient is into space then they will love this power rocket this National Geographic set comes with everything they need to get their rocket off the ground and into the great blue Beyond ( at least 200 feet of it) like launch pad, charging cable and decals to customize their rocket.

100 Easy STEAM Activities: Awesome Hands-On Projects

This book is a wonderful reference full of fun games and creative projects to learn about Science Technology, Engineering, Art and Math

260+ Science Experiments - Over 120 pcs Science Kits for Kids

Do you want to give your child the freedom to experiment with a bit of independence? This massive box is full of all the chemicals, kits, instruments, and supplies they need to perform the experiments.

Snap Circuits Classic SC-300 Electronics Exploration Kit | Over 300 Projects |

Snap circuits are a fun stem activity for preschool on up, you can start with a base unit and then add on to be able to create more and more circuits. The classic alone can create over 300 electronic projects

Carson Dellosa Stem Challenges Learning Cards Kit, 30 Science Projects

If your child just needs a little encouragement and structure to get them going look at this box of cards. The cards cover every category of STEAM with simple to put together and complete challenges for middle to upper elementary age children. They also have simple pictures that help you pull together the few supplies needed

Ada Twist, Scientist (The Questioneers)

Inspired by real-life makers Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this beloved #1 bestseller champions STEM, girl power and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power perseverance, and the importance of asking “Why?” Don't miss Ada’s further adventures—with her friends Iggy Peck and Rosie Revere—in the instant New York Times bestseller Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters, the first all-new chapter book starring The Questioneers! Ada Twist’s head is full of questions. Like her classmates Iggy and Rosie—stars of their own New York Times bestselling picture books Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer—Ada has always been endlessly curious. Even when her fact-finding missions and elaborate scientific experiments don’t go as planned, Ada learns the value of thinking her way through problems and continuing to stay curious.

Pottery Wheel For Beginners

If your child's interests are towards the ‘art’ portion of STEAM try out a new creative outlet like a pottery wheel. This is a great way to build fine motor skills as well as give them a place to focus their art.

Gridopolis - A 3D Tabletop Strategy Game : Family-Friendly 1-4

For up to 4 players this tabletop strategy game is a great activity for families to challenge one another with downloadable lesson plans to make the most of this STEM activity and you can even build your own game with the game design guide.

Scientific Explorer Disgusting Science Kit

Educate your child on what actually grows on their own body

Learn fun facts about body parts, byproducts and become completely grossed out as you take science to a whole new level

Math for Love Prime Climb

Perfect STEM gift for pre-teens and teens to inspire deeper math learning

Ideal for family board game night or for classroom/homeschool/after school clubs! Best for 2-4 players

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Kit

Encourage a love of geology with a rock tumbler to learn about gemstones taking them from rough to polished

ANYCUBIC 4K + Resin 3D Printer, Photon Mono X2 3D Printer

For middle and high schoolers a resin printer unlocks some big doors for them. Besides the obvious benefit of giving them knowledge of technology it is great for creativity as well. They can be used to create figurines for tabletop games, tools and gadgets, jewelry, decorative pieces, and so much more

How To Make A Mountain Volcano | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro With Geronimo Stilton

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

Geronimo Stilton is trekking his way up mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in book #41 of his exciting globe-trotting series. Be sure to grab more Geronimo Stilton Books and Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports ideas and crafts on my pages.

If I wasn’t so tickled by all the adventures this mouse has and the fun way he shares them with us I would be downright jealous of all the places he gets to go.

How To Make A Mountain Volcano | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro With Geronimo Stilton

Here is the book Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro (Geronimo Stilton, No. 41).

He has even made his way through time and space.

Now, Geronimo Stilton is headed to Africa to climb to the top of Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro.

And we are going to join him as we learn about the 5 climate zones that make up this majestic mountain.

From the base where you find the civilization zone to the peak where the Arctic zone lies, we are going to explore the flora, fauna, and more of each layer.

Additionally, I’m showing you how to make an easy-torn paper Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro that you can label with the different zones.

Also, I’m giving you information on each zone to read as you create your mountain masterpiece, and some additional resources to turn a simple book into a thrilling learning adventure.

5 Layers of Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro

Civilization- At the base of Kilimanjaro, 6,000 ft and below you will find this zone. Here, where it was once scrubland and forest, you will find many small villages, livestock, and small farming areas that people have set up in the fertile volcanic soil at the base. Some of the main items grown here are coffee, avocados, mangos, and bananas.
Rainforest – At 6,000 feet to 9,000 feet there is the rainforest zone with mild temperatures and wet weather. This is the zone where you are most likely to see one of the many creatures that make their home here. Blue Monkeys (Diademed Monkey), Servals, Jackson’s Chameleon, Aardvark, White Necked Raven, and Bush Babies are just a few of these beautiful creatures in the rainforest of Kilimanjaro.

Moorland- This zone is found at 9,200 to 11,000 ft altitude, temperatures begin to drop rapidly and the forest gives way to scrubby shrubs and grasses, magnificent views but very little animal life.
Alpine Dessert- Keep going, we are almost there! At 13,200 to 16,500 feet you might find just small hardy plants, very few flowers, and sparse grasses but plenty of volcanic rock. You might spot the occasional eland (a large antelope) that happens to be the world’s largest antelope at this height, but animals do not typically venture to this zone with almost no rain.
Arctic Desert/Zone- WE have reached the top at 16,500 to 19,340 ft and temperatures average 10-40 F during the day and drop to -15-20 F at night. This high altitude gets about half the oxygen level that you would find at sea level. There is no plant or animal life here except for the odd lichen growing in the bitter cold and you will be able to spot glaciers at this level.

Geronimo Stilton Books 1-20

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

Geronimo Stilton Book List Activities

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

Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro Resources

We used this graphic for inspiration to create the 5 layers for our mountain volcano project below.
This page in Geronimo Stilton is a great inspiration for talking about just what you would need to pack for such a high adventure. Compare Geronimo’s list with this Kilimanjaro Packing list from the climbing Kilimanjaro site, how did the mouse do? What about packing for a shorter hike in your area? What would you take? Encourage your child to use planning and critical thinking skills to create a list.

Watch Discovering Kilimanjaro Mountain: A Kid’s Adventure to the Top of Africa.
I also found this great partially animated video- Let’s Take a Hike: Crash Course Kids #30 that talks about how the geosphere affects biosphere for a wonderful science lesson.
Here is a printable that is both a coloring page and a maze depicting Mount Kilimanjaro and a few of the animals found nearby.

Lastly, look how to make this mighty Mount Kilimanjaro volcano.

How To Make A Mountain Volcano

You will need:

Patterned colorful scrapbook paper
A large piece of scrap cardboard
School glue
Foam brush

First, cut a large scrap of corrugated cardboard to the size you would like your project to be.

Choose 2-3 shades of blue paper for the sky, 4 different shades or patterns for the various layers, and a very white or light one for the top layer.

If you use scrapbook paper that has a white core it has a really neat effect when torn and creates more visual interest.

Tear the paper into small pieces, ripping it toward you will make the white core of the paper show and make really cool borders on some of the pieces.

Continue tearing and making piles of each color. Determine what patterns will represent each layer and separate them.

Next “paint” on a thick layer of glue to make your mountain volcano the size and shape you want it.

Begin adding pieces to your mountain, I started at the top.

Then we found it helpful to add a couple of pieces to one side for each of the layers to kind of define them, so we didn’t go over and there was room for each layer.

Continue adding the correct colors for each layer, adding more glue if needed.

Geronimo Stilton | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro Craft

Once you have covered every layer, paint on another layer of glue over the paper to help press it down.

Paint the sky portion around it with a thick layer of glue and repeat adding torn paper in blues.

Once filled in, paint a layer of glue over the top again.

Let the glue dry, it will probably require an overnight drying period.

Now you can write or type and print the names of each of the layers and place them in the correct spot- civilization, rainforest, moorland alpine forest, and arctic zone.

Free Beautiful 2024-2025 Printable School Calendars on One Page

January 17, 2024 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I have the colorful and beautiful 2024-2025 printable school calendar on one page. You’ll love the other forms on my page for your Homeschool Planner.

Also, I have 3 types of calendar pages which I prepare each year AND each one has an academic year AND a physical year.

These two color options for the 2024-2025 one page printable calendar is used for reference purposes.

Free Beautiful 2024-2025 Printable School Calendars on One Page

The second type of printable one page calendars are the homeschool planning calendars which are to be used for tracking your homeschool days and weeks.

The third type of printable calendars are the the 2 page per month appointment keepers which have bigger boxes for writing appointments.

Printable School Calendar One Page

You’ll need a set of EACH type in your 7 Step DIY Homeschool Planner each year.

Because the reference calendar today is used for everything in your planner like planning and referencing you’ll want to print a couple of these for your planner.

I print one or more in the front of my homeschool planner and I print another one or two toward the back. I can easily put my hand on the calendar.

Next, look here at the free two color choices.

Plus, look at these other pretty forms I have to make your DIY 7 Step Homeschool Planner unique!

Too, look at some of these planner accessories I love to add to my planner

15 Gorgeous Homeschool Planner Supplies

Whether you add a bit of eye candy or consider it essential supplies, you'll love some of these ideas.

Poppin Zip Folios, Aqua

Set of 3 slide-tab reusable plastic envelopes

Poppin Page Markers, Set of 8

Retractable Gel Luxe Pens

Love how these write.

Bubble Shape Sticky Notes

8 Bright Colors: Including blue, light blue, green, yellow, orange, rose red, pink and purple; colorful memo pads that look good and are hard to ignore.

Light Soft Color Erasable Highlighter Pen

Highlighter Pen, 6 Color Set

6-in-1 Multicolor Ballpoint Pen

I love these because every color you need is available in one pen.

Plastic Binder Dividers with Pockets

You can add dividers to your planner by cutting off just a bit of it and it still can be coil bound, but let the office personnel where you take your planner to be bound to trim it for you.

Eco-friendly Wood & Plastic Free Rainbow Pencils

RAINBOW PAPER PENCIL:The inner body of pencils is made of rainbow -like recycled papers.Premium #2 HB grade lead for smooth writing and drawing.

Highlighter, Pastel Colors Chisel Tip Marker Pen

USA Brand ZEYAR, AP Certified. BRIGHT COLORS: the assortment of Great bright Fluorescent or Macaron inks protect and emphasize your handwritten texts, No shadow on the next
page

Bible Highlighters and Pens No Bleed

These work beautiful on your planners. Bible Safe Dry Highlighters: These no bleed highlighters are great for journaling and memorizing verses

Glitter Washi

Package Include: you will receive 30 rolls of glitter washi tapes in 30 colors, each measuring about 2 meters/ 2.2 yards in length and 1 cm/ 0.4 inch in width, abundant in quantity, enough to satisfy your daily decorating and crafting needs

BOSOBO Mouse Pad

► PERSONALIZED MOUSE PAD: Measure 7.9 x 7.9 x 0.1inch ( 200mm x 200mm x 3mm), small size but perfect size for work and game. Elegant geometric shape and exquisite illustration add personality to your office, perfect for all style desktop, office, home, computer, keyboard and mice.

Canon PIXMA TR150 Wireless Mobile Printer

You don't need an expensive printer to print your homeschool planner. I've used this mobile printer for years.

Eco Highlighter Pencils

Eco Highlighter Pencils - Set of 5 Colors - Will Not Bleed or Dry Out - Includes Wooden Sharpener

Semikolon Sticky Page Tab Markers

I've used these for years and love them.

More Homeschool Planner forms

Also, you get BOTH colors in this one download.

Use both or print one.

I like print one closer to the front of my planner and another one at the back.

How to Get the Free Printables

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

When you sign up to follow me, you get access to this freebie.

1) Sign up on my email list.
2) Grab the printable.
3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox as a follower. Glad to have you.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

January 16, 2024 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making an egg carton bobblehead penguin preschool craft to go along with a penguin unit or just for fun. Also, grab more preschool ideas on my page How to Homeschool Preschool and Winter Season Unit Study Free Lapbook & Hands-On Ideas.

Beyond that you can use little penguin figurines to help teach your child about the different climates penguins live in.

Turning a fun little craft into a science and geography lesson at the same time with an activity that feels more like play.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

I also have a few more suggestions for hands on activities that your preschooler will enjoy.

From snacks to science lessons there are plenty of ideas to keep them interested in learning about penguins.

Penguins are adorable and can be found in both hot and cold climates.

This is a great time to introduce the concept that not all penguins are found belly-sliding on the ice.

Some even enjoy the hot deserts of South America.

Books About Penguins

Next look at some of the books about penguins.

I lean toward living books first then like to add reference type books when teaching my children.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Where Do Penguins Live

Grab a set of these plastic penguins and a map and see how many penguin climates you can find with your child.

Help your child locate where each penguin lives on the map.

To take the lesson even deeper run a red string across the equator to help them understand the difference between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere as they place the penguins in their spots.

Here are the 18 recognized species of penguins and where you can find them.

Galápagos – Galapagos Islands
Humboldt- Coasts of Chili and Peru
Southern Rockhopper -Southern Chili and Southern Argentina
Northern Rockhopper-Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island – South Atlantic Ocean
Emperor -Antarctica
Adélie-Antarctica
Chinstrap-Antarctic Peninsula
Fiordland-Southwest coasts of the South Island in New Zealand.
Snares- Snares Islands south of New Zealand
Macaroni-Antarctic Peninsula
Gentoo -Antarctic Peninsula
Erect-Crested-New Zealand sub-antarctic- mostly Antipodes and Bounty Islands
Royal-Macquarie Island, near Bishop and Clerk Islands in Australia
African-Southwest coast of Africa- Namibia to Port Elizabeth
Little- Australia and New Zealand
Yellow-Eyed-New Zealand
King- Antarctic Peninsula
Magellanic- Southern coasts-Argentina, Chile, and Falkland Islands.

Even if you don’t have replicas of all the different types of penguins you can still enjoy placing them around the map to find their locations.

5 More Hands-on Penguin Activities

If you want to continue the fun here are a few more great ideas for hands-on penguin-related projects that will help your child learn more about these unique creatures while feeling like they are just playing.

Follow these steps for How to Make an Easy Antarctica Diorama With Your Kids and highlight the two species that make their home in the Antarctica mainland.
These Quick and Easy Frozen Banana Penguins are just too cute and make a healthy delicious snack to partner with your mini unit.
How fun is this SALT AND ICE EXPERIMENT FOR KIDS: SAVE THE FROZEN PENGUINS for a simple STEM activity.
Create this Easy Penguin Sensory Bin and switch it up from ice to warm climate penguins by using different base materials.

Grab this free Printable for the Life Cycle of a Penguin to learn about how an egg turns into a fuzzy chick and then becomes one of the adult penguins we know and recognize.

How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft

You will need:

Cardboard egg carton
Black craft paint
White craft paint
Pipe cleaner
Scissors
Google eyes
yellow craft foam
Hot glue.

The first thing you want to do is cut out 2 cups from a cardboard egg carton, preserving as much of the material as you can.

You can use scissors or a small straight-edged knife.

From the flat or slightly curved portion of the box cut out two small wings.

Paint both cups as well as your small wings black, leaving a small area in the front of both for white. Set aside to dry.

When you’re waiting for your paint to dry, you can cut out a beak and two little feet shapes from craft foam or use another scrap of cardboard from the egg carton.

Coil ½ of a pipe cleaner around a pen or paintbrush to create a spring.

When the paint is dry hot glue the “spring” inside the penguin’s head.

Hot glue the other end of the spring onto the top of the other egg carton cup. And press down holding in place until the glue sets.

Glue the feet so they are peeking out from the bottom.

Then add Googly eyes, beak, and wings to finish off your little penguin.

How fun is that little wobbly head?

How To Make A Kangaroo Pocket | Letter K Craft Preschool Australia Theme

January 15, 2024 | Leave a Comment
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I have a letter k craft preschool with an Australia theme. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

I have a K is for Kangaroo craft which means a fun and exciting study on all things below, mate!

I have a cute wearable kangaroo pocket for your child to wear as they learn all about Australia and K-K-K-Kangaroo.

How To Make A Kangaroo Pocket | Letter K Craft Preschool Australia Theme

One of the most distinctive things about Australia is the unusual and fascinating array of flora and fauna.

From the whirling Tasmanian Devil to the depths of the Great Barrier Reef there is much to learn about.

Koala and kookaburra are also popular and adorable Australian creatures. Also they start with K and tie in so nicely with the theme.

This is a wonderful topic for geography and science.

I have rounded up plenty of on-topic ideas.

From math to tucker (food) and science to songs to introduce letter K craft preschool.

More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

Language Arts Focus Day 1

There are several fun-themed words to focus on in this Australia unit for K-kangaroo, koala, and kookaburra.

Repeat the beginning sound several times every time you say them.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Jack Hartmann’s songs are a wonderful way to teach and reinforce letter sounds and recognize them through repetition and catchy tunes.

Book- Australia Travel For Kids is great even if you are not planning an actual trip there. It gives kids a glimpse into the unique country of Australia.

Craft/Activity- Make a Paper Plate Kangaroo Pouch with the tutorial down below.

Song/Fingerplay- Here are the words to the classic Kookaburra Song along with hand motions to make it even more fun.

Song/Finger Play- Learn and sing all about this wild country with Australia by The Wiggles.

This song celebrates the fascinating animals, flora, and fauna, as well as the people who make their home there.

Snack- If you want to dive into Australian culture consider grabbing a box of these famous Australian snacks from the famous Vegemite to crisps and sweets to enjoy throughout your study.

Science Focus Day 2

You could choose any flora or fauna topic that you want to talk about for these letter K craft preschool ideas.

There is no shortage of unusual creatures from the egg-laying mammal the platypus to marsupials like kangaroos and koalas.

I gathered up a few things to focus on a koala, but you could do any Australian animal or the unusual plant life.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Use this Tape Resist Name Paintings for Kids to practice name and letter recognition.

While, yes, you can use it to spell out their entire name it is also a great idea for learning individual letters, especially letters like K that just have straight lines.

Book- A good encouraging book like The Koala Who Could is a wonderful way to encourage and build children’s social and emotional development.

Craft/Activity- Create this Adorable Handprint Koala climbing up a tree, maybe in search of a snack.

Song/Fingerplay- The Barramundi Song is sung to the familiar tune of Frere Jacque and is a fun way to learn about the animals of the outback.

Snack- This adorable Koala Treat goes perfectly with my book selection for the day and is a great way to reinforce what your child will learn about koalas.

Math Focus Day 3

Count your Australian animal figurines in this letter K craft preschool unit.

Have your child hop like a kangaroo as far as they can, mark it and measure it out with a measuring tape to introduce using different tools for measuring.

I also found this fantastic kangaroo-themed number line printable to practice with.

Letter/Sound Recognition- To go along with our snack today I thought it would be fun to use some sprinkles (or 100’s and 1000’s as they are called in Australia) to make a sensory writing bag.

Place some sprinkles inside a small sandwich bag, press out the air and spread them out in a very thin layer.

If you place them over a white sheet of paper it’s much easier to see when your child uses their finger to practice writing letters.

Book- What’s That Wombat? Is filled with hilarious rhyming text and colorful introductions to the native animals of Australia in this letter K craft preschool topic.

Craft/Activity- Enjoy this Australian Animal Graphing printable, I love that it is not only math but also social studies and science ruled into one fun activity.

Snack– Make Australian Fairy Bread.

This is an Australian treat made for special events.

It is simply bread that has been buttered and then topped with colorful sprinkles, usually cut into triangles.

Just coat the bread generously with butter to help the sprinkles stay in place and then top with the colorful little balls, enjoy!

History/Geography Focus Day 4

Focus on the map and learn to identify the shape and location of Australia.

Be sure to point out to your child that Australia is the only country in the world that covers an entire continent.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Grab do a dot markers, pom poms, pennies, cereal, or whatever you like for your child to cover each of the circles in the Letter K Dot Painting.

If you laminate a worksheet like this you’ll be able to use it over and over throughout the week in this letter K craft preschool theme.

.Book- Edward The Emu has gotten tired of being an Emu and tries to be something else, eventually realizing that being himself is the best choice.

This is an adorable lesson in being content with yourself.

Craft/Activity- Grab a world map and one of your Australian creatures and help your child identify Australia on the map.

Look at what bodies of water that surround it and name them.

Where is the continent north of Australia? South? East? Work on those introductory math skills.

Song/Fingerplay- What a silly and addicting song this is, I’m a Kangaroo Do Do Do.

Not only is it entertaining but your child can add to and expand on the animals listed in the song making it open-ended fun to add to your letter K craft preschool.

Snack- Make this Aussie classic – no-bake lamington balls with a pre baked sponge cake to enjoy a treat that is a treat enjoyed in Australia.

Letter K Craft Australia Theme

Teach your preschooler about the letter sound K is for kangaroo and learn all about Australia.

Australia: Travel for kids: The fun way to discover Australia

Make sure you get the most out of the trip with Australia – Travel For Kids.Dinobibi and Hayden will join you in every step of the journey. You will have so much fun discovering Australia – its history, geography, flags and symbols, wildlife, culture and more!Whether preparing for a vacation, or simply wanting to learn about Australia, this book gives you all you need to know, fun places to visit, tasty food to try, and fun, interactive pop quizzes throughout.Come join Dinobibi and Hayden on an adventure and DISCOVER Australia

Image for Australian Classics (Thermal) - Tim Tam, Vegemite, Caramello Koala, Cheekies, Cherry Ripe, Violet Crumble and a selection of Aussie Biscuits

Australian Classics (Thermal) - Tim Tam, Vegemite, Caramello Koala, Cheekies, Cherry Ripe, Violet Crumble and a selection of Aussie Biscuits

AUSSIE TREATS: Classic Australian treats packed into one great gift box! From the amazing Tim Tam to the quintessential Vegemite there is something for everyone!

The Koala Who Could

You see, high-up was safe since he liked a slow pace,While the ground down below seemed a frightening place.Too fast and too loud and too big and too strange.Nope. Kevin preferred not to move or to change.Kevin the koala loves every day to be the same, where it's snug and safe. But when change comes along, will Kevin embrace all the joys that come with trying something new?An inspiring rhyming read aloud by bestselling Love Monster creator Rachel Bright and Frog on a Log? illustrator Jim Field that empowers young readers to face change with courage and delight.

What’s That Wombat?: A Funny Rhyming, Read Aloud Picture Book for Kids ages 0-5

Do kangaroos kick kites? Do cockatoos collect cupcakes? Go to the land down under on a walkabout with a cute wombat as he encounters other Australian animals in the wild.This fun and silly read-aloud book is the perfect way to entertain young children while they learn about native Australian animals. Beautiful illustrations and rhyming text make it the ideal book for a daytime laugh or bedtime cuddle.

Edward the Emu

Tired of his life as an emu, Edward decides to try being something else for a change. He tries swimming with the seals, he spends a day lounging with the lions, and even slithers with the snakes. But Edward soon discovers that being an emu may be the best thing after all.

This picture book is an excellent choice to share in the classroom or at home—both adults and kids will laugh at and sympathize with Edward the Emu.

The Great Barrier Reef (Earth's Incredible Places)

Did you know that giant clams can weigh as much as two baby elephants? Or that the shockwave of a pistol shrimp can heat up the surrounding waters to a temperature nearly as hot as the surface of the sun? With nearly 400,000 square kilometers of dazzling color, intricate ecosystems and unique creatures large and small, The Great Barrier Reef is one of the great natural wonders of our world.

Mini Australian Wildlife Animal Figurines 11PCS

The miniature animal figurines playset includes Kangaroo, Koala, Frilled Lizard, Ostrich, Cockatoo, Crocodile, Platypus, African Wild Dog, Oxyuranus scutellatus, Tasmanian devil, Wombat. Totally 11 PCS mini north American animals figurines. Suitable for adults boys and girls.

Bananagrams My First : Multi-Award Winning Kids Spelling Board Game

The perfect word game for the pre-reader and early learner, My First BANANAGRAMS utilizes lowercase letters that help children grow a love for word games and wordplay

Language Arts Focus Day 5

See how many words you can find around the house that start with k like a key, kangaroo(toys), a kite, a delicious kiwi fruit, or a kitten.

What actions start with k? Kick and kiss. How about family members and friends? Reinforce names that begin with K like Kevin and Kelcie.

Letter/Sound Recognition- Alphabet clip cards are a nice and easy letter recognition activity but they also build fine motor skills as children squeeze the clothes pins to clip and unclip them.

Book- The Great Barrier Reef (Earth’s Incredible Places)

While there are many fascinating land animals in Australia one of the most beautiful and varied parts is under the ocean in the Great Barrier Reef. give children a unique look at an important ecosystem with this beautifully Illustrated reference book.

Craft/Activity- Australia Sensory Bin- I used these adorable Australian Animals And My First Bananagrams Letter tiles to create a phonics-based sensory bin.

Place the animals and their beginning letter sound tiles in the sensory bin with a layer of sand as the base. Help your child match the animal to its beginning sound.

Song/Fingerplay- Phonics Letter K song helps reinforce that letter sound as well as recognition through fun and bright animations put to a familiar tune (Twinkle Twinkle).

Snack- Make a traditional Australian Damper Bread together, it is a dense soda bread that is great for stockmen traveling with basic rations.

Cooking is such a wonderfully natural way to teach your child math and science skills as well as basic life skills.

How To Make A Letter K Craft Preschool Kangaroo Pocket

You will need:

2 paper plates
Brown craft paint
Paintbrushes
Google eyes
String/yarn
Glue stick

Directions:

Cut the first paper plate in half.

On the second paper plate, trace a baby kangaroo in the center ( it’s a lot easier than it looks) for the head we just drew a sideways teardrop shape with long ears sort of like a bunny, and then rounded it off by drawing a curve on either side for the shoulders and the body.

Cut out the baby kangaroo (joey).

Glue the two halves of the pocket together.

I found the easiest way to glue the pocket together is with hot glue otherwise your child will have a long wait in store and it will not hold as well.

Hole punch either side near the top you want to go through both plates.

Let your child paint the pocket as well as the Joey with brown craft paint.

Once the glue is dried, run the yarn through both sides and hot glue to the back to secure it, be sure your loop is long enough that it can go around your child’s neck and hang near their stomach.

Add details to your Joey. Add googly eyes, then use a black marker to draw in the ears, a nose, and a mouth.

If you want to make it look like you’re little joey look as if he’s ready to leap out you can cut out little paw shapes. Slip right over the side of the pocket like this.

Slip the Joey into the pocket and glue it into place and your kangaroo pocket is ready to be worn.

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More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

Language Arts Focus Day 1

Science Focus Day 2

Math Focus Day 3

History/Geography Focus Day 4

Language Arts Focus Day 5

How To Make A Letter K Craft Preschool Kangaroo Pocket

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