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Welcome

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

August 29, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a cute wolf preschool craft as well as other simple ideas for creative play to engage your little one. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more themed ideas for learning and playing. 

Do you think creative play is just that, play? There is so much more to it and the benefits it has for your preschooler.

Creative play is essential for preschoolers because it supports their overall development in ways that are both fun and deeply educational.

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

There are many ways to engage in creative play but today I want to focus on popsicle sticks.

They are such an inexpensive option that has endless possibilities for play and creativity.

And whether your little ones are playing dress-up, building with blocks, or inventing a new game, they’re growing intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. 

7 KEY REASONS WHY CREATIVE PLAY IS SO IMPORTANT

So that is why creative play is so important to learning.

Here are 7 big reasons why.

  1. Boosts Brain Development-When preschoolers engage in imaginative scenarios like pretending to be a chef, a doctor, or a superhero, they’re developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and planning skills. Creative play also strengthens memory and encourages flexible thinking.
  2. Develops Language and Communication Skills-Through storytelling, role-play, and make-believe games, children naturally learn new vocabulary, practice sentence structure, and gain confidence in expressing themselves. Playing with others helps develop listening, turn-taking, and conversational skills.
  3. Encourages Emotional Expression-Children often use creative play to act out feelings they may not fully understand- fear, excitement, or anger. It provides a safe outlet for emotions. Pretend scenarios help them make sense of real-life situations like going to the doctor or dealing with conflict.
  4. Builds Social Skills-During group play, preschoolers practice cooperation, sharing, leadership, empathy, and conflict resolution. They learn how to negotiate roles (“You be the firefighter, and I’ll be the cat in the tree!”) and work as part of a team.
  5. Strengthens Fine Motor and Gross Motor Skills-Creative activities like drawing, building with blocks, or dressing dolls improve fine motor control. Acting out scenes or dancing develops coordination and gross motor skills.
  6. Fosters Confidence and Independence-When children explore and create on their own terms, they develop self-esteem, initiative, and a sense of accomplishment. They begin to trust their ideas and make decisions independently.
  7. Supports Learning-Creative play lays the foundation for early literacy and early math skills such as counting pretend money, following a story, or recognizing shapes and colors. It sparks curiosity and a love of learning that prepares them for formal education.
Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

Next, look at these creative ideas to do with popsicle sticks.

SIMPLE IDEAS FOR CREATIVE PLAY WITH POPSICLE STICKS

  • How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks teaches learning through play with a twist on traditional go fish.
  • This Yarn Popsicle Craft is wonderful for developing fine motor skills and hand strength as well as coordination.
  • Explore colors and introduce Roy G. Biv with this Popsicle Stick Rainbow Cloud Craft.
  • Create a Popsicle Stick Puzzle with any theme or topic your child enjoys for a sweet creative play idea.
  • Put together this Easy Unicorn Craft Using Popsicle Sticks for the child that can’t get enough of this mythical creature.
  • We used popsicle sticks to make this Exciting Scavenger Hunt: Beach Theme Activities Elementary Kids Will Love.
  • Buzz Buzz, how precious is this Popsicle Stick Bumble Bee Craft.
  • Popsicle Stick Baby Chick Craft.
  • What a creative idea, MIX ‘N’ MATCH ARTICULATED SNAKE CRAFT, lets your child explore, create, and differentiate patterns.
  • Encourage those big imaginations with Popsicle Stick Superhero Craft Idea For Kids.

Also, look at this activities How to Craft a Stunning Wolf Animal Triorama and How To Make A Tundra Biome Diorama With Free Printables for more about how wolves live.

WOLF PRESCHOOL CRAFT

I used The Big Book of Beasts as a fun reference for images and facts about wolves. Books can always be left out for exploration or read while crafting.

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

You might also grab a wolf figurine to use in sensory bins, the blocks, on a science shelf, or any kind of creative play as you learn about them at the same time.

Finally, look at how to make this fun wolf craft.

You will need:

  • 3 popsicle sticks
  • Grey craft felt
  • White craft felt
  • Google eyes
  • Black pompom
  • Scissors
  • School glue
Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

First, let your child color the popsicle sticks grey with paint, crayons, or markers.

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

Make a triangle using the popsicle sticks on a sheet of gray felt.

Trace just inside the triangle lightly with a pencil.

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

Cut the triangle out ¼” to ½” larger than the pencil tracing depending on the width of your craft sticks.

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

At the same time, cut out a pair of ears and fangs using the grey and white felt.

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

Add a thick line of glue(glue sticks will not hold you will want to use a tacky craft glue or school glue in a bottle) all the way around the edge of the felt.

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

And press the popsicle sticks into place.

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

Glue the ears at the top on the back side

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

Finish off by gluing googly eyes and a black pom pom nose into place.

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

Set aside to let it dry completely, make a whole pack of wolves to enjoy.

MORE PRESCHOOL CRAFTS

  • O is for Owl | Great Horned Owl Study
  • P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple
  • R is for Rainbow | Rain Mobile
  • How To Create A Sweet Strawberry Letter S Handprint Craft
  • T is for Teeth | Dental Unit
  • How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft
  • W Is For Winter | Snowman Oobleck Activity
  • How To Make A Letter Y Handprint Craft Featuring A Yak
  • X is for X Ray | Crayon Resist Skeleton
  • Polar Bear Science Activities Preschool | How To Make A Fun Dessert
  • Awesome Preschool Dinosaur Unit Study With Kids Who Love Dinosaurs
  • 7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity
  • How to Make an Egg Carton Bobblehead Penguin Preschool Craft
  • Fun and Easy Preschool Hibernation Science Activities to Nurture Learning
  • Explore the Magic: Easy Northern Lights Crafts for Preschoolers

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Day 8 Creating a Unit Study Lesson Plan 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together

August 28, 2025 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

It’s day 8 and we’re creating a unit study lesson plan. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies. I’m doing 10 days of diving into unit studies by creating a unit study together.

Now, is the culmination of gathering all the resources of your hard work. Unless you are using a premade unit study, you will want to develop the art of lesson planning. 

Day 8 Creating a Unit Study Lesson Plan 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together

I have mentioned before in How to Write a Simple But Effective Homeschool Lesson Plan that lesson planning is nothing more than a visual map.

It shows what you want to accomplish for the day, week, or month. You can do this! The educationalese do not have to be so overwhelming.

UNIT STUDY LESSON PLANNING IS A VISUAL MAP

Today, I will create that visual map for you.  Look at it below.

I have created lesson plans for week 1 for my Ocean Unit Study coming up based on the information I created from Day 4. Finalize Sub-topics. 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together and Day 5. Creating Unit Study Objectives. 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together.

Key to successfully planning your unit study is not just organizing your information into a workable plan, but creating engaging lesson plans too.

Day 8 Creating a Unit Study Lesson Plan 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together

Teaching is a learned art and lesson planning is no different. 

Beginning your unit study is just as important as deciding how to end it.  So take time to think about a lure that will hook your children on the topic being introduced.

4 MISTAKES TO NOT MAKE WHEN UNIT STUDY LESSON PLANNING

Notice that in my opening of the unit study I start with an edible tidal zone model.

1. BEGIN THE UNIT STUDY WITH ENGAGING HANDS-ON IDEAS OR ACTIVITY

Though the idea is mine, the model is not. The picture comes from a book that we already have at the house and we are going to make it an edible model.

So take your ideas for hands-on ideas from books that you have. We are excited about making this and hopefully this will hook my kids on the topic of oceans

The teacher in you may think that reading the opening chapter of a book is engaging. Though this may be true for some books, it is not the case with all of them. 

I find that beginning my unit study with an activity creates the mood I want as we tackle another topic. 

There is just no substitute for an engaging, interactive hands-on activity to begin your unit study.

2. CHOOSING A SUPERIOR UNIT STUDY SPINE GIVES YOU A BOOST IN LESSON PLANNING. CHOOSE CAREFULLY.

Using my main book that I decided on early as my spine and that I talked about in Day 3. Selecting Superior Sub-Topics. 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies By Creating A Unit Study Together helps me to piece together my beginning week. 

There is no need to try to find vocabulary words that are a natural fit for my unit study because I did my work way early by choosing a superior book for my unit study. 

Choosing a spine or main guide carefully gives you a huge boost and makes lesson planning a cinch.

Also, I looked back at the sub-topics that I wanted to stay focused on to decide my objective for the week.

3. BEGIN WITH A GENERAL FRAME OF KNOWLEDGE FOR THE TOPIC BEFORE DIVING INTO SUBTOPICS.

Since this is the beginning week, then I do want to focus on the basics of my topic.

Think of the way a topic would naturally be introduced when lesson planning for the entire unit study.  Begin with the basics of a topic.

Focusing on the basics in the beginning instead of jumping right into complicated sub-topics will help your children remember key points from other unit studies that you considered that are linked to this one.

Give your children time to simmer on the subject a bit. Don’t rush the meditation process.

For example, for week 2 I will fold in some facts, as a reminder, that we learned from our study of a Coral Reef. 

Having time to adjust to the topic for a week, they can now brainstorm and connect it with information they previously know.

Then, reviewing your lesson plans and using my form above, look at how easy I covered a variety of school subjects for the week.

4. DO NOT FORCE A LESSON PLAN WHICH IS AWKWARD FOR THE SAKE OF COVERING A SUBJECT.

Remember not to force a fit for the sake of covering that subject.

Though we do a unit study exclusively when we are focused on one, I can have the boys supplement with math and grammar if needed.

Day 8 Creating a Unit Study Lesson Plan 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together

Relax and design your lesson plans as an extension of your personality and with the unique strengths and weaknesses of your children in mind. 

My very favorite way to organize is my Ultimate Unit Study Planner.

Day 8 Creating a Unit Study Lesson Plan 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together

TOS

Important: READ THIS FIRST.
Before you email me asking where your download link is or tell me that it is not working, read this to ensure that you get your pretties timely and that you don’t pay for something and not get it.

• All my products are digital. You will not receive a physical product for anything in my store. A digital physical year calendar does not mean a physical product or calendar

It is so much more enjoyable this way and meaningful.  As you can see from my form above that covering school subjects comes much easier than you think.

• Downloads are INSTANT. When you pay, you will receive an email with a download link INSTANTLY. Depending on your internet connection, the email could be just 30 seconds or so, or a bit longer. The point is it will be soon, not a week later, etc.

• The email with the download link will go to the email you used for paypal. If you used your husband’s paypal, your downloads will go to that email. Please check that email and your spam before emailing me telling me you can’t find it.
• Please put my email tina @ tinasdynamichomeschoolplus dot com (of course substitute the right symbol for dot) in your address/contact list so that your product does not go to spam.

MY GUARANTEE: To treat you like I want to be treated which means I know at times technical problems may cause glitches, so I will do everything possible to make your experience here pleasant. If you have problems getting your download OR have a question email me my web based email: tinahomeschools at gmail dot c

  • 2. Ultimate DIY Homeschool Unit Study Planner

    2. Ultimate DIY Homeschool Unit Study Planner

    $5.99
    Add to cart

10 DAYS OF CREATING A UNIT STUDY TOGETHER

  • Unit Studies Define & Redefine the Meaning – Day 1
  • Tips For Choosing Unit Study Topics.- Day 2
  • Selecting Superior Sub-Topics. Day 3
  • Finalize Sub-topics – Day 4
  • Creating Unit Study Objectives – Day 5
  • Unit Study Resources that Stir the Imagination – Day 6
  • Unit Study Activity Ideas – Day 7
  • Creating a Unit Study Lesson Plan – Day 8
  • Flow of Our Day with A Unit Study Schedule – Day 9
  • Unit Study Beginnings – Day 10

All of this looks good on paper right? Now, how do we execute all of this?  How does a day look in the life of a unit study family?  Next post, I will show you how we balance the day.

Hugs and love ya,

10 Days of Creating A Unit Study Together

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Day 8 Creating a Unit Study Lesson Plan 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together. It's day 8 and we're creating a unit study lesson plan. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies. I’m doing 10 days of diving into unit studies by creating a unit study together. Now, is the culmination of gathering all the resources of your hard work. Unless you are using a premade unit study, you will want to develop the art of lesson planning.

1 CommentFiled Under: Diving into Unit Studies by Creating A Unit Study, Lesson Plan

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

August 27, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making a fantastic DIY founding father costume for under $10 in supplies.

This simple DIY is great for elementary and middle school but can easily be adapted and made more challenging for high school students.

And besides being the first president, there are many reasons to learn about George Washington. Besides being the leader who led the colonies to victory in the Revolutionary War, he was a great leader.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

But he was also a reluctant leader because he never really chased power.

I’m giving you a few ideas for each day to do a quick mini unit study on George Washington.

You can make the most out of your time learning about our first president with books, videos, and crafts.

BOOKS ABOUT GEORGE WASHINGTON FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books.

We prefer living books when we can find them. Add some to your home library.

7 George Washington Books

When you think of the founding of the United States, one name stands out above the rest and that is George Washington.

Image for George Washington's World

George Washington's World

The period measured by the life of George Washington, 1732 to 1799, was one of revolution and change in many parts of the world as Enlightenment thinking took hold in the minds of men. Prolifically illustrated with intriguing line drawings and detailed timelines, Foster's telling of the life story of George Washington does justice to the man it celebrates.

Image for George Washington and the Founding of a Nation

George Washington and the Founding of a Nation

A full account of George Washington's role in building the early U.S. republic explores his life, focusing on the assets he brought to public life.

Image for Farmer George Plants a Nation

Farmer George Plants a Nation

George Washington was the first leader of our country—but he was also an inventor, scientist, and the most forward-thinking farmer of his time.  As he worked to make the new country independent, he also struggled to create a self-sufficient farm at Mount Vernon, Virginia. Excerpts from Washington's writings are featured throughout this nonfiction picture book, which also includes a timeline, resource section, as well as essays on Washington at Mount Vernon and his thoughts on slavery. Both the author and illustrator worked closely with the staff of Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens to render an accurate portrait of Farmer George at work.

Image for Stories of George Washington

Stories of George Washington

Abraham Lincoln often referred to a favorite book he read as a young boy: "The Life of Washington" by Mason Weems. The impression made deep in his heart was that there was something very uncommon and rare
about America and that holding the Union together was worth any cost. This same book was also the #1 book the citizens of our young Republic were reading. After you get past the flowery language and the over-the-top hero worship, you find a book filled with nuggets of wisdom, including the idea that private virtue exceeds public virtue, which was the secret of Washington's greatness. If you want to read what Lincoln read, now you'll be able to.

Image for George Washington: His Legacy of Faith, Character, and Courage

George Washington: His Legacy of Faith, Character, and Courage

In this beautifully illustrated book, children will learn the epic story of George Washington, the father of our country, and be inspired by his strong faith, character, and courage. They will discover that the animating force of his heroic life was a deep, abiding faith and trust in God.

Captivatingly illustrated with lovely water colors, this book begins with interesting facts about Washington's ancestors, who had been involved with important key moments in British history, and the story of his forefathers who then came to the United States.

We learn about the life of young George growing up in Virginia and how he developed the skills needed for farming, hunting, horse riding and self-defense. It shows how he was devoutly religious from the time of his youth.

Image for George Washington's Breakfast

George Washington's Breakfast

A fun take on history from Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz!George Washington Allen, a boy who never gives up until he finds out what he wants to know, is determined to learn all there is to know about his
namesake, including what the first president ate for breakfast!

Image for George Washington's Teeth

George Washington's Teeth

From battling toothaches while fighting the British, to having rotten teeth removed by his dentists, the Father of His Country suffered all his life with tooth problems. Yet, contrary to popular belief, he never had a set of wooden teeth. Starting at the age of twenty-four, George Washington lost on average a tooth a year, and by the time he was elected president, he had only two left!

Next, look at these ideas for a quick 5 day unit study about George Washington.

QUICK GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIT STUDY

Now, begin with a bit about his life on day 1.

WHO WAS GEORGE WASHINGTON – DAY 1

Learn about his early life and character.

  • Who Was George Washington? by Roberta Edwards (Who Was… series).
  • Watch a short kid-friendly video biography-Liberty’s Kids episode on YouTube works well).
  • Play U.S President Go Fish to learn more about Washington and other presidents.
  • George Washington’s Teeth – Deborah Chandra -funny and historical.
  • Ask…
  • Where was George born?
  • What did he do before the war?
  • Why do you think he was respected as a leader?
How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

WASHINGTON & THE REVOLUTION – DAY 2

Understand Washington’s role in the Revolutionary War.

  • Crash Course U.S. History for older kids/teens
  • Read about Washington crossing the Delaware (picture books like George Washington’s Crossing by David Hackett Fischer for older kids, or simpler retellings for younger kids).
  • Map Work-Mark major battle sites (Trenton, Yorktown, Valley Forge) on a 13 colonies map.
  • Recreate the “crossing of the Delaware” using toy soldiers or LEGO figures in a box lid “boat.”

THE FIRST PRESIDENT – DAY 3

Learn about Washington’s presidency.

  • A Picture Book of George Washington by David Adler 
  • George Washington Ingri d’Aulaire
  • Ask…
  • What did Washington do as the first president?
  • Why is it important he stepped down after two terms?
  • Write (or trace) this Washington quote-“It is better to be alone than in bad company.”

WASHINGTON AT HOME (MOUNT VERNON) – DAY 4 

See Washington as a farmer and person.

  • Short video tour of Mount Vernon (official Mount Vernon site has free kid resources).
  • Ask…
  • What crops did Washington grow?
  • Why do you think he loved farming after the war?
  • Start a small garden activity (plant a seed in a cup).
  • Create a mini Mount Vernon with cardboard, popsicle sticks, or printable cutouts.

CELEBRATE WASHINGTON – DAY 5

Review and present learning through a project or presentation.

  • Timeline Notebooking Page– Create a page with Washington’s life events in order.
  • Recite a quote, the Preamble to the Constitution, or a summary of Washington’s life.
  • Draw George Washington on a dollar bill,  quarter, or just his face.
  • Write 3–5 sentences (or more for older kids) about why he is called the “Father of Our Country.”
  • Bake a simple “Washington cake” (colonial-era recipe, or just decorate cupcakes with little American flags).
  • Roleplay Debate: Pretend to be George Washington explaining why America needs independence. Use your costume, see the tutorial below.

MORE AMERICAN HISTORY ACTIVITIES

  • Beautiful American History Living Books & Sign Of The Beaver Craft
  • How to Build a Fun White House Sugar Cube George Washington Craft
  • Explore The Best American History Gifts For Kids And Educators
  • How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources)
  • 7 National Landmarks USA | How To Make A Fun Statue Of Liberty Torch Craft
  • How to Make American History Silhouette Puzzles With Kids
  • Free American History Lapbook The Old West Through the Life of Wyatt Earp
  • American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study
  • 18 American History Board Games Which Brings History to Life
  • How to Teach With an Easy DIY American History Timeline
  • 4 Shortcuts to Teach Hands-on American History in Half the Time

Finally, look at how to make this cute as it can be founding fathers costume.

HOW TO MAKE A GEORGE WASHINGTON DIY FOUNDING FATHER COSTUME

You will need:

  • Blue long-sleeve t-shirt
  • White craft felt
  • Yellow craft felt
  • Cotton balls
  • Toddlers pull up, pantyhose, or a shower cap
  • Black ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun/glue sticks
How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

JACKET

Fold the shirt down the center, creating a nice crease that makes it easy to cut a straight line by pressing it in with an iron.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

Cut an oval from yellow felt, adjust to your child’s size.

You want it big enough to cover the top of the shoulder and hang off the end for epaulettes.

Repeat with a second piece.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

Cut fringe around 3 sides.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

Place on the shoulders of the shirt, smoothing out the wrinkles and making sure of the size.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

Hot glue along the shoulder, and across the arm seam so that it hangs down.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

From the remaining scraps of yellow, cut circles about the size of a quarter.

FOUNDING FATHER COSTUME

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

Use hot glue to attach down either side of the “coat” opening.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

I had a white scrap of velvety fabric that I cut long strips on either side to tie around the neck.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

If you use felt you can cut out a ruffled shape or two and either hot glue string to tie around the neck or attach to the coat with glue.

HAT

Cut a simple tricorn shape out of the full length of two pieces of black felt and trace them with a gold paint pen or hot glue yellow or gold ribbon along the edge.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

For most kids, especially over the wig, this will not be wide enough to fit.

Cut a couple of black strips and hot glue to each end of the hat to join them and make the opening wider.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

Cut most of the front portion of a pull-up (stretchy toddler diaper) away to create room for the face.

This works really well for smaller elementary students, but you can use all the next steps on it, a shower cap, or pantyhose stretched over a dummy head to create a wig cap.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

Apply hot glue to cotton balls and completely cover the back side.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

Add a strip of material at the bottom to create his little pony tail (they do not still well to each other) to give the cotton ball something to stick to.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

Flip it over and cover the rest, squeezing them in tightly so there are no gaps when it stretches over the head.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

Finally, tie off the little ponytail with a scrap of ribbon.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

How cute is this?

Now not only read about history but your child can bring his history lessons to life through this fun dress up.

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

Easy Apple Crafts and How to Make a Fun Apple Sailboat

August 26, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have rounded up some easy apple crafts. Too, you’ll love this fun and easy apple sailboat to keep your little one having fun. Too, you’ll love the other ideas I have on my page Apple Lapbook and Apple Unit Study.

No glue and no glitter. And no paint-stained fingers. It’s a low-mess, low-stress activity that can be done in under 15 minutes, using things you probably already have at home.

In addition, while having fun, you can naturally introduce science terms such as buoyancy, and balance and symmetry.

Easy Apple Crafts and How to Make a Fun Apple Sailboat

And your little ones are learning foundational STEM principles through play.

Too, kids are learning how to think, create, problem-solve, and play all through an easy apple craft.

In addition, not every sailboat floats perfectly on the first try so your kids learn patience.

BOOKS ABOUT APPLES FOR KIDS

Next, I’ve rounded up some fun books about apples to make this a full unit study.

8 Fun Learning About Apples Books and Resources

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

Image for Apples (New & Updated Edition)

Apples (New & Updated Edition)

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

Image for How Do Apples Grow?

How Do Apples Grow?

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

Questions addressed in this book include:

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

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

Image for My Little Golden Book About Johnny Appleseed

My Little Golden Book About Johnny Appleseed

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

Image for Ten Apples Up On Top!

Ten Apples Up On Top!

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

Image for SmartGames Apple Twist Travel Puzzle Game with 60 Challenges

SmartGames Apple Twist Travel Puzzle Game with 60 Challenges

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

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

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

Image for LeapFrog Tad's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set

LeapFrog Tad's Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set

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

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

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

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

Then, look at some easy apple crafts for all ages.

EASY APPLE CRAFTS

Next, look at these easy apple crafts for kids of all ages.

  • Apples Unit How to Make a Fall Kids Garland Apple Craft
  • Alphabet Letter A is for Apple Craft for Preschool | Fun Apple Study
  • Apple Lapbook and Apple Unit Study.
  • Kids Fun Hands-on Apple Unit Make Dried Apple Slices
  • 8 Facts About Johnny Appleseed and Sweet Johnny Appleseed Cookies
  • Dried Apple Crafts: Hands-on Fun Shrunken Head Apple Craft for Kids
  • 10 Fall Apple Crafts and Make a Caramel Apple Craft on a Stick
  • Apple Themed Back to School Crafts & Fun Calming Apple Jar Craft
  • Fun Apple Crafts And How To Make Apple Butter & Pretzel Truffles
Easy Apple Crafts and How to Make a Fun Apple Sailboat

Finally, look at how to make this fun apple sailboat.

HOW TO MAKE AN APPLE SAILBOAT

First, look at this easy list of supplies.

  • Large plastic bin
  • Water
  • Apples (cut in half)
  • Toothpicks
  • Small pieces of paper (for sails)
  • Child-safe scissors (to cut sails)
  • Straws (for blowing boats across the water)
Easy Apple Crafts and How to Make a Fun Apple Sailboat

Prepare the bin – Fill a large bin with water. Make the sailboats – Cut apples in half.

Easy Apple Crafts and How to Make a Fun Apple Sailboat

Cut small paper sails and poke them onto the toothpicks.

Easy Apple Crafts and How to Make a Fun Apple Sailboat

Push a toothpick into each apple half.

Easy Apple Crafts and How to Make a Fun Apple Sailboat

Launch the boats – Place the apple sailboats into the bin of water.

Race the boats – Give kids straws and let them gently blow air toward the sails to make their boats glide across the water.

Experiment & play – Try different sizes of sails, blow from different directions, or see how many boats can move at once.

Benefits for Kids:

  • Social Skills – Promotes cooperation and friendly competition when racing boats together.
  • STEM Exploration – Introduces concepts of buoyancy, wind power, and cause-and-effect.
  • Fine Motor Skills – Strengthens hand-eye coordination while building and sailing the boats.
  • Creativity & Imagination – Encourages playful storytelling as kids race or “sail” their apple boats.
  • Sensory Play – Water play is soothing, engaging multiple senses at once.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: apples, crafts, fall crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, science

Day 7 Unit Study Activity Ideas 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together

August 25, 2025 | 1 Comment
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On day 7 I have unit study activity ideas 10 days of diving into unit studies. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies. I’m doing 10 days of diving into unit studies by creating a unit study together.

Today, I want to stretch and expand your knowledge of what other unit study activities and ideas you could use to enhance the topic that you have chosen.

Day 7 Unit Study Activity Ideas 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together

One of the biggest fears about planning unit studies is that activity ideas may run slim to none (not ever the case, but it feels like it anyway) for your topic. 

So having your quiver full of ideas avoids stuck-itis when it is time to plan your unit study.

Also though depending on what subjects you want to emphasize in your unit study, the ideas here will give you options to choose from for each subject.

UNIT STUDY ACTIVITY IDEAS PAIRED TO SUBJECTS

In other words, I have organized ideas by subjects and have added activities for a variety of ages/grades. 

You can decide which activities works best for your children’s abilities regardless of age.

One last thing about the activities listed below and that is I have tried to keep the ideas as general as possible to use with any topic. 

But some ideas don’t make sense, unless I give you an example of how to use them. 

Day 7. Unit Study Activity Ideas. 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together

To make the ideas more clear, I give you specifics in how to connect that idea to an actual activity.

Let’s get started.

LANGUAGE ARTS IDEAS FOR A UNIT STUDY

  • Hands- On Book Report. Make a book report mobile hanger.
  • Make you own themed paper to illustrate/write. Decorate with stickers or draw an art border.
  • Do a skit based on any piece of literature. {Shakespeare}
  • Add grammar study points on a “O” ring and laminate.  Anything on an “O” ring makes it hands on instead of worksheets and you have that tool for a longer time to use with younger children.
  • Add bird seed, rice, or beans to a plastic bottle and make I Spy words.
  • Write backwards like Leonardo Da Vinci.  {Mirror writing.}  Find a penpal.  Start a cookbook.
  • Puppet Show. Create a timeline for events in a book. Round up famous speeches and study them.
  • Journal with art or journal by pictures only. Do Mad Libs for grammar.
  • Create a list of proverbs.  Add to it each day.  Do a noun hunt, verb hunt,etc. Do word dominoes.

Next, look at some hands on math ideas.

MATH IDEAS FOR A UNIT STUDY

  • Build a model bridge. Make your own abacus. Play Uno. Start a business for a child entrepreneur who sees no need for math.
  • Build place value models. Create visual number lines. Create calendars with number and values.
  • Make secret codes and decipher them. Make your own board game for math.
  • Make your own groups of ten counters by using popsicles and gluing beans or any other favorite object on it.  Skip count by actually skipping and counting.
  • Snowflake symmetry. Design your own tiling patterns.
  • Make an addition wheel, make a paper die to practice use of any of the basic 4 operations. Create your own problems on the paper die.
  • Draw and cut out templates to show Pythagorean theorem by making them puzzle pieces.
  • Play store. Create a math dictionary. (We did this one year and it is a great reference tool all year round.)
  • Math card games to teach fractions.
  • Kitchen geometry.
  • Plan, cook, and shop for a meal.
Unit Study Activity Ideas

Then look at history/geography and science ideas.

HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY IDEAS FOR A UNIT STUDY

Now look at history/geography ideas.

  • Make a compass.
  • Cook recipes from a place in the world. The Around the World Cookbook: Over 350 Authentic Recipes from the World’s Best-Loved Cuisines.
  • Make passports.
  • Create a treasure map for geography.
  • Create a timeline on just one event instead of a whole time period.
  • Make your own board game for your topic.
  • Make a paper mache globe.
  • Make a ship from milk cartons, or ice cream, or soda bottles.
  • Interview an older person who witnessed a historical event or have him tell about his life.

SCIENCE IDEAS FOR A UNIT STUDY

  • Draw/Label a cell. 
  • Build a website. There are plenty of easy free website templates for new programmers.
  • Solar System Stickers (Dover Little Activity Books Stickers)
  • Take care of a small pet.
  • Do a report about a scientist (language arts & science).
  • Make charts & graphs instead of worksheets.
  • Do a YouTube video.
  • Illustrate an invention. 
  • Raise a tadpole, have a butterfly garden Insect Lore Live Butterfly Garden
  • Create an ocean in a bottle. Instead of starting a garden, grow one vegetable.
  • Community service like a garden or visit a habitat. Do recycling projects.
  • Study an ant hill. Buy a kit for this unless you have a backyard full of them lol. Insect Lore Ant Hill

I didn’t list art or music because those subjects are a bit easier to find activities to do because by their very nature they are hands-on. 

I wanted to stick to subjects that took a bit more finesse on your part as a teacher to bring learning alive.

Also, don’t forget to memorize lists or things. For example, look at this list.

  • like continents and oceans,
  • Bible verses,
  • helping verbs,
  • skip counting,
  • quotes for history,
  • science songs,
  • months of the year, days of the week,
  • presidents,
  • 10 plagues on Egypt,
  • the 12 Knights of the Round Table, 
  • 50 states,
  • the wives of King Henry VIII (we remembered like this divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived),
  • 12 apostles,
  • the planets, types of clouds and colors of the rainbow as examples.

Collect items like rocks, postage stamps from different countries, arrowheads and coins.  Check out this List of items to collect.

Though certainly not complete, I do hope this expansive general list of ideas will help you to see how each subject can be brought to life through a number of activities.

10 DAYS OF CREATING A UNIT STUDY TOGETHER

  • Unit Studies Define & Redefine the Meaning – Day 1
  • Tips For Choosing Unit Study Topics.- Day 2
  • Selecting Superior Sub-Topics. Day 3
  • Finalize Sub-topics – Day 4
  • Creating Unit Study Objectives – Day 5
  • Unit Study Resources that Stir the Imagination – Day 6
  • Unit Study Activity Ideas – Day 7
  • Creating a Unit Study Lesson Plan – Day 8
  • Flow of Our Day with A Unit Study Schedule – Day 9
  • Unit Study Beginnings – Day 10

But now that we have ALL of this information that we have been gathering, it is time to stream line this baby and create actual lesson plans we can use each day.

Next post, I will show you how to take the information I have given you and create a set of lesson plans!

What do you think? Are you starting to feel more confident about diving into a unit study?  If you have created one before, what advice do you have to add to this list?

Hugs and love ya,

10 Days of Creating A Unit Study Together

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Day 7 Unit Study Activity Ideas 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together. On day 7 I have unit study activity ideas 10 days of diving into unit studies. Also, look at my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies. I’m doing 10 days of diving into unit studies by creating a unit study together. I want to stretch and expand your knowledge of what other unit study activities and ideas you could use to enhance the topic that you have chosen.

1 CommentFiled Under: 4. {10 Days of ... Blogging Series}, Diving into Unit Studies by Creating A Unit Study, Hands-On Activities Tagged With: unit studies

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