Hands-On Activities

Day 4. Ancient Greece (Hands-on Science) 3 EASY Activities

July 8, 2017 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a secret I’ve been keeping. You already know my love for living books, unit studies, history, and hands-on activities. But you may not know that we’ve been using Beautiful Feet’s History of Science this year. Besides the excellent literature they cull through so that I don’t have to, we love the easy hands-on science activities.

These activities are geared for middle school, but a high school student that has a science aversion would be engaged too. While studying the ancient civilizations, grab these ideas for an Ancient Greece hands-on science unit study.

We have been learning how far ahead of their time the Greeks really were when it came to science. We loved reading about Archimedes. I had already studied about Archimedes with my first two sons before I had discovered Beautiful Feet literature. So I was really tickled that I have it for Tiny.

Even though it is written for a middle school level, a living book is written like a story and draws in a reader of any age.

To engage your kids, look at these questions to ask and have your kids write in their notebooks.

►Who was Archimedes?
►What elements did the Ancient Greeks believed that made up the universe?
►What do we know today about the elements that make up our universe?
►What is surface tension?

Ancient Greeks and their Perception of Matter

Next, grab these simple things that you probably have lying around your house because these activities are so quick and easy that you want to include all of your kids.

tall glass bottle
gauze pad
rubber band
bowl or glass with water
steel paper clip
dishwashing liquid
food dye
a couple of droppers
milk at room temperature
shallow pan

Then move on to each activity.

ONE/ Understand what is surface tension. Then do this simple activity.

Place a steel paper clip in a glass or bowl. (Yes, I can do that.)

Why does it float? Which is more dense, the water or paper clip?

How to Teach Hands-on Science Through Living Books

TWO/ Why is the gauze leakproof?

Fill a glass bottle with water. We added food coloring so it could be easier to be seen if it spilled.

Add the gauze over the top and secure with a rubber band. Turn it upside and see what happens.

Why won’t water pour out through a gauze enclosed top? It is held inside by the surface tension of the water.

THREE/ How to break surface tension? Understand that certain substances can break down surface tension.

This next one is a great activity to include the little ones because it has an instant ewwww and awwww moment. Grab a shallow glass pan.

Add room temperature milk.

Choose two food color dyes, get two eye droppers and some dishwashing liquid in a small container.

Then use one dropper to add two food coloring choices. You notice it stays in a circle or really doesn’t break the surface.

Then use the second dropper to add dishwashing liquid and you get immediate action. The colors start to swirl and move.

The colors spread around because the stronger surface tension around the edge of the dish pulls the milk and food coloring outward.

Try a few different colors. It really is an engaging activity. You’ll want to try it again and again.

These easy hands-on activities are a simple way to look at how scientist of the past looked at ancient discovery. Also, we have done plenty of lapbooks on Greece and we’ve added some too from Home School in the Woods that we love.

We have a few more things we have been doing with our History of Science and I can’t wait to show you more.

I’m doing an Ancient Civilizations hands-on history series and you’ll want to look at these other ideas:

Day 1. Ancient Egypt Civilization (Hands-on History): Narmer Crown.
Day 2. Ancient Mesopotamia (Hands-on History): Cook Sebetu Rolls.
Day 3. Ancient Rome (Hands-on History): Paint a Jester.

And look at these other ways we’ve used Beautiful Feet literature.

When We Used Beautiful Feet Books as our History Spine, Medieval History for Homeschool Middle School, and Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity.

Hugs and love ya,

35 Hands-on Geography Activities to do in 15 Minutes or Less

July 5, 2017 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 35 hands on geography activities in 15 minutes or less. Too, look at my page Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

Whether you want to spend minimal time planning geography, you’re preparing for a homeschool co-op or just need some quick hands-on geography activities, you’ll love this round up of 35 hands-on geography activities to do in 15 minutes or less.

Hands-on Geography

1. Grab these easy and fun Dover Around the World Coloring books. Some kids really love coloring and this is an easy go to activity.

2. While studying about South America, make these easy paperplate masks.

3. Print these free U.S. state trading cards and have fun.

4. Read a living book like Into the Unknown:Into the Unknown: How Great Explorers Found Their Way by Land, Sea, and Air. The fold outs make books like this a quick grab for an easy hands-on idea.

5. While learning about Texas, have your child use his finger to make these adorable bluebonnet crafts. Not a lot of fuss but a lot of fun in this activity.

Easy Hands-on Geography Activities that Spark Learning

6. If you have a child that loves movable figures, then have him put together a beautiful paper figure in full color. Grab this Famous Figures of Ancient Times: Movable Paper Figures to Cut, Color, and Assemble. These are great for learning ancient geography.

7. Do a Geoscavenge Rock and Mineral hunt and grab this free printable.

8. Bake bread while learning about Switzerland. The bread takes a bit longer to bake, but this is a quick put together. An added bonus is that you have fresh bread and hot butter with supper or lunch.

9. Do this fun and simple hands-on activity for learning about sediment on the Mighty Mississippi.

10. Grab the Scavenger Hunt Game for Kids. A fun geography card game.

In addition, you’ll making geography come alive through picture books.

11. View this virtual cave without having to leave your home.

12. Plan a route. Look at this activity Map Skills for Kids: Planning a Route, which won’t take too long.

13. Easy recipes are always a fun and quick way to learn about an area. Look at these recipes we have made:

Make pan au chocolat when studying about France.
Make celtic cakes when studying ancient civilizations.
Make baklava when studying about Ancient Greece.
Make victory soup when studying about the countries of World War II.
Make Cherokee pan bread when studying the states in the Southeastern United States.
Make soups from South America.
Make chili when doing a state study on Texas.
Make negrinho when doing a study about Brazil.

Also, look at some of my tips I share on my YouTube Channel How to Homeschool EZ by Tina Robertson.

14. Kids love to build and they’ll love Making LEGO Landmarks.

15. While learning about the ocean, make this quick shoebox beach diorama. You’ll love it because all the pieces are in color and ready to be cut out and glued.

15 Minute Geography Activities for Kids

16. Also, make this delicious and edible parfait to show the ocean layers.

17. Then one more activity to do while studying the ocean is to make Make a Wave Bottle for Kids to Explore.

18. When learning about convection currents, my kids loved this easy DIY Lava lamp.

19. While teaching about directions and a compass, this activity which is a Homemade Compass. Simple Geography Projects Equals Huge Wow Factors was so fun and easy.

20. Another fun way to learn geography that doesn’t take a long time is to view old photographs and they are free. Check out the pictures on the Library of Congress website.

21. Make a craft from a geographical area. On this post we did paper cutting while learning about Poland and this easy Mosaic while learning about Persia.

22. Make some Earth Day Baking Soda Slime.

23. Learn About the Geography of France by Creating A Solar Oven.

24. Grab one of my free geography country notebook pages.

25. Grab this free and beautiful download USA Map of State Flowers to color while learning geography. So cool!

Hands-on Geography Ideas for All Ages

26. View a movie on Netflix while learning the geography of Ancient Civilizations.

27. Play Geography Bingo. Grab this free geography bingo download.

28. Another fun idea for younger learners is to blow up a huge balloon. Color and cut out these free printable continents and glue them on the balloon like a puzzle.

29. Do a World Atlas Scavenger Hunt.

30. Have your child learn about the animals that live in a country or region like the Amazon Rain Forest.

Geography Ideas Kids

31. Then what kid won’t like Nerf Gun Geography? Boys would love this, but I know some girls that would too.

32. Google Earth (desktop app) is another one that has been around for a while, but it is a go to. Look at these tips, 15 Amazing Things Your Kid Can Discover with Google Earth.

33. I love this next activity because it can be as short as you want it or hopefully expand it into a longer unit. It’s Where in the World is your Food From? (Food Mapping!).

34. Make a state paper plate or illustrate any area on a paper plate.

35. Look at this fun paper cup geography stacking.

Geography should be fun and it doesn’t always have to be time consuming. I hope one of these ideas will motivate you and your kids to keep geography captivating without a lot of fuss.

More Homeschool Geography Activities

Hugs and love ya,

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.

Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

Whether you want to spend minimal time planning geography, you're preparing for a homeschool co-op or just need some quick hands-on geography activities, you'll love this round up of 35 hands-on geography activities to do in 15 minutes or less. Click here to get inspired!

How To Teach Homeschool Art Like a Pro (When You’re Not)

June 29, 2017 | 6 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I was given this product free from Atelier Homeschool Art and I was compensated for my time. However, paid for my time does not mean paid off. ALL opinions are my own and for sure I will always tell you what is on my mind. When I do accept a product it’s because I’m giddy to tell you about it. Read my full disclosure here. Now on to the fun stuff!

Knowing that it requires both skill and creativity to be a successful artist, I’ve spent years looking for a homeschool art curriculum which teaches both concepts. There is a reason I’m using Atelier Homeschool Art again this year. It teaches both concepts easily to a novice student and teacher.

Atelier Homeschool Art is video-based teaching. So it not only frees up my time to teach, but it also gives me teaching tips in the parent/teacher’s manual.

I like to be selectively controlling when teaching art. What I mean is that at certain times, I want to learn alongside my son while teaching him. Other times, when I have minimal to no teacher prep time, I want art lessons laid out so that it’s pick up and go.

Before I go on I just have to let you know one important thing and that is you don’t want to miss the SWEET surprise at the end of this post!

Kids Art Lessons

Teaching homeschool art use to be a subject that intimidated me.

(Creative expression can be learned by following a model.)

When I first started homeschooling, I was lopsided in my teaching. I was overly focused on skill subjects or the three Rs. Little did I understand that art feeds a child’s mind and that a creative imagination is the beginning to a lifelong love of learning anything.

Let me back up though because I want you to understand how Atelier Homeschool Art is laid out.

Homeschool Art Lessons

Look at these quick facts about how Atelier Homeschool Art makes it easy for me to teach art.

They offer 8 levels and because the levels overlap several ages it gives me more wiggle room when I had to choose a skill level.
The subscription is a full year of visual art lessons which you get for 3 years. More on that in a minute. However, there is no need to plan when lessons are ready for the year.
It is also a family subscription. I wouldn’t be wrong in saying you could use it for all of your kids but the subscription allows you to learn art too. It’s not just for multiple ages of children, but mom and dad can join in on the fun because the program is not baby-ish. The teaching and material are top-notch produced.
Not only is the art program offered online, but the DVD program is the same content. Let’s face it. There are still some places that don’t have a fast internet connection and there is no need to have to settle for mediocre art curriculum. I do love that Tiny can use his iPad and then I can look at his lessons on my laptop.
Another super help to me is that they offer art kits for just about 80% of the lessons. No need to guess which products you need. However, I also like the fact that prior to each lesson you are given a list for supplies. Why is this important to me? In teaching children to be independent, they need to receive proper instruction. If we don’t have art supplies in the house for the next lesson, Tiny needs to review ahead to let me know what supplies he needs. Yes, I love that Atelier Homeschool Art teaches independence even in art study. It’s Tiny job to gather his supplies and be ready for the next art lesson.
I mentioned that art is about having skill and creativity. Some kids have natural talent in that area and some need a model to follow. Either way, those skills can be taught or reinforced which is why the scope and sequence is important to me. We are working on Level 8 this year and look at what we’re learning. Students will build and develop a foundation of skills by learning and working through the essential elements and principles of art including: line, color, space, shape, texture, pattern, and balance. Level 8 also includes art-history, media exploration, creative self-expression, cultural appreciation, and much more.
It is a well-rounded art curriculum and allows plenty of time for free expression.

Then something else that really helped me as a beginner when teaching art is learning insider’s tips and tricks of the trade. I left the penciled grid lines on the beautiful art above that Tiny did while learning about Michelangelo. I wanted you to see that trick. Not only did he learn art history but he learned pro tips like making a grid line on his page when doing really larger pieces of art. It may seem like a small thing if you’re experienced at art, but if you’re like me, you appreciate all the seemingly insignificant, but important pro tips. Too, it makes Tiny really proud of his work instead of ending up with a small scale picture that he worked so hard on, but that only takes up about 1/4 of the page.

It helps us to look at art through the eyes of an artist. Tiny tends to be more like me in expecting perfection of himself. Sad, but true that the kid got that quality from me. This means we need more encouragement to let go of that expectation, but we still want to have guidance and drawing aids. That is another huge benefit of each lesson. Not only are teacher instructions included, but drawing aids are made available for download. We also appreciated the visuals used in each class as the art instructor explains what she sees in concrete objects. Again, helping us to see art through her eyes.
Although I mentioned the teacher’s guide, it’s important for you to know that not all teacher’s guides are designed equally. I have a high standard for a teacher’s guide and especially for one about a subject that I’m not an expert at teaching. This teacher’s guides exceeds my expectations because of the content and helpful how-tos. The teacher’s guide is 184 pages. It includes background information on how to teach art and how to grade it. It has a scope and sequence along with a glossary of terms and objectives. It is truly comprehensive.

Teaching Art While at the Museum

However, there is one more benefit that really sets this curriculum apart and that is the digital art prints along with the Art Print Guide.

It is already comprehensive but this nifty feature just makes it overflowing with ideas on how to incorporate art into every day life.

Make visiting an art museum come alive when you discuss the series of 10 digital prints. We have started a notebook with these prints and are covering them slowly since the guide has questions (with answers) along with activities to extend learning.

Each print has artist background information along with information about the artwork.

This could easily count as a fine art credit for a middle or high school student or half-credit depending on how comprehensive you want it to be.

Having multiple options when buying is appealing to me.

Included with each family package for the online Great Art Appreciation Program are 10 Great Masters Art Images and the Discussion Guides.

But if you choose the enrichment option, you get at least 90 artworks.

The enriched family package option also includes the Great Masters Virtual Museum. This virtual museum contains at least 90 artworks displayed in 7 galleries, along with discussion guides for each artwork. It is designed for those families who wish to include an enriched art appreciation and art history component with their studio art lessons.

Teaching homeschool art use to be a subject that intimidated me. I didn’t give up trying to teach it because I feel so much emphasis is always give on academics and not enough time to power up a child’s creativity. Look at easy it can be to teach homeschool art. Click here to read the tips!

Hands-down this is by far the best homeschool art program I’ve used and I’m PROUD that Atelier Homeschool Art is part of our curriculum!

How to Purchase It.

►Product Name: Atelier Online – Level 8 (ages 12-16) Levels 1 through 8 are available, which can be used for ages 4 to 16.
►Website: Atelier Homeschool Art
►Try it for Free: Click here for free sample lessons.
►About the product: All Atelier art lessons are presented on video, and reinforced by lesson plans. Not only are the videos a rich source of creative ideas and inspiration, it also clarifies the objectives, materials, techniques and procedures of each lesson. Abundant instructional coverage, as well as that of students in a virtual art class performing the lesson and displaying their finished artwork, consistently produces exceptional student results and learning, regardless of the art background of the parent-teacher.
►Formats: This program is not only available online, but the same materials can be purchased in dvd format too.
►Type of product: Online video-based.
►Art Supply Kits: We had many of these art materials, but did have to purchase some of them. If you’re like me and want things easily laid out, then you may like the Atelier Art Supply Kit which includes approximately 80% of the supplies needed for a complete level.
►Price: 140.00 for each grade level BUT that is for 3 years. Did you think I would forget to tell you about this? Why is it for 3 years? Because Atelier Homeschool Art knows that to truly master skills it takes years.

So to find the true cost. Divide 140.00 by 36 months (3 years) and that equals $3.88 per month. What a value for beautiful art curriculum.

Like I mentioned before, each lesson has drawing aids. Last year, Tiny picked one drawing aid to work on one skill and this year Tiny chose a completely different drawing aid. However, he is still working on improving the same concept in align with his maturity level.

But if you have a stricter budget that you need to stay in, you’ll love their newest option to buy. You can buy just individual modules.

You’ll love these other tips!

Ancient Rome (Hands-on History): Paint a Jester

May 18, 2017 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today in our Ancient Rome study we’re going to paint a jester. Also, look at my post Ancient Rome Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas.

Fools, buffoons, jesters or court jesters were entertainers especially well-known during the Medieval period.

But what we didn’t know was that they had their beginning in several ancient civilizations.

One ancient civilization where they got their start was Rome.

We have been loving our art lessons using and learning about the jester fit into our ancient civilization hands-on series.

Fools, buffoons, jesters or court jesters were entertainers especially well-known during the Medieval period, but what we didn't know was that they had their beginning in several ancient civilizations. One ancient civilization where they got their start was Ancient Rome. Click here to grab some interesting facts and learn how to draw and paint a court jester!

Our hands-on lesson today started with understanding how the word buffoon developed. We use the word somewhat differently today.

Easy Hands-on Homeschool History

The book, The Unexpected Evolution of Language:Discover the Surprising Etymology of Everyday Words states that buffoon derives from a word that means to “puff out the cheeks.”

The word “Buffo” was used in the Roman theatre by those who appeared on the stage with their cheeks blown up. When they received a blow, they would make a great noise causing the audience to laugh.

It was fascinating to learn that Ancient Greeks, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome all had various forms of entertainers or the modern day clown.

Too, entertainers of earlier times went well beyond just costumes and masks. There were storytellers, joketellers, jugglers and acrobats.

Also, look at some of these living books about Ancient Rome.

Books About Ancient Rome for Kids

20 Ancient Rome Resources. Books, Pop Up, Coloring & Hands-on Figurines

Whether you're doing a unit study or want to dig deeper about Ancient Rome, you'll love adding a resource or two.

Famous Men of Rome

The Romans were history's great men of action, making the study of Rome ideal for beginners of all ages, but especially for younger students, who are fascinated by the abundant action and drama of Roman history. In addition, an understanding of modern political history is impossible without a thorough understanding of Rome. There are thirty stories covering the history of Rome from its founding under Romulus to the last emperor in the West. Your children will see the rise and fall of a great civilization through the lives of Horatius, Camillus, Caesar, Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, and many other larger-than-life figures. Rome is the model civilization, the mastery of which provides a foundation for all other history study.

Ancient Rome for Kids through the Lives of its Heroes, Emperors, and Philosophers (History for Kids - Story Format)

When I first discovered that my 8-year-old kid believed that the adventures of Odysseus were the actual history of ancient Greece, I panicked and bought him a stack of children's history books. I sat by his side as he started reading about the class structure of Athens and the economic underpinnings of the Greek polis. He yawned. He asked for candy... and then for the Disney Channel...Kids like stories. And when it comes to history, they learn from stories, not from dense paragraphs about the phases of the Bronze age, the location of trade routes, or the injustices of the social order here and there.This book follows the old-fashioned, story-based, traditional route of teaching history - through tales of heroes and kings, with no tribute paid to modern economic and social perspectives. Culture is memes. And that means historical figures, and anecdotes about them. To write this book, I went back to Tacitus, Livy, Suetonius, Cassius Dio, Valerius Maximus, Josephus, Eusebius, Theodoret, and other ancient sources of biographical anecdotes, and extracted from them the stories that will be most memorable to a modern kid

Theras and His Town

Young Theras, born an Athenian, is taken to Sparta by a relative when his father is lost at war. He is forced to live like a Spartan, a brutal life with no pity for those who are not physically perfect and totally obedient to Spartan control. After enduring rigorous training and repeated cruel incidents, he escapes with a Perioikoi boy and heads for his beloved Athens. Here is the story of a hard and dangerous journey with Snedeker's amazing historical accuracy.

Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome (Build It Yourself)

Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid’s Guide to the History and Science of Life in Ancient Greece explores the scientific discoveries, athletic innovations, engineering marvels, and innovative ideas created more than two thousand years ago. Through biographical sidebars, interesting facts, fascinating anecdotes, and fifteen hands-on activities, readers will learn how Greek innovations and ideas have shaped world history and our own world view.

Detectives in Togas

In these two delightful history-mysteries, seven boys in Ancient Rome solve strange crimes . . . thanks to some help from their cranky teacher, a little bit of logic, and a lot of amusing misadventure.

The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers (The Thrifty Guides)

The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome contains information vital to the sensible time traveler: • Where can I find a decent hotel room in ancient Rome for under five sesterces a day? Is horse parking included? • What do I do if I’m attacked by barbarians? • What are my legal options if I’m fed to the lions at the Colosseum? All this is answered and more. There is handy advice on finding the best picnicking spots to watch Julius Caesar’s assassination at the Roman Forum in 44 BC, as well as helpful real estate tips to profit from the great Roman fire of AD 64. There are even useful recommendations on which famous historical figures to meet for lunch, and a few nifty pointers on how to avoid being poisoned, beheaded, or torn apart by an angry mob.

Time Traveler

Takes readers back in time to illustrate the exciting happenings of daily life

The Bronze Bow: A Newbery Award Winner

Daniel bar Jamin will stop at nothing to seek revenge for his father's death at the hands of the Roman Empire.After Daniel bar Jamin's father is crucified by the Roman Empire, Daniel wants nothing more than to rid his land of Israel of Roman control once and for all. Yet when David meets Jesus of Nazareth, a traveling carpenter with a gentle message of love and forgiveness, David starts to realize that the hate festering in his heart might be his true enemy after all.

Eyewitness Ancient Rome: Discover One of History's Greatest Civilizations

From Roman emperors and gods and goddesses to soldiers and gladiators, step into the exciting world of ancient Rome.Who were Rome's most famous emperors? What was everyday life like for a soldier in the Roman army? How did the citizens of ancient Rome live? Did gladiators really fight to the death in the mighty Colosseum? Find out the answers to all these questions, and many more, in Eyewitness: Ancient Rome.

SuperToob: Ancient Rome

Use these fun figurines for art study, for a sensory bin for younger kids or for art inspiration.

Life in Ancient Rome Coloring Book (Dover Ancient History Coloring Books)

At the peak of its power, the Roman Empire stretched thousands of miles in all directions: north to what today is England, westward to Spain, to Armenia in the east, and Egypt in the south. The growth, development, and cultural achievements of that magnificent civilization are brought to life by the artist John Green in this exciting and fact-filled coloring book.

The Romans Pop-Up: Pop-up Book to Make Yourself

There are 6 scenes to make in this book - combining the pleasure of seeing them pop up with interesting information and ideas. There are a number of mini popups as well. Close the book and they fold away. Open it and they popup again. These vivid, colorful three-dimensional scenes help to bring Ancient Civilisations to life in a way which no other kind of book can. Scenes: The City of Rome, The Forum, The Roman House, The Army of Rome, Entertainment, Ostia - the Port of Rome.

Attack at the Arena

Patrick and Beth learn that Mr. Whittaker’s fancy ring can be seen inside the Imagination Station but not outside of the machine. A mysterious letter leads the cousins to fifth-century Rome in search of a special cup that belongs to a monk. If found, the cup could keep the mysterious Albert out of prison.At the Roman Colosseum, Emperor Honorius is hosting a gladiator battle in celebration of a war victory. Beth attends the event as the emperor’s slave; Patrick attends as a monk’s apprentice but is taken prisoner and sent to fight in the arena. During their adventure, the cousins meet Telemachus (a true historical figure), a monk who believes that fighting is wrong. Telemachus is willing to risk everything―even his life―to stop the killing. When the cousins return with the cup, they find that a third letter has been sent with more information about Albert’s fate.

Growing Up In Ancient Rome

Describes daily life in ancient Rome, discussing family life, entertainment, schools, religion, and other aspects.

The Story of the Romans: A History of Ancient Rome for Young Readers - its Legends, Military and Culture as a Republic and Empire

Who Were the Romans? (Starting Point History)

This series consists of simple illustrated guides to answer children's questions about history and invite comparisons with life today. This particular title deals with the Romans.

In the Daily Life of the Ancient Romans (Gods & Goddesses Of...)

This exciting new series explores ancient life by examining the traditions and religious beliefs of each culture. Through photographs, illustrations, and cut-away, detailed diagrams, each book considers the way religious beliefs affected everything from food, drink, and entertainment to rituals surrounding birth and death

Science in Ancient Rome (Science of the Past)

Describes how the Romans put to use and expanded the scientific achievements of earlier civilizations.

Roman Empire: Rise & The Fall. Explore The History, Mythology, Legends, Epic Battles & Lives Of The Emperors, Legions, Heroes, Gladiators & More

The Roman Empire may have fallen thousands of years ago, but the lessons and the legacy left behind lives on to this day

From a tiny settlement on the banks of the Tiber River, Rome grew into a colossal, unstoppable force. At its peak, The Empire dominated the world from Europe, West Asia, North Africa, and many more territories.

Never again would the world see such an influential power.

In this epic narrative, History Brought Alive presents an intriguing dive into Roman History, Legends, Facts, Myths and much more. Covering thousands of years the study of Roman history is vast and complex. Much like the Ancient Romans themselves, in order to study them, we need to follow structure and have an open mind.

See Inside Ancient Rome

Visit the world of ancient Rome, from bustling streets and the busy port to steaming baths and gruesome games. This book reveals how the Romans really lived.

More Ancient Rome Activities for Kids

How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids
Rome Fun Mosaic is a wonderful way to depict the profile of a Roman Soldier.
How to Make an Easy Roman Helmet & Shield & A Set of Printable Wings
(Colosseum Craft)
How to Make an Ancient Rome-Inspired DIY Clown Collar No Sew.

True, some of the forerunners of modern day clowns and jesters are grim looking.

I don’t know how some things in history can from grin to grim. But history has a way of twisting the beginning of things.

Jesters sometimes reminds me of the nightmares of my childhood.

But once we started reading how faces painted early on were because of poor stage lighting, it made more sense to us.

Look at some of these other fascinating links about clowns, buffoons and jesters. The History and Psychology of Clowns Being Scary and History of Clowns.

Also, you’ll love the hands-on history ideas we love at Home School in the Woods.

4 Shortcuts to Teach Hands-on American History in Half the Time

May 8, 2017 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Here are 4 shortcuts to teach hands-on American history in half the time.

For years I’ve fought my tendency to just stick a worksheet in front of my sons and call it American history.

Knowing that learning by doing is effective, but creating uncomplicated hands-on projects are two different things for me.

I tend to complicate and over-analyze the details of a history activity.

Next thing you know, and much to my kids’ disappointment, I’ve completely deleted any kind of fun learning activities from our day.

Can you relate?

For years I've fought my tendency to stick just a worksheet in front of my sons and call it American history. Knowing that learning by doing works but keeping hands-on ideas uncomplicated are two different things for me. I tend to complicate and over-analyze the details of a history activity. Next thing you know and much to my kids' disappointment, I've completely deleted any kind of fun learning activities from our day. Can you relate? Click here to read 4 shortcuts to teaching hands-on American history activities that are no fuss, no stress, and literally no preparation!

For review purposes, I was given these products for free and I was paid for my time. However, paid for my time does not mean paid off. All opinions are my own and I will always tell you what is on my mind. Not every product gets a positive review. But because I carefully sort through numerous offers for reviews, it usually means that I’m giddy about the product when I do accept it. Read my full disclosure here.

So when I found out about the chance to use 8 family-friendly hands-on American history activity books from Dover Publications, I was tickled to check them out.

Key Benefits of Uncomplicated Hands-on American History

Having activities that an older and younger sibling can work on together is one sanity-saving tip.

When all of my children are engaged in learning together, they are more motivated while we do simple and fuss free hands-on American history activities.

The second tip I’ve learned is that sometimes I need activities that have little to no teacher prep time.

This doesn’t mean that I always want activities for my kids that take little time.

I want to maximize learning time while minimizing my time.

In addition, when needed, I want my kids to be able to self-teach, self-check or learn independently.

It seems like a lot to ask for, but I’ve had to widen my scope of what is a hands-on activity.

Adopting a view that hands-on American history crafts have to always be over the top is extreme.

Besides, my kids’ are always delighted when I’m not stressed out when we do simple activities.

Look at these 4 simple shortcuts for learning American history with no fuss, no stress, and literally no preparation.

ONE/ Learn American history through using museum-quality coloring books.

When I started homeschooling, my house was full of useless coloring books.

As I attended more field trips, I found educational quality coloring books in museums.

Shortly thereafter, when I taught American history I used Dover Publications coloring books because of their educational value of events, people or objects.

Museum quality coloring books are books that make learning about events in American history come alive.

While studying the details of an accurately portrayed person or event, a child is engaged.

His imagination is stirred to think about a time period back in history.

For example, while coloring the pictures of each president, we researched about time period clothing and objects.

Reading the short captions about the presidents while looking at events on each page from a president’s term easily cements important American history events in my son’s mind.

Museum quality coloring books are a fascinating way to rekindle a child’s love for learning about history. And the best part is that there is no teacher prep.

Too, if you have a kid who prefers to color his way through learning the states rather than drawing them in a notebook or creating a lapbook, he’ll love completing a United States Coloring Book.

A younger kid can grab an atlas and locate each state as he reads information about the state motto, the state tree, and the date each state entered the Union.

Facts about the past then become something that is relevant today.

As your child researches about the plants and trees of each state, coloring to match the details of the flora and fauna of each state becomes a valuable teaching tool.

Paying attention to details when coloring and fostering the child’s natural desire for creativity leaves a lasting impression of what is learned.

TWO/ Build a Paper Model of the White House.

This next project, the whole family got in on because it was just plain fun.

Admittedly, my kids have spent way more time on digital devices than I have wanted them to.

How to Easily Turn an American History Research Topic into a Hands-on Learning Project

It’s been a struggle to find projects that are educational much less finding one that focuses on American history.

We were delighted to build the paper model of the White House.

Looking at pictures of the White House and noticing details he hadn’t paid attention to prior to constructing the paper model of the White House was a relaxed way to learn about the nation’s capital.

Not only did Tiny have to read directions carefully in putting together all the small paper pieces, but it took patience to glue them.

An unexpected benefit of building the paper model was learning the fundamentals of engineering.

THREE/ Use Activity Books to Teach American History.

For an older child there is no more engaging way to review the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution than to do a fun decoding activity in the U.S.A. Constitution Activity Book.

I wished I had introduced the Preamble in this way to my sons when they were younger instead of having them memorize it or fill out a worksheet.

Fun activities like crossword puzzles, mazes, finding hidden objects in a picture and comparing two pictures to see what is missing are relaxed and informal ways to teach facts about the nation’s capital.

If you have a younger child who needs help in fine motor skills, he’ll love being able to do mazes instead of having to color.

When the boys were real little, we did mazes a lot because I read about the benefits of learning how to problem solve.

Looking ahead in a maze and seeing what will work and not work is a fun way to learn problem solving skills.

The beauty of having a variety of activity books is that each child can choose what he loves to do the most.

The best part of activity books are that most of the solutions or answers are found in the back of the book. Again, no teacher needed.

FOUR/ Create Historical figures – the easy way. Use Paper Figures.

Unlike the White House paper model, which requires patience and wit to methodically put together, the historical paper models are easily punched out and glued.

It’s a great project for a younger kid who wants to be involved while you teach older kids.

One of the reasons teaching American history can be boring is that we wait until high school to teach it and then we do it through a dry textbook.

Raising a budding history lover begins with introducing him to historical figures of the past and present through imaginative play.

In addition, while reading about George Washington, the American Civil War, or any other historical person or significant time period, a younger child will have a way to act out events which your older kids are learning.

Until a child is old enough to understand how American history affects us today, he needs concrete learning tools. Stand Up Presidents gives him a chance to hold and touch history. (Sadly this is out of print right now, sometimes they come back .If they do I’ll do a link).

But here is another cool one which is George Washington and His Family Paper Dolls in Full Color.

You’re already aware of the benefits of using puppets for a young child to discover the joy of a story.

History is just one continuous story. And paper puppets draw in a young child and lets him be part of telling the story of our history.

Learning History Through Playing

Too, activity books are great for other reasons:

they can revive a child’s love of learning,
they can be used to take a break from formal learning,
they can be used on sick days,
they can be used for family bonding time,
they can help you to teach a subject like American history, which your child may not like,
they normally require just a few supplies to complete like pens, map coloring pencils, and glue,
and the best part is that all of your kids, regardless of age can learn together because of the wide range of activities offered in activity books.

Remember hands-on American history activities shouldn’t stress you out, cost a lot, or make a big mess for your child to retain the information. Grab one or two activity books and relax.

You’ll love the activity books from Dover Publications.

You’ll also love these other resources: