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Backyard Science Fun and Amazing Spider Web Facts For Kids

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I have some amazing spider web facts for kids. And with a fun backyard search you can turn this into easy science.

Learning about spiders and spider webs is not just for young children.

Even middle school kids can find spider webs fascinating. And in your own backyard you can stir curiosity for all your children by simply getting outside to observe them.

Backyard Science Fun and Amazing Spider Web Facts For Kids

However, delve into understanding spiders better. Did you know they are a natural pest control?

And most spiders have venom but it’s normally just strong enough to paralyze an insect. Just a few can harm humans like the brown recluse and black widow.

Too, some cool spiders like the diving bell spider can live underwater.

Peacock spiders do colorful mating dances. They are really fascinating creatures.

BOOKS ABOUT INSECTS FOR KIDS

Next, look at some fun books about insects.

11 Insect & Bug Books for Kids Who Love to Be Read To and Read

Add one or two of these books to your home library about insects. I love living books but love to add reference books to our day when I find them.

Then, look at some questions you can use when investigating them in your backyard.

Have your children write them down in their journal before heading out side so you don’t have to stop the fun.

MORE SPIDER ACTIVITIES

SPIDER QUESTIONS FOR BACKYARD INVESTIGATIONS

  • Why do spiders build their webs in certain places?
  • How strong is a spider web?
  • What kind of bugs get caught in the web?
  • How long does a web last?
  • What happens when it rains?
  • Why do spiders have so many eyes? Does that make them see better?
  • What do spiders eat?
  • How long do spiders live?
  • Are all spider webs the same?

Next, look at some amazing spider web facts for kids.

AMAZING SPIDER WEB FACTS FOR KIDS

Spider webs are made from a net made of silk that spiders spin using a special part of their body called the spinneret.

This silk is crazy strong stronger than steel if you compare it by weight. Spiders follow special patterns depending on what kind of spider they are.

Backyard Science Fun and Amazing Spider Web Facts For Kids

Here’s a step-by-step look at how an orb-weaving spider builds its web.

  1. Spiral: The spider makes a sticky spiral that catches insects.
  2. Bridge line: The spider shoots a thread across a space (like between two tree branches).
  3. Frame: It adds more lines to create a base.
  4. Radial lines: These are like the spokes of a bike wheel.

And webs can stay together even in rain and wind. Different spiders make different kinds of webs, and we can study them to learn more.

Search near bushes, flower beds, under leaves, or along fences where spiders may build their webs.

Use a magnifying glass to look closely at the spider or its web. Notice details like body shape, number of legs, colors, and patterns.

In your notebook, sketch the spider or its web. Try to include as many details as you can.

Wolf Preschool Craft And Simple Ideas For Creative Play

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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

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

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

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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

10 DAYS OF CREATING A UNIT STUDY TOGETHER

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.

How to Make a George Washington DIY Founding Father Costume

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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.

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.

  • 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.

THE FIRST PRESIDENT – DAY 3

Learn about Washington’s presidency.

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

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.

Easy Apple Crafts and How to Make a Fun Apple Sailboat

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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.

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.

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.