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How To Make A Cloud Spotter Craft & Bark Rubbing Craft Printables

May 7, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a cool cloud spotter craft and bark rubbing free printable craft.

When doing nature studies, two of our favorite ground activities are cloud spotting and observing tree bark.

Besides cloud drifting by can be a fun activity for children of any age. Cloud watching makes us pause to enjoy the quite details of nature.

How To Make A Cloud Spotter Craft & Bark Rubbing Craft Printables

And no two clouds are ever the same. So, this fun cloud spotter craft is a great way to take science outdoors.

Then, learning about tree bark is like not only appreciating textures but appreciating the secret bark holds about the tree.

And some bark feels like paper smooth and other bark is bumpy and cracked.

It is a fun way to take notice of trees.

BOOKS & RESOURCES FOR CLOUD SPOTTERS

Cloud Books & Resources for Kids

Add these cloud books and resources to your unit study.

Clouds (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)

Read and find out about how to forecast a change in weather by looking at the clouds in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

At any given time, more than half the earth is covered with different types of clouds. Some are dark and scary rain clouds, and some are just big white puffs. What kind of cloud is in the sky above you, and what can you expect the weather to be? Instead of turning on the TV to find out what the weather will be, you can look out your window at the clouds.

This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, is a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades

Little Cloud board book

At last! Here's a brand-new board book edition of an Eric Carle picture book that's a favorite with littlest cloud gazers everywhere! Little Cloud likes to stand out from the crowd. When all the other clouds drift up, he goes his own way, changing shapes to become a sheep, an airplane, a shark and a funny clown. It?s all lots of fun, but so is playing with friends. So this time, Little Cloud joins the crowd, gathering with his pals into one giant cloud. And then they rain!In Little Cloud, Eric Carle celebrates the possibilities of imagination with textured collages of sky-blue and white in a story that will encourage the youngest child to "read" clouds.

Photo Credit: www.youtube.com

Types Of Clouds - The Dr. Binocs Show

Hey kids, did you know that clouds have different types too? Well, after watching this video, you'd be able to identify most of them.

And then look at these cloud activities.

CLOUD ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • 7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity
  • Cloud in a Jar: Make your own cloud!
  • How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers
  • Little Cloud Paintings
  • How To Make A Cloud In A Water Bottle

Next, look at these fun activities to with trees and tree bark.

TREE AND TREE BARK ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

  • Easy Pine Craft Tree Ideas And A Free Life Cycle Printable
  • Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study.
  • Why Evergreen Trees Are the Ultimate Winter Wonder & Tree Craft
  • From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark
  • Hands-On Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity
  • 10 Fun Facts About Kapok Trees You’ll Love

How To Make A Cloud Spotter Craft & Bark Rubbing Craft Printables

Finally, look at what is included in this download.

  • Bark spotter to cut out
  • Bark rubbings card
  • Cloud spotter to cut out
  • What does today cloud’s look like

HOW TO DOWNLOAD FREE PRINTABLE CLOUD SPOTTER CRAFT AND BARK RUBBING CRAFT

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

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

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Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: clouds, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, life science, nature, nature study, tree bark, trees

Why Is Geronimo Stilton So Popular Among Young Readers

May 6, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Why is Geronimo Stilton so popular among young readers? Also, look at my page Geronimo Stilton Books for more great activities.

Geronimo Stilton was created by Italian author Elisabetta Dami. But the books are presented like they are written by Geronimo himself.

The first Geronimo Stilton book was published in Italy in 2000 and then later translated into English and other languages.

Why Is Geronimo Stilton So Popular Among Young Readers

And if you’ve seen a brightly colored book with a mouse in a suit dashing across the cover it is none other than Geronimo Stilton.

But why is Geronimo Stilton so popular among young readers?

When we read our first one, we laughed almost the whole way through the fun read.

GERONIMO STILTON BOOK SERIES

First, look at some of the titles of the fun 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

Now, look at some of the fun reasons both parents and children love the series.

WHY IS GERONIMO STILTON SO POPULAR

Look at these facts about the book series.

  • The books have a visual flair both with text and pictures. For example, some text is larger than the other and color coded. It brings attention to certain words to help young readers understand the tone. Basically, the words are different colors, fonts, and sizes.
  • Also, Geronimo Stilton is a mouse and the editor and publisher of the fictional newspaper The Rodent’s Gazette in New Mouse City on Mouse Island. However, he is very human to children.
  • Geronimo is always going on an adventure and is a scaredy mouse. He is curious, funny, and cautious. Because he is not very brave, children of all ages love his charming personality.
  • Many of the books explore geographical areas and historical events, ancient civilizations, and time travel. It’s a fun blend of stepping back in time, adventure and education. Children read about history and geography in a natural and fun way much like a living book.
  • And of course being a mouse, he loves his cheese. He especially loves Mozarella and Swiss. We did a charcuterie board one time as we were reading.
  • Because there is educational information packed into the stories, they pair nicely with our geography and history unit studies.
  • I wouldn’t really call Geronimo a superhero. He is thoughtful and kind. Because he is cowardly but overcomes his fear and helps others, his character can make a great model for kids. He models perseverance and curiosity.
  • Too, it appeals to many cultures because of the universal theme of friendship and courage.

Why Is Geronimo Stilton So Popular Among Young Readers

Finally, look at these activities that we have done to pair with the adventures in some of his books.

MORE GERONIMO STILTON ACTIVITIES

  • Top 5 Reasons to Love Geronimo Stilton And Geronimo Stilton Book List 1-20
  • A Simple Geronimo Stilton LEGO Tutorial For Mouse Loving Kids
  • 10 Things to Learn From The Fun Geronimo Stilton Chapter Books.
  • Barbie Mummy
  • Medieval Stained Glass Craft.
  • Geronimo Stilton The Journey Through Time Fun Easy No Sew Dinosaur Mat
  • Ancient Rome Colosseum craft
  • Mayan LEGO Temple craft
  • Make a Mosaic Roman Solider
  • Geronimo Stilton Back in Time Second Journey Through Time and Fun Mayan Mask
  • Geronimo Stilton The Second Journey Through Time Sun King Fun Medallion
  • Fun Edible Spine like Davinci
  • Geronimo Stilton The Race Against Time Build a Fun Greek Water Clock
  • Geronimo Stilton Race Against Time And Make Pottery Like Ancient Greeks
  • The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activity Craft Fun Dragon Eggs

You should try one or two.

Because of the fast-pace, and visual design and adventurous plot the series really appeals to the reluctant reader.

In a world full of digital distractions your young readers will keep coming back from.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: book lists, book report, books, Geronimo Stilton, homeschoolanguagearts, homeschoolreading, language arts, languagearts, reading

Step-by-Step: Building a Colorful Pond Diorama with Free Printables

May 5, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Your kids will love this free printable pond diorama. And look at my page Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook for more fun ideas to learn about ponds.

In a digital world of learning, hands-on learning becomes more important.

Besides this free printable pond diorama can be as simple or as creative as your child wants to be.

Step-by-Step: Building a Colorful Pond Diorama with Free Printables

And dioramas even printable ones encourages kids to be creative and they allow kids to bring ideas to life in 3D.

There is no limitations on learning or what they want to put in their diorama. Unstructured play is essential for brain development.

Also, they have numerous benefits for younger children. For example, cutting, gluing, painting, and coloring.

BOOKS ABOUT PONDS FOR KIDS

First, look at these living books about pond.

Learn about ponds and the flora and fauna in them and that make their home close to ponds.

11 Fun Pond Life Resources for Kids

Add one or two of these resources to you learning day or to a pond unit study.

Over and Under the Pond: (Environment and Ecology Books for Kids)

In Over and Under the Pond, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. Over the pond, the water is a mirror, reflecting the sky. But under the water is a hidden world of creatures—minnows darting, beavers diving, and tadpoles growing.  
These secrets and many others are waiting to be discovered over and under the pond in this sweet children’s book from Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal, the latest in their beloved series that offers kids a peek into hidden ecosystems.

Natural and Earth Science Educational Flash Card

This set of 48 cards features a colorful illustration on one side and informational facts on the other side.

CARD SIZE: 4.5 x 6 inches. Each card is double-sided and durable.

Rivers, Ponds, and Lakes (Collins Nature Explorers)

Have you ever wondered:

  • How to find life in a puddle?
  • What lives in your local river?
  • How to make a micro zoo?
  • How pond snails breathe?

Now you can become an expert nature explorer and learn fantastic facts to impress your friends and family!

You'll love that these hands-on books contain straightforward and safe step-by-step projects, allowing you to help your children discover the natural world. They are ideal supplements to school science projects and the perfect activities for weekends and vacations.

Pond Life: Revised and Updated (A Golden Guide from St. Martin's Press)

This guide describes and illustrates, in full color, the plants and animals that live in or near ponds, lakes, streams, and wetlands. It includes surface-dwelling creatures as well as those of open water, the bottom, and the shore and tells how various animals and plants live together in a community.Plus suggestions for:Where and when to lookObserving and collecting specimensMaking exciting discoveries

Photo Credit: ourjourneywestward.com

Peaceful Ponds

Using Peaceful Ponds, you’ll have so much fun learning about pond plants and animals, as well as earth science topics as they relate to ponds. 

Lakes and Ponds!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Imagine the smooth, glasslike surface of a pond, the water mirroring a bright moon or a crystal blue sky. The water appears perfectly calm and still. What’s going on underneath the surface?

Lakes and Ponds! With 25 Science Projects for Kids invites kids ages 7 though 10 to investigate the bodies of water that might look calm from the shore but which are teeming with life and activity! Through fun facts and engaging content, readers explore the plants and animals living in lakes and ponds, from fish darting about to dragonfly nymphs gestating in the shallows to algae and aquatic plants converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Discover fun facts about the duckweed, water lilies, and cattails growing in and around the waters of lakes and ponds. It’s a busy place!

Keystone Species that Live in Ponds, Streams, & Wetlands (Kid's Guide to Keystone Species in Nature)

The same thing is true in nature. Certain species of animals and plants are so important to their ecosystems, that if they disappear, the whole system may collapse. They are called keystone species.

Frogs and Toads and Tadpoles, Too (Rookie Read-About Science: Animals)

What's the difference between a frog and a toad? The natural world comes alive for young readers (Ages 6-7) with Rookie Read-About "RM" Science! With striking, full-color photos and just the right amount of text, this series immediately involves young readers as they discover intriguing facts about the fascinating world around them.This book discusses the likenesses and differences between frogs and toads.

Amphibian

Frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and the rare caecilians come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, sizes, and habitats. They live both in water and on land and move in a variety of ways from swimming to hopping and even flying. With a series of specially commissioned photographs, DK Eyewitness Books: Amphibian takes a close look at the fascinating natural history of these creatures from the bright green, red-eyed tree frogs to dull, burrowing, wormlike caecilians; from startling black and yellow fire salamanders to tiny transparent glass frogs.

Pond Life: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Plants & Animals Living in or Near Ponds, Lakes & Wetlands (Wildlife and Nature Identification)

So many people get their start in nature study by exploring ponds. These small bodies of calm, standing water are fascinating living laboratories of plant and animal life at all scales, from microscopic algae to iconic birds like Great Blue Herons or ecosystem engineers like Beavers. To better understand how a pond ecosystems functions, it helps to get familiar with its living parts, namely its flora and fauna. The portable reference Pond Life is an excellent tool to bring on your next pond study, as it includes beautiful illustrations of 140 common and familiar birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, insects, and other invertebrates as well as trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, waterproof, 12-panel folding pocket guide is the perfect tool for educators, learners, naturalists, botanists, and wildlife enthusiasts to use the next time they go searching for minnows, tadpoles, or dragonfly nymphs at their local pond.

Pond Wildlife (Adventures in Nature)

Get ready to take a leap into the water in this exciting exploration of pond habitats. This volume examines different kinds of pond habitats, and the creatures that are found both in the water and on its edge, from bass to grass snakes to herons. Readers will learn about life cycles, ecosystems, and conservation, which are important curricula-based science topics. This volume pairs compelling text with vivid color photographs to bring readers on a nature walk they won’t soon forget. Diagrams, activities, and quizzes provide greater opportunities for exploration. This book is perfect for nature-enthused readers to get their feet wet identifying creatures and understanding the wonder of pond wildlife!

Then, look at these other activities about pond to add to your diorama day.

MORE ACTIVITIES ABOUT PONDS

  • 8 Engaging Pond Books for Preschoolers Who Love Pond Animals
  • Why Is a Toad An Amphibian And Pondlife Facts & Make a Fun Toad House
  • Above & Below: Pond Unit Study, Hands-on Ideas, & Lapbook
  • Make Way For Ducklings Fun Duck Pond Playdough Invitation to Play
  • Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam

Additionally, look at these ideas for dioramas.

MORE DIORAMA IDEAS

  • Rocky Mountains Oregon Trail Fun Large Diorama Craft for Kids
  • How To Make A Shoebox Toucan Habitat Diorama With Waterfall
  • How to Make An Everglades Diorama: Explore the Wild Wetlands
  • How to Make an Easy Antarctica Diorama With Your Kids
  • 6 Facts About Mountain Lions and How to Make a Fun Mountain Lion Diorama
  • 5 Tide Pool Facts and Create An Edible Tide Pool Diorama Ideas
  • How to Make an Easy Wetlands Paper Plate Habitat Diorama
  • How to Make A Pyramid Diorama For States Of Matter
  • Fun Arctic Habitat Diorama and Fascinating Facts About Walruses

Finally, look at how to assemble the diorama.

HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE POND DIORAMA

You will need:

  • Free Pond Diorama (add your email to the link at the end of this post and get the freebie instantly. no waiting)
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Crayons, markers, or colored pencils

Print out all of the diorama pages onto thick sturdy cardstock.

Step-by-Step: Building a Colorful Pond Diorama with Free Printables

Encourage your child to color in the animals and trees, or leave them as they are.

I included a photo in the download to show you were to place the pieces.

HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE POND DIORAMA

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

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

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

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: diorama, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, ponds

Explore the Outdoors: Top Summer Ideas and Free Scavenger Hunt

May 4, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some summer ideas to be sure your kids can stay inspired or recharge. Also, look at my post Free Summer Unit Study For Kids.

Too, if you want to continue summer learning, I will share ideas for summer learning.

Besides, summer is about relaxing or stepping back from your routine.

Explore the Outdoors: Top Summer Ideas and Free Scavenger Hunt

Whether you go far or stay local, nature has endless ways to inspire you.

For example, there are outdoor concerts, farmers market, open-air movies (one of my boys’ favorites when done poolside) and even food truck festivals to savor.

Don’t forget stargazing, sitting around a fire pit or heading to the beach for more summer fun.

SUMMER READS FOR KIDS

Next, look at grabbing some of these fun books to read while you’re soaking up the sun.

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

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

Summer: An Alphabet Acrostic

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

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

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

A Frog in the Bog

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

The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read

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

And Then Comes Summer

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

The Lorax (Classic Seuss)

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

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

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

The Raft

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

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

Summertime in the Big Woods (Little House Picture Book)

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

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

"We were tired of living in a house.

So we packed a bag with

sweaters and socks and scarves

and mittens and woolen caps.

And we moved to a tree...."

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

Blueberries for Sal

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

Over and Under the Canyon

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

Over and Under the Waves

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

Now, look at some summer ideas for learning.

Where possible, I included ideas for multiple ages.

SUMMER IDEAS FOR LEARNING

  • Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station
  • 10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin
  • 8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study
  • Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft
  • A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • 25 Summer Homeschool Ideas To Keep The Learning Spark Alive
  • 20 Fun Summer Learning Activities And Make A Rock Sundial
  • Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • How to Use Summertime to Put a Foot in Homeschooling
  • 5 Homeschool Things to Toss By the End of Summer
  • 7 Advantages to Starting Your Homeschool Year in the Summer

In addition, here are some fun summer ideas to cure the doldrums.

Explore the Outdoors: Top Summer Ideas and Free Scavenger Hunt
  • How to Make an Ocean-Inspired Sea Shell Necklace | 8 Summer Beach Crafts
  • Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box
  • How to Make Fluffy Lemonade Summer Slime With Kids
  • How to Make Fun Watermelon Seed Slime For Summer Learning
  • Fun Pineapple Candle For Fun Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • 11 Fun Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • 30+ Summer Activities for Middle School Kids

Finally, look what is included in the summer scavenger hunt for multiple ages.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE SUMMER SCAVENGER HUNT

First, look at the themes of the summer scavenger hunts that are included in this download.

  • water fun
  • nighttime summer
  • summer treats
  • summer sounds
  • camping
  • backyard & garden
  • beach ocean
  • summer adventure

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

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

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

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

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

Math Lapbook Ideas And Free Time And Money Lapbook

May 3, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some math lapbook ideas and a free time and money lapbook. Also, look at my page Homeschool Lapbooks – Powerful Tools For Mastery Learning for more lapbook ideas.

A math lapbook can help children retain math concepts. Besides, too many educators are quick to give up hands-on math like lapbooks when abstract ideas are not cemented.

And contrary to popular beliefs, lapbooks are not just for young kids. Because lapbooks can include games, graphs, and minibooks packed full of facts, it’s a fun way to learn and practice concepts.

Math Lapbook Ideas And Free Time And Money Lapbook

Too, once a lapbook is prepared which can take time, a lapbook is an independent way for a child to review facts in a natural way. It can be used over again and even used the next year if facts are forgotten.

What you put in the lapbook depends on the level of the child not necessarily age.

Some children are ready for more advanced math concepts and others are still review grade level concepts.

LIVING MATH BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, when you pair math books with lapbooks math is not boring.

You’ll love these math living books.

8+ Living Math Books About Counting, Addition and Subtraction

A living book or story brings math to life. Books like these have a way of explaining math concepts in a story form so young children understand them. Add one or two to your library.

Sir Cumference Series 12 Books Set (Book #1 - Book #12)

This Sir Cumference Series 12 Books Set includes: 1. Sir Cumference and the First Round Table 9781570911521 2. Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi 9781570911644 3. Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland 9781570911699 4. Sir Cumference and the Sword in the Cone 9781570916014 5. Sir Cumference and the Isle of Immeter 9780439025805 6. Sir Cumference and All the King's Tens 9781570917288 7. Sir Cumference
and the Viking's Map 9781570917929 8. Sir Cumference and the Off-the-Charts Dessert 9781570911996 9. Sir Cumference and the Roundabout Battle 9781570917660 10. Sir Cumference and the Fracton Faire 9781570917721 11. Sir Cumference Gets Decima's Point 9781570918452 12. Sir Cumference and the 100 PerCent Goose Chase 9781623543211

12 Ways to Get to 11 (Aladdin Picture Books)

Eve Merriam and Bernie Karlin take young readers on a counting adventure as they demonstrate twelve witty and imaginative ways to get to eleven.

The Hershey's Kisses Addition Book

Illustrations featuring Hershey's Kisses demonstrate the basic rules of addition.

Panda Math: Learning About Subtraction from Hua Mei and Mei Sheng

Learn about subtraction with the San Diego Zoo’s famous baby pandas Hua Mei was the first giant panda cub born in the United States that survived more than a few days. She was born at the San Diego Zoo, and four years later her mother had another baby, Mei Sheng. Hua Mei and her brother, Mei Sheng, spend their days climbing on logs, lounging in trees, and eating bamboo. A lot of things the pandas do can be thought of in terms of subtraction. Young readers follow the famous cubs as they grow from tiny infants to big, bouncing pandas and learn about subtraction along the way.

Sea Sums

With an appealing abundance of plants and animals, the shallows of an ocean coral reef offer a natural background for an under-the-sea arithmetic party. Creatures from stingrays to clams, crabs to sea urchins, and more disappear and reappear to provide young mathematicians with a fascinating array of equations--and a mini ecology lesson about life on a coral reef. Full color.

Ten Sly Piranhas

Ten sly piranhas are swimming in a river, but one at a time they disappear, until there is only one left.  Now that this proud overeater is the only surviving piranha, he is confident that he can eat anybody.  But while he may be the cleverest fish in the river, he is no match for the giant crocodile lurking on the bank.  Children will love learning to count backward in this crafty tale about one very hungry piranha.

88 pounds of tomatoes (Hello math reader)

Two friends plan a party to use all the tomatoes they expect to get from their Wonder Plant.

Anno's Magic Seeds

A wizard gives Jack two magic seeds with the instructions to eat one, which will feed him for one full year, and plant the other, which will produce two more seeds and allow the cycle to continue, but Jack has his own idea, in a fantasy introduction to numbers and counting.

Also, look at these math lapbook ideas.

MATH LAPBOOK IDEAS

  • Telling Time Lapbook 1st grade
  • FREE Math Facts Lapbook
  • Easy (and FREE) Multiplication Lapbook
  • Shapes Lapbook for Early Learners
  • Math Mini-Office Lapbook Grades K-2-PRINTED
  • Free Division Lapbook
  • Free Roman Numerals Lapbook

Additionally, look at more homeschool lapbook ideas.

MORE LAPBOOK IDEAS

  • 15 Amazing Lapbook Materials to Use Besides Glue and Paper
  • 75 AWESOME Things to Add to a Lapbook
  • Exploring Space and Astronomy
  • Honey Bees Lapbook for Kids
  • Free Wildflowers Lapbook
  • Amber – Freezing Gold Lapbook
  • Coral Reef Lapbook
  • Fall Unit Study (Includes Apples, Sir Isaac Newton, Art, and Appleseed)

WHAT MATH CONCEPTS TO INCLUDE IN A MATH LAPBOOK

In addition, here are some ideas to include in a math lapbook.

  • vocabulary for math section or create a whole lapbook on math terms and vocabulary words
  • measurement and data
  • basic 4 operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
  • days of the week
  • fractions
  • time, elapsed time
  • geometry and shapes
  • numbers and counting

What is included in this free math and time telling lapbook

In the download, I’ve included a picture of a suggestion as to where to place the minibooks. Remember that you can add any minibooks to create your unique lapbook.

So, you do not need to include all if you want to focus on other concepts.

But this lapbook includes a pocket for money, time telling, days of the week, a clock, digital time and pieces for a front cover.

Math Lapbook Ideas And Free Time And Money Lapbook

Finally, look below to grab the free time telling and math lapbook

HOW TO GET THE FREE TIME AND MONEY LAPBOOK

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

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

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

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbook Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbooks, math

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