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60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten

August 14, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Beginning to homeschool kindergarten can be daunting. So, having this list of homeschooling materials for kindergarten will start you on the right foot for kindergarten homeschool curriculum.

Beyond homeschool curriculum, you’ll want to set up your home for learning all over.

Too, if you have the right materials or supplies for homeschooling kindergarten, you can just about skip purchasing formal curriculum.

Plus, there are so many hands-on manipulatives, puzzles, books and supplies which can be used to teach in a play-based approach.

60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten

Children this age learn best by play and not necessarily by formal curriculum.

I know it’s not the answer some moms want to hear, but hear my heart when I say there are so many formal years of homeschooling ahead.

Besides, it’s okay to have laid out curriculum because it can give you a birds eye view of how to teach.

Just don’t rush the learning stages at preschool or kindergarten and even into first grade by being overly formal.

So many of these learning materials can be used for years.

Especially if you have younger children or are expecting to grow a family, it’s worth investing in learning materials which will last years.

Get your money’s worth from them.

Kindergarten Homeschool Materials

And beyond what I have organized and listed below, you want to add these things to your collection.

  • Museum memberships
  • Some picture books like ones by Beatrix Potter, Curious George, and Five Little Monkeys to name a few.
  • And don’t forget a library card and
  • Think about buying secondhand cooking and baking items like measuring cups and bowls so they can be used for measuring or pretend play.
  • Don’t forget you already have your back yard for exploring or the local park.

Add audio books like The Very Eric Carle Treasury: The Very Busy Spider; The Very Quiet Cricket; The Very Clumsy Click Beetle; and The Very Lonely Firefly to your list.

Next, look at these items and materials to help with fine motor control.

Arts and Crafts for Homeschool Kindergarten

Arts and crafts supplies should make up a good part of your homeschooling materials.

Play-Doh Modeling Compound 10-Pack Case of Color

10 cans of creative fun – kids can get creative with just the right colors.

Dough Tools Set for Kids

45 pieces various shapes of dough tools as picture: rolling pins, pattern molds, cutters, stamps, etc.

Set Creations Tools for Kid with sea Animals

The shape maker and plastic knife are designed for little fingers to easily, pull, push, twist, and press to the sea animals.

Watercolor Paint Set, 48 Colors Non-toxic Watercolor Paint

48 Vivid Colors Best Watercolor Paints Set.

Crayola Giant Fingerpaint Paper

GIANT FINGERPAINT PAPER: Features 25 Sheets of 16” x 12” Coated White Paint Paper conveniently bound into a pad, plus a painting project idea to get kids started

Crayola Ultraclean Broadline Classic Washable Markers

Crayola washable markers are now ultra-clean; Washable from skin, clothing and now from painted walls .

60 PCS Jumbo Washable Bulk Chalk Non-Toxic Sidewalk Chalks

Our Jumbo Colorful Chalks are packaged in 3 boxes and each includes 20 pieces of chalks in 5 colors (Blue, Green, Pink, Orange and Yellow)

Rainbow Colored Duct Tape —No Residue, Tear by Hand & Waterproof — Great for crafts

Vivid Vibrance – Enjoy eye-catching brightness and a full rainbow of color options.

Left and Right Handed Kids Scissors, Safety Blunt Sharp

Multipurpose: kids scissors are ideal for children use in classroom school, office and at home.

Subscription Boxes for Kindergarten

Also, more and more subscription boxes have popped up over the last 10 years and they make teaching kindergarten absolutely fun and painless.

Instead of collecting all the supplies and materials, sometimes you just want to have things premade.

You’ll love some of these ideas below.

Subscription Boxes for Homeschool Kindergarten

If you choose the right subscription box it can bring learning to life with very little effort on your part. And it adds tons of fun.

Raddish - Kids Cooking Subscription Box

A NEW THEME EACH MONTH - Learn about new cultures and cuisines from your kitchen!

Little Passports Science Jr.

In the first month you’ll receive our weddell seals experiment kit, adventure-packed comic, Antarctica board game, and trading cards highlighting fun scientific facts.

Green Kid Crafts - Monthly STEAM Subscription

Each month you'll receive up to 5 experiments and art projects that promote STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, art, and math).

Little Passports Early Explorers

Explore the world with your preschooler with this fun and educational travel themed subscription box!

Einstein Box Science Experiment Kit For Kids Aged 6

Science Experiment Kit For Kids 6-12

Dear Smart Girl Electrical Engineering STEM Kit for Girls

CREATIVE EXPLORATION: Our STEM DIY headband activity kit for girls is optimized for the highest doses of fun.

We Craft Box: Kids Craft Box Subscription – Monthly Kids Arts and Crafts DIY for 2 Crafters

BE YOUR KIDS HERO: Give them a day of crafting adventures without the stress or prep work!

Also, using manipulative and games for teaching helps learning to stick.

Children should not really tell the difference between playing and learning.

History, Geography, and Hands On Learning Ideas for Homeschool Kindergarten

Children this age love to learn about the world around them, but it doesn't have to be complicated.

World Map Puzzle for Kids -With Continents

World Map Puzzle set is an entertaining educational activity for kids to help stimulate and challenge their minds, and aid in development as they play and learn

United States Puzzle for Kids

United States Puzzle for Kids set is an entertaining educational activity for kids to help stimulate and challenge their minds.

Learning Games and Effective Curriculum for Language Arts and Math for Homeschool Kindergarten

Children this age learn best by games and there is hardly a subject that can't be learned though a game.

The Fidget Game Learn to Read in Weeks Master 220 High-Frequency Dolch Sight Words

The Fidget Game aims to teach curriculum-appropriate Dolch words or sight words from Pre-K to Grade 3 kids.

Learning Resources Time Activity Set - Teaching Clocks for Kids, Telling Time

Telling time, Time matching (analog and digital), Writing time (analog and digital), Problem solving, Fine motor skills, Self-help

Sight CVC Word Games, Montessori Alphabet Letter Puzzle Blocks

Muu MIAO CVC word games toy is a creative toy with high-quality logical puzzle board for learning to spell CVC words.

Wooden Large Hundred Board Educational Math 100 Board

HELP YOUR KIDS WITH EARLY MATH SKILLS: This Montessori multidimensional math toy was designed to your kid a love and confidence in math and numbers

Bob Books, Set 1: Beginning Readers

Bob Books Set 1: Beginning ReadersTeach a child letter sounds with Bob Books Set 1! With four letters in the first story, children can read a whole book

Kindergarten Math With Confidence Bundle: Instructor Guide & Student Workbook

This scripted, open-and-go program leads parents’ step-by-step through teaching all the concepts a kindergartner needs to master: counting to 100, writing numbers, beginning addition and subtraction, shapes and patterns, coins, time, and measurement.

Spin-and-Read Phonetic Reading Blocks and CVC Phonics Wooden Toy Set for Beginner Reader

Learn to Read: New readers will learn how to read and rhyme with our movable CVC word builder blocks

Before Five in a Row

, Before Five in a Row is a rich treasury of creative ideas that help you gently, consistently prepare your children for the lifelong adventure of learning.

Kindergarten Games for Learning Skill Subjects

As I mentioned earlier there is more than enough time for formal learning.

At this age kids learn the skill subjects like language arts and math through games.

As their fine motor control is still developing, you want to strengthen their fine motor control through crafts.

I’ve rounded up things to help strengthen fine motor skills to prepare your child for lifelong writing.

Paper, Fine Motor Skills and Writing for Homeschool Kindergarten

Remember at the kindergarten level it's like writing with your big toe. This is the time to STRENGTHEN the fine motor skills through play, NOT learn how to write.

My First Book of Pencil Control : Practice Pattern Writing (Full Color Pages)

A perfect fun activity book designed for early learners to develop pencil control and motor skills.

Write & Wipe Pen Control

Practice pen control and tracing, then wipe clean and start again!

Crayons in a Rock Shape, 32 Count, Tripod Grip Made for Handwriting Development in Kids

Used by occupational therapists and preschool teachers, they were specifically designed to strengthen the tripod grip muscles in young children.

Melissa & Doug Scissor Skills Activity Book With Pair of Child-Safe Scissors

The Melissa & Doug Scissor Skills Activity Book is a paper-cutting project book with 20 pre-printed activity pages.

Construction Paper, 10 Classic Colors

Heavyweight 100% vat-dyed sulphite paper is perfect for any arts and crafts project .

Dry Erase Board, 14” x 11”

This White Framed Dry Erase Board Provides A Compact, Easy-To-Use Writing Surface For Planning, Scheduling, Drawing And More .

Plastic Art Trays,Activity Plastic Tray,Serving Tray for Art and Crafts and Writing in Salt

These art trays are great for painting,color mixing,organizing puzzles,beading,playing with slime and play dough,collaging,science experiments and more.Help to organize and get rid of mixing.

Lower and Capital Case Sandpaper Letters with Boxes

The sandpaper letters guide the hand for writing as the child traces the letter shapes in the style and direction that they are written.

TICONDEROGA My First Pencils, Wood-Cased Soft, Pre-Sharpened

Large size diameter (13/32") is ideal for children in the early stages of their writing development

In addition, besides getting children outdoors, they need plenty of things to help them learn about the fascinating world around them.

Best Science Games, Hands-on Learning and Books For Homeschool Kindergarten

Science should be so fun at this age. Not only should kids get out of doors, but they should have plenty of opportunity to investigate with games and a variety of science materials.

Puzzles for Kids Ages 4-8 Year Old, 100 Piece Dinosaur Jigsaw Puzzle

Jigsaw Puzzle is a 100 piece dinosaur puzzle that is easy to assemble and displays beautiful artwork of a prehistoric landscape.

The Young Scientist Ocean Animal Card Games

The Young Scientists Club Ocean Animals Card Game makes learning a fun, interactive experience all while discovering the magic of the ocean!

Ocean Animals Toys Small Realistic Mini Sea Creature

Highly detailed and realistic, these small creature sea animals provide a better way for your kids to know about sea animals world,

Butterfly Garden: Original Habitat and Live Cup of Caterpillars

A cup of 5 baby caterpillars and with all the nutritious food they need to grow into Painted Lady Butterflies

Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Kids Microscope

Discover the world with science & exploration.

POWER YOUR FUN Fun Forts Glow Fort Building Kit for Kids -

GLOW IN THE DARK FORT KIT FOR KIDS: Build endless kids play tent structures, forts for kids, play tunnels, and more.

29" Large Dart Board

Utilizing it for math games with students, points system makes it challenging enough while interesting.

6 PCS Insect Specimen Set, Spider/Scorpion/Cricket/Flower Chafers/Stink Bug/

Real Insect Encased in A Clear Lucite Acrylic Resin Block. Durable,You Can Keep It for A Long Time.

Grow 'N Glow Terrarium Kit for Kids - Science Activities for Kids

Explore the wonder of nature and science with the Creativity for Kids Grow 'N Glow Terrarium; this indoor activity for kids allows you to craft, plant, water and grow

Science Energy Stick – Fun Science Kits for Kids to Learn About Conductors of Electricity

HANDS-ON STEM SCIENCE: The Steve Spangler Science Energy Stick is a one-of-a-kind toy to learn and explore the science of electricity and circuits.

Kids Science Kit with Lab Coat Gift Set - Over 20 Experiments for Kids 4-6

20+ Fun and Fascinating Science Experiments plus real life kids Lab Coat, Scientist ID Tag and play Safety Goggles to create an authentic home laboratory experience, components store perfectly in the re-usable plastic storage box!

Little Kids First Big Book of Reptiles and Amphibians (National Geographic Little Kids First Big Books)

This addition to the hit Little Kids First Big Book series explores the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians, from slithering snakes and scaly lizards to bumpy frogs and spotty salamanders.

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs (Little Kids First Big Books)

The third title in National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series, this book is for kids 4- to 8-years-old who LOVE dinos!

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space (Little Kids First Big Books)

This beautiful book is the latest addition to the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series. These colorful pages will introduce young children to the wonders of space,

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of the Ocean (Little Kids First Big Books)

National Geographic Kids First Big Book of the Ocean is an adorable animal reference that includes the sea's high-interest animals, such as dolphins, sharks, sea otters, and penguins, and introduces kids to some of its lesser-known creatures.

Finally, puzzles train children to mind the details and to develop patience needed for learning.

Best Puzzles for Homeschool Kindergarten

Melissa & Doug Self-Correcting Alphabet Wooden Puzzles With Storage Box

The Melissa & Doug Self-Correcting Alphabet Letter Puzzle set includes 52 durable wooden pieces that help kids learn the ABCs as they match letters to pictures.

Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Clock

The Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Clock is an entertaining and educational toy that includes 12 removable pieces for teaching time-telling and more.

Learning Resources Alphabet Puzzle Cards, Kindergarten Readiness

BUILD kindergarten readiness skills with these fun puzzles!

60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten

Other Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Resources

  • 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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Kindergarten Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, kindergarten

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

August 13, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This upcycled t shirt library tote back to school kids craft is so fun and sassy. And learning how to homeschool means we love visiting the library.

It is almost time for public school to ring back into session and for homeschoolers to come out of hiding.

If you are like most homeschooling moms, you make weekly runs to the library for chapter books ,reference books, read aloud books, audio books, and maybe even DVDS.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

 A good way to deal with that is to let everyone carry their own pile, but we aren’t going to run out and buy a bunch of tote bags are we?

Nope, not today. Today we are going to upcycle something you already have around the house.

Not only is this school craft idea inexpensive and easy but it’s cute and washable too.

When it gets dirty just toss it in the wash along with your next load and it’s ready to work again.

23 Favorite Read Aloud Books for Our Library Tote

From t-shirt to upcycled library tote makes a great co-op activity too.

Invite everyone to bring a favorite old t-shirt, supply some scissors, the directions, and everyone ends up with a great school craft idea to take home.

First, I’m sharing 23 favorite read aloud books for your newly created upcycled t-shirt turned library tote. I know you’ll find a favorite or two for your family.

23 Favorite Read Aloud Stories

You'll love adding some of these favorite read aloud stories to your homeschool day.

The Wild Robot

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island

Stuart Little

Stuart Little is no ordinary mouse. Born to a family of humans, he lives in New York City with his parents, his older brother George, and Snowbell the cat.

The Green Ember

Heather and Picket are extraordinary rabbits with ordinary lives until calamitous events overtake them, spilling them into a cauldron of misadventures.

The One and Only Ivan

Having spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him.

Anne of Green Gables

Eleven-year-old Anne Shirley has never known a real home.

Little House on the Prairie

Classic tales by Laura Ingalls Wilder about life on the frontier and Americas best-loved pioneer family.

My Side of the Mountain Trilogy

This coming-of-age story about a boy and his falcon went on to win a Newbery Honor, and for the past forty years has enthralled and entertained generations of would-be Sam Gribleys.

The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition

In The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling farther than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End.

The Indian in the Cupboard

Trying to hide his disappointment, Omri puts the Indian in a metal cupboard and locks the door with a mysterious skeleton key that once belonged to his great-grandmother

Summer of the Monkeys

The last thing fourteen-year-old Jay Berry Lee expects to find while trekking through the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma is a tree full of monkeys

The Borrowers Afield

Driven from their home in the big house, Pod, Homily, and Arrietty take up life in a boot.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy

Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts.

Charlotte's Web

Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn.

The Sign of the Beaver

Although he faces responsibility bravely, thirteen-year-old Matt is more than a little apprehensive when his father leaves him alone to guard their new cabin in the wilderness

The Chronicles of Narnia

Fantastic creatures, heroic deeds, epic battles in the war between good and evil.

Mr. Popper's Penguins

It tells the story of a poor house painter named Mr. Popper and his family, who live in the small town of Stillwater in the 1930s.

The Courage of Sarah Noble

In 1707, young Sarah Noble and her father traveled through the wilderness to build a new home for their family.

The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread

A brave mouse, a covetous rat, a wishful serving girl, and a princess named Pea come together,

Frindle

A quirky, imaginative tale about creative thought and the power of words that will have readers inventing their own words.

The Lemonade War

Here is a clever blend of humor, math wizardry, and business know-how. As it captures the one-of-a-kind bond between brother and sister.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

This special edition contains 12 extra poems.

Because of Winn-Dixie

One summer’s day, ten-year-old India Opal Buloni goes down to the local supermarket for some groceries—and comes home with a dog. But Winn-Dixie is no ordinary dog.

The Boxcar Children Fully Illustrated Edition

The classic story of four orphaned siblings, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny, who find an abandoned boxcar in the forest and decide to make it their home.

Read aloud books are such a fun way to bond as a family.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Reading together improves comprehension and vocabulary in children.

Also, they can improve processing skills, increases their attention span, reduces stress, builds listening, communication skills and visualization.

How to Upcycle a T-Shirt

Now, let’s make this adorable library tote and you only need a few things to make this.

  • a t-shirt
  • fabric scissors
  • a bowl to use as a pattern for cutting
  • fabric chalk

Yes, just things that you already have in your house.

Grab your t-shirt and start by cutting off the sleeves, just inside the seam.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

And try to cut as evenly as you can but it’s handmade so if the edges are a bit rough it’s okay.

If younger children are helping or making their own, you will definitely have some uneven cuts and knots but that is the charm of their very own DIY project.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Next, use a large bowl to draw a half circle around the neckline to make the opening larger.

You want the shoulder area to be somewhere between 3”-5” on each side to make it sturdy and comfortable handles.

The handles can be held with hands or looped over your shoulder.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Cut this circle out of both sides of the shirt.

Too, you want to make sure you have a good pair of fabric scissors.

I like these, for most of our crafts because they work well, are comfortable, and are not too expensive.

Measure a line up about 3” from the bottom all the way across and mark it with chalk. The chalk line disappears with just a bit of wiping.

Now cut strips on both sides of the fabric up to this line all the way across the bottom of the shirt.

Make the strips about ¾” wide.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Then, grab your first set of fringes and knot it, repeat with the second set of fringes. Continue all the way across the bottom.

Be sure to tie each knot tightly and securely to make sure that the bottom of your bag is sturdy enough to carry a pile of books.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Other Back to School Craft Ideas

Alternatively, if you don’t want to have your knots showing you can turn the shirt inside out first and make your knots and then turn it inside right so they are hidden inside.

I like the fringe and didn’t want the bulk inside the bag taking up precious book space.

That’s it, your old t-shirt is ready to go live its best new life as a library tote.

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

This bag is also great to tote whatever you need at a farmers markets, on nature walks, to the beach, co-op meetings, grocery shopping, or on road trips. 

Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft

Finally, look at more fun activities.

More Back to School Craft Ideas

  • Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote Back to School Kids Craft
  • Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft
  • DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Back to School Kids Craft
  • How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft
  • Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for Back to School Crafts For Kids
  • 15 Easy Back to School Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil
  • Back To Homeschool Student Notebook Covers
  • How to Create Easy Back to School Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)
  • Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • 8 Back To School Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: back to school crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, middle school, middleschool

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

August 12, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This clever diy Dollar Tree desk organizer back to school craft is just the perfect idea to organize your homeschool places. Besides the dynamics of The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter means organizing learning areas.

Do you need something simple and inexpensive to help get you or the kids (maybe both) organized for your first day of school?

This craft idea help you to get your workspace tidied up and make everything a little easier to find.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

It looks cute with any decor, is fun to make, and it’s only $6.25 in Dollar Tree items.

This simple craft corrals crayons, pencils, sharpeners, glue, paper clips, whatever you need tidied up.

Join two or three together to make a larger organizing station for your desk, the kids space, or use it elsewhere in the house.

We could all use a little help getting our routine running smoothly.

12 Ways to Use A DIY Desk Organizer

What better way to accomplish this than organizing your most used supplies in a pretty and functional way.

Look at the ways to use your diy desk organizer school craft.

You can store:

  • Craft paints and brushes
  • A glue gun and glue sticks
  • Flashcards
  • Post it Notes
  • Needles and thread
  • Essential oils
  • Small sticker packs or treats for rewards
  • In the bathroom for makeup or hair supplies
  • Scrapbook supplies
  • Tea Bags and Coffee Pod
  • Science supplies
  • Individually wrapped snacks:

And since they’re so cute and easy to make, you’ll want to make several.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

You’ll love this list of easy supplies from the Dollar Tree.

Easy Dollar Tree Supplies

Let’s get started on this simple craft.

You will need:

  • 3 unfinished wood crates from Dollar Tree
  • 2 unfinished wood slats  -17”x 2” Dollar Tree)
  • Brown craft paint
  • Foam brush
  • E6000 glue
  • Small clamps from the car department at Dollar Tree
  • Water
  • ruler
  • Paper towels

My unfinished wood pieces were pretty smooth.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

But if you find that yours have a few rough spots smooth them down really quick with a small piece of fine sandpaper or a sanding block to keep splinters or scratches form happening.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

How to Make a DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer

If you already have a stain on hand you can use that.

But you can easily made tour own faux stain by watering down brown paint and add just a smidge of black paint..

The brown pain wasn’t dark enough for the stain finish I wanted to achieve so I added a bit of black.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

Paint on your homemade stain, coating all the areas.

Be sure to get in the corners and cracks thoroughly.

I like to work in small sections and immediately wipe off the excess with a paper towel to get that transparent stained look.

Repeat this process with all of your wood pieces on all the sides and bottoms because it will all show in the final except for a few small spots. I used less than ¼ of a 2 .z bottle of craft paint to do all of this.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

Allow the paint to dry completely for at least and hour.

It should dry up rather quickly since its a thin coat.

Use a ruler to measure the center of each of your side slats and crates.

Apply a generous amount of e600 glue to one side of the slat at the base and press into the center of the side of the crate.

Make it level across the bottom and this will be your base.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

Repeat this step, doing only one side slat with the other two crates, one in the middle and one at the top. 

Be generous with the glue and wipe off any excess that squeezes out right away. Attach the slat on the opposite side of the crates.

You can use a hot glue if that is all you have on hand. But I find that it’s thicker and you don’t get as much working time to make adjustments as you do with the e6000. Hold it in place with clamps.

Organization Tips for Your Homeschool Room

  • 100 BEST Ideas to Organize Your Homeschool Area – Storage, Spaces, and Learning Places
  • Homeschool Organization – 12 Unconventional Ideas for Storage
  • Homeschool Room Organizing + Organizing Tool
  • DIY Homeschool Organizing With Duct Tape

I also grabbed these clamps at Dollar Tree in the car/home improvement section to use on crafts.

Let your glue dry completely overnight to be sure that it is set well the remove the clamps.

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

Additionally, add stickers if you like to personalize it for each child or label what is going into each bin.

You could also make it a totally fun kids craft by letting them paint their own wood pieces whatever color they like.

Finally, look at some other fun back to school crafts.

More Back to School Craft Ideas

  • Fun Upcycled T Shirt Library Tote
  • Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Craft
  • DIY Easy Duct Tape Pencil Pouch Craft
  • How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Craft
  • Cute Clay Pencil Earrings for For Kids
  • 15 Easy Crafts And Make A Yarn Wrapped Pencil
  • Back To Homeschool Student Notebook Covers
  • How to Create Easy Basket Ideas for Middle School (Anatomy)
  • Apple Themed Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • 8 Crafts For Middle Schoolers | How To Make Fun Literature Themed Shoes

Clever DIY Dollar Tree Desk Organizer Back to School Craft

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: back to school crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, home organization, homeschoolorganization, organization, organizedhomeschool

13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History

August 11, 2022 | 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have thirteen amazing ideas for fun gifts for kids who love history. Whether you’re looking for one to go with ancient civilizations or current history, you’ll love these gift ideas.

Do you have a child or adult in your life who can’t get enough history in their life? Maybe it’s you?

Whether it be ancient history, modern history, world or local, you’re sure to find an idea on this list.

I have curated a list of 13 history related items for you to make gift giving to your favorite historian a little bit easier.

13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History

Too, if you have a hands-on learner, then history games, stories, and even old letters bring history to life.

Besides gifts, you can use these ideas in your every day homeschool.

MORE GIFT LIST IDEAS

First, look at these other gift lists for more unique ideas.

  • Ten Best Tech Gifts for Teen Boys
  • 11 Unique Turtle Gift Ideas for Reptile Enthusiasts
  • 13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History
  • Navigating the Perfect Present: 22 Gifts for Geography Lovers
  • Unleash Your Inner Scientist: 12 Amazing Gifts for the Science Lovers
  • Gifts For Kids Who Are Wild About History

History Gifts for Kids

Before I had hands-on learners, I used only worksheets to learn about history.

However, I quickly learned that my kids were not remembering what we were learning.

So, not only did I switch my curriculum to Story of the World starting in first grade, I also added in history games.

For example, I added in Professor Noggin’s Ancient Civilizations Trivia Card Game.

It was my first time using games to learn history.

13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History

Little did I know then that one game could create a lifelong love for history.

Since then I’ve been adding history gifts for my kids to feed their love for learning.

Gifts for kids who are wild about history

So, I know you’ll find an idea or two here for your kids or for the history lover in your life.

Other Fun History Resources

  • Gifts For Kids Who Are Wild About History
  • 13 Free Printable History Board Games
  • How to Use a History Spine to Build Your Study of History
  • 50 Free History Unit Studies–History Lover’s Round Up

Add these to your first of the year homeschool supply list.

13 Gifts for History Buffs

You'll love these ideas for a history lover of any age. Add them in your curriculum too.

Encyclopedia of World History

Colorful and full of information this has been a staple for history reference in our homeschool but it makes a great gift for any kid that loves delving into the past!

You can find info on the first humans, dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, the Aztec Empire, the First World War, Medieval times, and a whole lot more.

Solstice Loose Leaf Tea Ultimate Sampler Feat.

earl_grey,english_breakfast,hibiscus,peach,Ultimate Sampler

Photo Credit: www.letterjoy.co

The #1 Historic Mail Gift

If you or your favorite history buff are like me and miss getting real mail, besides bills, this subscription letter service makes opening the mailbox a lot more fun-at least once a week.

You can opt for 3 months, 6 months, or a full year of it. They cover historical events from 1600 to 1960, everything from presidents to voting rights, the Civil War to American Expansion.

They are real letters, written by a variety of famous historical figures and some eyewitnesses to histories greatest events on beautiful parchment paper or fine cotton paper. I love a gift that keeps on giving and doesn’t end right after its opened.

History of the World

If your history person loves history and board games this gift was tailor made for them.

It covers from the start of civilization right up the 20th century.

Use strategy, cunning, and your civilizations best attributes to defeat the opponent.

I would recommend this for adults or older precocious teenage history lovers as the rules are bit harder to master then some games. My teen loves complicated role playing games so I know he could handle this one and it is definitely on our gameschooling wish list! 

Documents of Freedom Bundle. Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

These replicas of historical documents make a great framed gift to adorn office walls, hallways, homeschool spaces, or living rooms. Place them in a pretty wooden frame to protect and enhance the display and they make a great gift for anyone. 

This set is less than $15 and includes the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights.

We are studying Government this year in our homeschool and I just ordered a set and some frames to hang them in our homeschool space ( the living room).

Don't Make Me Repeat Myself. - History Teacher/Student Cup

As an avid coffee drinker and a history loving homeschool mom this one appeals to me on several levels- practicality, history reference, and funny mom humor.

Gift it on its own or add it to the Boston Tea Party bundle above and tickle someone's historical funny bone and warm their heart!

History of the World in 1,000 Objects

I am always a big fan of DK books and of course anything from the Smithsonian is going to be chock full of great artifacts with amazing photos and loads of information.

It covers from 20,000 BC to present times and highlights well known and not so well known pieces from history.

Great coffee table book for your home and makes an inviting read for your homeschooler!

Around the World TOOB, 10 Figurines

Now for the much younger historians in your life. These have been a favorite in my household for years. Since Pre K days we have used them in sensory bins and dramatic play.

I have used them when strewing and learning about a particular topic, and they have been wonderful additions to dioramas and even in fairy gardens with a historical theme.

We have created our own board games using the figurines from everything from the civil war theme to the wild west.

Wild West TOOB - 11 Hand Painted Toy Figurines

Give these wild west hands on figures for any modern unit study.

Knights & Dragons Toob Hand Painted Toy Miniature Figurines

What kind doesn't love to learn about dragons ? They'll love this fun kit.

White Mountain American History - Jigsaw Puzzle

There is just something so relaxing about working alone or with company on a jigsaw puzzle spread across the table. 

I know for me jigsaw puzzles are even better if they are geared to something you are interested in.

Grab this American History themed one to gift on its own or pair it with a coffee mug or tea cup to enjoy while putting it together.

Children's War. World War 2 Replica Memorabilia Pack.

What better way to learn about World War II than a hands-on history pack.

Timeline Twist Card Game - Test Your Chronological Knowledge, Cooperative Trivia Game

Find out which events are shown on your cards and estimate when they took place. Discuss with your teammates - will you place your cards in the timeline or in the discard pile? On your turn, play at least one card and reveal its date.

3 CommentsFiled Under: Gift Guides Tagged With: american history, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolgiftideas, homeschoolhistory, modern history

Day 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

August 10, 2022 | 12 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today is day 4 confronting relatives and naysayers in the free 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers. Sometimes when our friend and family confront us about our choice to homeschool it can affect us.

I have never been to a wedding where the minister asks why a couple should not be joined in holy matrimony and somebody speaks ups to object.

Often times I wonder what would happen if somebody did object. What, the couple won’t get married if they are both adults? I think it would make for some great drama.

Then you hardly ever hear the old fashion line speak now or forever hold your peace, but that is just what is needed from relatives when you start to homeschool.

Day 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Too, sometimes relatives and family confront us with negative comments because they understand our lifestyle. I always think of it more like them questioning us instead of us confronting relatives and naysayers 

Also, if we focus on the criticism and negative talk it can take us away from what is important at the moment.

For example, my first instance of being criticized for homeschooling happened went I went to the mall one day. I was in line to pay for my items with my children cheerfully in tote.

Confronting Relatives and Naysayers

The lady behind me asked why my oldest was not in school. My reply with such conviction as if the whole world was going to be happy about my choice was “because I homeschool him”.

Her quick witted reply was “like you are doing now”.

Being crushed in spirit, I thought at that moment, if only I had some facts to support my decision to homeschool it would have made a difference.

What I have learned now is that any statistics and homeschooling facts should have been for my own sanity so when statements like that happen it doesn’t pierce my armor of conviction.

Have you taken time to read some studies and grab some facts?

My previous post on Day 3 directed you to the NHERI.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with putting some facts on your phone and keeping them handly to pull out and read

Of course, you would look smokin’ hot smart if you were to whip out your phone and pull up the website.

The truth of it is that there is nothing that really can prepare you for the criticism of family and friends other than to say it will happen.

Teaching in my new homeschooler workshops for ten years, I have to come realize that are two types of new homeschoolers when it comes to family criticism.

New to Homeschooling Where to Start

One group determines this is what is best for their family and is not really affected by family comments and opinions and doesn’t solicit them.

The second group however is more affected and desires family approval or they are at least affected by the comments of others. The second group of moms are tender souls and it is hard for them to just shake off the dust of comments by others.

Preparing for Homeschool Criticism and Comments

How to Prepare for Homeschool Criticism

One. Grab Facts & Statistics Speak Volumes.

Not everybody is moved by your desire to homeschool and are only silenced or at least give pause for thought when you talk about facts and numbers.

Two. Prepare Your Answers in Advance.

It took only one time for me to get caught off guard when asked why I decided to homeschool.

I not only wanted to prepare my mind,  but I wanted to represent other homeschoolers proudly. I had many replies and a few of them were:

  • I homeschool because I want my kids socialized.
  • I homeschool because my son was advanced and I needed to move at a different pace.
  • We homeschool because the public school schedule is not our family schedule.

Three. Google More Reasons to Homeschool and Create Your Own List.

There is no lack of the advantages for homeschooling. I created a list of reasons why I wanted to homeschool and then added more as I schooled longer.

Creating your list now will add conviction to your tone and strengthen your resolve to homeschool.

Four. Just Be Nice.

Understanding that we all have a choice in how we educate our children and many will not agree helps to season your speech.

It is hard to determine at times when to speak and when to keep quiet.  I feel many times that I have to defend homeschooling choices, but I have learned sometimes it is better to say it is not for everybody.

Homeschooling does require self-sacrificing and we live in a world that does not engender that spirit.

I have given up many things to homeschool my sons, but none of them are worth trading for all the precious time and memories we have created so far.

I won’t look back and regret not learning professional photography, but I may have time in the future to learn it.

People are down on what they are not up on. I use this saying many times because everybody has a preconceived idea of what is homeschooling.

Maybe they know somebody that did not take their responsibility serious and didn’t really homeschool her children.

It happens. Appreciating that sometimes people are misinformed helps us to deal with them in kind ways.

I always try to encourage a conversation with naysayers instead of rapid fire come backs. If they are truly interested they will have a conversation with you, but if they only want to criticize then don’t waste your time.

New to Homeschool

Also, look at a few other things about me.

  • I am the author of the book Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers: When You Don’t Know Where to Begin

And I have a detailed self-paced online homeschool Kickstarter course. It is a detailed comprehensive course for first time homeschoolers.

Day 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Also, prepare your children so they are not pawns by the relatives.

Relatives and other people alike can be very bold thinking they have a right to quiz children about what they are learning. Is it harmful or helpful? You can determine this by weighing in on what their motives are. Would this person be questioning your child if they went to public school?

When relatives speak up to criticize, it can create drama or not.

Negative drama depends on your response, not theirs.

Strengthen your homeschool resolve by preparing now for the fact that not everybody will be delighted about your lifestyle change, but then again you do not need their approval to embark on this exciting and memorable journey.

Day 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Other Resources for New Homeschoolers

Have you got any responses ready?

  • I’m Homeschooling Because  I Want Them Socialized
  • What to Expect When You Expect to Homeschool (25 Silliest Questions Ever
  • Dear New Homeschooler – Are You Making this BIG Mistake? (I Was)
Day 4: Confronting Relatives & Naysayers and New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp. Sometimes when our friend and family confront us about our choice to homeschool it can affect us. Also, if we focus on the criticism and negative talk it can take us away from what is important at the moment. Learn how to prepare for homeschool criticism and read the free 31 day bootcamp for new homeschool educators. #newhomeschooler
Day 4. Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace. 31 Days of New Bee Homeschooler Blog Boot Camp

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12 CommentsFiled Under: 31 Day Blog Bootcamp for New Homeschoolers, Begin Homeschooling Tagged With: new homeschooler

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