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Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

April 5, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There was a menagerie of animals in The Swiss Family Robinson book, making it a great topic for a zoology study. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my post Swiss Family Robinson Unit Study.

The Robinsons used many items to help them survive, the least of which is the animals they brought from the wrecked ship.

And they used animals found on the island.

For example, they were used for meat, milk, companionship, and to lighten the workload.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

The land where the Robinsons ended up was thought to have been the East Indies which back at that time, in 1812, would have been the region of Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and New Guinea.

No doubt it is a very diverse location for flora and fauna.

They were surrounded by exotic creatures they had never seen and only some read about.

One of the creatures on the island that the Robinsons turned into a pet was a parrot. In honor of that parrot, we are going to create an adorable no sew felt version of our own.

Parrots are incredibly smart creatures, who also live long lives, especially in captivity.

You can use this felt parrot craft as part of your Swiss Family Robinson animal study, with a pirate unit, or a tropical bird unit.

More The Swiss Family Robinson Activities

  • Where Did Swiss Family Robinson Land And Their Unique Homes | Cave Activity
  • From Switzerland to the Author of Swiss Family Robinson Quick Study
  • How to Create Swiss Family Treehouse Blueprints With Kids
  • What is the Swiss Family Robinson About | Simple Jeopardy Style Game
  • How to Make Adorable Swiss Family Robinson Book Characters Bookmarks
  • Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl
  • The Swiss Family Robinson Fun and Easy Movie Night Ideas
  • Embrace Island Life: How To Eat A Coconut Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft
  • Lost In Adventure: 10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse
  • Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book
  • How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography
  • DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas
  • Simple Candle
  • Hunting Deer
  • How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids

Books for Learning About The Swiss Family Robinson

Next, add some of these books and resources to your unit study.

8 Books & Resources for Learning About The Swiss Family Robinson

Add some of these books to your unit study of The Swiss Family Robinson and their adventures on a deserted island.

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

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

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

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.
Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Tracks, Scats and Signs (Take Along Guides)

Become a nature detective with this illustrative, engaging and fun Take-Along-Guide. You may not know where to look, or what to look for, but animal signs are everywhere and this guide will help you learn how to read them. You'll learn how to spot and identify common clues that 17 wildlife species leave behind in the woods, in the fields and along ponds.

Swiss Family Robinson Movie

The heroic tale of the courageous exploits of the Robinson family after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Using teamwork and ingenuity, they overcome the obstacles of nature and transform their new home into a "civilized" community.

Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set: Titles In This Set: The Blizzard Challenge The Desert Challenge The Jungle Challenge The Sea Challenge The River Challenge The Earthquake Challenge The Volcano Challenge The Safari Challenge The Cave Challenge The Mountain Challenge The Arctic Challenge The Sailing Challenge

Knot Tying Kit | Pro-Knot Best Rope Knot Cards, two practice cords and a carabiner

By Pro-Knot, the number one trusted name in Knots with over 7,000 5 Star reviews! This complete knot tying KIT includes everything you need to learn and practice how to tie 23 essential rope knots. The six card/twelve page waterproof plastic card set contains 23 best all purpose rope knots
clearly illustrated and described, bound together with a no-rust brass grommet in the corner!

Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America: More than 150 Delicious Recipes Using Nature's Edibles

Edible wild plants are nature’s natural food source, growing along roadsides, sprouting in backyards, and blooming in country fields. North America’s diverse geography overflows with edible plant species.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book

Also, here are some of the animals mentioned in the classic story that you could use to springboard a science lesson from a literature study.

Moreover, you can have your child write about, paint, make out of LEGO, make a minecraft collection of exotic animals, make one from playdough and learn a few facts, or even create our fun felt parrot below.

  • Jackal
  • Buffalo
  • Ostrich
  • Monkey – Look at my post Preschool Fun Monkey Study
  • Peccaries
  • Muskrat
  • Lions – 6 Facts About Mountain Lions and How to Make a Fun Mountain Lion Diorama
  • Bears – Daniel Boone Explorer Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop
  • Hippo
  • Condor
  • Flamingos – Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial
  • Onager
  • Cuscus
  • Eagle – Beautiful Bald Eagle Fun Facts And Torn Paper Bird Craft
  • Parrot
  • Lobster
  • Kangaroo
  • Green Iguana – 10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana
  • Oceanic White tip Shark
  • Capybara
  • Civet Cat
Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Additionally, here are more learning about parrot resources.

Parrot Resources

Our felt parrot craft is the easily identifiable and popular Scarlet Maw.

And so that you know, macaws are parrots, but not all parrots are macaws.

The Scarlet Macaw are the largest parrots in the world and can reach up to 33” from beak to tail.

  • You can use this gorgeous collection of birds to create a diorama, create a tropical sensory bin, as models for drawing and painting or just for dramatic play.
  • Littles will enjoy these Macaw and Toucan Paper Plate Crafts.
  • If you want to dive deeper into parrots grab a wonderful book to support your literature unit like About Parrots: A Guide for Children.
  • For middle and highschool you could include the challenge of building a Parrot LEGO set.
Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Finally, look at how to make this easy parrot craft.

How to Make an Easy Parrot Craft With Kids

You will need:

  • Red, green, blue, yellow, black felt
  • Cotton stuffing.
  • Hot glue
  • Scissors
  • Pinking shears
  • Googly eyes
Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

First, use a pencil to trace a large circle for your parrot’s head and then a leaf shape overlapping the head for the body of the parrot.

You can make it as large or as small as you like but if you make it too small it’s difficult to stuff with the wider hot glue seam.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Lay it over a second felt sheet and cut out the body shape twice.

Easy Parrot Craft

Run hot glue along the edge of one piece all the way around except the head and press the second piece into it firmly, allowing it to cool and harden.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Stuff the body with cotton, using a pencil to push it all the way in and fill it out.

Glue the head all the way around except for about 1” where you would like the beak to be and fill the head with more cotton stuffing the same way.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Glue and pinch the final opening closed.

Draw and cut out a pair of eyes-white and smaller black circles, as well as 2 beak halves.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Glue the two halves of the beak together over the edge of the parrot’s face, you can use them to cover up your final seam.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Glue the eyes into place, layering black circles over white.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

To create wings, stack the colors you would like to use and cut them into a rectangle the width and length of the parrot’s body.

Stack and spread them out vertically so that a little of each color shows at the bottom. Repeat with a second stack.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Now use pinking shears to round them and give them a bit more featherlike shape.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Do the same technique to create the tail but make it narrower, stack colors so that you can see all and use pinking shears to trim and round the edges.

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Glue and pinch over the back end. Be sure to glue every layer together one by one.

He is a cutie, isn’t he?

Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: birds, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, life science, parrot, science, science fiction, Swiss Family Robinson

Lost In Adventure: 10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson

April 4, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you love adventure and a survival theme you are probably looking for more books like Swiss Family Robinson. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my post Swiss Family Robinson Unit Study.

Even Jules Verne is quoted to have said that The Swiss Family Robinson was one of his favorite books. He was so fond of it that he wrote a sequel called The Castaways of the Flag.

That is saying a lot about this classic tale!

Lost In Adventure: 10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson

If you have already read Swiss Family Robinson once or five times you may be searching for books with a similar feel and lessons.

There are plenty out there from classics to newer books with the spirit of adventure.

As an adult I will devour children’s or YA classics, but they also made wonderful choices for our read aloud times.

There is something about the adventure of the human spirit taming the wilderness, surviving and thriving against all odds, and the fantasy of being stranded alone or in a small group that just calls to the pioneering spirit in all of us.

I have rounded up 10 fantastic options that have a similar feel and rhythm to the Robinson’s story with unique characters and circumstances.

More Resources for Learning About Swiss Family Robinson & Survival Activities

  • Where Did Swiss Family Robinson Land And Their Unique Homes | Cave Activity
  • From Switzerland to the Author of Swiss Family Robinson Quick Study
  • How to Create Swiss Family Treehouse Blueprints With Kids
  • What is the Swiss Family Robinson About | Simple Jeopardy Style Game
  • How to Make Adorable Swiss Family Robinson Book Characters Bookmarks
  • Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl
  • The Swiss Family Robinson Fun and Easy Movie Night Ideas
  • Embrace Island Life: How To Eat A Coconut Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft
  • Lost In Adventure: 10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse
  • Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book
  • How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography
  • DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas
  • Simple Candle
  • Hunting Deer
  • How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids
Lost In Adventure: 10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson

Finally, look at these books which encompass survival and an adventure spirit.

Books for Kids Like The Swiss Family Robinson

I always lean toward living books when I can find them.

I think you’ll love this round up.

10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson

If you’re looking for books similar to Swiss Family Robinson, you’ll love these books.

Robinson Crusoe

One of the most widely published novels in history, Robinson Crusoe tells the story of a young Englishman shipwrecked in a storm and forced to fend for himself on a remote island, alone...or so he thinks. Fighting to build a life — and rebuild a society — Crusoe must rely on his wits, resilience, and will to survive. With slavers, cannibals, and mutineers, this quintessential castaway story is a harrowing page-turner and a salient reflection on humanity's state of nature. This is an epic tale of determination, adaptation, and the triumph of the human spirit against catastrophe, isolation, and danger.Part memoir, part allegory, part fable, and written so convincingly as an autobiography that readers were convinced it was a true account, Robinson Crusoe continues to shock, fascinate, and entertain readers of all ages. The novel reshaped the literary world, spawning a new genre of realistic fiction — the "Robinsonade," introducing into popular culture the concept of "his man Friday," and inspiring a plethora of written works, radio plays, and films. Provocative and reflective, this piece of historical fiction not only provides an intricate snapshot of 18th-century sensibilities and civilization but also unapologetically delves into poignant universal truths that resonate to this day.

My Side of the Mountain

Terribly unhappy in his family's crowded New York City apartment, Sam Gribley runs away to the solitude-and danger-of the mountains, where he finds a side of himself he never knew.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - The Original, Unabridged, and Uncensored 1876 Classic

Mischief and mayhem abound wherever the eponymous Tom Sawyer goes. From tricking his local peers into completing his household chores to cleverly acquiring a Sunday School prize to impress the father of his love interest, Tom Sawyer embodies the witty and lively spirits of young 19th century boys. Tom Sawyer truly embodies the phrase “boys will be boys.”

Hatchet

Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson, haunted by his secret knowledge of his mother’s infidelity, is traveling by single-engine plane to visit his father for the first time since the divorce. When the plane crashes, killing the pilot, the sole survivor is Brian. He is alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother had given him as a present. At first consumed by despair and self-pity, Brian slowly learns survival skills—how to make a shelter for himself, how to hunt and fish and forage for food, how to make a fire—and even finds the courage to start over from scratch when a tornado ravages his campsite. When Brian is finally rescued after fifty-four days in the wild, he emerges from his ordeal with new patience and maturity, and a greater understanding of himself and his parents.

The Sign of the Beaver: A Newbery Honor Award Winner

When Matt's father leaves him on his own to guard their new cabin in the wilderness, Matt is scared but determined to be brave and prove that he can take care of himself. And things are going fine until a white stranger steals his gun, leaving Matt defenseless and unable to hunt for his food. Then Matt meets Attean, a Native boy from the Beaver tribe, and soon learns that people called the land around him home long before the white settlers ever arrived. As Attean teaches him more about his own culture, Matt must come to terms with what the changing frontier really means.

Now with an introduction by critically acclaimed writer Joseph Bruchac about the historical context and the relationships between Native peoples and white settlers in the eighteenth century.

Dicey's Song (2) (The Tillerman Cycle)

When Momma abandoned Dicey Tillerman and her three siblings in a mall parking lot and was later traced to an asylum where she lay unrecognizing, unknowing, she left her four children no choice but to get on by themselves. They set off alone on foot over hundreds of miles until they finally found someone to take them in. Gram’s rundown farm isn’t perfect, but they can stay together as a family—which is all Dicey really wanted.But after watching over the others for so long, it’s hard for Dicey to know what to do now. Her own identity has been so wrapped up in being the caretaker, navigator, penny counter, and decision maker that she’s not sure how to let go of some responsibilities while still keeping a sense of herself. But when the past comes back with devastating force, Dicey sees just how necessary—and painful—letting go can be.

Julie of the Wolves (HarperClassics)

Julie of the Wolves is a staple in the canon of children’s literature and the first in the Julie trilogy. The survival theme makes it a good pick for readers of wilderness adventures such as My Side of the Mountain, Hatchet, or Island of the Blue Dolphins.

This edition, perfect for classroom or home use, includes John Schoenherr’s original scratchboard illustrations throughout, as well as bonus materials such as an introduction written by Jean Craighead George’s children, the author’s Newbery acceptance speech, selections from her field notebooks, a discussion guide, and a further reading guide.

To her small village, she is known as Miyax; to her friend in San Francisco, she is Julie. When her life in the village becomes dangerous, Miyax runs away, only to find herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness.

Miyax tries to survive by copying the ways of a pack of wolves and soon grows to love her new wolf family. Life in the wilderness is a struggle, but when she finds her way back to civilization, Miyax is torn between her old and new lives. Is she the Miyax of her human village—or Julie of the wolves?

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Scott O'Dell's Newbery Medal-winning classic is a gripping tale of survival, strength, and courage. Based on the true story of a Nicole o Indian girl living alone on an island off the coast of California, Island of the Blue Dolphins has captivated readers for generations.On San Nicolas Island, dolphins flash in the surrounding blue waters, sea otter play in the vast kelp beds, and sea elephants loll on the stony beaches. Here, in the early 1800s, a girl named Karana spent eighteen years alone.Karana had to contend with the ferocious pack of wild dogs that killed her younger brother, constantly guard against Aleutian sea otter hunters, and maintain a precarious food supply. Her courage, self-reliance, and grit has inspired millions of readers in this breathtaking adventure.As Smithsonian magazine put it: "For kids all over the country, reading the book in language arts classes, Karana is a powerful symbol of their growing independence. Through her, they can imagine themselves making their way in the world alone--and thriving."

Beyond the Bright Sea

he moving story of an orphan, determined to know her own history, who discovers the true meaning of family. Twelve-year-old Crow has lived her entire life on a tiny, isolated piece of the starkly beautiful Elizabeth Islands in Massachusetts. Abandoned and set adrift in a small boat when she was just hours old, Crow’s only companions are Osh, the man who rescued and raised her, and Miss Maggie, their fierce and affectionate neighbor across the sandbar.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (SeaWolf Press Illustrated Classic): First Edition Cover

SeaWolf Press is proud to offer another book in its Mark Twain 100th Anniversary Collection. Each book in the collection contains the text, illustrations, and cover from the first edition (but it is not a photocopy.) Use Amazon's Lookinside feature to compare this edition with others, and make sure you don't buy a large 8 x 11 inch edition. You'll be impressed by the differences. Our version has:

  • All 174 original illustrations.
  • Text that has been proofread to avoid errors common in other versions.
  • A beautiful cover that replicates the first edition cover.
  • The complete text in an easy-to-read font similar to the original.

Look for other Mark Twain books in our 100th Anniversary Collection.Mark Twain created the memorable characters Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn drawing from the experiences of boys he grew up with in Missouri. Set by the Mississippi River in the 1840’s, this tale is a follow-up to his original book, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Huckleberry takes off on a raft down the Mississippi with Jim, a slave seeking his freedom. They run into two con artists, the Duke and the King, as they drift southward, and Huck reunites with Tom Sawyer near the end of the book. The book exposes attitudes prevalent at the times, especially racism, and includes coarse language.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Geography Tagged With: book lists, books, Swiss Family Robinson

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

April 3, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re making our own Lego Swiss Family Robinson stem challenge and encourage kids to use critical thinking, planning, engineering skills, problem-solving, as well as creativity to create their unique treehouse. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my post Swiss Family Robinson Unit Study.

A wonderful thing about homeschooling is that you can take a book like Swiss Family Robinson and go as in-depth as you like.

For example, you can create learning experiences and activities for this literature.

However, you can also cover everything from math to geography to science.

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

The Robinsons built their island treehouse using simply what they found around them.

Too, they got parts and pieces scavenged from the shipwreck.

Challenge your child to do the same with LEGO.

Beyond just creating a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson treehouse let’s look at some other fabulous STEM projects.

When I think of Swiss Family Robinson stem, I think of survival skills.

This book is the perfect time to dive deeply into some basic life skills.

They can be learned to be used in survival situations but also can be applied to day-to-day life.

More Resources for Learning About Swiss Family Robinson & Survival Activities

  • Where Did Swiss Family Robinson Land And Their Unique Homes | Cave Activity
  • From Switzerland to the Author of Swiss Family Robinson Quick Study
  • How to Create Swiss Family Treehouse Blueprints With Kids
  • What is the Swiss Family Robinson About | Simple Jeopardy Style Game
  • How to Make Adorable Swiss Family Robinson Book Characters Bookmarks
  • Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl
  • The Swiss Family Robinson Fun and Easy Movie Night Ideas
  • Embrace Island Life: How To Eat A Coconut Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft
  • Lost In Adventure: 10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse
  • Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book
  • How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography
  • DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas
  • Simple Candle
  • Hunting Deer
  • How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids
How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

Next, look at these books and resources.

Books to Learn About How The Swiss Family Robinson Lived

8 Books & Resources for Learning About The Swiss Family Robinson

Add some of these books to your unit study of The Swiss Family Robinson and their adventures on a deserted island.

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

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

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

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.
Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Tracks, Scats and Signs (Take Along Guides)

Become a nature detective with this illustrative, engaging and fun Take-Along-Guide. You may not know where to look, or what to look for, but animal signs are everywhere and this guide will help you learn how to read them. You'll learn how to spot and identify common clues that 17 wildlife species leave behind in the woods, in the fields and along ponds.

Swiss Family Robinson Movie

The heroic tale of the courageous exploits of the Robinson family after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Using teamwork and ingenuity, they overcome the obstacles of nature and transform their new home into a "civilized" community.

Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set: Titles In This Set: The Blizzard Challenge The Desert Challenge The Jungle Challenge The Sea Challenge The River Challenge The Earthquake Challenge The Volcano Challenge The Safari Challenge The Cave Challenge The Mountain Challenge The Arctic Challenge The Sailing Challenge

Knot Tying Kit | Pro-Knot Best Rope Knot Cards, two practice cords and a carabiner

By Pro-Knot, the number one trusted name in Knots with over 7,000 5 Star reviews! This complete knot tying KIT includes everything you need to learn and practice how to tie 23 essential rope knots. The six card/twelve page waterproof plastic card set contains 23 best all purpose rope knots
clearly illustrated and described, bound together with a no-rust brass grommet in the corner!

Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America: More than 150 Delicious Recipes Using Nature's Edibles

Edible wild plants are nature’s natural food source, growing along roadsides, sprouting in backyards, and blooming in country fields. North America’s diverse geography overflows with edible plant species.

Swiss Family Robinson STEM Ideas

  1. Head outdoors and take the Survival Skills Challenge: Building a Shelter to see if you can create a shelter using just a few basic items.
  2. In my Homeschool Literature The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Raft Craft you can learn about terms like buoyancy and challenge your student to build a raft that not only floats but bears weight.
  3. Try the Survival Skills for Kids – FIRE STARTING CHALLENGE, while you may not need it for a shipwreck it will come in handy.
  4. Father was even able to construct a water wheel, check out this Water Wheel STEM Activity to make one on a smaller scale and learn how it works.

Throughout the building ask questions to encourage critical thinking and assess their comprehension and retention.

Of course, answers will vary.

But here are a few questions that you might ask and some of the possible answers.

What materials did they use?  Trees, sailcloth, bamboo, rope, wood planks. They even used geometry to determine how high it needed to be.

Why did they build their treehouse where they did? Proximity to water, food, good trees for building at the right height, etc.

How did they get materials up the tree? They fashioned a pulley to move materials up and down the tree easily.

LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge

For this challenge, you don’t need to follow instructions, rather this is a great time to encourage your child to use their critical thinking skills to build a structure that holds up, bears weight, and fits the needs of the “family”.

But just to give you a framework I’m giving you simple steps to have them follow and the way that I did it.

Allow them to build and learn.

For instance, decide whether it’s best to build on top of the tree base or to build the structure first and then place it on top, etc

You will need:

  • LEGO Baseplate
  • LEGO Bricks
How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

Start with a big base plate and add a little “sand and water” with smaller flat blue and tan plates.

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

Start with a smaller base plate as the base of your treehouse.

To make it a little easier or let your child completely fashion one from smaller pieces for more of a challenge for older children.

Add a bit of border for walls and 4 corners.

Make the corners the height that you would like the treehouse to be.

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

For the next part, they will want to build trunks of the tree.

They need to support the treehouse and figure out where they should be placed to support it best.

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

For the roof, we found it easiest to build one that was a little larger than the size of the base floor of the structure.

Then, place it on top.

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

And then came the fun part, adding greenery.

Use it all over the roof.

And show it coming out of the sides of the structure to make it look more like it was inside of a tree.

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

Now you can put your treehouse on top of the “tree trunks”.

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

Don’t forget to create a ladder for going up and down.

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

You can stop there, or you can continue to challenge your child’s creativity.

For example, have your kids add flora and fauna to the base, build structures for the animals, or recreate a scene from the story.

How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, STEM, Swiss Family Robinson

Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book

April 2, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The Swiss Family Robinson Book is a classic tale of a family lost at sea and the adventure that is born from survival. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my post Swiss Family Robinson Unit Study.

Having read The Swiss Family Robinson Book as a child and then again in my own homeschool I can attest to it being a wonderful piece of literature that should not be missed!

I have a fun craft that can be used to show off your love of books whether you have a garden, walkway, or just a small plot of book bricks.

Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book

They are a lovely way to brighten up an area and trust me while I may be creative, I am no artist and if I can do it I know that you can too.

This craft can be done by any age, especially with help but I think you will find that middle and high school is the sweet spot for this one.

I also have a handful of questions to go along with the story to help everyone remember what was read.

More Resources for Learning About Swiss Family Robinson & Survival Activities

  • Where Did Swiss Family Robinson Land And Their Unique Homes | Cave Activity
  • From Switzerland to the Author of Swiss Family Robinson Quick Study
  • How to Create Swiss Family Treehouse Blueprints With Kids
  • What is the Swiss Family Robinson About | Simple Jeopardy Style Game
  • How to Make Adorable Swiss Family Robinson Book Characters Bookmarks
  • Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl
  • The Swiss Family Robinson Fun and Easy Movie Night Ideas
  • Embrace Island Life: How To Eat A Coconut Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft
  • Lost In Adventure: 10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse
  • Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book
  • How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography
  • DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas
  • Simple Candle
  • Hunting Deer
  • How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids

Books for Learning About The Swiss Family Robinson

Also, you’ll love reading these books to go with your study of Swiss Family Robinson.

8 Books & Resources for Learning About The Swiss Family Robinson

Add some of these books to your unit study of The Swiss Family Robinson and their adventures on a deserted island.

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

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

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

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.
Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Tracks, Scats and Signs (Take Along Guides)

Become a nature detective with this illustrative, engaging and fun Take-Along-Guide. You may not know where to look, or what to look for, but animal signs are everywhere and this guide will help you learn how to read them. You'll learn how to spot and identify common clues that 17 wildlife species leave behind in the woods, in the fields and along ponds.

Swiss Family Robinson Movie

The heroic tale of the courageous exploits of the Robinson family after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Using teamwork and ingenuity, they overcome the obstacles of nature and transform their new home into a "civilized" community.

Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set: Titles In This Set: The Blizzard Challenge The Desert Challenge The Jungle Challenge The Sea Challenge The River Challenge The Earthquake Challenge The Volcano Challenge The Safari Challenge The Cave Challenge The Mountain Challenge The Arctic Challenge The Sailing Challenge

Knot Tying Kit | Pro-Knot Best Rope Knot Cards, two practice cords and a carabiner

By Pro-Knot, the number one trusted name in Knots with over 7,000 5 Star reviews! This complete knot tying KIT includes everything you need to learn and practice how to tie 23 essential rope knots. The six card/twelve page waterproof plastic card set contains 23 best all purpose rope knots
clearly illustrated and described, bound together with a no-rust brass grommet in the corner!

Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America: More than 150 Delicious Recipes Using Nature's Edibles

Edible wild plants are nature’s natural food source, growing along roadsides, sprouting in backyards, and blooming in country fields. North America’s diverse geography overflows with edible plant species.

Book Questions

  1. Who is the author of the Swiss Family book? Johann Wyss
  2. What are the names of the Robinson children? Franz, Fritz, Ernest, Jack
  3. Who narrates the Swiss Family Robinson Book? Father
  4. Where are the Robinsons traveling from? Switzerland
  5. Where are the the Robinsons traveling to? New Guinea
  6. What day of the journey did the storm hit the boat? The 6th day
  7. Name 3 animals that the Robinson’s brought from the boat. Dogs, chickens, cows, sheep, pigs, ducks, geese.
  8.  How did the family reach the island? They tied tubs together to make a boat.
Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book

You can pick up 8×4 pavers at your local home and garden store for around .50 a piece so it’s affordable to do an entire library around your garden if you wanted.

How fun would it be to make one for every read aloud you do together as a family?

How to Make a Brick Book The Swiss Family Robinson Book

First, decide if you want to try to copy your book closely or if you just want to create your own interpretation inspired by the book cover.

I did a little of both here, not going for an exact replica.

One thing I have found that makes simple paintings look better is to use 2 or 3 colors for most things rather than everything being a flat color- sky, wood, greenery, etc.. all look better with different shades of the same color.

You will need:

  • Garden brick
  • Craft paints
  • Paint pens
  • Paintbrushes
  • Matte sealer spray
  • Your book for inspiration
Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book

The first thing you want to do is give your brick a good dry scrub to remove any dust and dirt to prepare the surface for painting.

If you use water to scrub your brick, that’s absolutely fine, but you won’t need to give it a few days out in the sun to dry thoroughly.

If desired, you could first paint the entire brick with a spray primer.

I don’t usually do this and I have pretty good success as long as I clean it to begin with and seal it afterwards.

Paint three edges of the brick white, over lap a bit onto the wider surfaces to be sure its covered edge to edge. Allow it to dry and give it another coat.

These will be the exposed pages of your book.

Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book

Now paint your main color, covering the “front” and “back” of the book as well as the spine”.

If you keep a damp cloth handy you can use it for any paint mistakes. I did a sky to sand combination. Allow this to dry completely.

Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book

Grab an assortment of the paint colors you need for your version and a variety of paintbrushes, as well as paint pens.

I find for writing and small details these are easier to use than tiny paint brushes.

The Swiss Family Robinson Brick Book

Begin creating the largest piece of your cover by painting it on, for me that was the tree and the treehouse front and center, I layered 2 colors of green to make it more interesting and create depth.

Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book

Layer on more elements like the treehouse.

Because it was important to show the family of 5 but difficult to get tiny details with the texture of the brick I chose to make them faceless with enough detail to make it obvious.

 I used the thicker end of a paint pen to make a dot for each face.

Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book

And then went back with colored paint pens to draw on hair, clothing, etc…layering details as  I went.

If you make a mistake it is very easy to cover with paint, dry, and redo it.

Allow to dry before moving on.

Depending on the background colors you may need to write your book title in black or white, to make mine pop I wrote it with a white paint pen and then outlined it in black.

Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book

Don’t forget to add the title of the book down the spine as well.

The final artistic step is to draw lines along the edges of your book to resemble pages.

Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book

Give your finished book brick 2 coats of a matte sealer to protect it.

It’s ready. Place it in your garden or walkway.

You can create as many book bricks as you like to brighten up any area of your yard.

Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book

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

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

April 1, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Reading The Swiss Family Robinson is the perfect excuse to learn some Swiss geography as well as other geographical terms and phrases. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my post Free Swiss Family Robinson Unit Study. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

We are creating a fantasy map with real geographical features to learn about them in a new and fun way.

The Robinsons ended up on their island as they were heading to a New Guinea colony to escape the Napoleonic Wars.

Their ship was abandoned by the crew in the midst of a wild storm and the family and a handful of animals managed to survive and end up in what is believed to be the East Indies.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Their island was filled with creatures, flora and fauna that was unknown to them.

And they had to band together to not only survive but thrive on their island.

It is an incredible story of survival, family, ingenuity, love, and adventure.

If you haven’t read it yet I cannot recommend enough making it a family read aloud experience.

The beauty of this is that as a read aloud it is a wonderful unit for a wide variety of ages and activities, like our map, can be adjusted for everyone to do at the same time.

The Swiss Family Robinson Book

8 Books & Resources for Learning About The Swiss Family Robinson

Add some of these books to your unit study of The Swiss Family Robinson and their adventures on a deserted island.

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

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

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

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.
Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Tracks, Scats and Signs (Take Along Guides)

Become a nature detective with this illustrative, engaging and fun Take-Along-Guide. You may not know where to look, or what to look for, but animal signs are everywhere and this guide will help you learn how to read them. You'll learn how to spot and identify common clues that 17 wildlife species leave behind in the woods, in the fields and along ponds.

Swiss Family Robinson Movie

The heroic tale of the courageous exploits of the Robinson family after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Using teamwork and ingenuity, they overcome the obstacles of nature and transform their new home into a "civilized" community.

Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set: Titles In This Set: The Blizzard Challenge The Desert Challenge The Jungle Challenge The Sea Challenge The River Challenge The Earthquake Challenge The Volcano Challenge The Safari Challenge The Cave Challenge The Mountain Challenge The Arctic Challenge The Sailing Challenge

Knot Tying Kit | Pro-Knot Best Rope Knot Cards, two practice cords and a carabiner

By Pro-Knot, the number one trusted name in Knots with over 7,000 5 Star reviews! This complete knot tying KIT includes everything you need to learn and practice how to tie 23 essential rope knots. The six card/twelve page waterproof plastic card set contains 23 best all purpose rope knots
clearly illustrated and described, bound together with a no-rust brass grommet in the corner!

Foraging Wild Edible Plants of North America: More than 150 Delicious Recipes Using Nature's Edibles

Edible wild plants are nature’s natural food source, growing along roadsides, sprouting in backyards, and blooming in country fields. North America’s diverse geography overflows with edible plant species.

Swiss Geography Study Ideas

There are many ways to learn about Swiss geography through hands-on activities.

There is never a need to pick up a pen to do it, and I have a lot of ideas here for you to turn this literature study into a geography lesson as well.

Choose one or multiples to add a unique dimension to your unit.

Find Switzerland on a world map.

Scrunch maps are a great easy item to keep on hand for locating countries.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography
  • Locate the capital of Switzerland (Bern).
  • Check out this entire Switzerland Homeschool Geography Unit Study (and Lapbook) with loads of great ideas for Swiss geography.
  • Switzerland is made up of 3 geographic regions, The Alps making up about 58% of the country, the Central Plateau making up around 31, and the Jura ( mountain range) at 11%. Have your child identify each of these regions on a map, atlas, or even an online map.
  • Research the largest body of water in Switzerland (Lake Geneva).
  • Take a virtual tour of land locked Switzerland in Switzerland for Kids.

Create your own imaginary island with my fantasy map tutorial below, including topographical features like mountains, rivers, patches of trees, and bodies of water.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

More The Swiss Family Robinson Activities

  • Where Did Swiss Family Robinson Land And Their Unique Homes | Cave Activity
  • From Switzerland to the Author of Swiss Family Robinson Quick Study
  • How to Create Swiss Family Treehouse Blueprints With Kids
  • What is the Swiss Family Robinson About | Simple Jeopardy Style Game
  • How to Make Adorable Swiss Family Robinson Book Characters Bookmarks
  • Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl
  • The Swiss Family Robinson Fun and Easy Movie Night Ideas
  • Embrace Island Life: How To Eat A Coconut Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft
  • Lost In Adventure: 10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson
  • How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse
  • Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book
  • How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography
  • DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas
  • Simple Candle
  • Hunting Deer
  • How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids

Finally, look how to make a Swiss Family Robinson map.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map

Even younger children can complete this activity by simplifying some of the steps.

It can be used as an opportunity to explain the difference in islands, peninsulas, archipelago and other land formations.

You will need:

  • Watercolor paper
  • Watercolor paints
  • Fine line pen
  • Dry uncooked rice
How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

First, on a sheet of watercolor paper pour handfuls of rice around the page, adding as little or as much as you like. 

It creates more visual interest if you make larger and smaller piles.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Next, take a fine line pen and trace around the majority of the rice to create various-sized pieces of land.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map

You can trace around single pieces of loose rice or larger groupings.

I like to use these fine-line Sharpie permanent markers you don’t want to use regular markers because the water makes the marker bleed and blurs your edges.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map

Pour the rice off the page into a container to save for another project.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Give the pen a few minutes to dry and decide what colors you would like to use on your Island, I went for shades of tan and green.

Fill in the center of your land areas with your various colors using different opaqueness of watercolor paint to create interest and dimension.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Allow the paint to dry and then watercolor whatever shades of blue you would like around the outside of the land for water.

Go back and add more layers of color to the land if you would like to further define the areas for trees, mountains, sand and any other areas you want to create.

This will keep your mat from looking so flat.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Let the water and the rest of the page dry completely, this really doesn’t take long.

Once dry, retrace the outline of your map to make it a nice and dark outline.

Draw a small compass rose in the corner of your map.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

I would say, “Now, here’s the fun part”, but to me every step of this process was really fun!

Begin by creating areas of mountains, trees, and other details on your map.

Upside down V’s make mountains.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Create little bushes like blobs for trees or make evergreens for forest patches.

We even sketched out a little hut and farmland.

To create a plot of farmland, make a square with 3 small lines in one direction and then another square with 3 small lines in the other direction, repeating until it is the size you want.

How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, homeschool geography, map, Swiss Family Robinson

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