Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

Welcome

How To Make Taste Safe Kinetic Sand Recipe Easy

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

I’m sharing a taste safe kinetic sand recipe easy for you to do at home. We’re always looking for ways to include our youngest learner in our day.

Plus, I’m always on the lookout for hands-on, sensory-rich activities that are not only fun but also educational and safe.

Kinetic sand is a moldable, squeezable sensory material that feels like wet beach sand but doesn’t dry out.

How To Make Taste Safe Kinetic Sand Recipe Easy

However, taste-safe kinetic sand is made from simple, edible household ingredients like flour and food coloring.

And this is a safe alternative for the toddler who is in the everything goes in my mouth stage.

Also, you can incorporate this sensory activity with many themed topics.

For example, you can use a different food coloring when exploring colors at the preschool and toddler ages.

BOOKS ABOUT COLORS FOR KIDS

For example, look at these books about color to add to your home library.

8 Books About Color

Add these books about color to your home library.

Also, look at more posts about sand.

MORE HANDS ON POSTS ABOUT SAND FOR KIDS

How To Make Taste Safe Kinetic Sand Recipe Easy

Now, look at how to make this taste safe kinetic sand.

TASTE SAFE KINETIC SAND

First, look at this easy list of supplies.

  • 1 cup + 4 Tbsp baking soda
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup corn flour
  • 1 Tbsp cream of tartar
  • ¼ cup warm water Orange food coloring Bowl
  • Spoon
  • Spill tray or container with sides Plastic toys and shapes
How To Make Taste Safe Kinetic Sand Recipe Easy

First, in a bowl, combine the baking soda, sugar, cornstarch, and cream of tartar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

How To Make Taste Safe Kinetic Sand Recipe Easy

In a measuring cup, add warm water and orange food coloring.

How To Make Taste Safe Kinetic Sand Recipe Easy

Stir well to combine the food coloring and water.

How To Make Taste Safe Kinetic Sand Recipe Easy

Pour the water into the dry ingredients. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined.

Add to a container with sides, toys, and shapes.

  • *This can be stored in an airtight container.
  • *If the sand is too wet, add more baking soda.
  • *If the sand is too dry, add more water 1 tsp at a time,
  • *Any food coloring can be used.

Day 4 Finalize Sub-topics On a Unit Study 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies

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

Today is day 4 finalize sub-topics on a unit study. 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.

Curb a potential time waster like determining sub-topics. Use the chapters found in a topical book on the theme you have selected. It’s quite the nifty tip because a lot of the ground work on a topic has been laid for you. 

It keeps the part that can be overwhelming, which is planning a unit study, to manageable.

UNIT STUDY PLANNING

Of course you determine if you want to cover those chapters as sub-topics or not. 

Mix and match those chapters turned sub-topics with other book. Too, look at articles or magazines you have on hand on the subject too.

Too, the process of lesson planning can be simplified. Below I show you how I created my draft planning page from just one book, Discover the Ocean.

I talked about on Day 3. Selecting Superior Sub-Topics. 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies By Creating A Unit Study Together.

I wanted to use one book to give you the basics of planning. 

After you plan a couple of unit studies, you will come up with your own sub-topics and like I mentioned add others from other resources you have too.

Unit Study Planning. Ocean Unit Study Planning Page

        {part of the form from my unit study planner}

Also, when it came to the literature column, I just dotted down what we have in the house already which fits nicely with this topic. 

Then, I researched the scriptures to find ones that applied to my topic of Ocean as well. 

And, you can take the Bible study one step further by adding facts about the parting of the Red Sea.

FINALIZE SUB-TOPICS ON A UNIT STUDY

Another reason I picked out this book to use as an example with you is because it has a glossary section in the back too. 

Right there I have my spelling and vocabulary section built in and to choose from for my unit study. 

I just wanted to show you that if you pick out a resource that is extremely helpful, it can make preparing unit studies a cinch. 

As you gain more experience and become a pro planner, it becomes easier to piecemeal a unit study from several different resources.

After choosing the sub-topics, then assign those sub-topics as subjects.  Now, you can glance at your unit study as a whole to see if your unit study will be lop-sided or if it looks like you have a nice balance of subjects being learned throughout the topic.

Remember, it doesn’t matter if it’s lop-sided because that may be your focus.  This unit study on the ocean is a bit more lop-sided intentionally because I needed it to be more science focused.

As you can see from the above example, I can still create another column for art if I choose to at anytime.  My primary focus for that column right now is to use the misc. ideas to focus on some vocabulary that I know Tiny needs. 

That is the flexibility of creating your own unique unit study because it can be slanted whichever direction your family needs or wants to go.

Unit Study. Day 4. Finalize Sub-Topics. 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies by Creating a Unit Study Together.

Remember this is my big overview and certainly I do not have to stop here with planning and wouldn’t want to. 

I can still add some art and keep on with sub-topics.  Having more sub-topics is another key to keeping your unit study moving along. 

10 DAYS OF CREATING A UNIT STUDY TOGETHER

Sometimes we will take a sub-topic a day and for other unit studies, we may take weeks.

Ease of Unit Study Planning

Flesh out your unit study with sub-topics generously because you may either move ahead faster or find some you don’t like as well.  You will have plenty to choose from if that becomes the case.

At this point too, I also look at other resources I may need.  I listed some here for you below that make studying about the ocean fun. 

The way I decide if I want to buy something versus borrowing from the library is if I know I will use that resource for many years like with multiple children or if it’s a resource with facts that can be studied over and over again throughout the years even with one child.

You have just created a course of study with relatively little ease as well.

I got so excited to show you all of this information floating around in my head that I got ahead of myself.  We are not quite ready for the stage of pulling resources together. 

I have one more post to show you about planning before we start pulling more resources.

Unit Study Planning

Pulling resources is still kind of like planning too, but I wanted to show you how you can satisfy the educationalese of a state or country if you live in one that requires stricter record keeping. 

If you don’t live in a place like that, then who knows you may astound folks with your teaching prowess after I show you the next post on this series which contains a few educationalese.

Did I lose you? 

Are you with me?  Have you grouped your sub-topics together for the theme you chose?  If you are using my unit study planner, then just pencil them in. 

If not, create your sub-topics some way that you remember them.

Are you having any problems creating any of the subject sub-topics from the resource you chose?

Hugs and love ya,

10 Days of Creating A Unit Study Together

10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit-Study-Together-Day-1.png
Day-2.-Tips-for-Choosing-Unit-Study-Topics.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Un.png
Day-3.-Selecting-Superior-Sub-Topics.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit-St.png
Day-4.-Finalize-Sub-Topics.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit-Study-Togeth.png
Day-5.-Creating-Unit-Study-Objectives.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit-S.png
Day-6.-Resources-that-Stir-the-Imagination.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Un.png
Day-7.-Unit-Study-Activity-Ideas.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit-Study-T.png
Day-8.-Creating-A-Unit-Study-Lesson-Plan.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit.png
Unit-Study-Schedule.png

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

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

II have some fun facts about sunflowers for kids and a fun Dollar Tree sunflower craft. Also, I have a free pattern template you can download at the bottom of this post. And look at my page Free Wildflowers Unit Study & Lapbook.

Sunflowers are bright, cheerful flowers that follow the sun. Young sunflowers love the sunshine so much, they turn their heads to follow it across the sky.

Also, you can include different science topics like plants, photosynthesis, life cycles, or seasons.

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

Too, you can include topics like growth and their importance in nature, pollinators, seeds and agriculture.

And for art you can include color theory and spatial awareness.

In addition, include some easy math like counting seeds, measuring petals and discussing geometric shapes.

BOOKS ABOUT WILDFLOWERS

Then, add some books to include other flowers.

10 Wildflower Books & Resources For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Spring is especially a good time to learn about wildflowers but you can learn about them anytime. Add a few of these hands-on resources and books and you'll have a fun multiple ages unit study for your homeschooled kids.

Next, look at some activities about sunflower.

MORE SUNFLOWER ACTIVITIES

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

Then, look at these fun facts about sunflowers for kids.

FACTS ABOUT SUNFLOWER FOR KIDS

  • Sunflowers are not just one flower. It is thousands of flowers.
  • They can grow super tall.
  • Birds and bees love sunflowers.
  • They come in different colors.
  • They’ve been planted in places with polluted soil (like near nuclear power plants and after oil spills) to help clean the ground.
  • Sunflower seeds make a tasty snack.
  • Sunflowers inspired artists.
  • A process called heliotropism is when young sunflowers face the sun.
  • They belong to the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies, zinnias, and marigolds.
  • In addition to ornamental use, sunflowers are grown for biofuel, livestock feed, birdseed, and cooking oil.

Finally, look at how to make a Dollar Tree sunflower craft.

DOLLAR STORE PAPER PLATE SUNFLOWER CRAFT

First, look at this easy list of supplies:

  • Paper Plate – Dollar Store
  • Pom Poms, Black Tinsel – Dollar Store
  • Craft Paint – Golden Yellow
  • Cardstock – Brown, Green
  • Glue Gun and Glue Sticks – Dollar Store
  • Paintbrush
  • Scissors 
  • Permanent Marker
  • PATTERNS Paper Plate Sunflower. Free template. You can grab it at the bottom of this post by adding your email.
How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

STEP ONE

Gather all supplies. Base coat the inside of the paper plate with golden yellow acrylic craft paint.

Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

STEP TWO

Download and print the Sunflower Patterns, then cut out with scissors. You can grab the template at the bottom.

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

Trace the center of the flower once onto brown cardstock. You could also use colored craft foam or craft felt for this project.

STEP THREE

Cut out the flower center pattern with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

STEP FOUR

Attach the brown cardstock flower center to the middle of the sunflower with a glue gun and glue sticks.

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

TIP: You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but you will have to wait for it to dry.

STEP FIVE

Cut triangle shaped wedges from the paper plate with scissors to create the thick petals of the sunflower.

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

STEP SIX

Attach black tinsel pom poms to the brown sunflower center using a glue gun and glue sticks.

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

STEP SEVEN

Trace the leaf patterns onto green cardstock with a pencil.

You could also use colored craft foam or craft felt for this project.

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

STEP EIGHT

Cut out the leaf patterns with scissors making sure to cut inside the traced lines for a clean, finished project.

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

STEP NINE

Outline the leaves and draw a center vein with a black marker.

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

STEP TEN

Attach the leaves to the back of the sunflower with a glue gun and glue sticks.

How To Make A Dollar Tree Sunflower Craft & Fun Facts About Sunflowers For Kids

This is a fun activity to keep the kiddos busy with coloring, counting and motor skills.

Make this super cute paper plate sunflower kids craft in just about 30 minutes! 

HOW TO GET THE FREE SUNFLOWER TEMPLATE PATTERN

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

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

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Day 3 Selecting Superior Sub-Topics 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies By Creating A Unit Study Together

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

I have day 3 selecting sub-topics 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.

Slice and dice of your unit study begins with being picky about sub-topics. One significant reason that could dampen a unit study is not selectively choosing sub-topics. 

Chiseling that main topic down into manageable planning sub-topics is the key to not covering “everything” and not being overwhelmed.

Day 3 Selecting Superior Sub-Topics 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies By Creating A Unit Study Together

Not only did I choose the topic of Oceans to do with you because it has a kazillion topics so I can illustrate a slice and dice method, but I also wanted to pull you in closer on the specific how tos of choosing a sub-topic.

From the beginning, it is important to brainstorm sub-topics that would fit naturally into your main theme. 

In other words never force a fit to make something fit into a subject for the sake of saying you covered something in that subject. 

TRIM AND FIT UNIT STUDIES

It really makes for some awkward learning moments.  I have done it and afterwards I felt like I was having an insane homeschooling day.

For example, I mentioned in Day 2. I chose Oceans not just because it will be part of our big move coming up, but because it is a science topic. 

I want our sub-topics to stay focused more on science. 

So if I was to try to tie in history by asking the boys how do they think the Oregon Trail pioneers felt when they arrived in Oregon and viewed the Pacific Ocean would feel awkward to me.

On the other hand if I tied in the history of seafaring to our unit study, that would feel more natural.

Make sense?

Next, the very basic essential to planning an excellent unit study is having a hardworking spine which can be a study guide, teacher’s manual, textbook, pamphlet, living book or article on line. 

Start by looking over what you already have in your home library to choose as a guide.

If you don’t have one, then make a visit to the library to find one or buy one if you think you will do this topic again and can use it with multiple children.

BOOKS AND GUIDES MATTER

Though I love living books, I normally use them to include as our literature to read. 

Sometimes I choose a living book.  Why? Because books that give me ideas for hands-on too from the very beginning sets me up for success by making the unit study easier. 

I want to work less in teacher prep so I chose books filled with facts AND that have hands-on ideas for projects. It really depends on what type of unit study also. 

For example, if we were doing one a famous person then a living book would be my number one go to book.

Day 3. Selecting Superior Sub-Topics. Unit Study

Also if you have younger children, then choosing a living book like the ones by Holling C. Holling like I have listed below are great story readers and make a useful teacher spine. 

It is easy too at times to find hands on ideas for younger learners, but not quite as easy for older students.

So as the teacher you decide what type of books keeps it easy for you and for the ages of the children you have. 

No need to dread hands-on because that is the life of a great unit study. 

Just be more picky about choosing the unit study guide. 

CHOOSE A SPINE CAREFULLY

Instead of going with a living book for my Ocean Unit Study, then I am going with more of a fact book which already has ideas for hands-on projects.

I have mentioned these books before and now I gathered some of them up for you to see.  Because hands on ideas are already included, they make WONDERFUL unit study starters.

Discover the Oceans is the one I will be using for this unit study from my favorite books above.   This doesn’t mean I can’t add another spine. 

I had this one at home and it is a good jumping off point.  Look below at the chapters inside the book.

Day 3 Selecting Superior Sub-Topics 10 Days of Diving Into Unit Studies By Creating A Unit Study Together

I don’t have to fuss much because I already have a guide or direction to go with on this topic. 

Quickly glancing at the chapters I can tell which ones are the direction we need to go and which ones I may need to look over. 

The “maybe” chapters are ones I need to look at because I want to keep this a more science topic and I want to be sure they don’t pull us too far off that track.

Choose sub-topics that pique your children’s interests and then assign them to subjects. 

I will be doing this in the next post where I will have chosen all my sub-topics for the Ocean, but I have an example above from my FBI unit study to show you now.  I have 3 sub-topics shown. 

Two that interested my boys which are J. Edgar Hoover and the effects of WWI and one I added, which is the U.S. Government.  

Unit Study Course of Study | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

(page from my Unit Study Planner)

So I added something I felt like they needed to study about and grouped with the sub-topics that they naturally picked.  

On the right side I used a check to show which subject areas I felt those sub-topics met.

10 DAYS OF CREATING A UNIT STUDY TOGETHER

So up to this point, you  need to

  • Pick a guide or two;
  • Look over the chapters;
  • Determine which chapters will help you in your topic and which ones will not or would the book serve better as a reader or literature.
  • Choose your sub-topics

Next post I will share my sub-topics on the Ocean Unit Study and then show you how to start pulling resources together.

Are you with me still?

Hugs and love ya,

10 Days of Creating A Unit Study Together

10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit-Study-Together-Day-1.png
Day-2.-Tips-for-Choosing-Unit-Study-Topics.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Un.png
Day-3.-Selecting-Superior-Sub-Topics.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit-St.png
Day-4.-Finalize-Sub-Topics.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit-Study-Togeth.png
Day-5.-Creating-Unit-Study-Objectives.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit-S.png
Day-6.-Resources-that-Stir-the-Imagination.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Un.png
Day-7.-Unit-Study-Activity-Ideas.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit-Study-T.png
Day-8.-Creating-A-Unit-Study-Lesson-Plan.-10-Days-of-Diving-Into-Unit-Studies-by-Creating-a-Unit.png
Unit-Study-Schedule.png

Umbrella Is For Easy Letter U Handprint Craft

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

We’re starting our week with a fun and easy letter U handprint craft along with loads of ideas for crafts, activities, and songs to reinforce what your child learns. Also, I have more alphabet letter fun on my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

U is the 21st letter of the alphabet and makes two common sounds. It makes the short U sound like in umbrella, under, and up, and the long U sound like in unicorn, uniform, and ukulele.

This week, we’ll explore the letter U through stories, crafts, songs, sensory play, snacks, and movement.

Umbrella Is For Easy Letter U Handprint Craft

Start with letter U sound and recognition.

Help your preschooler recognize the uppercase and lowercase letter U (Uu) and understand the two main sounds it makes.

This will set the stage for reading and writing success later on.

LETTER U THEMED BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at these fun books.

4 Books for Learning About the Letter U

Reading together is a great way to reinforce sounds and vocabulary. Try some of these Letter U-themed books:

Next, look at this list of letter u words.

LIST OF SHORT U AND LONG U SOUND WORDS

Introduce and review short U and long U words. Make flashcards or use magnetic letters.

Short U Words:

  • Up
  • Under
  • Umbrella
  • Utensil
  • Ugly

Long U Words:

  • Universe
  • Unicorn
  • Uniform
  • Ukulele
  • Useful

In addition, here are some fun crafts and projects with the letter U.

LETTER U CRAFT PROJECTS & ACTIVITIES

  • Create this fun and cute Letter U Unicorn craft to reinforce what you are learning.
  • U is for U-Turn!: Draw a giant letter U on the driveway or with sidewalk chalk outside. Drive toy cars along the U shape like they’re making a “U-turn.”
  • Pour salt or colored sand in a tray and let your child use their finger or a paintbrush to write the uppercase and lowercase U like the one we made here in our R is for Rainbow letter unit.
  • Letter U Collage: Cut out pictures from magazines or print images of things that start with U (like unicorn, umbrella, ukulele, utensils) and glue them to a giant U you draw on poster board.
  • Up, Up, Up- Play an energy-boosting game where every time you say “Up!” your child jumps or stretches, and “Down!” they sit or squat.
  • Sing a song using motions like “Put your arms UP!” and “Go UNDER the table!” Add “U” words into the lyrics and actions.

MORE LETTER U ACTIVITIES

  • If you’re keeping an alphabet book or binder, have your child decorate a “U” page with drawings or stickers of U words to add to it.
  •  Make a magical unicorn headband. Use cardstock to cut a unicorn horn and ears. Let your child decorate with glitter and tape it to a headband.
  • Make an underwater ocean scene using blue paper, fish stickers, sandpaper, and seashells. Try this Underwater Papercraft, talk about how “under” begins with U.
  • U is for Utensils Snack Time. Let your child explore utensils and practice using a fork, spoon, or child-safe chopsticks. Prepare finger foods like fruit cubes, cheese chunks, yogurt, veggie and bites. Talk about how we use utensils to eat, and that the word “utensil” starts with U!
  • Under or Over Game-Use a toy, ball, or stuffed animal and place it under or over different furniture items. Ask “Is it under the table or over the chair?” Let your child move the object and call out the answers.
  • Underwater Bin-Create a sensory bin with water, blue gems, plastic sea animals, and cups or scoops. Let your child explore what’s under the water. Add a letter U foam cutout or laminated card to float in the bin. Here is an ocean sensory bin.
Umbrella Is For Easy Letter U Handprint Craft

Additionally, look at more activities to learn about letters in preschool.

MORE LETTER ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOL

Finally, look at this easy craft for the Letter U.

UMBRELLA EASY LETTER U CRAFT

You will need:

  • Construction paper/patterned cardstock
  • Pipe cleaner
  • Glue stick
  • scissors
  • A little hand
Umbrella Is For Easy Letter U Handprint Craft

First, demonstrate for your child how to bend the pipe cleaner into an umbrella handle shape.

Umbrella Is For Easy Letter U Handprint Craft

Trace both hands on construction paper using one or as many colors as you like, let your child cut out the traced handprints.

Umbrella Is For Easy Letter U Handprint Craft

Arrange the paper handprints in an umbrella shape on the top half of the paper.

Umbrella Is For Easy Letter U Handprint Craft

Let your child glue them into place.

Umbrella Is For Easy Letter U Handprint Craft

Tuck the pipe cleaner handle under the umbrella and glue it into place as well.

Write an upper and lowercase U in pencil for your child to trace over in marker for practice.

Umbrella Is For Easy Letter U Handprint Craft

Hang it up and enjoy their masterpiece.