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4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

July 27, 2024 | Leave a Comment
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We’re learning 4 cicada insect fun facts for kids and creating a cicada clothespin craft. Also, look at my Free Kids Insect Unit Study for more ideas.

Have you somehow escaped the “attack” of the cicadas or haven’t seen that this year (2024) is a multiple brood emergence for cicadas?

It is an event that hasn’t happened in over 200 years.

And I have some fun facts for you.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids | How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

There are over 3,000 species of Cicadas worldwide.

They are sorted into two families based on life cycle.

For example, they are either annual or periodical cicadas.

Annual cicadas have dark green or black bodies with green veins in their wings and come out every year.

Periodical cicadas: have black bodies, red eyes and legs, and red veins in their wings.

They live for years underground before they emerge.

While their appearance is startling, Cicadas are harmless.

And they do not endanger crops or people, they are just a noisy nuisance.

Cicadas

Special Double Brood

Cecily Cicada: Special Double Brood Edition

Our special edition of the classic, Cecily Cicada, created for the Midwest's double-brood emergence of 2024.

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids

Next, here is a great video Cicadas: The Loudest Bugs in The World for kids all about these interesting insects

For the most part periodical cicadas are found east of the Mississippi River. 13-year cicadas are found in more southern states. The later emerging 17-year cicadas can be found in the more northern states.
The 13- and 17-year lifespan of periodical cicadas is one of the longest of any insect. They spend most of this cycle underground (99%) in the nymph stage. They feed on liquid from plant roots and emerge above ground for just a short time.
When cicadas emerge in a giant mass the noise can reach a deafening crescendo -up to 100 decibels. This is the sound of male mating call and is louder than your neighborhood lawn mower.
Not only do birds and animals enjoy eating them, but many people do also. Cicadas are edible and are considered a delicacy in many areas because they are high in protein, low in fat, and gluten-free, as well as a good source of minerals and vitamins.

In my handy dandy nature anatomy book, I was able to find a little section with an illustration of a 17-year Cicada, these books are a treasure!

Also, look at these facts about their life cycle

Cicada Life Cycle

Eggs- Females use their ovipositor to carve a groove in a groove in a tree branch or trunk, this protects and provides a nutrient rich fluid.

Nymphs- After 10 weeks the eggs hatch into nymphs, feed off the tree and then fall to the ground. They then dig and burrow their way underground and live there for 2-17 years depending on the species. They rely on feeding off plant roots for nourishment.

Adults- When the soil reaches appropriate temperatures the nymphs molt into winged adults on a nearby vertical surface. These are the exoskeletons you find abandoned around the yard. For about 30 minutes they are extremely vulnerable and soft but after about 30 minutes their new exoskeleton hardens off. Male cicadas then sing mating songs creating a lot of noise.

Once emerged cicadas only live for no longer than 6 weeks and they are gone until the cycle begins all over again.

More Insect Hands-on Crafts for Kids

Finally, look at how to make this clothespin cicada craft.

How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

Even though our craft uses hot glue your child will not be directly touching it until completely cooled so this is a great introduction to this useful tool.

You will need:

Wooden clothespin
Black button
Red beads
Pipe cleaners
Markers
Silicone mat
Hot glue gun/glue sticks

First,[ paint the entire clothespin black and set aside to dry.

Now to create the wings. It is really fun.

You want to use a flexible silicone mat because it can take the heat of the hot glue without damage.

Once cooled the hardened glue peels off easily.

Use a light-colored dry erase marker to draw out a pair of wings on the silicone mat.

Now you are going to fill in the outline with a thin but solid layer of hot glue.

Allow it to harden completely.

While you are waiting, use hot glue to attach small red beads to either side of the button for eyes.

Hot glue button to the end of the dry clothespin.

After your glue has hardened you can easily peel up the wings and trim them with scissors if needed.

Take a marker and add some vein details to them.

Run a little hot glue down the top of the clothespin and attach your wings.

You do not want to apply the glue to the wings directly as the heat from the glue gun will melt them.

Cut 6 small legs out of pipe cleaners and hot glue them into place on the underside of the clothespin cicada.

Bend them into two parts.

7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

July 26, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some great cloud crafts for preschoolers for you. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more ideas.

Use this craft if you’re teaching about clouds or weather in general, springtime, summer skies, or need something with the letter C.

There are 4 basic types of clouds – cumulus, cirrus, stratus, and nimbus.

7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity

I’m giving you a simple explanation on two more but these four are plenty to focus on for preschoolers.

To help your preschooler understand the different types of clouds I recommend using several approaches.

Of course, the obvious is getting outside and observing clouds firsthand.

Books About Clouds

First, look at these resources about clouds.

Cloud Books & Resources for Kids

Add these cloud books and resources to your unit study.

Clouds (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1)

Read and find out about how to forecast a change in weather by looking at the clouds in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

At any given time, more than half the earth is covered with different types of clouds. Some are dark and scary rain clouds, and some are just big white puffs. What kind of cloud is in the sky above you, and what can you expect the weather to be? Instead of turning on the TV to find out what the weather will be, you can look out your window at the clouds.

This clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom, is a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades

Little Cloud board book

At last! Here's a brand-new board book edition of an Eric Carle picture book that's a favorite with littlest cloud gazers everywhere! Little Cloud likes to stand out from the crowd. When all the other clouds drift up, he goes his own way, changing shapes to become a sheep, an airplane, a shark and a funny clown. It?s all lots of fun, but so is playing with friends. So this time, Little Cloud joins the crowd, gathering with his pals into one giant cloud. And then they rain!In Little Cloud, Eric Carle celebrates the possibilities of imagination with textured collages of sky-blue and white in a story that will encourage the youngest child to "read" clouds.

Photo Credit: www.youtube.com

Types Of Clouds - The Dr. Binocs Show

Hey kids, did you know that clouds have different types too? Well, after watching this video, you'd be able to identify most of them.

Next, look at these types of clouds.

Types of Clouds

For an older child you may also go into additional cloud types but the first three are great basic starts.

Cumulus Clouds

Look like cotton balls in the sky.
Usually brings fair weather.
Can grow tall and puffy, like mountains.

Cirrus Clouds

Thin, wispy clouds that look like feathers.
Made of ice crystals.
Often called “mare’s tails”.

Stratus Clouds

Gray, flat clouds that cover the entire sky.
Often brings drizzle or light rain.
Can make the day seem gloomy.

Nimbostratus Clouds

Dark, thick clouds that bring rain or snow.
Often covers the entire sky.
Can make the day seem very dark.

Altocumulus Clouds

Gray or white clouds that look like small balls of cotton.
Often brings fair weather.
Can sometimes indicate that rain or snow is coming.

Altostratus Clouds

Can make the day seem gloomy.
Gray or blue-gray clouds that cover the entire sky.
Often brings drizzle or light rain.

Also, look at more crafts for preschoolers.

More Crafts for Preschoolers

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cloud Dough | 8 Hot Cocoa Crafts for Preschoolers
For the sensory seeking child this Cloud Dough Recipe and Sensory Cloud Activity will have them enthralled and busy for awhile
Another fantastic way to learn about the clouds up in the sky is to demonstrate the different types by creating Puffy Paint Clouds.
Don’t you love to watch the clouds go by and try to figure out what they look like? This Cloud Watching Craft can be done even on the gloomiest of days.
If you are going to get out and observe clouds first hand why not do it in style with this Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars Craft for Cloud Observation.
Make a Simple and Fun Hands-On Water Cycle Activity For Kids to show them where clouds fit into our water cycle.
Perfect for a weather unit, clouds, or spring this Paper Plate Cloud Craft is adorable, simple, and inexpensive.
Include a little science into a Rain Cloud Gravity Painting by teaching your child about the force of gravity in a playful way.

Types of Clouds Activity

For younger preschoolers you may choose to only do a few basic clouds or only do them one at a time each day as you talk about each type.

Older preschoolers and even kindergarteners you could do all of them on the same day and then compare them.

You will need:

Cotton balls/pillow stuffing
Blue card stock
Craft sticks
Glue
Marker
Craft paint/paintbrush.

Take a sheet of card stock or construction paper and cut it into 4 equal squares.

If you choose to create all 6 types listed above simply cut more paper squares.

Write the name of each of the types of clouds you are choosing to do across the bottom of each piece.

I find the easiest way to get the glue onto the strips is to put a little bit in a dish and let your child paint it on thickly with a paintbrush.

It is best to go ahead and ‘paint’ the shape of the cloud on with the glue.

Using a book or pictures on the internet as a reference helps them to create each type of cloud.

Press the cotton onto the glue and add or remove pieces as needed to achieve the shape.

For nimbus, stratocumulus, and cumulonimbus clouds you can have your child add a bit of gray/blue craft paint to darken the cotton.

Allow the paint and glue to dry completely on the cards then flip them over and attach a craft stick to create a handle.

Now you can use these cards as a game where you call out a cloud and they hold up the one that correctly matches.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

July 25, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Is sunflower a wildflower? Yes, they are wildflowers native to North and Central Americas as well as South America. You’ll also love my Wildflowers Unit Study.

These tall stunning flowers are the subject of famous paintings.

And used for food for both wildlife and humans, shelter and as feed for livestock.

Is Sunflower A Wildflower | How to Make a Canning Lid Craft

Stroll through a wildflower unit study with books and activities.

Too, learn how to make a canning lid craft look like a beautiful sunflower.

I love using items out of craft supplies already on hand.

As you build your sunflower this is a great time to talk about the different parts with younger children- seeds, stems, petals, and the disc.

This sunflower is perfect for hanging on the wall.

Or hang it on the door or put it in a vase to show off your child’s work as they learn about the beautiful world of wildflowers.

Books About Wildflowers for Kids

Next, look at some of these books about wildflowers.

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.

Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum

Botanicum, is a brilliantly curated guide to plant life. With artwork from Katie Scott of Animalium fame, Botanicum gives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. From perennials to bulbs to tropical exotica, Botanicum is a wonderful feast of botanical knowledge complete with superb cross sections of how plants work.

National Geographic Pocket Guide to Wildflowers of North America

With this basic beginner's field guide to North American wildflowers, all who enjoy nature and the outdoors can identify common wildflowers, from backyard weeds to dainty forest blossoms. In a logical, user-friendly, highly visual format, this new title offers key facts about 160 of the most common wildflowers and weeds, coast to coast, including Canada and Alaska.

Wildcraft! an Herbal Adventure Game for Kids

Unlike many kids games 4 and up that turn out to be too confusing for children, Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, is a fun, strategic challenge that’s also easy to follow– NO READING REQUIRED. Because our learning board games feature clear illustrations and matching icons, even younger kids will learn what the different plants look like and can be used for. It’s the perfect fun game for family game night with kids, and ideal for beginners – no prior plant knowledge necessary!

Wildflower Seeds: Bulk Mix of 21 Varieties

Wide Variety Of Flower Seeds: Our wildflower seeds will provide you with a vibrant selection of flowers in your garden. You will get 21 different varieties of annual seeds including Black Eyed Susans, California Bluebells, African Daisies and more.

Wildflower Bingo Game

Do you know which flower got its name from its resemblance to the sombrero? What is the species of the bluebonnet? Lot of facts about North American wildflowers in this game.

Wildflowers, Blooms & Blossoms (Take Along Guides)

An introduction to the world of insects, caterpillars, and butterflies including identification information, educational activities, and fun facts.Invites young naturalists to spot wildlife. Safety tips are provided and interesting activities are suggested.

Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Wildflowers

What do you call a garden filled with lots of flowers? A polli-nation! Nat Geo Kids is back with the newest fact- and photo-filled Ultimate Explorer Field Guide, and this one packs some real flower power! This guide to wildflowers will make kids stop and look for all kinds of blossoms blooming right under their noses. From buttercups to bladderworts, primroses to pitcher plants, kids will learn how, where, and when to spot these wildflowers in their backyard, down the street, or all over town! Jam-packed with tons of info, interactive prompts, tips for budding botanists, super stats, and jokes--it's the perfect companion for exploring the backyard or field trips, camping, or vacation. Durable and portable, it's just right for your pocket or backpack!

Wild Flowers of North America (Science Nature Guides)

Did you know that wild plants are still used for food, for medicines, and as dyes? Many of the plants growing in urban areas, in woods and by the side of roads are useful as well as being pretty. Other plants have small and less obvious how many have you seen and not realized that they were flowers? This book will show you the most common wild flowers and where you are most likely to find them. A nature guide designed for elementary grades 2-3, the book includes more than 20 easy-to-do science projects.

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty.

From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills.

Wild Flowers of North America: Botanical Illustrations by Mary Vaux Walcott

Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution. What does it take to paint a wildflower that blooms for a single day in a deep forest? For Mary Vaux Walcott, it involved spending up to seventeen hours a day out of doors with her paintbox to capture the shape, movement, and colors of delicate petals and leaves.

Then, look at some of these facts about sunflowers.

And some more wildflower hands-on activity.

5 Facts About the Beautiful Sunflower

There are around 70 different species of sunflowers with the most common being Helianthus annuus.
Not every sunflower is yellow, there are also red and purple sunflowers of many different shades and sizes.
While there are sunflowers that grow 12’ to 16’ there are also dwarf varieties that do not reach over 3’ tall.
They are not just pretty. Sunflower oil is used for cooking, in beauty products as well as for its health benefits like anti-Inflammatory properties, and the ability to reduce cholesterol.
While mature sunflowers face east, young sunflowers spend their day tracking the sun from sunrise to sunset every day and repeat this cycle until maturity. This is called ‘heliotropism’.

Look at the hands-on wildflower activities below.

Before you make your own sunflower canning lid craft check out a few more hands on ideas.

More Wildflowers Hands-on Activities

They will round out your lesson and give you a wealth of craft and activities to teach the topic in such a fun and memorable way.

Learn more Facts About Wildflowers And a Fun Felt Texas Bluebonnet Craft to highlight the state flower of the great state of Texas.
Recreate this beautiful DIY Wildflower Painting, I think this makes a wonderfully challenging art project for teens.
Find out, Are Daisies Wildflowers | How to Make a Wildflower Pounding Craft using local wildflowers or those out of your own backyard.
Make a Pressed Flower Bookmark to keep track of your pages as you enjoy a story or keep place in your book.
Check out my Fun Kids Activity How to Make Wildflower Seed Bombs to use in your own gardens or gift them.
Little hands will love creating a Paper Plate Sunflower Craft to learn not only about its anatomy but create a pretty craft to display.

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

How to Make a Sunflower Canning Lid Craft

You can use any scrap fabric you have on hand like a faded old yellow flannel or a fabric fat quarter.

I found a great selection of material at my local Dollar Tree.

You will need:

Yellow fabric
Burlap fabric
buttons
Wide mouth mason jar ring
Wide mouth mason jar lid
Sturdy stick
Stuffing/cotton balls
Hot glue gun/stick

First place a nice little mound of cotton stuffing in the center of your mason jar lid.

Leave enough space around the edges that it fits inside the ring.

Cut a piece of burlap or other fabric about 2” larger than the ring.

over the cotton stuffing, wrap around to the back of the ring and hot glue into place.

Cut your yellow fabric into strips 1”x10” long, you will need about 30 strips.

Fold a strip in half and lay it on top of the ring like this.

Pull the loose ends up and through the loop until tightened.

Repeat all the way around until it is full.

Trim the flower petals to the length you would like or leave them long and full.

You can also pull on the loose threads at the end to give it a more rustic look.

Press the lid piece into the center after adding some hot glue to the inside.

Because of the excess fabric you will have to bend it a bit to fit it back in.

Add enough glue to secure it well.

Glue brown buttons to the center for seeds.

Create leaves by tying ribbon onto a large stick.

Hot glue the stick to the back of your flower to make a stem.

Add a small loop of fabric to the top back for a hanger.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

July 23, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a cool ice cream in a bag science experiment and amazing 5 facts about ice cream to tell you a little about its history. Also, look at my Free Summer Unit Study For Kids and Fun Starfish Craft for more ideas.

You scream, I scream…We all scream for ice cream.

Who doesn’t love a good bowl of ice cream?

I know that your kids are going to go wild for this science lesson on how ice cream is formed into an emulsion by using freezing point depression.

5 Facts About Ice Cream | How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science

Follow along as we go into some of the explanation of how and why ice cream forms with our simple recipe to make it a wonderful learning experience.

You don’t have to own a fancy ice cream maker to enjoy your own creamy delicious custom flavor.

In about 20 minutes with just a few ingredients and a willing kid, you have your own creation.

To extend the science lesson you can repeat the experiment using milk or heavy whipping cream, as well as different types of salt.

5 Facts About Ice Cream

It takes A LOT of milk to produce just 1 gallon of ice cream, 12 pounds (about 3 gallons) to be exact, to make that creamy delicious carton. That’s about half a day’s work for one cow.

The FDA requires that to use the name ‘Ice Cream’, the manufacturer’s recipe must contain at least 10% milk fat and 6–10% milk and nonfat milk solids.

Ice cream, or at least a very close relative of it, has been around since the reign of Cyrus the Great in 500 BC. Way back then sweetened ice was crushed up and mixed with different flavors, fruits, and toppings.

Do you know the most popular ice cream flavors? They come with cookies & cream at #3, chocolate at #2, and vanilla making the top of the list at #1.

Have you ever wondered why you get a headache if you eat your ice cream too fast? That is because when something cold touches the roof of your mouth, the blood vessels that run between your mouth and your brain tense up. This in turn traps blood in your brain. The pressure from the extra blood causes pain in the brain.

Also, look at my post 5 Facts About The Moon Landing and Make Fun Astronaut Ice Cream for more hands-on fun.

Next, before we make and enjoy our frozen treat learn about the science behind ice cream.

About Ice Cream

Grab this fun cookbook about ice cream.

Hello, My Name Is Ice Cream: The Art and Science of the Scoop: A Cookbook

With more than 100 recipes for ice cream flavors and revolutionary mix-ins from a James Beard - nominated pastry chef, Hello, My Name is Ice Cream explains not only how to make amazing ice cream, but also the science behind the recipes so you can understand ice cream like a pro.

The Science of Ice Cream

The reason why this method works so well is because salt lowers the freezing temperature of water.

This makes ice melt faster and that is why they salt icy roads when it snows, to get rid of it in a hurry.

This physical reaction is called freezing point depression.

Then the ice pulls the heat from whatever surrounds it, the cream mixture.

Then the ice cream mixture freezes, pure water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), but water mixed with salt freezes below 0 degrees Celsius.

Another science concept in this activity is making an emulsion.

Emulsion is a combo of two liquids that are not typically mixed like water and fat.

The fat molecules in the half and half are changed with the addition of water, ice crystals, sugar and air to create the tasty concoction.

For older kids who love to cook, check out this cookbook, Hello, My Name Is Ice Cream: The Art and Science of the Scoop with recipes, developing flavors, and the science behind the tasty treat.

Watch How Ice Cream is Made in Factories by How It’s Made to find out how ice cream is made step by step in a factory.

Finally, look at how to make ice cream in a bag.

Ice Cream in a Bag Recipe

You will need:

Quart ziploc bag
Gallon ziploc bag
3-4 cups of Ice
½ cup Salt
1 cup Half and half
1 Tbsp. Granulated sugar
½ teaspoon Vanilla extract (or any extract flavor)

Optional mix-ins- chocolate chips, broken cookie pieces, coconut, cocoa powder, nuts, mm’s, etc.

First, place ice and ¼ cup of salt into the gallon bag.

Pour half and half, sugar, and extract into the quart sized bag.

Press out air and seal well to avoid getting salt in your ice cream.

We made chocolate ice cream, so I added a heaping spoon of cocoa to the bag and a bit more sugar.

Place the half and half bag into the center of the larger bag in the ice.

Press the air out of the large bag and seal.

Now the fun (and tiring) part begins.

It’s time to shake, roll, and massage the ice and salt all around the bag of cream.

Do this for about 15 to 20 minutes.

You will probably need to trade off before the ice cream begins to thicken and freeze.

You will notice the ice melts quickly and feels much colder than it typically would.

The ice cream is ready when it is about the consistency of soft serve.

Eat it right out of the bag.

Beware of the salt on the outside or transfer your ice cream to a fun dish to enjoy.

The Best Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum: Tips And Recommendations

July 21, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Looking for a solid homeschool handwriting curriculum? Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter for more tips!

There are lots of choices of handwriting curriculum.

And I want to help you navigate them all whether you are looking for writers who are just starting out or a child who struggles with dyslexia or dysgraphia.

The Best Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum : Tips And Recommendations

One more important thing before you read on is for you to understand the difference between teaching handwriting and composition.

They are overlapping skills, but not in the beginning.

The focus with young writers is penmanship prior to composing thoughts.

I have rounded up 8 solid handwriting curriculum.

Look at the list and decide which one works the best for your child’s learning style, interests, and abilities.

Handwriting is an important foundational skill.

It has been proven that the brain engages differently when something is written by hand as opposed to typing it or by touching a screen.

Writing improves memory and teaches the alphabet faster as the learner interacts with each letter in various ways.

Too, it helps to slow down and engage with our thoughts, and handwritten letters are so personal and special!

Besides the handwriting curriculum there are different techniques you can do with your learner to practice while always keeping it fresh and fun.

7 Tips and Recommendations for Homeschool Handwriting

Of course, I am going to share these ideas with you as well.

1. Do not mistake teaching handwriting for composition.

As I mentioned earlier, budding writers need to know how to form letters before you introduce composing thoughts.

If a child has not spent enough time doing handwriting where letter writing comes naturally, they will struggle with both motor skills and the mental process of composition.

2. Before you ever begin teaching handwriting, spend a lot of time in pre-writing activities.

These activities build fine motor skills and help children learn to recognize and form letters.

This can be writing in a salt tray, forming letters with playdough, painting with cotton swabs or drawing with their fingers in shaving cream.

3. Repetition is key to success.

I think the most important part of learning handwriting is repetition.

It is a muscle that must be exercised regularly to make it strong.

Daily practice is important, but you can introduce different tools to make it fun.

For very young, beginning writers draw the letters on handwriting paper with a highlighter and let them trace over it in pencil.

4. Use different writing surfaces to bring learning to life.

Use different surfaces other than paper- chalkboard, dry erase, or an LED board, these are just so fun and different that it makes it exciting.

For pre-writing, when your child is almost ready to write or just beginning, consider using technology like the Wet Dry Try app from Handwriting Without Tears.

5. Technology has a place.

It is designed for kids to repetitively practice writing on a tablet with their finger or a stylus to teach how to form letters.

6. Copywork is another successful teaching method.

Modeling for a child has always been a superior method of teaching.

Copywork is simply what is implies. Teaching a child to copy write what he sees.

A child must pay attention to the details of capital letters and punctuation.

In addition, a child reads and writes well-formed sentences because copywork resources should be superior writings.

For example, use nature books, scripture, history resources and poetry.

Further, copywork is a great resource for handwriting as it is a way to encourage repetition.

But also it works in other subjects, teaches punctuation, and develops spelling skills.

7. Match to your child’s learning style.

Finally you want to move on to a good solid homeschool handwriting curriculum that matches their learning style and meets any challenges they may have.

More Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum Tips!

Keep reading for a list of 8 handwriting curriculum and the benefits of each.

Finally, look at these recommendations.

8 Handwriting Curriculum Options for Homeschooled Kids

The 8 Best Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum.

Handwriting Without Tears Kindergarten

Handwriting Without Tears - Has been a mainstay of the homeschool community for years and there is good reason. It is ideal for multisensory learning because it engages visual, audio, and kinesthetic learners. The very hands-on tools begin to build vocabulary, fine motor, and alphabet knowledge prior to writing letters.

Photo Credit: dashintolearning.com

Dash into Handwriting:Print [Hardcopy}

The aesthetic of these books is just so appealing but more than that it builds on itself going from letters to words to copywork of phrases and is available in either print or D'nealian. To keep it interesting while still practicing it includes mazes, games, races, and puppets.

Photo Credit: www.goodandbeautiful.com

Handwriting: Level 1 Workbook

Teaches 2 to 3 letters at a time and goes in order of the most used letters to short words and sentences as it advances. This is level one, but the program runs from Pre K prewriting to level 7.

Writing in the Wardrobe: Print Handwriting Workbook

This particular volume is copywork using the words and quotes of the Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe but there is a wonderful selection of other literature to choose from as well, including print and cursive.

Cursive Handwriting for Kids with Dyslexia.

Many kids, especially those with learning challenges find it easier to begin with cursive rather than print.

Reusable Grooved Handwriting Workbooks

This set includes Alphabet,Addition Subtraction,Multiplication Division,Number 1-100, Drawing) + 2 Pens + 2 Pen Holding Aids + 10 refills and instill muscle memory, neatness, and the ink fades within 30 minutes to they can practice all over again.

Photo Credit: www.handwritingpractice.net

Handwriting Practice.net

Not only is this site free but you can create your own printable worksheets with any letter or words you like in several different fonts. If you don't mind spending a little more time putting everything together this is a great option.

Draw Write Now Boxed Set of 8

A drawing and handwriting course for kids that is challenging, motivating, and fun! This book contains a collection of beginning drawing lessons and text for practicing handwriting based on the philosophy of author Marie Hablitzel. An elementary teacher for more than 30 years, Marie believed that drawing and handwriting require many of the same skills, and intertwined her daily drawing and handwriting lessons with math, science, social studies, geography, reading and creative writing. This series separates these lessons into common themes in eight instructive books that can be used in any order. Books are colorful and non-consumable, with an accompanying workbook to record the student s work. Children will improve their drawing skills, refine their handwriting clarity, and enjoy learning in the process

Welcome

4 Cicada Insect Fun Facts For Kids

Cicada Life Cycle

More Insect Hands-on Crafts for Kids

How to Make A Cicada Clothespin Craft

Books About Clouds

Types of Clouds

More Crafts for Preschoolers

Types of Clouds Activity

Books About Wildflowers for Kids

5 Facts About the Beautiful Sunflower

More Wildflowers Hands-on Activities

How to Make a Sunflower Canning Lid Craft

5 Facts About Ice Cream

The Science of Ice Cream

Ice Cream in a Bag Recipe

7 Tips and Recommendations for Homeschool Handwriting

1. Do not mistake teaching handwriting for composition.

2. Before you ever begin teaching handwriting, spend a lot of time in pre-writing activities.

3. Repetition is key to success.

4. Use different writing surfaces to bring learning to life.

5. Technology has a place.

6. Copywork is another successful teaching method.

7. Match to your child’s learning style.

More Homeschool Handwriting Curriculum Tips!

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