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The Best Second Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

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

Second grade homeschool curriculum should be fun and engaging while building on basics that your child has already learned. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas and grade level curriculum.

Gone are the sweet little round cheeks of a baby and a taller leaner child is taking over.

I can assure you every phase has its joys spent with your heads leaning over a book learning new things and watching those little ‘aha!” light bulb moments come across their eyes.

The Best Second Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

At this age children can sit for longer periods of time but that still doesn’t mean they should sit at a desk or table all day long.

There is still much learning to be done through play, field trips, and fun activities.

We will include some technology and games too so that their interests continue to be explored and developed in these formative years.

Second graders are building up reading skills, continuing with print and cursive instruction, spelling, phonics, and copywork.

The Best Second Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

So, these are the skills we are going to focus on with the resources and tips I have.

Second Grade Homeschool Tips and Recommendations

  • If you are not doing it already, consider beginning a morning time routine. It is such a wonderful slow start to the day. This usually includes reading aloud, music, character training, and handicrafts.
  • Keep in mind that children learn different things at different rates, your second grader may be a whiz at math but hasn’t started reading yet and that’s okay. No need to sound the alarm yet unless you truly suspect a learning disability.
  • While they won’t be sitting at a desk all day it is helpful to create a dedicated learning space with posters and maps to reinforce what they are learning (even if you put everything on a trifold science board instead of walls).
  • Attend a homeschool convention this year if you are able to, this is the best place to see a lot of curriculum in person, hear lectures from homeschool veterans, and hang out with like-minded parents on the same journey.
  • Home Learning Year by Year, Revised and Updated: How to Design a Creative and Comprehensive Homeschool Curriculum 

Best Homeschool Curriculum For All Grades

2nd Grade Homeschool Curriculum Recommendations

Second graders are building up reading skills, continuing with print and cursive instruction, spelling, phonics, and copywork.

Horizons 2nd Grade Math Box Set

  • Parent-led curriculum

    • Christian curriculum

  • Spiral Learning
  • Print curriculum set

    • Fun-Schooling Math Mysteries - Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide: Ages 6-10 ~ Create Your Own Number Stories & Master Your Math Facts!

    Fun-Schooling Math Mysteries lets your child create their own math problems while they write and color their way through the basic concepts of math.

    Photo Credit: www.allaboutlearningpress.com

    All About Reading Level 2

    Package includes: one Teacher's Manual, one Student Packet (Activity Book, Flashcards, Stickers), and two readers.

    Kids Science Experiment Kit with Lab Coat Scientist

    While it may seem like it’s just dramatic play, this science experiment kit with a lab coat and more is
    useable and a  great way to teach young children about the importance of safety when working on labs and accuracy with measuring, etc.

    Earth Science & Astronomy for the Grammar Stage Student Workbook:

    Earth Science and Astronomy for the Grammar Stage provides a foundational survey of Earth science and astronomy for the elementary student. The Student Workbook includes all the pages you need for the unit projects, narrations, lab reports, and student glossary, plus review sheets. Don’t forget the Teacher Guide which lays out the plans for this study of planet Earth, the weather, rocks and fossils, the solar system, and space. 

    Story of the World, Vol. 2: History for the Classical Child: The Middle Ages

    Now more than ever, other cultures are affecting our everyday lives―and our children need to learn about the other countries of the world and their history. Susan Wise Bauer has provided a captivating guide to the history of other lands. Written in an engaging, straightforward manner, this revised edition of The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Volume 2: The Middle Ages weaves world history into a story book format. Who discovered chocolate? What happened to the giant Fovor of the Mighty Blows? Why did the Ottoman Turks drag their war ships across dry land?

    DK Workbooks: Geography, Second Grade: Learn and Explore

    Your child will discover and understand new topics and curriculum-aligned exercises with every page. Objectives include familiarity with the compass rose and map grids.This second-grade workbook further unpacks geography concepts through fun activities and exercises. Your child will grow their confidence in topics like physical and political maps, and the concept of hemispheres. 

    Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary: An Introduction To Earth's Geographical Features For Kids

    Welcome to Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary by B.C. Lester Books! This book takes you across the world's main landforms and biomes, each with a colorful illustration accompanied with a child-friendly definition.

    What is a mesa? Or an estuary? What is the difference between a swamp and a marsh?

    Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day

    Let your child s imagination soar with this fascinating study of birds, bats, and flying insects. Your young zoologist will investigate the dynamics of flight, learn classification skills, keep a field journal, and explore how the design we see in flying creatures points us toward our Creator. High-flying projects for this course include building a bird feeder, working with nesting materials, and even bringing a flying insect back from the dead !

    Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

    Early American History K-3rd - Homeschooling History Pack

    Sure to ignite curiosity about our nation's history, this Early American History Through Literature study will take you and your K-3 homeschooling students through the first Indigenous people of the Americas, the Vikings discovery of America, the exploration, colonization, settlement, and establishment of the United States. Spanning 1000 AD to the mid-1800's this course makes teaching this literature-rich curriculum easy and fun!

    Carson Dellosa Beginning Traditional Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Kids, Handwriting Practice

    Workbook Features:• Ages 6-9, Grade 1-3• 32 pages, 11 inches x 8 ½ inches • Practice writing upper- and lowercase letters, number words, and more in cursive• Learn to form and connect letters together • Includes a lined practice page and an alphabet reference chart

    The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids

    Discover why reading aloud to your kids can make such a big difference in their lives and yours.

    Learn practical strategies to make reading aloud an attainable family goal.

    The stories we read--and the conversations we have about them--help shape family traditions, create lifelong memories, and become part of our legacy. Many parents can't get their children to become book-lovers. Other parents lose touch with what their child is reading.

    A Reason For Handwriting Writing Workbook Level B, Grade 2 -Practice Paper Books for Spelling and Reading for 2nd Grader

    • Proven Handwriting Learning Book - A Reason For workbooks sharpens your child's writing books
    • Packed 2nd Grade Handwriting Workbook - 35+ lesson plans full of fun handwriting tips & tricks

    The Best First Grade Homeschool Curriculum | 7 Tips And Recommendations

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

    Let’s look at first grade homeschool curriculum recommendations that work for different types of learners and fit different budgets. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas.

    First grade is such a fun and exciting time when your sweet little baby starts to lose those squeezable cheeks as they get taller and are ready for a bit more structured learning in the important subjects.

    The Best First Grade Homeschool Curriculum | 7 Tips And Recommendations

    They are also usually working on reading and writing and it’s amazing to watch those little neurons fire in their brains as they’re absorbing and processing so much new information.

    They may be learning to read or may be moving from picture books to simple chapter books.

    As you know kids learn and grow at different levels not only physically but cognitively as well.

    First grade typically brings about learning addition, subtraction, place value, skipping counting, time, shapes, geometry, and multiplication, upper and lowercase letters, storytelling, and punctuation.

    I have 7 tips for putting together your own.

    We will cover the main subjects, and touch on a few fun extras to make it special.

    7 Tips and Recommendations

    1. Find your child’s learning style so that you can help them learn and grow to their greatest potential.
    2. While print can already be challenging it is a good idea to begin cursive instruction early. Even children with writing challenges like dysgraphia find this to be easier than print and they are really ready to pick up new skills at this age.
    3. Stay organized and have materials ready ahead of time, if you are spending 30 minutes scrambling around to find materials while your child waits at the table they will get bored very quickly.
    4. Continue to keep lessons short, extending them just a little longer than their Kindergarten year to make the most of their attention spans- 15 minutes per lesson is generally a good rule of thumb.
    5. Include lots of movement into your day, kids this age have a lot of energy and need to get moving to develop fine and gross motor skills but also it helps with brain function.
    6. If you haven’t started with chapter books for reading aloud incorporate them now, a chapter a day is a wonderful way to begin your morning snuggled up on the couch.
    7. Be sure that you have established a flexible daily routine/schedule so that your child begins to learn what is expected each day but allow for a change of plans when the weather is extra nice or someone is under the weather.
    The Best First Grade Homeschool Curriculum | 7 Tips And Recommendations

    More First Grade Curriculum Tips

    Best Homeschool Curriculum By Grade

    Finally, look at these recommendations.

    1st Grade Homeschool Curriculum Recommendations

    The main focus at this age is math and reading along with social and important social-emotional skills.

    Horizons 1st Grade Math Student Books 1 & 2

    While it requires a bit of prep and can’t be considered ‘open and go’ this is a very solid math program, especially for the early years

    Photo Credit: www.goodandbeautiful.com

    Simply Good and Beautiful Math 1

    The Good And The Beautiful offers a free math curriculum to print out yourself that covers an entire year of lessons. While they do recommend a purchase of a math box with manipulatives you can source these items elsewhere or make them yourself.

    First Grade Math with Confidence Bundle: Instructor Guide & Student Workbook

    Math educator Kate Snow gives parents the tools they need to teach math with confidence. This scripted, open-and-go program leads parents and instructors step-by-step through teaching all the concepts first-graders need to master:

    Steck-Vaughn Core Skills Science: Workbook Grade 1

    Something like the workbook Steck-Vaughn Core Skills Science is great for open and go learning. It introduces simple and easy to understand concepts in life, earth, and physical science. While just a
    workbook can be dry, you can easily incorporate some hands-on experiments to demonstrate what they are learning to make it more exciting and memorable.

    The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor

    This first book in the four volume narrative history series for elementary students will transform your study of history. The Story of the World has won awards from numerous homeschooling magazines and readers' polls―over 150,000 copies of the series in print!

    What terrible secret was buried in Shi Huangdi's tomb? Did nomads like lizard stew? What happened to Anansi the Spider in the Village of the Plantains? And how did a six year old become the last emperor of Rome? Told in a straightforward, engaging style that has become Susan Wise Bauer's trademark, The Story of the World series covers the s weep of human history from ancient times until the present. Africa, China, Europe, the Americas ― find out what happened all around the world in long ago times. This first revised volume begins with the earliest nomads and ends with the last Roman emperor. Newly revised and updated, The Story of the World, Volume 1 includes maps, a new timeline, more illustrations, and additional parental aids. This read aloud series is designed for parents to share with elementary school children. Enjoy it together and introduce your child to the marvelous story of the world's civilizations.

    Discover! Science 1st Grade Set

    Discover! Science incorporates reading, writing, and comprehension skills with suggestions for activities and answer keys. The pages are colorful and inviting, what I really like about this series is that they offer tips for teaching the different learning styles.

    DK Workbooks: Geography, First Grade: Learn and Explore

    Ideal for ages 6 to 7, this workbook is packed with simple, fun exercises that support the expanding geography skills of first graders. Your child will discover and understand new topics and curriculum-aligned exercises with every page. From the seven continents to countries and their capitals, this activity book will boost your child’s confidence in the field of geography!This first grade workbook unpacks geography concepts through fun activities and exercises. Your child will discover topics like the U.S. and its 50 states, plus their capitals and large cities. They will even learn how to map their neighborhood!

    Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary: An Introduction To Earth's Geographical Features For Kids

    Welcome to Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary by B.C. Lester Books! This book takes you across the world's main landforms and biomes, each with a colorful illustration accompanied with a child-friendly definition.

    What is a mesa? Or an estuary? What is the difference between a swamp and a marsh?

    Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

    Early American History K-3rd - Homeschooling History Pack

    Sure to ignite curiosity about our nation's history, this Early American History Through Literature study will take you and your K-3 homeschooling students through the first Indigenous people of the Americas, the Vikings discovery of America, the exploration, colonization, settlement, and establishment of the United States. Spanning 1000 AD to the mid-1800's this course makes teaching this literature-rich curriculum easy and fun!

    Carson Dellosa Beginning Traditional Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Kids, Handwriting Practice

    Workbook Features:• Ages 6-9, Grade 1-3• 32 pages, 11 inches x 8 ½ inches • Practice writing upper- and lowercase letters, number words, and more in cursive• Learn to form and connect letters together • Includes a lined practice page and an alphabet reference chart

    Photo Credit: www.allaboutlearningpress.com

    All About Reading Level 1

    All About Reading Level 1 Materials Package includes: one Teacher's Manual, one Student Packet (Activity Book, Flashcards, Stickers), and three readers.

    Photo Credit: www.abcmouse.com

    1st Grade Spelling Words

    Here is a great collection of printable lists that cover spelling for 1st grade from CVC words, to high-frequency words, and blends from ABCMOUSE.com

    Hasbro Gaming Guess Who? Original, Easy to Load Frame, Double-Sided Character Sheet,2 Player Board Games for Kids

    Include fun games like, Guess Who, to develop your child's critical thinking skills, vocabulary, and deductive reasoning.Many games that just seem like fun are wonderful for learning.

    Square Soft Pastel Set - 24 Vivid Colors, Easy Blend for Artists

    I like to offer new art mediums to younger children who are ready to move on from crayons, like
    different types of paper, paint, and even items like oil or chalk pastels to pique their interest.

    The Best Homeschool Preschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

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

    Choosing the best homeschool preschool curriculum can be really easily. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas and grade level curriculum. And my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

    You don’t need to buy a box or prepared curriculum but rather learn through play. 

    Learning through play can be easily directed by the parent (but not forced) to create a rich learning environment.

    It should be more like fun and naturally being introduced to math, science, history, language arts, and more.

    The Best Homeschool Preschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

    Preschoolers don’t need to worry about writing yet.

    It is more important to build up their fine motor skills.

    And this is easily done by building with blocks, playing with playdough, buttoning and unbuttoning their clothing, and digging in the dirt.

    This can be as simple as putting letters in a sensory bin and asking them to find the letter that their name starts with or counting out crackers for a snack.

    Common Household Items for Play Based Learning

    You can use much of what you already have in your own home to teach preschoolers.

    For example look at these items:

    • inexpensive craft supplies,
    • blunt scissors,
    • measuring cups/spoons,
    • beans for manipulatives,
    • toys for practicing beginning letter sounds,
    • cooking utensils for pouring and measuring,
    • mini scale,
    • crayons,
    • seeds,
    • analog clocks with hands and minutes,
    • maps, and anything else you can think of.

    But for some structure that is still enjoyable, I have recommendations for each subject to help you facilitate a wonderful early learning environment.

    Themes are especially fun in preschool and can be used to create a homeschool preschool curriculum with all the subjects.

    Some favorites for us were farm, construction, space, dinosaurs, winter, and pets.

    Focus on letter and number recognition, simple counting, read-aloud, and lots of play for little ones. 

    The Best Homeschool Preschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations

    Also, look at more tips for teaching preschoolers.

    More Homeschool Preschool Curriculum Tips

    Best Homeschool Curriculum By Grade

    Finally, look at these recommendations.

    14 Preschool Homeschool Curriculum Options

    Look at what your homeschool preschool curriculum might look like with some suggestions for activities, books, and learning ideas.

    Preschool Math at Home: Simple Activities to Build the Best Possible Foundation for Your Child (Math with Confidence)

    Preschool Math at Home will guide you step-by-step as you introduce your preschooler to the world of numbers. Your child will develop a thorough understanding of the numbers up to ten, including:
    counting comparing and ordering numbers recognizing written numerals beginning addition and subtraction.

    Alphabet Letter A is for Apple Craft for Preschool | Fun Apple Study

    Use my Preschool Phonics units for teaching letter of the week, there are currently 13 and counting letters available to start with, full of activities, ideas, crafts, and more.

    Slow and Steady Get Me Ready For Kindergarten: 260 Activities To Do With Your Child From Age 0 to 5

    Looking for quick, engaging activities to prepare your child for kindergarten? Spend a few minutes a day with your child in productive, interactive play with Slow and Steady Get Me Ready For Kindergarten!

    Slow and Steady Get Me Ready For Kindergarten abounds with hands-on developmental activities that parents can do with their children between the ages of 0 and 5 years old to get them prepared for kindergarten. June R. Oberlander, a 19-year veteran kindergarten teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia, first published this book in 1988. Now her granddaughter, Hannah Oberlander, a current teacher in Loudoun County, Virginia, has updated and enhanced these classic activities for today's parents of the next generation.

    Developing the Early Learner: Level 1 by Simone Bibeau (1982) Paperback

    BOOK 1 of 4 (AGES 2-6) Book 1 is a pre-reading experience designed to provide your child with a complete program in perceptual readiness. Here are some of the unique qualities that you will find within these pages. We include all four major areas of perception: visual, auditory, motor, and comprehension skills. Each major category is then broken down into specific sub-skills so that you can understand just what type of learning is taking place. Every page develops only ONE sub-skill to avoid confusion when the child is working the page. A target score on each page quickly gives you a score as well as an incentive for the child to work toward a certain goal.

    My First Book of Patterns: Pencil Control

    A perfect fun activity book designed for early learners to develop pencil control and motor skills. By following the arrows and tracing the dotted lines, the little scholars can complete the tracing exercises and creative activities leading to development of their early writing skills. The child will also learn to identify, write and revise straight, curvy, zig zag lines and multiple patterns. The book is also an excellent first step to prepare for school.

    Before Five in a Row: Second Edition

    Designed to be used with children ages 2 through 4, Before Five in a Row is a rich treasury of creative ideas that help you gently, consistently prepare your children for the lifelong adventure of
    learning. Now in a revised second edition, this bestselling volume is the foundation for inspired learning through great books and future studies with the entire Five in a Row curriculum.

    408 Pcs Lacing Letters Alphabet

    Rich Numbers: you will get 2 buckets of lowercase letter beads, including 384 lowercase letters and 24 ropes, a total of 408 items, and the equipped storage buckets are easy to storage and protect these accessories; And the quantity is very large, which can meet the needs of daily learning and playing

    A Unique Flexible and Beautiful Preschool Homeschool Planner

    This unique flexible and beautiful preschool homeschool planner is the perfect homeschool planner to use for early learners. While creating this 47-page early learner planner I included flexible planning pages.

    Forms like 21 thematic planning pages, a year at a glance page, and 12 months of planning your theme are a few included.

    Adding in an editable lesson planning template and 4 colorful
    attendance sheets helps you to easily meet record keeping guidelines if
    necessary

    Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

    Science books for your preschooler's curriculum should be simple and colorful but contain rich information in small bites. Nature Anatomy and The Big Book of series are perfect resources to keep on your shelves for preschoolers as they will grow with them for years.

    The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library Favorites: There's No Place Like Space!; Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur?; Inside Your Outside!; Hark! A Shark!

    This sturdy boxed set of four bestselling Cat in the Hat's Learning Library books includes something to pique the interest of every child! Beginning readers will learn all about our solar system in There's No Place Like Space!; all about dinosaurs in Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur?; all about the human body in Inside Your Outside; and all about sharks in Hark! A Shark!

    Preschool Exploring Creation Together Science

    At the preschool level, science is all about exposure, not memorization of facts. It’s helping the youngest explorers understand that their world is discoverable. Through guided exploration of their world, young children learn how to naturally incorporate all aspects of language (expanding vocabulary), math (counting and recording), science (observing and experimenting), and art (drawing out ideas) into their understanding of how their world works. Most importantly, children will come to understand that their world is wonder-full, peace-full, and beauty-full because God created it full of His love and wisdom. Preschool Exploring Creation Together is a spiral-bound curriculum with 2 distinct sections included

    Fun-Schooling for Beginners - Do-It-Myself Journal: Letters, Numbers, Animals, Coloring, Tracing, Mazes, Logic and Drawing (Full-Sized Activity Book for Preschool & Kindergarten)

    Fun-Schooling for Beginners - Do-It-Myself Journal: Letters, Numbers, Animals, Coloring, Tracing, Mazes, Logic and Drawing (Full-Sized Activity Book for Preschool & Kindergarten) (Volume 1

    A1 & A2, ideal for ages 2-6 (Preschool & Kindergarten) A beginners journal full of 100 educational and fun activities. This secular journal can be used by children of any religious background
    Includes colors, numbers, letters, feelings, early reading & writing, and more.

    Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

    Teacher Guide Around the World Part 1 - Homeschool Teacher's Guide

    This teacher guide contains gentle Socratic questions designed to prompt discussion and discovery. Beautiful drawings of indigenous animals are also included which will familiarize students with some remarkable creatures, their habitat and habits, cultivating respect and wonder for the natural world.

    Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

    Early American History K-3rd - Homeschooling History Pack

    Sure to ignite curiosity about our nation's history, this Early American History Through Literature study will take you and your K-3 homeschooling students through the first Indigenous people of the Americas, the Vikings discovery of America, the exploration, colonization, settlement, and establishment of the United States. Spanning 1000 AD to the mid-1800's this course makes teaching this literature-rich curriculum easy and fun!

    Quick And Inexpensive Letter C Handprint Craft – Crafty Crab Fun

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

    If you need an adorable letter c handprint craft to teach your child in a fun and creative way, I have some crafty crab fun for you made with their own two little precious hands. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more ideas.

    This makes for a wonderful summer learning project for preschoolers as you discover all the amazing animals in and around the ocean.

    This sounds like a great reason for multiple field trips to the beach don’t you think?

    Quick And Inexpensive Letter C Handprint Craft - Crafty Crab Fun

    Crabs are fascinating creatures as they make their home in all oceans as well as fresh water.

    Some crabs live on land, some live several miles from water. Some species, such as the fiddler crab live in burrows in the sand or mud.

    Crabs all have a hard exoskeleton to protect and support their more delicate insides yet some, like the hermit crab, choose to also hide inside of shells for additional protection.

    Most crabs have a total of 10 appendages, two pincers/claws at the front, 6 walking legs, and 2 swimming legs in the very back.

    They can vary in size from just ¾ “, the Pea Crab, to an up to 13’ leg span of the Japanese Spider Crab.

    That is a pretty big size spread for one creature!

    Let’s fiddle around and see what fun activities we can do with our littles to learn all about these crustaceans.

    First, look at these beautiful books about the ocean.

    Ocean Books

    I love living books when we study.

    Then I love to add in reference books when we’re learning.

    16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

    Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

    The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

    Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

    The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

    This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

    Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

    Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

    The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

    The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

    Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

    Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

    Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

    Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

    Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

    A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

    Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

    More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

    An introduction by W. D. Howells.

    Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

    A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

    Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

    Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet! 

    Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

    How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

    Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

    Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

    The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

    Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

    All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

    Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

    Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

    One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

    Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

    In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

    Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

    From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

    Pagoo

    An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

    More Letter C Handprint Craft Ideas

    • Another C handprint craft is this cute crawling Caterpillar Handprint Craft and it would go along wonderfully with The Very Hungry Caterpillar book.
    • You could also go a farm route and create C is For Carrot handprint art.
    • This Handprint Art- C is For Car is ideal for a transportation unit with preschoolers who love things that go.
    • Dig into the desert with C is for Camel handprint craft as well as some other fabulous ideas for the theme.
    • Make a quick and easy Cactus Handprint without messy paint to clean up.

    More How to Homeschool Preschool Letter of the Week Activities

    Quick And Inexpensive Letter C Handprint Craft - Crafty Crab Fun

    Ocean Crab Vocabulary Words

    If you are going to create a crab handprint with your little you may as well turn it into a learning session as you do. Here are a few basic vocabulary words to teach the various anatomy of a crab.

    • Crustaceans- They live mostly in water, have a hard shell, a segmented body, and jointed appendages.
    • Exoskeleton- An outside skeleton that helps protect and support a crabs softer body.
    • Cheliped-The front arm of a crab that supports the claw, also known as a pincer.
    • Crawling Legs- These are the 8 other smaller legs on either side of a crab used to move around.
    • Antennae- In general crabs have two pairs, they are also known as feelers. Crabs use them to eat, navigate, smell, and for movement.

    Quick And Inexpensive Letter C Handprint Craft

    You will need:

    • Blue cardstock paper
    • Tan cardstock paper
    • Red paint
    • Paintbrush
    • Google eyes
    • Glue stick
    Quick And Inexpensive Letter C Handprint Craft - Crafty Crab Fun

    First, start with a blue background to look like the sky/water so that your crab is not just floating in white.

    Tear a few strips of tan cardstock and use a glue stick to attach it along the bottom of the paper for sand layers.

    Quick And Inexpensive Letter C Handprint Craft - Crafty Crab Fun

    Now you want to coat those little hands in a good thick layer of red and stamp them one at a time so the palms just touch at the wrist area.

    Be sure to press the palm and each finger down so the paint transfers well. Thumbs pointing upwards make great antennae.

    Quick And Inexpensive Letter C Handprint Craft - Crafty Crab Fun

    Allow the paint to dry completely then have them glue on googly eyes.

    Whenever working on a project with preschool and younger children I like to write the letter on the paper as well or even ‘C is for Crab’ to help them make the connection that letters and words have meaning.

    Quick And Inexpensive Letter C Handprint Craft - Crafty Crab Fun

    Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

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    I have some amazing summer wood crafts and other ideas to keep teens busy this summer.

    For example, you’ll love this simple idea for a teen bikini box to keep all her summer suits and other gear.

    All you need is an unfinished white crate from the craft store, some craft paints, and a clear sealer in whatever finish you like.

    I guarantee this is going to be a summer craft that your middle or high school girl is going to get so excited about and think you’re the coolest mom on the block for coming up with the idea.

    Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

    If you feel like you need to extend this activity and make it educational there are plenty of fantastic books about the beach that you can use alongside the craft like Ocean Anatomy or the Best of Seashells Craft Book.

    Beyond books, life experiences with a summer theme will help keep your teens busy.

    It will keep your teens out of trouble and prevent learning loss through the long hot dog days of summer while they gain valuable experiences and possibly even credit for high school courses.

    Also, if you want to include all your children in some fun learning about the ocean, I have some living books.

    Kids Books About the Ocean for Multiple Ages

    We prefer living books but also like to add reference books too.

    I have something for all ages to keep learning fun along with this summer wooden craft.

    16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

    Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

    The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

    Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

    The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

    This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

    Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

    Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

    The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

    The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

    Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

    Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

    Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

    Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

    Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

    A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

    Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

    More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

    An introduction by W. D. Howells.

    Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

    A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

    Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

    Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet! 

    Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

    How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

    Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

    Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages. 

    The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

    Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

    All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

    Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

    Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

    One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

    Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

    In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

    Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

    From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

    Pagoo

    An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

    Also, look at a few more ideas on how to extend learning through the summer.

    How to Extend Learning Through Summer

    • Buy your teen a pretty journal and require or encourage daily journal prompts with a summer theme.
    • Assign a craft a week that counts as an elective as well as reading, language arts, and science. Just like today’s bikini box or one of the additional ideas below.
    • Brush up on cooking/practical life skills and make summer themed food like homemade popsicles, Coral Reef Cake, or put what your teen has learned about nutrition into practice by putting together a healthy salad.
    • Have your child sign up to volunteer for a kids summer program as a big brother/sister, lifeguard etc. to count towards volunteer hours in high school.
    Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

    Next, look at more summer wood crafts.

    Summer Wood Crafts

    1. How fun would this Jumbo Tic Tac Toe Board be for indoors or outside at a pool party? It does require power tool usage and makes a great project for shop class credit.
    2. Make DIY Lawn Dominoes and add a fun game to your family’s backyard time while your teen learns a new skill.
    3. Dye unfinished wood and create this gorgeous Rainbow Wood Stacking Game that builds fine motor skills, decision making, dexterity, and decision making skills.
    4. A DIY Colorful Cornhole and Bean Bag Set is a great addition to your physical education requirement and is so much fun for get togethers and family BBQ’s
    5. Turn a plain wooden craft staple into a really cool and portable Popsicle Stick Playing Cards deck. This is great practice for more complicated wood burning ideas and makes a great gift for friends, family members, or to take along to co-op.
    6. Get them off their tech by helping them make a Wooden Phone Amplifier/Speakers, this project is great for practice working with power tools but also makes a really cool and useful end product.

    How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

    You will need:

    • Unfinished wood crate
    • Craft paint
    • Sandpaper
    • Clear sealer spray
    • Paint brushes
    • Pencil
    • Hot glue gun/sticks
    Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

    First, you need to do two things to keep the wooden box from snagging and ruining those bathing suits.

    The first is to give it a good sanding all over to smooth off any rough edges inside and out.

    Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

    Next, wipe it down with a slightly damp towel to remove all the dust and allow it to dry thoroughly.

    You can freehand words and pictures with paint, but I recommend using a pencil to first draw out your design to get it just the way you like.

    Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

    The next step is the most fun, let your teen paint and decorate the box any way that they like. Of course, a summer/beach theme is fun. 

    You can use paint and paintbrushes, paint pens, or a combination of both to make the details pop.

    Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

    Paint, dry, and then hot glue the letters onto your box, spelling out a name, phrase, or simply ‘bikini box’.

    I picked up these wooden letters on sale for $5 and there are enough to do several projects with. 

    Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box

    Once the box is painted and dried completely, take it outside and give it 2 to 3 coats of sealer inside to help seal on the paint and make it more permanent.

    Also, this will help create a smoother surface, so it is less likely to snag bathing suits.

    Allow the sealer spray to dry completely and it’s ready to use.

    Fill it up with beach towels, bathing suits, sunglasses, sunscreen, goggles, and more.

    Summer Wood Crafts: How to Make a Teen Bikini Box