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Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study

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

Today, I have some fun outdoor activities for middle schoolers today. Also, look at my page homeschool middle school for more fun tips. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

Besides, National Trails Day is April 22nd and that is a great time to start hiking the trails if you have never been or find a new one in your area if you have.

Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study

I also want to introduce or reacquaint you with another couple of fabulous outdoor activities for middle schoolers that go hand in hand with hiking trails which are geocaching and nature study.

In addition, I have another idea for outdoor activities for middle schoolers which is to teach them what to pack in your hiking pack list.

Too, I highly recommend a good quality comfy pair of shoes for everyone before you head out.

Hiking for Middle Schoolers

Hiking is a wonderful way to get exercise, fresh air, and get in a nature study.

Also, you also don’t usually have to go far to get some hiking in.

Check out this list of state parks by U.S. state that you can visit to get a hike in on the trails.

Or use it to find different trails near you. You can see the links location mark off the trail when you’ve completed it.

  • Check out local state and national parks in your state here for trails.
  • The National Parks Service also has an extensive listing of parks for each state.
  • You can use the All Trails APP to find different trails near you, get reviews for the trail, details like if it’s dog or stroller friendly, and mark off as you complete a trail.

What is Geocaching

Additionally, one fantastic addition to hiking is geocaching. It can also be done on its own.

If you don’t know, geocaching is simply a GPS-based activity.

People create and hide small trinkets or even just a logbook just off trails at parks and other public places for you to find.

They can be official containers or camouflage DIY containers like coffee cans.

Look at this one we found on our last hike.

Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study

The app gives you directions to follow and the distance to get you pretty close to the hidden cache.

In addition, we have found them hanging in trees, in hollowed-out logs or stumps, inside a hole cut in a telephone pole, covered by limbs or palm fronds.

Geocaching Container Ideas

There were large caches that contained toys, keychains, and other little things.

And there are small ones like this one where you unscrewed the behind part and there was a little rolled-up paper for you to log the date and a name for the cache owner.

Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study

Geocaching etiquette is that if you take something you leave something of equal value.

Then sign the logbook and replace the container just as you found it.

It can become quite addicting as you find small, camouflaged caches with little trinkets, you can’t wait to find the next one.

Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study

Moreover, here are some great small items to carry with you to leave behind.

  • small plastic animals
  • a yo-yo
  • fast food toys
  • keychains
  • change
  • iron-on patches
  • pretty stones or shells
  • rain poncho
  • tiny rubber duckies
  • beads or handmade bead jewelry
  • and hot wheels.

Nature Study for Homeschool Science

While you are hiking trails and geocaching it is a natural step to do some nature study.

You honestly can’t avoid it.

Surrounded by trees, flowers, birds, and small and large woodland creatures you will be taking in so much of the local flora and fauna you may as well turn it into a lesson.

  • You can create a fun scavenger hunt ahead of time or simply call out an object, for instance, poison ivy or a woodpecker and see who spots it first.
  • Observe how many different flower species you can find on your hike.
  • One of my favorite apps for identifying plants and animals is iNaturalist, it is a good resource for crowdsourcing to identify what you may be unsure of.
  • Use a camera or a sketchbook for your child to capture and identify what they see as they explore the trail.

5 Peterson First Guides for Nature and Hiking Studies

Add one or two of these nature and hiking resources to your field trip. Getting outdoors is the best way to learn about nature, change of pace, and savor the moments of learning which come naturally.

Peterson First Guide To Trees

Now there is a guidebook to trees--one of the most popular subjects in the Peterson Field Guide series--for the beginning naturalist. The 243 trees are grouped into six categories by leaf type and arrangement, making it easier for the beginner to identify unknown species. 200 color illustrations.

Peterson First Guide To Urban Wildlife

Peterson First Guides are the first books the beginning naturalist needs. Condensed versions of the famous Peterson Field Guides, the First Guides focus on the animals, plants, and other natural things you are most likely to see. They make it fun to get into the field and easy to progress to the full-fledged Peterson Guides.

Peterson First Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians

From mudpuppies to rattlesnakes, this fascinating guide for young nature lovers describes the habits and habitats of these secretive and sometimes bizarre animals, and includes tips on how to catch and care for frogs, snakes, turtles, lizards, salamanders, and toads.

Peterson First Guide To Butterflies And Moths

Peterson First Guides are the first books the beginning naturalist needs. Condensed versions of the famous Peterson Field Guides, the First Guides focus on the animals, plants, and other natural things you are most likely to see. They make it fun to get into the field and easy to progress to the full-fledged Peterson Guides.

Peterson First Guide To Insects Of North America

A simplified version of the full-sized field guides makes it easy and fun to get started in the field. Peterson First Guides are the first books the beginning naturalist needs. Condensed versions of the famous Peterson Field Guides, the First Guides focus on the animals, plants, and other natural things you are most likely to see. They make it fun to get into the field and easy to progress to the full-fledged Peterson Guides.

More Activities for Middle Schoolers

Also, here are some more activities for middle schoolers.

  • Science Fiction for Middle School Fun Jurassic Park Quick Unit Study (DIY Insect in Amber)
  • How to Teach Science Through A Story – Middle & High School
  • Middle School Hands-on Science : Extreme Winds + Free Minibook
  • How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)
  • Human Body Books for Middle and High School Homeschooled Kids
  • Free Middle School Science Curriculum and Magazines
Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study

Furthermore, here are more ideas for nature study.

Nature Study Activities

What’s more is that nature studies are good to do for multiple ages. You’ll love these other nature study activities.

  • 26 Free Nature Unit Studies for Multiple Ages
  • Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
  • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study
  • How to Make an Easy Nature Paint Brush With Kids
  • 20 Nature-Inspired Kids’ Novels to Nurture Interest In the Outdoors
  • Facts About Wildflowers And a Fun Felt Texas Bluebonnet Craft
  • How to Easily Make a Simple and Fun Kids DIY Flower Press
  • Fun Kids Activity How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs

How to Make a Hiking Bag

Finally, look at these items to prepare you middle schooler for a day outdoors.

  • Bug spray-Dark and often damp woods are magnets for mosquitos, ticks, and more.
  • Chapstick- Sun and wind can be hard on your lips, especially if you aren’t staying hydrated enough.
  • Sunscreen- Even if it is overcast it’s a good idea to protect your skin.
  • Field guides- depending on where you were going and what’s in your area you might want to pack a long, one or two light field guides. You can grab field guides for common birds, trees, or wildflowers in your area.
  • First aid kit-You don’t need a large one unless you’re going on a multi-day hike. A few hours or a day-long hike would require a few Band-Aids, an alcohol wipe or two, and some kind of travel-sized antibiotic ointment.
  • Epi-Pen- If this is something you generally need to keep on hand anyway you do not want to get stuck out on a trail without it.
  • Water- Take plenty of bottled water along to stay hydrated or rinse off small scrapes, etc.
  • High-protein snacks- Seeds, nuts, protein bars, and beef jerky are all good high-energy snacks to replenish energy.
  • Camera-You would hate to miss an amazing shot of a deer crossing the trail or a bird rare to your area.
  • Cell Phone- I don’t think you will have to tell your teen twice to pack their phone, another great option for photos, and emergencies, and as a GPS for trail apps and geocaching.
  • Extra battery pack – If you will be out hiking for a long day you will want to grab some kind of backup battery pack.

Optional Hiking Items For Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers

  • Waterproof Binoculars
  • Flower Press- In many states it is illegal to remove flowers, animals, and any other park property but for fields and other locations that are not protected you may want to have one with you.
  • Pocket microscope
  • Notebook/Pen
  • Hat/Sunglasses

Ready to take your learning outdoors?

Fun Outdoor Activities For Middle Schoolers Geocaching and Nature Study

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Middle School Homeschool Tagged With: hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, middle school, middleschool, nature, nature study, science

How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations

April 15, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m sharing tried and true tips for how to determine the best beginner reading books for kindergarten while homeschooling. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Besides, reading is one of the most important subjects to teach well.

Teaching other subjects in kindergarten is important.

How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations

However, if a child doesn’t read well, he could struggle lifelong in all subjects.

Also, I have a free reading journal you can download below to help you track reading time.

As he grows and has interests in other subjects, like history or science, he may struggle with comprehension.

So, what we do in the beginning or while homeschooling kindergarten matters.

For example, beginner books for children should not only meet them where they’re at but be engaging and delightful.

3 Questions About Beginner Reading Books for Kindergarten

With that being said, look at these ways you can meet your child where he is in understanding phonics and growing in reading.

Some kindergarten aged children are ready for beginner chapter books or higher and others are still very much finding delight in repeated texts and phonics readers.

Being at either level is very much normal as well as anywhere in between.

Now, look at these 3 questions to see if your child needs more prereading help or if he is ready to tackle beginner chapter books.

1. How well does your child understand or master rhyming?

Rhyming is not just a fun childhood pastime, but learning to rhyme helps him to see patterns in reading.

After that when you point out the similarities in the word pattern, he learns to make other words quickly.

For example, if you print CAT on a card, then write FAT.

After you show him how the first letter is different, but the end is the same, he sees and hears the pattern.

This is an effective and simple way to have a strong foundation in reading.

Next, identify his knowledge of letter sounds.

2. How well does he know letter sounds?

That is more important than the shape of the letter or knowing the name of the letter.

While recognizing the shape of the letter is important, your child will need to grasp that it represents or stands for a sound.

Thereafter, you want to be sure of his print awareness.

3. What is his understanding of print concept?

For example, does he hold the book right way up, looks at the pictures and knows we read from left to right?

Even if he doesn’t understand his left from his right (even as adults we get confused) does he point with this finger or lead with his eyes and track left to right to read?

If you can answer yes to these prereading concepts, then barring any special needs he is ready for beginner reading books.

Additionally, if your child is still mastering some of the concepts listed above, then keep his reading diet steady with phonics readers and mixing in easy chapter books.

The books listed below will help him to not only reinforce basic reading concepts but challenge him to continue moving on in reading levels.

How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations

More Homeschool Kindergarten Reading Tips

  • 12 of the Best Books For Beginner Readers Being Homeschooled
  • How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations
  • 6 Boy Approved Books Which Spark the Love of Reading
  • How To Get Your First Homeschooled Child Reading
  • Awesome Reading Aloud Tracking Time Homeschool Form
  • 6 Tricks for the Kid That’s NOT in Love with Reading!
  • How to Know What A Homeschooled Child Should Learn Yearly?

I have chosen to mix both phonics readers and fun readers so you have a choice to mix and match.

Too, look at more activities for kindergarten.

More Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum And Crafts

  • Kindergarten Crafts for Winter An Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting
  • How to Make A Fun ABC Flip Book Fingerprint Activity for Kindergarten
  • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study
  • 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
  • Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity
  • Native American Activities For Kindergarten Create A Fun Cradleboard Craft
  • Rainforest Science Activities For Kindergarten Amazing and Fun Living Terrarium
  • Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam
  • Easy and Fun Pine Cone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten
  • 4 Fun and Engaging Bat Activities for Kindergarten
  • Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot
  • 10 Best Homeschool Phonics Curriculum For Kindergarten
  • 15 Fun Resources For History for Kindergarten Homeschool
  • 19 Fun Hands-on Rainforest Activities for Kindergarten
  • Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey
  • How to Create the Best Homeschool Schedule for Kindergarten (free printable)
  • 60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten
  • 10 Affordable and Complete Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum
  • How to Effortlessly Blend Kindergarten Homeschool Subjects & Life
  • BEST Free Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum With A Gentle Approach (List)
  • Delightful Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Which Promote a Love of Learning

Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten

A homeschooled kindergarten child’s reading diet should still be a mix of repeated texts or phonics readers and beginner readers.

This way your child’s basic reading skills continue to be strengthened while your child’s reading level is advancing.

Starfall Short-Vowel Pals 16 Decodable Phonics Books

These decodable primer books provide beginner readers with practice connecting letter sounds. Set of 16 Short-Vowel Pals: Zac and Cat Zac and the Hat Peg Helps Zac Peg's Egg Hen Mox Jogs Hop, Bend, Stomp Pop! Pop! Pop! Tin Man Sits Fix the Jet Fish and Me Bug in a Jug Get Up, Cub Gus and His Dog Peg and the Box Zig-Zag

Meg and Greg: A Duck in a Sock (Orca Two Read, 1)

Great books for parents to share with kids. Parents read then child reads.

A Duck in a Sock is the first book in the Orca Two Read series designed for shared reading
between a child learning to read and an experienced reader. Inside you'll find four stories that introduce one new phonogram (a letter or combination of letters that represent a sound) in each story: the ck, sh, ch and th phonograms. Each story builds on the previous ones by including words with the phonograms already introduced. In addition, the series has special features to help a child with dyslexia or another language-based learning difficulty achieve reading success.

Usborne My First Phonics Reading Library Collection 12 Books Box Set

Usborne My First Phonics Reading Library Collection 12 Books Box Set (Phonics Readers) (WITH FREE AUDIO ONLINE)

The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster!

From #1 New York Times best-selling, award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems!
Buckle up for twists, turns, and emotional loop-de-loops in the most roller coaster-y Pigeon book ever! The Pigeon WILL be ready. Will YOU!

Bob Books - Set 1: Beginning Readers Box Set |

Many early reader books contain words that are too difficult for a child who has just learned the sounds of the alphabet. Not these books! With only four letter sounds in the first story (M, A, T, and S), children can read a whole book and their confidence grows. Kids love the stories and funny pictures, and can’t wait to read these books to everyone they know!

Biscuit Flies a Kite (My First I Can Read)

For fans of Clifford and Spot, welcome everybody’s favorite little yellow puppy, Biscuit, in an I Can Read adventure!

It seems like the perfect day to fly a kite, until—oh, no!—the wind begins to blow the kite away!

Join Biscuit, that sweet puppy, and his friend Puddles as they put their furry heads together to save the day. Woof woof! Bow wow! 

The gentle and appealing Biscuit books are a wonderful first introduction to reading for little pups, and this My First I Can Read friendship tale is perfect for shared reading in a classroom or at home. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers

Jumpstart reading success with this big collection of 25 motivating storybooks correlated with Guided Reading Level D. The books features simple text, decodable words, strong picture cues, and two to four lines of text per page to support readers with just a little experience under their belts. Children will laugh, learn, and build confidence with these funny books on their favorite topics—from dogs to dinosaurs, princesses to pizza! Includes a 4-page parent guide. 

Apples and Apricots: The Letter A Book (AlphaBOX Alphabet Readers collection)

This is the first book in the highly acclaimed AlphaBOX Alphabet Readers collection – a gorgeously illustrated series that teaches each letter of the alphabet and its phonetic sound. With Apples and Apricots, young readers will explore the letter A with bright colours, adorable pictures and an arty challenge you can enjoy together

Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks)

Books in this boxed set include:The Cat in the HatOne Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue FishGreen Eggs and HamHop on PopFox in Socks   Originally created by Dr. Seuss himself, Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read.

Usborne Beginners History 10 Books Collection Box Set (Stone Age, Iron Age, Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, Romans, Vikings, Castles & MORE!)

Great history set of books that an advanced kindergartener could tackle.

However, I also have a way for you to track your reading time, or help your child track his time in 15 minute increments.

Free Reading Journal Tracking Reading Time by 15 Minute Increments

Free Reading Logs by tracking reading time in 15 minute increments.

How to Get the Free 7 page Reading Logs With Journal Cover

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

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access to my subscribers library and this freebie.

 1) Sign up on my email list to get my emails.
 2) Get your freebie instantly.
 3) Last step. Look for my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following..

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Kindergarten Tagged With: homeschoolreading, kindergarten, language arts, languagearts, reading, reading journal, readingcomprehension

Fun Homeschool US Westward Expansion Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study Ideas

April 14, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a huge 97 page free US Westward Expansion lapbook. Also, I have a page Westward Ho with more ideas. Grab more ideas on my lapbook ideas page and on my best homeschool unit studies page.

You’ll want to study about westward expansion a few times to get in more subtopics of American history.

In addition, you may want to narrow down your focus to specific years or topics.

Fun Homeschool US Westward Expansion Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study Ideas

However, for our first time studying about the expansion of the United States, we covered quite a few years and topics.

For example, I chose to cover the period of 1803 to 1890.

Additionally, making a list of topics to cover will help too.

Westward Expansion Unit Study Ideas

Besides, you want to create a foundation for your children to understand why people wanted to head west.

Free Minibooks About Westward Ho

For instance, look at this list of free minibooks I created for a westward expansion unit study,

  • Westward Ho Trifold Timeline Book
  • 1860 Pony Express Pop Up Book
  • Animals of the West with Pocket for Older Kids
  • Baby Animals of the West with Pocket for Younger Kids
  • Flora of the West for Older Kids
  • Flora of the West for Younger Kids
  • Buffalo Bill Frontiersman Tiny Book and pocket
  • Daniel Boone Frontiersman Tiny Book and pocket
  • James Fenimore Cooper _ Author Tiny Book and pocket
  • Sacagawea matchbook
  • Artists Study and Images George Caleb Bingham and Albert Bierstadt
  • 49ers Goldrush minibook
  • 1836 Remember the Alamo minibook, mini crossword, and Texian and Tejano images
  • Manifest Destiny Pros versus Cons
  • Barrel of Words Vocabulary
  • Flip book to learn about supplies on the Oregon Trail.
  • Prairie Schooner Top Flap,
  • Landmarks along the Trail, Devil’s Gate, Independence Rock & Chimney Rock,
  • Prairie Schooner Bottom Flap,
  • Disease on the Trail: Cholera
  • Picture for front/back of lapbook/notebook page.
  • Dividers for Lewis & Clark Expedition and one for Westward Expansion.
  • Pecos Bill older child
  • Pecos Bill younger child
  • Tall Tale Pecos Bill Writing Prompt
  • Transportation Layered Book
  • 1869 Transcontinental Railroad
  • Printable Board Game Oregon Trail
  • 2 Westward Ho Coloring Pages

As you can see from geography to language arts, I have many ideas for you.

Additionally, you’ll love reading some of these living books below.

Books about the Oregon Trail

10 Westward Expansion Resources

Add in a few books and resources to bring the study of the Oregon Trail to life during the United States expansion of the west.

Your Life as a Pioneer on the Oregon Trail (The Way It Was)

Your Life as a Pioneer on The Oregon Trail, has some funny illustrations and great information for this unit study.

Little House on the Prairie Series 7 Books Collection

Of course ALL the Little House Books are some of the best about pioneer life.

The Ingalls are the most famous pioneers and westward moving families.

Westward Expansion (A True Book: Westward Expansion)

A True Book: Westward Expansion takes readers on an amazing journey to a fascinating time in U.S. history when the country was experiencing dynamic change and expanding westward.

The Oregon Trail 4-Book Paperback Box Set Plus Poster Map

In this boxed set, choose your own trail and complete the journey to Oregon City with all four paperbacks in this exciting series! It's 1850 and your first goal is to get your family, covered wagon full of supplies, and oxen to Chimney Rock on time. 

The Oregon Trail: Journey to Willamette Valley Boardgame

  • It's a race to Willamette Valley as you join the wagon train and seek your fortune in the West!

Apples to Oregon:

Apples, ho! When Papa decides to pull up roots and move from Iowa to Oregon, he can’t bear to leave his precious apple trees behind. Or his peaches, plums, grapes, cherries, and pears. Oh, and he takes his family along too.

Locomotive

It is the summer of 1869, and trains, crews, and family are traveling together, riding America’s brand-new transcontinental railroad. These pages come alive with the details of the trip and the sounds, speed, and strength of the mighty locomotives; the work that keeps them moving; and the thrill of travel from plains to mountain to
ocean

The California Gold Rush and the '49ers

Try your luck, and search for your fortune in California! Follow the joy and heartbreak of the '49ers during the California Gold Rush.

Daily Life in a Covered Wagon

In 1853, the Larkin family loaded up their wagons and headed west in search of a new life. But how did they do it? What did they eat? How did they survive sickness, and attacks from cattle thieves? Drawing on diaries and letters, and illustrated with photographs of actual object from the past, Daily Life in a Covered Wagon explored what life was really like on the wagon trail.

Covered Wagons, Bumpy Trails

Illustrations and simple rhyming text follow Mother, Father, and Baby John as they make the difficult journey by wagon to a new home across the Rocky Mountains in the fertile Sacramento Valley of California. By the creators of Gold Fever.

And if you’re doing a unit study, you want to include hands-on learning.

Fun Homeschool US Westward Expansion Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study Ideas

Finally, add some hands-on activities.

Hands-on US Westward Expansion Ideas

Moreover, there are many hands-on ideas you’ll want to include in this unit study.

  • No Sew Pioneer Rag Doll For Kids Westward Expansion Activity
  • 7 Educational Movies for Kids About Westward Expansion
  • 10 Westward Expansion Hands-on History Activities
  • Free Westward Ho History Cards
  • Make an edible Louisiana Purchase Map, yum.
Fun Homeschool US Westward Expansion Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study Ideas

Too, are you looking to cover other areas of American History?

Look at these other lapbooks.

More History Lapbooks

How to Get the Free HUGE 102 Page Westward Expansion Lapbook

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

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1 CommentFiled Under: Lapbooks Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, westward expansion, westwardho

Lewis and Clark Expedition Botany 1 and 2 Interactive Minibooks

April 13, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We are moving on to another huge unit study to focus on for American history, which is the Lewis and Clark Expedition.You’ll find more ideas on my page Lewis and Clark.

Today, I have the Lewis and Clark botany 1 and 2 minibook printables.

Note: The botany 1 and 2 minibooks were free for a limited time.

Since this is our second time to visit this subject and with Tiny at middle & high school level now, I will have to spin out the topics in a different direction

Lewis and Clark Expedition Botany 1 and 2 Interactive Minibooks

When we studied Lewis and Clark at an elementary level for my older set of boys, Tiny was very young. By the way, be sure to grab my first lapbook there.

Lewis and Clark free Botany 1 and Botany 2 minibooks @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus
Lewis and Clark Free Botany 1 and Botany 2 Minibooks for a lapbook or unit study.

I can’t get choked up when I see this picture, well maybe a little, because your homeschool journey moves faster than you realize though you don’t think so when you’re in the moment.

Lewis and Clark unit study

Tiny has fond memories of that first study, so I am looking forward to building on his knowledge and love of our previous study.

So we looked over the unit study and have our ideas brewing about what he wants to learn.

Science of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

First, though I am updating some of those forms and changing them to add them to this second visit of this topic.

A botany notebooking page is on my previous unit study page, but we wanted a minibook of it so we can either create a lapbook page or notebooking page with mini printables.

This unit study completely planned like I mentioned, but we have several ideas brewing.

Besides, we may want to take some bunny trails because there is so MUCH to study.

Moreover the botany notebooking page, which has been turned into two botany accordion fold minibooks gives us a starting point in our unit study.

Additionally, I wanted Tiny to review some of the over 200 plants that Lewis and Clark identified and name.

Lewis and Clark didn’t really “discover” them because Native Americans were already in the areas that Lewis and Clark traveled and were familiar with the plants using them as medicinal purposes and in every day life.

However, Lewis and Clark did scientifically name them and organize them.

Lewis and Clark Botany 1 and 2 Minibooks

Tiny spent the morning looking over journal entries where provided, pictures and reading about where specimens were identified.

Look at this site Lewis and Clark Library and study the plants, journal entries and pictures and then fill out the minibooks.

Also I have the answers for the plants on the last page of the minibooks.

Learn from the site above and identify the plants, give their scientific name and a few facts about each plant and add it to your lapbook.

Fold accordion style and keep in a zipper pouch or better yet, a big ziploc bag like we do.

Then, at the end of the unit study I will give you some ideas for layouts on your page.

Next, I have some books you may want to add to your unit study.

14 Lewis and Clark | Sacagawea Exploration Unit Study Resources

Lewis and Clark is one of the most significant periods in American history and you can spend weeks exploring the lands and people west of the Mississippi with these fun books and resources.

How We Crossed The West: The Adventures Of Lewis And Clark

Appealing art and descriptive text bring Lewis and Clark alive for young adventurers. Carefully chosen text from Lewis and Clark's actual journals opens a fascinating window into this country's exciting history.

National Geographic Readers: Sacagawea

Explore one of the most recognized figures in American history with this biography of Sacagawea. Kids will learn about her crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition and her influential legacy.  The level 3 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging, information for independent readers.

Of Courage Undaunted: Across the Continent with Lewis & Clark

Commissioned in 1803 by President Thomas Jefferson to explore and open up this vast territory, Lewis and Clark felt it was the realization of a lifelong dream. Against the hardships of the wilderness, possible attack by hostile Indians, sudden blizzards and terrifying natural obstacles, these two men led the Corps of Discovery ably and nobly to complete their mission. Their Corps included American Indians from the Sioux, Mandan, Shoshone, Clatsop and Chopunnish tribes. Sacajawea, the only woman on the trip, was a Shoshone woman who contributed invaluable service as interpreter and guide. Daugherty's evocative sepia and black ink illustrations depict individuals of humor, vitality, passion, and strength.

Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West

From the New York Times bestselling author the definitive book on Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, the most momentous expedition in American history and one of the great adventure stories of all time.

The Truth About Sacajawea (Lewis & Clark Expedition)

The only book ever written that tells the eyewitness truth about this famous teenage Indian mother who was indispensable to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The Journals of Lewis and Clark: 1805: Volume II

On May 14, 1804, the Corps of Discovery set out from Camp Dubois, Illinois, heading westward under the command of Captain Meriwether Lewis and his Second Lieutenant, William Clark. While Lewis led the group in terms of rank, the two men became de facto equals, giving their names jointly to a journey that would shape the future of the fledgling United States — the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This book presents journal entries taken directly from the expedition.

Sacagawea: American Pathfinder

Describes how Sacagawea found adventure guiding Lewis and Clark to the Oregon coast.

Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark (Third Edition): A Guide to the Trail Today

Take Your Own Journey through History on the Lewis & Clark Trail! Follow the journey of the Corps of Discovery from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello through the Midwest and the Rockies, to the Pacific Ocean and back with this detailed chronicle of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. This third edition of the classic guidebook features accessible text that combines the historical sites and color maps that merge the past and present in a user-friendly and entertaining way.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition (Graphic History)

In this epic graphic novel, follow the dramatic story of  the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1804, these two explorers, along with their "Corps of Discovery," traversed the unmapped American West, leading to scientific discoveries, interactions with Native nations, and route to the Pacific Ocean. Dramatic illustrations and fast-paced text provide a "you-are-there" experience. With extensive back matter, including a bibliography, extended reading list, glossary, and further Internet sources, young readers will gobble up this action-packed comic book about one of history's most compelling moments.

The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country From Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad With 25 Projects

In The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country from Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad, readers ages 9 to 12 can delve into the explorations of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and other explorers. They can learn about the more than half a million people who followed during the nineteenth century. What challenges did these pioneers face on the 2,170-mile journey? How were Native American tribes and nations affected by this mass migration? Primary sources allow readers to feel like a part of the Oregon Trail experience while biographical sidebars will introduce the compelling people who were part of this time in U.S. history. Investigative, hands-on projects and critical thinking activities such as writing a treaty and researching artistic impressions of the Oregon Trail invite readers to further their understanding of life on the trail, early towns and forts, and the Transcontinental Railroad that followed the wagons into new lands and territories that would eventually become states.

Seaman's Journal

A trade paperback edition of the award-winning tale of the journey of Lewis and Clark. When Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, met his new master in August of 1803, he didn't know that he would spend the next three years on an adventure of more than 8,000 miles to the Pacific Ocean and back. Seaman's Journal is based on actual entries in Meriwether Lewis s journal describing Seaman, and it presents an account of the Lewis and Clark expedition as seen from the viewpoint of Lewis s dog. Join Seaman before the trip as preparations take place. Meet the Native American guides and friends they encountered along the way. And read of Seaman s love for Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman whose husband acted as interpreter and guide. Ages 5-8.

The Lewis & Clark Expedition: Join the Corps of Discovery to Explore Uncharted Territory

Describes the expedition led by Lewis and Clark to explore the unknown western regions of America at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

Lewis and Clark for Kids: Their Journey of Discovery with 21 Activities

Following Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s Corps of Discovery as they navigate the muddy Missouri River and begin a great adventure, this activity book is set against the background of the vast North American continent. It takes children from President Jefferson’s vision of an exploratory mission across a continent full of unique plants and animals through their dangerous and challenging journey into the unknown to the expedition’s triumphant return to the frontier town of St. Louis. Twenty-one activities bring to life the Native American tribes they encountered, the plants and animals they discovered, and the camping and navigating techniques they used. A glossary of terms and listings of Lewis and Clark sites, museums, and related websites round out this comprehensive activity book.

It's Her Story Sacajawea A Graphic Novel

Sacajawea was a brilliant, multilingual Shoshone girl who was torn from her home at a young age. In 1804, she set out with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, acting as an interpreter and guide across hundreds of miles of unmapped land to reach the Pacific Ocean. Almost 200 years later, she became the first Indigenous woman to appear on a US coin. This is her story.

GRAB THESE OTHER RESOURCES AND HANDS-ON IDEAS

Lewis and Clark: Hands-on History. Make a Char Cloth
Hands-On History: Make a Journal!
Lewis and Clark Louisiana Purchase Edible Map
Lewis and Clark Expedition – The Ultimate Guide
Lewis and Clark Unit Study and Lapbook
Lewis and Clark:Cooking on the Trail
Lewis and Clark Free Botany 1 and 2 Minibooks
How To Make An Easy Ink pot & Quill Pen with Berry Ink

Lewis and Clark Lapbook, Notebooking Pages, and Coloring Pages

Below, look at the minibooks which come with this lapbook.

In addition, there are more minibooks than you need to fill one lapbook.

I include these in your lapbook so that if you want to study different subtopics you have a minibook.

Too, don’t forget we created this lapbook by turning the file folder landscape.

Now, here is a list of the pages which come with your purchase.

  • 3 pages which can be used for the outside cover – the pages are created for landscape layout
  • 5 coloring pages – which are created portrait. These can be used to include your younger children or use them for outside cover pages if you turn your file folder portrait instead of landscape.
  • 4 minipockets and minibook with lines – 1 each for Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea, and The Enlisted Men.
  • 4 minipockets and minibook with no lines – 1 each for Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, Sacagawea, and The Enlisted Men which allows your child to draw or cut off the other side to use for memory, games, or add any other information. They are very flexible.
  • Doctoring in the Wilderness minibook – Have your child learn the names of a few herbs.
  • Mission. Have your child describe what is the purpose of the mission or how it came about.
  • How Long Was the Journey minibook with timeline
  • What Did They Take minibook. Cut out pictures and talk about what they carried on the journey and why it was needed.
  • Map of the Expedition. Locate the places on the map.
  • Indian Country – Learn about the Native Americans Lewis and Clark encountered.
  • Geography on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Write some brief points about geography.
  • Botany Book 1 and Botany Book 2. Learn about some of the plants along the way.
Lewis and Clark Expedition Botany 1 and 2 Interactive Minibooks. We are moving on to another huge unit study to focus on for American history, which is the Lewis and Clark Expedition.You’ll find more ideas on my page Lewis and Clark. Today, I have the Lewis and Clark botany 1 and 2 minibook printables. When we studied Lewis and Clark at an elementary level for my older set of boys, Tiny was very young. By the way, be sure to grab my first lapbook there.
  • Dynamic Lewis and Clark Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Lewis and Clark Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

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Lewis and Clark Expedition Botany 1 and 2 Interactive Minibooks

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2 CommentsFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Geography Based, History Based, Lapbooks Tagged With: botany, lapbook, lewis and clark, lewisandclark

Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

April 12, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Celebrate Arbor Day with this fun tree activity. Also, grab more ideas to study trees on my page Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study.

Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April. But what exactly is Arbor Day?

Arbor Day is a day of observance where people as groups or on their own are encouraged to plant trees.

Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

Celebrating Arbor Day is the perfect time to work on a little tree study.

You can find an event, buy a tree to be planted, or donate to the Arbor Day Foundation.

You can cover trees in general or learn about a specific tree.

Washington DC Cherry Trees Facts

Today we are going to learn about and create a craft based on the flowering cherry trees.

For example, we’re going to create one like the beautiful ones you see lining the waterway in East Potomac Park Washington DC.

First, look at some facts about cherry trees.

  • The peak bloom generally occurs around April 4th but does vary from year to year. Be sure you check the estimates here at the national cherry blossom festival before planning a trip to DC to see the blossoms.
  • Originally there were 3,020 trees of 12 different varieties.
  • In 1910 Japan presented the trees as a gift of friendship to the American people.
  • There are approximately 3,800 cherry trees within the park.
  • The Yoshino and Kwanzan are the most common types now in Washington DC.
  • Most cherry trees tend to have a short lifespan, around 15-30 years. Black cherry trees, however, can live up to 250 years.
  • It’s against the law to pick cherry blossoms in Washington DC, sorry no souvenirs.
  • This year is the 104th anniversary of the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Then, here are a few facts about the history of cherry trees.

History of Cherry Trees

Additionally, it’s fun to learn about the history of how the cherry trees came to the U.S.

  • In 1876, during the American Revolution Centennial Year, the area bordering the Potomac River, where the beautiful Japanese flowering cherry trees now stand, encompassed one of the least desirable locations in Washington, D.C. (See The Japanese Flowering Trees of Washington, D.C.)
  • This area was a dreary swamp not far fromthe White House where weeds flourished and mosquitoes bred, causing many health problems.
  • The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan.
  • Samurai warriors were fond of cherry blossoms. Moreover, look at my Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook to learn more about the Samurai and Japan.
  • Because of the short life of the cherry blossom Samurai warriors felt they embodied their duty to their master to die at a moment’s notice.
  • The high regard in which the flowering cherry tree is held is reflected in all aspects of the culture, life, land literature of the Japanese people.
  • Through the ages, the Japanese have equated the brief transient beauty of the cherry blossom with that of the human life:
    • Yo no naka wa
      Mikka minu ma ni
      Sakura kana
      (Life is short, like the three day
      glory of the cherry hlossom.)
  • Sakura means cherry blossom.

Listen to this beautiful Japanese folk song Cherry Blossoms.

Next, here are some ideas for hands-on fun.

Hands-on Tree Activities

If you want a few more fun hands-on ideas or even a few unit studies to pull together your own tree study, look at these below.

Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity
  • Make an easy Tissue Paper Apple Tree Craft.
  • Work on fine motor skills with this Yarn-Wrapped Blossoming Spring Tree
  • Create a stunning Four Seasons Tree Painting
  • Combine Nature Anatomy and plastic toy trees to study different types of trees, shapes, leaves, and more.
  • Older children will love putting together a LEGO Bonsai or have them create the alternate build of a cherry tree to build fine motor skills, following directions, planning, and so much more.
  • You can also use them as inspiration for drawing.

More Hands-on Activities for Learning About Cherry Trees

Add some of these fun hands-on activities for your younger kids when learning about trees or cherry trees.

LEGO Icons Bonsai Tree

Features a bonsai tree model with a rectangular pot and a slatted wood-effect stand, made of LEGO elements, designed for adults

Includes interchangeable pieces so you can style the artificial plant with classic green leaves or vibrant pink cherry blossom blooms,

Realistic Plastic Trees for Kids Sensory Bins

8PCS Replica of Mini Tree Toy Set:pine, elm, juniper, topiary, petticoat, aspen, and 2 maples.Suitable for boys and girls over 6 years old,good for brain ability and imagination.

Early Childhood Education Building Blocks Wooden Assembling Tree

Carykon tree-shaped wooden blocks

Material: Made of environmentally friendly wood, no burrs, no peculiar smell, bright colors and can be assembled at will (warm reminder: this product is recommended for children over 5 years old)

Additionally, here are more tree activities for kids of all ages below.

More Tree Activities With Kids

Also, look at these other ways to incorporate more fun and learning about trees in your homeschool day.

Grab mty lapbook about historic trees and add to your tree unit study.

  • Dynamic Famous and Historic Trees Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Famous and Historic Trees Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart
  • Cardinal Birds in Winter and Birch Trees Easy Watercolor Kids Activity
  • Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
  • Hands-On Literature Nature Study: Simple Tree Craft
  • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study
Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

Now, let’s make this cherry tree activity.

How to Make a Toilet Roll Cherry Tree Activity

You will need:

  • 2 toilet paper rolls
  • Pink, white, and light green tissue paper
  • Brown paint
  • School glue
  • Paintbrush
  • Pencil with an eraser
  • Scissors

Paint one empty toilet paper roll brown on the inside.

Then paint the other brown inside and outside of the roll. Allow them to dry completely.

Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

While you are waiting for the trunk of the tree to dry make your flowers and leaves.

Tear up very small bits of pink and light green tissue paper about the size of an adult thumbprint.

Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

Place the eraser end of a pencil on each little bit of tissue paper and twist.

Also, you could also just ball up each piece as well but I like the little texture and shape it makes twisting it.

Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

Once your toilet paper rolls are dry cut strips about ¼” wide halfway down. Cutting some a little more and some a little less, these will become your branches.

Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

Slide the cut roll into the uncut roll and secure it with glue. Hot glue will set faster.

Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

Roll to curve each one down at slightly different levels.

Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

Add dots of glue to the top and underside of each branch.

Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

Press flowers and leaves into each dab of glue. Add more glue and flowers as needed to create a full tree.

You can repeat this technique with different colors of leaves and or flowers to create other types of trees as well.

Celebrate Arbor Day With A Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities

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