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Hands-On Activities

Explaining Thunder And Lightning To Preschoolers Easy Sensory Bin

October 10, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re explaining thunder and lightning to preschoolers by creating an easy sensory bin. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more ideas.

Too, see my post Free Weather Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning.

Some weather concepts like thunder and lightning can be harder to explain to preschoolers.

Explaining Thunder And Lightning To Preschoolers Easy Sensory Bin

Of course one of the best ways to help them understand is to see lightning and listen to the roll of thunder on a stormy day.

Also, we can use examples. For example, lightning is like a big flashlight in the sky. But lightning moves faster than anything they’ve seen.

And thunder sounds like boom because hot air explodes.

WEATHER BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at some of the living books about weather.

Pictures books are great for all ages but especially for preschoolers.

13 Weather Resources and Books For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Grab some of these fantastic weather resources and books to engage your youngest learners about what is weather.

Image for What Will the Weather Be?

What Will the Weather Be?

Will it be warm or cold? Should we wear shorts or pants? Shoes or rain boots? What Will the Weather Be? uses colorful, simple diagrams to explain meteorology in a fun, engaging way. Perfect for young scientists and budding meteorologists, this bestseller features clear explanations of everyday weather instruments like thermometers and barometers.

Image for TEDCO-Pet Tornado-Spin and Watch

TEDCO-Pet Tornado-Spin and Watch

  • Nature's most destructive force can be observed and enjoyed in the palm of your hand.
  • Hold Pet Tornado from top or bottom and rotate wrist form amazing funnel clouds.
Image for Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

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.

Image for Water Is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle

Water Is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle

Drip. Sip. Pour me a cup. Water is water unless...it heats up.Whirl. Swirl. Watch it curl by. Steam is steam unless...it cools high.This spare, poetic picture book follows a group of kids as they move through all the different phases of the water cycle. From rain to fog to snow to mist, talented author Miranda Paul and the always remarkable Jason Chin (Redwoods, Coral Reefs, Island, Gravity) combine to create a beautiful and informative journey in this innovative nonfiction picture book that will leave you thirsty for more.

Image for Book of Storms: Hurricanes, Twisters and Squalls

Book of Storms: Hurricanes, Twisters and Squalls

What triggers a tornado? What can you see in the eye of a hurricane? What's the difference between a thunderbolt and a thunderclap? Popular author and artist Eric Sloane proves why weather is something best understood by seeing it. His illustrated book shows weather "happening." In fact, there's not a sunny page in it—nothing but cyclonic storms, whirlwinds, waterspouts, lightning bolts, and other fascinating, weather-related topics. More than seventy pages of drawings and diagrams make the weather come alive in a book that examines everything from storm mechanisms and cold fronts to the birth of a thunderhead.

Image for Eric Sloane's Weather Book

Eric Sloane's Weather Book

"Amateur weather forecasters (which includes just about everyone) will find this volume an informative and entertaining account of the why and how of the weather." -- The Nation In simple language, Eric Sloane explains the whys and wherefores of weather and weather forecasting -- and does it in a style that's universally appealing. With humor and common sense shining through in a book that's also lively and informative, Sloane shows readers how to predict the weather by "reading" such natural phenomena as winds, skies, and animal sounds. This beautifully illustrated and practical treasure trove of climate lore will enlighten outdoorsmen, farmers, sailors, and anyone else who has ever wondered what a large halo around the moon means, why birds "sit it out" before a storm, and whether or not to take an umbrella when leaving the house.

Image for Thunderstorm

Thunderstorm

A midwestern summer thunderstorm as seen through the eyes of artist/etcher Arthur Geisert, and depicted in unprecedented detail, beautifully hand-colored.

Thunderstorm follows the course of a storm through midwestern farm country minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, from late morning into late afternoon. As always with Arthur Geisert, it is a meticulously executed and visually stunning piece of work. Other than the timeline that runs along the bottom border of the illustrations, there is no text, and the illustrations are continuous.

Through keen observation, Geisert beautifully captures the nuances and details of a midwestern thunderstorm, from the ever-changing color of the sky, to the actions of the human inhabitants, to the reactions of the natural world to the wind and rain. America's heartland is somewhat unfamiliar territory in the realm of picture books, but in Thunderstorm, Geisert has provided readers with valuable, breathtaking insight into one of its most natural occurrences.

Image for The Magic School Bus Kicks Up A Storm: A Book About Weather

The Magic School Bus Kicks Up A Storm: A Book About Weather

A book about weather, from the animated television series on the Learning Channel.

Image for Rain, Hail, Sleet & Snow

Rain, Hail, Sleet & Snow

Rain, Hail, Sleet & Snow was first published by Nancy Larrick in 1961 and served as an introduction to elementary students about how weather conditions are formed. The book has been out of print for quite some time and modern books do not offer this age group such an approachable discussion of how inclement weather is formed and the conditions that effect it. While it does not discuss the most modern tools of meteorology, it does mention the use of airplanes, satellites, and other tools of measurement. Other topics besides rain, hail, sleet and snow that are discussed are tornadoes and hurricanes, lightning and thunder, fog, humidity, water vapor, condensation, ice crystals, and the different types of clouds.

Image for Look at the Sky and Tell the Weather

Look at the Sky and Tell the Weather

A delightful blend of serious meteorology and beautiful illustrations, this informative book displays the many talents of Eric Sloane. A writer, landscape painter, weather forecaster, and authority on early American history, Sloane takes readers with him on a voyage of discovery as he traces a single air mass from the Canadian Rockies to northern New England. A vivid narrative and the author's own pen-and-ink sketches describe the progress of the air mass over America, and tell about its encounters with other elements of weather systems and with Americans from a variety of backgrounds.

Image for The Secret World of Weather: How to Read Signs in Every Cloud, Breeze, Hill, Street, Plant, Animal, and Dewdrop

The Secret World of Weather: How to Read Signs in Every Cloud, Breeze, Hill, Street, Plant, Animal, and Dewdrop

In this eye-opening trove of outdoor clues, acclaimed natural navigator Tristan Gooley shows us how, by "reading" nature as he does, you'll not only detect what the weather is doing (and predict what's coming), you'll enter a secret wonderland of sights and sounds you've never noticed before. Discover the ways that weather can reveal a hidden world with every step you take—through the woods or down a city street.

  • A turbulent sky with mismatched clouds predicts bad weather.
  • Snowflakes get smaller as the temperature drops.
  • Dry weather and morning frost follow a clear moon.
  • Gliding birds mean stable air and thus, fair weather.
  • Honeybees don't leave their hives below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Crickets chirp faster as the temperature rises.
  • Pine cones close their scales in high humidity.
  • Perching birds face into the wind.
  • Cows don't lie down before rain, but they do head home.
Image for Weather Words and What They Mean

Weather Words and What They Mean

Simple, kid-friendly text explains the origins of fog, clouds, frost, thunderstorms, snow, fronts, hurricanes, reinforcing the explanations with clear, well-labeled drawings and diagrams. Newly revised, this edition of Weather Words and What They Mean has been vetted by an expert from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Best of all, the book features a fun list of weird weather facts!

Image for The Wonder Of Thunder: Lessons From A Thunderstorm

The Wonder Of Thunder: Lessons From A Thunderstorm

o you know a child who is scared or feels uneasy during thunderstorms?

The Wonder of Thunder is a lighthearted children’s rhyming picture book that helps tame fears while highlighting all the wondrous things thunderstorms can do.

Children will adore Sally Storm, a lovable character who excitedly shares all the good she can do as she swirls and tumbles overhead. This early learning picture book introduces the topic of storms, thunder, lightning and rain in a fun and non-threatening way.

Colourful and captivating illustrations pull children into the story and hold their attention through to the end, where Sally shares more fun facts about thunderstorms and engages children through direct questions.

Next, look at more hands-on weather experiments.

MORE HANDS-ON WEATHER ACTIVITIES

  • Weather Activities For Early Years and Free Printable Flashcards
  • Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable
  • T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten
  • Quick Groundhog Day Unit Study and Fun Cupcake Activity for Kids
  • 7 Easy Cloud Crafts For Preschoolers | Types of Clouds Activity
  • Welcome December Weather By Making an Easy Mitten Wreath With Kids
  • Fun Felt Weather Chart & Free The Magic School Bus Kicks Up A Storm Worksheet
  • Weather In A Bottle | How To Make An Amazing Tornado In A Jar
  • 9 Hands on Weather Activities for Kids and Awesome Weather Sensory Tray
  • 5 Simple Wind Energy Activities For Kids & Fun DIY Anemometer
Explaining Thunder And Lightning To Preschoolers Easy Sensory Bin

Finally, look at this easy lightning sensory bin.

HOW TO MAKE A LIGHTNING SENSORY BIN

First, look at this easy list of supplies.

  • Black beans
  • Yellow pipe cleaners
  • Cotton balls
  • Blue beads
Explaining Thunder And Lightning To Preschoolers Easy Sensory Bin

Pour black beans into the bin to cover the bottom. This represents the night sky.

Bend yellow pipe cleaners into zigzag shapes to look like lightning.

Explaining Thunder And Lightning To Preschoolers Easy Sensory Bin

Add cotton balls around the bin as clouds.

Sprinkle blue beads on top to act as raindrops.

Explaining Thunder And Lightning To Preschoolers Easy Sensory Bin

Place all the pieces so it looks like a stormy sky.

Next, look at ways to use this sensory bin.

WAYS TO PLAY

  1. Kids can sort the items by type: clouds, raindrops, and lightning.
  2. They can pretend play by making a thunderstorm: hide lightning in the clouds, drop raindrops down into the sky, or “flash” lightning across the beans.
  3. Use the bin for fine motor play by scooping, pouring, and picking up beads with fingers or tongs.
  4. Encourage kids to create storm scenes, moving clouds around and arranging lightning bolts in different spots.
  5. For a calming activity, they can simply run their hands through the beans, cotton, and beads, feeling the textures.

BENEFITS OF LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

  • Sparks curiosity and early science discussions about weather and thunderstorms.
  • Builds fine motor skills through scooping, pouring, and picking up small items
  • Encourages imaginative play and storytelling about storms
  • Promotes sensory exploration with different textures (beans, cotton, beads, pipe cleaners)
  • Supports sorting and categorizing skills
  • Provides a calming, hands-on activity for focus and self-regulation

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

How To Make A Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Sensory Bin

October 8, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun activity based on the book. It is a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom sensory bin. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more themed ideas for learning and playing. 

If you’re looking for a hands-on activity for your preschoolers to bring a book to life, we’re doing a fun sensory bin. It’s based on the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

It reinforces letter recognition, fine motor skills, and creative storytelling.

How To Make A Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Sensory Bin

Because the letters race to the top of the coconut tree in the book, it’s a fun tactile way for your preschooler to learn the letters.

Then instead of passive learning your little one can touch, sort and explore with the letters.

In addition, preschoolers can use the letters for storytelling.

BOOKS FOR LEARNING LETTER RECOGNITION FOR PRESCHOOL

Next, look at these books to help your preschooler learn the alphabet.

10 Books For Learning the Alphabet

Preschool and kindergarten learners retain information through hands-on and reading aloud. Add one or two of these resources to your learning day.

Image for Animalia

Animalia

Within the page of this book You may discover, if you look Beyond the spell of written words A hidden land of beasts and birds . . .   Animalia is a book like no other. Abounding with fanciful, gorgeously detailed art, it is an alphabet book, a guessing game, and a virtual feast for the eyes. Each page features one letter and images related to that letter—as well as a hidden picture of Graeme Base as a child! Animalia will entrance any child or adult who enters its fantastical world.

Image for Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z

Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z

Each turn of the page reveals a mouth-watering arrangement of foods: Indian corn, jalapeno, jicama, kumquat, kiwifruit and kohlrabi. Lois Ehlert's lively watercolors paired with bold easy-to-read type make for a highly appealing and accessible book for parents and children to devour.

At the end of the book, Ehlert provides a detailed glossary that includes pronunciation, botanical information, the origin and history of the particular plant and occasional mythological references, with a small watercolor picture to remind the reader of what the plant looks like.

Apple to Zucchini,

come take a look.

Start eating your way

through this alphabet book.

Image for Bruno Munaris Abc

Bruno Munaris Abc

In this imaginative ABC book, acclaimed artist, designer, and children's author, Bruno Munari shows how fun letters can be. From an Ant on an Apple to a Blue Butterfly to a Cat in a Cage, Munari pairs words in whimsical ways until the Fly frees itself from its page, lands on the Hat, buzzes near the Ice Cream, and provides the final sound for Zzzzz.

Image for A Peaceable Kingdom: The Shaker Abecedarius

A Peaceable Kingdom: The Shaker Abecedarius

An illustrated alphabet rhyme that includes the animals from alligator to zebra.

Image for Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions

Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions

Artists Leo and Diane Dillon won their second consecutive Caldecott Medal for this stunning ABC of African culture. "Another virtuoso performance. . . . Such an astute blend of aesthetics and information is admirable, the child's eye will be rewarded many times over.

Image for Dr.Seuss's ABC (Bright & Early Board Books)

Dr.Seuss's ABC (Bright & Early Board Books)

From Aunt Annie's Alligator to Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, this sturdy board book version of Dr. Seuss's ABC is now available in a bigger trim size. With Dr. Seuss as your guide, learning the alphabet is as fun and as funny as the feather on a Fiffer-feffer-feff!

Image for A Is for Annabelle: A Doll's Alphabet

A Is for Annabelle: A Doll's Alphabet

Learn the alphabet from A to Z with the help of Annabelle the doll. Each gorgeously illustrated spread features one of her favorite things. With antique boxes, parasols, and yarn for knitting, children can learn the alphabet in grand style.

Image for LMNO Peas

LMNO Peas

Get ready to roll through the alphabet with a jaunty cast of busy little peas. Featuring a range of zippy characters from Acrobat Peas to Zoologist Peas, this delightful picture book highlights a variety of interests, hobbies, and careers—each one themed to a letter of the alphabet—and gives a wonderful sense of the colorful world we live in. Children will have so much fun poring over the detailed scenes that they won’t even realize they’re learning the alphabet along the way!

Image for Apple Pie ABC

Apple Pie ABC

When an apple pie arrives piping hot on the kitchen table, a little pup does everything from A to Z to get his paws on it. He Ogles it. He Pines for it. But will his ABC antics land him a slice? APPLE PIE ABC is a delicious twist on traditional verse brought to life by Alison Murray’s simple words and whimsical illustrations. Sure to delight readers of all ages, it’s a book to savor again and again.

Image for Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

A told B, and B told C, “I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree” In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no—Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!

Then, look at more ideas for learning the alphabet.

ALPHABET ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOL

  • 10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin
  • DIY Games For Kids | Free K To 12 Alphabet Games
  • Jumpstart Learning with the Free Alphabet Frog Lily Pad Game
  • A is for Apple Craft | Apple Study
  • B is for Bird Craft | Bluebird Study
  • Quick And Inexpensive Letter C Handprint Craft – Crafty Crab Fun
  • E is For Easy Eagle Study
  • How to Make a Fun Paper Plate Fish | F is for Fish
  • T is for Teeth | Dental Unit
  • How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft
  • W Is For Winter | Snowman Oobleck Activity
  • How To Make A Letter Y Handprint Craft Featuring A Yak
  • X is for X Ray | Crayon Resist Skeleton
  • Free Printable Kindergarten Worksheets | Awesome Winter-Themed Alphabet Scavenger Hunt
How To Make A Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Sensory Bin

Then, look at how to make this fun sensory bin.

HOW TO MAKE A CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM SENSORY BIN

First, look at this short list of supplies.

  • Kinetic sand (or make your own with my recipe)
  • Toilet paper rolls
  • Green paper
  • Brown paper
  • Glue
How To Make A Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Sensory Bin

Cut leaf shapes from green paper and small coconut circles from brown paper.

How To Make A Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Sensory Bin

Glue the leaves and coconuts to the top of a toilet paper roll to make a mini coconut tree.

How To Make A Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Sensory Bin

Fill the bin with kinetic sand. Place the coconut trees upright in the sand.

Add foam letters throughout the bin.

WAYS TO PLAY

  • Alphabet climbing: Have kids pretend the foam letters are climbing up the coconut tree, just like in the story.
  • Name play: Encourage children to find the letters of their name and “climb” them up a tree.
  • Letter hunt: Hide letters in the sand and let kids dig them out.
  • Story retelling: Use the trees and letters to act out parts of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
  • Fine motor fun: Push letters into the kinetic sand or stand them upright to balance near the trees.

BENEFITS OF SENSORY BINS

  • Strengthens fine motor skills through digging, pushing, and balancing pieces
  • Encourages literacy and letter recognition in a playful way
  • Promotes imaginative storytelling and retelling of the book
  • Builds early spelling and name recognition skills
  • Offers hands-on sensory exploration with the kinetic sand’s unique texture
  • Provides a fun, screen-free way to connect literacy and play

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: alphabet, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, homeschool preschool, phonics, preschool, preschool skills, sensory, sensory bin

How To Make A Dynamic Herb Garden Potion Sensory Bin

October 6, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun dynamic herb garden potion sensory bin which is really a nature based set up table for play. Also, look at my Foraging and Feasting Nature Unit Study and Lapbook.

Add fresh herbs like rosemary, mint, lavender and basil. Too, you can add flowers, water and scoops if your children like them. And they can just use their hands for a fun sensory experience.

How To Make A Dynamic Herb Garden Potion Sensory Bin

They can mash and stir to make their own potions of fun. This is part science, part nature and can even be used for doing a fairy tale unit study.

Additionally, this is a fun activity for a sensory bin.

For example, the smell is fresh and calming, touch of the leaves and stems, sight for the vibrant colors, sound of squishing and the water and taste of edible herbs.

HERB BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, add some of these fun books about herbs to your reading day.

6 Books About Herbs

Add one or two of these books and resources to your learning day. Foraging and feasting covers many unit study topics from science and history to geography and nature study. Bring your day to life with these fun books and resources.

Image for Wildcraft! an Herbal Adventure Game/Family Game: Learn 25 Herbs

Wildcraft! an Herbal Adventure Game/Family Game: Learn 25 Herbs

FORAGING FUN FOR ALL - Gather the family and go on an imaginary adventure foraging plants through forests, trails, and waterfalls! Wildcraft!, one of our educational games, introduces the wonderful world of herbs to kids as young as 4 years old.

Image for The Green Family Gets the Sniffles by Kate Tietje – Natural Living Children's Book, Homesteading, Homeschool, & Herbal Remedies ,

The Green Family Gets the Sniffles by Kate Tietje – Natural Living Children's Book, Homesteading, Homeschool, & Herbal Remedies ,

A Heartwarming Natural Living Story: Follow Mama and Papa Green, along with Axel, Violet, River, and little Soleil, as they handle feeling under the weather using time-tested natural remedies like elderberry syrup and homemade chicken soup! Representation for Natural Families: Finally, a beautifully illustrated children’s book where kids from alternative-living families can see themselves—homesteading, homeschooling, natural health, and home birth included! Encourages Wellness and Resilience: Introduces children to gentle, natural approaches to common illness and reinforces the idea that rest, love, and nourishing care go a long way. Perfect Gift for Natural Families: Whether you’re raising little herbalists or simply seeking wholesome stories, this book will quickly become a cherished favorite on your bookshelf.

Image for Foraging with Kids: 52 Wild and Free Edibles to Enjoy With Your Children

Foraging with Kids: 52 Wild and Free Edibles to Enjoy With Your Children

In today’s world of increasingly sedentary lifestyles and a growing detachment from the food that we eat, it has never been more important to encourage children to put down their screens, get outside and engage with the natural world around them.  Foraging with Kids is a fun, practical book for parents to work through with their children that encourages families to interact with their environment and gain knowledge and practical understanding of the natural world through exploration and play.

Image for Kids Herb Book: For Children of All Ages by Tierra, Lesley (2000)

Kids Herb Book: For Children of All Ages by Tierra, Lesley (2000)

Image for Foraging & Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook

Foraging & Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook

Foraging & Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook by Dina Falconi and illustrated by Wendy Hollender is a truly beautiful book. It contains lavish art work and innovative recipes for those who want to eat local bounty. This wonderful volume highlights easily obtainable local foods and traditional foodways.

Image for (Kids Herb Book: For Children of All Ages) [By: Tierra, Lesley] [Mar, 2000]

(Kids Herb Book: For Children of All Ages) [By: Tierra, Lesley] [Mar, 2000]

Great for unit studies.

Image for Herbal Adventures: Backyard Excursions and Kitchen Creations for Kids and Their Families

Herbal Adventures: Backyard Excursions and Kitchen Creations for Kids and Their Families

Discover the flavors and uses of common wild plants with this herbalist guide featuring recipes and tips on foraging right outside your door.When we think of wild plants with medicinal or culinary benefits, we typically think of something exotic and obscure. But many of the plants growing in our own neighborhoods can be just as useful and tasty as anything sold in a health food store. In Herbal Adventures, herbalist Rachel Wolf reveals the properties and uses of ten common plants—including chickweeds, dandelions, catnip and others.

Image for Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use

Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow, and Use

Craft a soothing aloe lotion after an encounter with poison ivy, make a dandelion-burdock tincture to fix sluggish digestion, and brew up some lavender-lemon balm tea to ease a stressful day. In this introductory guide, Rosemary Gladstar shows you how easy it can be to make your own herbal remedies for life’s common ailments. Gladstar profiles 33 common healing plants and includes advice on growing, harvesting, preparing, and using herbs in healing tinctures, oils, and creams. Stock your medicine cabinet full of all-natural, low-cost herbal preparations.

Next, look at more activities about herbs.

MORE HERB ACTIVITIES

  • Art of Foraging | How to Make A Dandelion Kids Activity Soap
  • Fresh Herb Playdough Activity {Easy + Smells Divine!}
  • Fun Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages.
  • Teaching Kids About Herbs
How To Make A Dynamic Herb Garden Potion Sensory Bin

Finally, look at how to make this fun and dynamic herb garden potion sensory bin.

HOW TO MAKE A DYNAMIC HERB GARDEN POTION SENSORY BIN

First, look at this list of supplies.

  • Fresh or dried herb sprigs (rosemary, basil, thyme, etc.)
  • Black beans
  • Small potion bottles or jars with lids
How To Make A Dynamic Herb Garden Potion Sensory Bin

Pour black beans into the bin to create the “garden soil.”

Place small potion bottles or jars around the bin.

Add sprigs of herbs on top of the beans or tucked into little piles for kids to gather.

WAYS TO PLAY

Potion mixing: Kids pick different herbs and place them into potion bottles, creating their own unique mixtures.

Sensory exploration: Encourage children to smell, touch, and look closely at each herb while they play.

Imaginative play: Pretend the herbs have powers, like rosemary for bravery, basil for calm, thyme for energy, etc. Kids can make special potions for fun storylines.

Sorting: Separate herbs by type, size, or smell before adding them into bottles.

Creative play with beans: Scoop and pour the beans into the bottles for extra tactile fun.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, herbs, homeschool, sensory, sensory bin

How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

October 5, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, we’re doing a letter J handprint craft. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more themed ideas for learning and playing and letter themed crafts.

And we’re not just doing one but two engaging ideas your little learners will love – a letter J handprint craft and making jam together.

These activities are perfect for reinforcing letter recognition while building fine motor skills and creating sweet memories.

How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

The beauty of this recipe is that you can use whatever fruit you have on hand, fresh or frozen, including a mix of a little of this and that.

Toss blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or any other kind of berry into the mix or stick with your child’s favorite.

FUN BOOKS TO TEACH THE ALPHABET

First, look at these fun books for your preschooler to learn about the alphabet.

10 Books For Learning the Alphabet

Preschool and kindergarten learners retain information through hands-on and reading aloud. Add one or two of these resources to your learning day.

Image for Animalia

Animalia

Within the page of this book You may discover, if you look Beyond the spell of written words A hidden land of beasts and birds . . .   Animalia is a book like no other. Abounding with fanciful, gorgeously detailed art, it is an alphabet book, a guessing game, and a virtual feast for the eyes. Each page features one letter and images related to that letter—as well as a hidden picture of Graeme Base as a child! Animalia will entrance any child or adult who enters its fantastical world.

Image for Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z

Eating the Alphabet: Fruits & Vegetables from A to Z

Each turn of the page reveals a mouth-watering arrangement of foods: Indian corn, jalapeno, jicama, kumquat, kiwifruit and kohlrabi. Lois Ehlert's lively watercolors paired with bold easy-to-read type make for a highly appealing and accessible book for parents and children to devour.

At the end of the book, Ehlert provides a detailed glossary that includes pronunciation, botanical information, the origin and history of the particular plant and occasional mythological references, with a small watercolor picture to remind the reader of what the plant looks like.

Apple to Zucchini,

come take a look.

Start eating your way

through this alphabet book.

Image for Bruno Munaris Abc

Bruno Munaris Abc

In this imaginative ABC book, acclaimed artist, designer, and children's author, Bruno Munari shows how fun letters can be. From an Ant on an Apple to a Blue Butterfly to a Cat in a Cage, Munari pairs words in whimsical ways until the Fly frees itself from its page, lands on the Hat, buzzes near the Ice Cream, and provides the final sound for Zzzzz.

Image for A Peaceable Kingdom: The Shaker Abecedarius

A Peaceable Kingdom: The Shaker Abecedarius

An illustrated alphabet rhyme that includes the animals from alligator to zebra.

Image for Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions

Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions

Artists Leo and Diane Dillon won their second consecutive Caldecott Medal for this stunning ABC of African culture. "Another virtuoso performance. . . . Such an astute blend of aesthetics and information is admirable, the child's eye will be rewarded many times over.

Image for Dr.Seuss's ABC (Bright & Early Board Books)

Dr.Seuss's ABC (Bright & Early Board Books)

From Aunt Annie's Alligator to Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, this sturdy board book version of Dr. Seuss's ABC is now available in a bigger trim size. With Dr. Seuss as your guide, learning the alphabet is as fun and as funny as the feather on a Fiffer-feffer-feff!

Image for A Is for Annabelle: A Doll's Alphabet

A Is for Annabelle: A Doll's Alphabet

Learn the alphabet from A to Z with the help of Annabelle the doll. Each gorgeously illustrated spread features one of her favorite things. With antique boxes, parasols, and yarn for knitting, children can learn the alphabet in grand style.

Image for LMNO Peas

LMNO Peas

Get ready to roll through the alphabet with a jaunty cast of busy little peas. Featuring a range of zippy characters from Acrobat Peas to Zoologist Peas, this delightful picture book highlights a variety of interests, hobbies, and careers—each one themed to a letter of the alphabet—and gives a wonderful sense of the colorful world we live in. Children will have so much fun poring over the detailed scenes that they won’t even realize they’re learning the alphabet along the way!

Image for Apple Pie ABC

Apple Pie ABC

When an apple pie arrives piping hot on the kitchen table, a little pup does everything from A to Z to get his paws on it. He Ogles it. He Pines for it. But will his ABC antics land him a slice? APPLE PIE ABC is a delicious twist on traditional verse brought to life by Alison Murray’s simple words and whimsical illustrations. Sure to delight readers of all ages, it’s a book to savor again and again.

Image for Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

A told B, and B told C, “I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree” In this lively alphabet rhyme, all the letters of the alphabet race each other up the coconut tree. Will there be enough room? Oh, no—Chicka Chicka Boom! Boom!

Next, look at these activities for the letter J.

MORE LETTER J ACTIVITIES & CRAFTS

  • While working, say the sound of “J” together. Talk about other “J” words—juice, jump, jellyfish, jaguar, jester, jokes, jello, and jacket to expand vocabulary.
  • For a true hands-on experience, learn How To Make A Squishy Jello Sensory Bin.
  • Go on a J hunt around the house, looking for as many objects that start with the letter J as you can find.
  • Check out this fun Jelly Bean Counting and Sorting Activity.
  • Make a Handprint Jellyfish and Color Matching Activity to keep hands busy.
  • A cute Letter J Craft- J Is For Jaguar Preschool Craft is a great way to practice the letter J and one of the sounds it makes.
  • Work on fine motor skills and language skills with J is for Jacket: Paper Pasting.
  • Experiment with a tasty treat with this Bright and Colorful Jellybean Science.
  • These Touch and Feel Letters go along wonderfully with today’s craft!
How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

And look at more crafts and themes to go with the alphabet letters.

MORE LETTER CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

  • A is for Apple Craft | Apple Study
  • B is for Bird Craft | Bluebird Study
  • Quick And Inexpensive Letter C Handprint Craft – Crafty Crab Fun
  • E is For Easy Eagle Study
  • How to Make a Fun Paper Plate Fish | F is for Fish
  • G is for Gorilla Mask | Africa Study
  • H Horse Handprint | Horse Study
  • Letter I Pre-K Measuring Inches in a Fun Way
  • K is for Kangaroo| Australia Theme
  • M is for Monkey Handprint | Monkey Study
  • N Is For Nest Handprint | Nests Study
  • O is for Owl | Great Horned Owl Study
  • P Is For Pineapple Craft | How To Make A Fun Handprint Pineapple
  • R is for Rainbow | Rain Mobile
  • Easy and Fun Letter S Sun Craft Activity for Preschoolers (Free Template)
  • How To Create A Sweet Strawberry Letter S Handprint Craft
  • T is for Teeth | Dental Unit
  • How to Make A Letter V For Volcano Handprint Craft
  • W Is For Winter | Snowman Oobleck Activity
  • How To Make A Letter Y Handprint Craft Featuring A Yak
  • X is for X Ray | Crayon Resist Skeleton

Finally, look at how to make this letter J handprint craft and tasty jam.

LETTER J HANDPRINT CRAFT AND TASTY JAM

You Will Need:

  • White construction paper or cardstock
  • Washable paint, purple, red, or blue
  • Painters or washi tape
  • Paintbrush
  • Markers or crayons
How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

Cover the very center of your child’s palm with a square of painters’ tape or washi.

How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

Brush washable paint thickly over your child’s palm and fingers with a paint brush or dip them into a shallow puddle of paint in a paper plate.

How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

Peel off the tape carefully.

How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

Help them press their painted hand onto the paper to create a bright handprint.

How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

Draw a simple bread outline and let your child smear “jam” all over it with their handprint or finger tips.

How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

Once dry, use a marker to draw on a lid, outline the handprint and fill in the “label” you created with the blank space and outline your bread.

TASTY REFRIGERATOR JAM ACTIVITY

Cooking with preschoolers is a wonderful way to mix learning with life skills. Making a simple jam or trying store-bought jam on bread is the perfect tie-in for the letter J.

Talk about where fruit comes from, count how many spoonfuls you add, and emphasize the “J” in jam as you taste.

Easy No-Cook Jam Recipe:

  • 1 cup mashed strawberries, or any soft fruit
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • ½ Tablespoon lemon juice
How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

Place fruit, honey, and lemon juice into a small saucepan and let simmer for 10 minutes

How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

 Stir occasionally, this is a great time to teach your child about kitchen safety.

How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

You can use a potato masher or ground beef tool to mash up the fruit a bit.

How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

Spoon your jam into a small jar and top with a tight fitting lid.

How to Make a Letter J Handprint Craft & Tasty Jam

Keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Spread on toast or crackers and enjoy together.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: alphabet, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool preschool, letter sounds, preschool, preschool skills

A List of Educational Video Games for Kids Who Love Games

October 4, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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I have a list of educational video games for kids.

For many kids, video games are more than just fun, they’re a favorite pastime that sparks creativity, problem-solving, and imagination.

As homeschool parents, we can take advantage of this interest by weaving educational video games into our learning routine.

A List of Educational Video Games for Kids Who Love Games

And what is the best part? Many of these games are so engaging that kids don’t even realize they’re learning.

Educational video games blend play with learning in a way that naturally appeals to kids. For homeschool families, they can serve as both a break from textbooks and a powerful teaching tool.

By intentionally selecting games that align with your child’s interests and academic needs, you can transform screen time into meaningful learning. 

REDEEMING THE VALUE OF VIDEO GAMES

  • Set Learning Goals-Decide whether your child is working on math fluency, history knowledge, or problem-solving skills, then match the game to the goal.
  • Play Together- Many games spark great conversations. Join your child in Civilization or Minecraft and talk about the choices they make.
  • Track Progress- Use built-in reports (like in Prodigy or TypingClub) or keep a simple journal where your child records what they learn.
  • Encourage Creativity- Some games, like Minecraft, invite kids to design projects. Turn their in-game creations into writing prompts or research projects, challenge them to recreate a famous landmark as they play.
A List of Educational Video Games for Kids Who Love Games

“Video games”  includes arcade video games, console games, and computer games-LAN games, online games, and browser games). 

They also include mobile games on smartphones and tablets as well as virtual reality systems.

I put together a list of video games at the bottom.

MORE GAME IDEAS AND ACTIVITIES

First, look at these other types of educational games.

  • 8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love
  • Free First Grade Math Games & Printable Ice Cream Math
  • DIY Games For Kids | Free K To 12 Alphabet Games
  • DIY Button Whirligig
  • Easy Hands-on Fun Ancient Greek Games for Kids DIY Knucklebones
  • Free Roll-A-Gingerbread House Game For Kids Who Love Games
  • Free Ancient Egypt Mehen Printable Board Game (Hands-on History)
  • American History Game Fun U.S. President Go Fish Unit Study
  • French Revolution + Free Storming the Bastille Game
  • Ancient Greece Go Fish Game 
  • How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Finally, look at this list of educational video games.

VIDEO GAMES FOR KIDS THAT ARE EDUCATIONAL

13 Educational Video Games For Kids

If your child already loves video games, lean into that passion. With the right educational titles, you can turn their enthusiasm into a powerful way to build new skills, spark curiosity, and make homeschooling even more fun.

Image for Minecraft: Education Edition
Photo Credit: education.minecraft.net

Minecraft: Education Edition

Kids already love Minecraft for its block-building creativity. The Education Edition adds structured lessons, challenges, and teacher resources that cover topics like renewable energy, ancient civilizations, and coding with block-based programming. Children learn to collaborate, design, and think critically—all while immersed in a world they adore.

Subjects Covered: Science, Math, History, Engineering, Coding

Image for Kerbal Space Program
Photo Credit: www.kerbalspaceprogram.com

Kerbal Space Program

This quirky space flight simulation lets players design and launch rockets, test orbital mechanics, and explore outer space. It teaches kids about thrust, gravity, and fuel efficiency through trial and error. Aspiring scientists and engineers will love experimenting with different spacecraft designs, all while gaining a deeper understanding of real-world physics.

Subjects Covered: Physics, Math, Engineering, Astronomy

Image for Zoombinis  -Award-Winning Educational Puzzle Game
Photo Credit: www.zoombinis.com

Zoombinis -Award-Winning Educational Puzzle Game

A classic favorite, Zoombinis challenges players to guide little blue creatures through puzzles that increase in difficulty. Each puzzle emphasizes logical thinking, pattern recognition, and math-related skills. It’s ideal for elementary and middle school kids who enjoy problem-solving adventures with a touch of humor.
Subjects Covered: Logic, Math,Problem-Solving

Image for Sid Meiers Civilization VI
Photo Credit: store.steampowered.com

Sid Meiers Civilization VI

This turn-based strategy game invites players to build a civilization from ancient times to the modern age. Along the way, kids learn about world leaders, cultural achievements, diplomacy, and technological advancements. Parents can guide younger learners by discussing real history behind the game’s events and strategies.

Subjects Covered: History, Geography, Critical Thinking, Strategy

Image for Code Combat
Photo Credit: codecombat.com

Code Combat

CodeCombat is a game where kids learn oding by controlling characters with typed commands. It teaches real programming languages such as Python and JavaScript in a fun, fantasy-style adventure. Instead of boring lessons, kids complete missions, battle enemies, and level up.

Subjects Covered: Coding, Computer Science, Problem-Solving

Image for Dragon Box Series-
Photo Credit: dragonbox.com

Dragon Box Series-

DragonBox games turn abstract math concepts into interactive puzzles. Games cover topics from algebra to geometry in a way that feels more like play than practice. These apps are excellent for reinforcing math skills without the frustration of traditional worksheets.

Subjects Covered: Math

Image for Typing Club and Nitro Type
Photo Credit: www.nitrotype.com

Typing Club and Nitro Type

Typing is an essential modern skill, and these games make practice enjoyable. TypingClub offers structured lessons, while Nitro Type turns typing into a high-speed car race. Both options keep kids motivated while they build fluency on the keyboard.

Subjects Covered: Keyboarding, Typing, Skills

Image for The Oregon Trail - Play game online
Photo Credit: oregontrail.ws

The Oregon Trail - Play game online

The Oregon Trail puts kids in the shoes of 19th-century pioneers traveling west. Players make choices about supplies, routes, and survival while learning about real historical challenges such as disease, weather, and river crossings. It’s engaging, historically accurate in many ways, and encourages kids to think about the difficulties of frontier life.

Subjects Covered: American History, Geography, Decision-Making

Image for Prodigy Math Game
Photo Credit: www.prodigygame.com

Prodigy Math Game

Prodigy combines the fun of role-playing games with math practice. Kids explore magical lands, battle monsters, and complete quests—all while answering math problems tailored to their skill level. Parents can track progress, making it a great supplement to homeschool math programs.

Subjects Covered: Math

Image for Universe Sandbox
Photo Credit: universesandbox.com

Universe Sandbox

This simulation game allows players to create and destroy entire solar systems. Kids can experiment with gravity, planetary collisions, and black holes, learning the mechanics of space along the way. It’s both mesmerizing and highly educational for budding astronomers.

Subjects Covered: Astronomy, Physics

Image for Scribblenauts Mega Pack - Nintendo Switch

Scribblenauts Mega Pack - Nintendo Switch

Kids solve puzzles by typing in words that come to life. If a bridge is needed, they can type “bridge.” If they want something silly, like a “flying purple cow,” the game creates it! It encourages creative thinking, vocabulary building, and flexible problem-solving.

Subjects Covered: Vocabulary, Creativity, Problem-Solving

Image for SimCity Complete Edition

SimCity Complete Edition

These city-building simulations let kids act as mayors. They get to design roads, manage budgets, balance energy needs, and respond to citizen demands. While it seems like just fun it  teaches decision-making, resource management, and how complex systems interact in real life.

 Subjects Covered: Economics, Urban Planning, Critical Thinking

Image for Endless Ocean™ Luminous

Endless Ocean™ Luminous

This relaxing exploration game lets players dive into oceans, discover sea creatures, and learn about marine ecosystems. Kids get exposure to real-world oceanography concepts while enjoying a calming adventure.

Subjects Covered: Marine Biology, Geography, Environmental Science

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

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