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Hands-On Activities

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

December 20, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 10 toilet paper roll activities and a fun toilet paper roll giraffe. Also, look at my Free Africa Unit Study for more hands-on ideas.

Because toilet paper rolls are made of cardboard, they’re recyclable and a great way to reuse items.

Also, the soft cardboard material of toilet paper rolls is easy to cut with scissors.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Besides, they can be glued and stacked to form any number of projects.

Not only can you build and stack them, but they can be painted on and decorated.

They also make excellent educational toys and learning activities.

Look at some of the ones we made as we studied our different unit studies.

TOILET PAPER ROLL ACTIVITIES

Next, look at some of these toilet paper roll activities.

10 Toilet Paper Roll Activities For Kids

Toilet paper rolls are one of the most fun and versatile craft supplies you have in your house.

Image for How To Create Toilet Paper Roll Penguins For A Bowling Game

How To Create Toilet Paper Roll Penguins For A Bowling Game

We’re making these super cute toilet paper roll penguins for a bowling game. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

Image for How To Make A Frog Craft Toilet Paper Roll

How To Make A Frog Craft Toilet Paper Roll

We are making a frog craft toilet paper roll. Also, look at my page Free Toad and Frog Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas.

It is not only a model for a frog but also, is a fun cup and ball activity for motor development and hand eye coordination.

Image for How to Make a Toilet Paper Roll Honeycomb Honey Bee Activity

How to Make a Toilet Paper Roll Honeycomb Honey Bee Activity

This simple honey bee activity is not only a fun dramatic play idea for young learners but also can be used to build fine motor, math, science, and language arts skills. Also, look at my post Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids.

Image for 16th President Abraham Lincoln Crafts and Facts | Cute Lincoln Toilet Paper Roll

16th President Abraham Lincoln Crafts and Facts | Cute Lincoln Toilet Paper Roll

Here are 8 fun Abraham Lincoln crafts to celebrate the day he delivered the Gettysburg Address – November 19, 1863. You’ll also love my free War Between the States or American Civil War Unit Study and Lapbook page.

Image for Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Make An Adorable Toilet Roll Winter Village

Toilet paper roll winter crafts are a fantastic way to add a little fun to your winter-themed lessons. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

They are fun for themes like snow, snowflakes, animals in winter, or any other topic.

Image for Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft

Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft

I have 8 bat science activities preschool age and bat toilet paper roll craft. Also, I have more fun ideas for all ages on my post Why Bats Are Not Birds Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook.

Image for Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs

Cute Colorful Toilet Paper Roll Rainforest Frogs

I have a cute toilet paper roll rainforest frog craft. And I have more ideas on my pages Rain Forest – Amazon, Rain Forest – Animals of the Amazon, and Rainforest Amazon Activities for Kids.

Image for Easy Israel Crafts for Preschoolers: How to Make Mini Torah Scrolls

Easy Israel Crafts for Preschoolers: How to Make Mini Torah Scrolls

Teaching ancient history to young children can be daunting, make Israel crafts for preschoolers to simplify it and help them understand. Also, look at my Ancient Civilization page for more activities.

Image for How to Make an Easy Bird Craft Fun Paper Plate Peacock

How to Make an Easy Bird Craft Fun Paper Plate Peacock

This easy bird craft paper plate peacock is fun to do to celebrate Bird Day. Also, you’ll love my Free Bird Unit Study. Peacocks are beautiful and easily identifiable.

Image for How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

How to Make an Adorable Toilet Roll Snowman for Winter Crafts

If you’re looking to make an adorable toilet roll snowman well actually the cutest pair of snow people ever, you’ll love this for winter crafts or a winter season unit study.
You don’t need snow in your backyard to create these adorable toilet roll snowmen or ahem or is that snowman and snowwoman?

In addition, we’re making toilet paper roll giraffe to go with our Africa unit study.

Look at some of these fun facts about giraffes.

FUN FACTS ABOUT GIRAFFES

  • Giraffes are the tallest animals on Earth. They can grow up to 18 feet tall.
  • Too their tongues are long – about 18 inches.
  • And there is a reason for their tall necks. Giraffes are herbivores, meaning they eat plants, and their height allows them to reach leaves high up in trees.
  • They sleep standing up and only sleep for about 4 to 5 hours.
  • There are different subspecies of giraffes. For instance, there are Reticulated Giraffes: Known for their distinct, net-like pattern of spot, Masai Giraffe: These giraffes have jagged, irregular spots and live in Kenya and Tanzania, Rothschild’s Giraffe: Found mostly in Uganda and Kenya, they have light-colored spots and are one of the rarest types, and Southern Giraffe: Found in Southern Africa, they have large, star-shaped spots.
10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Finally, look at how to make a toilet paper roll giraffe.

TOILET PAPER ROLL GIRAFFE

First, look at this list of supplies.

  • Toilet Paper Roll.
  • Construction Papers
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Ruler

Step 1:

To make the toilet paper roll giraffe craft you will need a long toilet paper roll.

The tissue paper roll I’m using is 12 inches.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 2:

Download the templates and cut out the base pattern for the tissue paper roll giraffe.

Place the cutout template over the tissue paper roll and use a pencil to trace the pattern on the tissue paper roll.

Then along the outline.

Step 3:

Cut out the mouth from the templates from a beige colored craft paper.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 4:

Use a pencil to draw the nostrils and mouth.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 5:

Then use a pink marker to draw the cheeks.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 6:

Glue the mouth paper cutout on the top of the tissue paper roll giraffe pattern. 

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 7:

Use a pencil to draw the giraffe’s spots on the tissue paper roll.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 8:

Then use brown paint to fill in the giraffe’s spots.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 9:

Glue two googly eyes on the of the giraffe’s head.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 10:

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Then glue the ears on the two top corners.

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Step 11:

10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template

Finish it off by gluing the two horns in between the giraffe’s ears.

GRAB THE FREE TEMPLATE FOR THE CRAFT

This is a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie now.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: giraffe, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, toilet paper roll

Free Roll-A-Gingerbread House Game For Kids Who Love Games

December 18, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free roll-a-gingerbread house game for your littles. Also, grab more ideas and a free lapbook for winter fun on my page Winter Season Unit Study.

When winter sets in, it can be hard to keep the littles learning.

Games breathe life into the part of the day when your littles are not feeling independent play.

Free Roll-A-Gingerbread House Game For Kids Who Love Games

And what I love about this roll-a-gingerbread house game is that it promotes independent learning.

Besides getting a bit of math and color recognition, your child will have created a fun piece of art.

All you need is a die and a plate full of treats that are your preschooler’s favorite.

BOOKS ABOUT GINGERBREAD FOR KIDS

Also, I have some fun books and activities if you want to do a gingerbread theme.

We choose to read living books when I can find them.

8 Books and Resources Studying About Gingerbread

Add some of these books and resources for a gun Gingerbread theme.

Image for The Plan for the Gingerbread House: A STEM Engineering Story

The Plan for the Gingerbread House: A STEM Engineering Story

The gingerbread man and woman need a new home! A team of kids struggle to create the perfect gingerbread house. The project guidelines are clear: the winning house must stand upright on its own and a gingerbread boy and girl must fit inside.Sounds easy?But creating is hard. Cookie burn, the icing it too thin, the house caves-in, someone is eating the candy decorations, and—Oh!—they forgot about putting the gingerbread boy and girl inside the house. Engineering is a creative process. That means you must learn to

  • overcome problems
  • and persevere.

Inspire budding engineers to think about the classic gingerbread house in new ways.

Image for Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter Set

Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter Set

SAFE AND HEALTHY FOR YOUR FAMILY - The simple stainless steel Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter Set design is easy to clean, the folded edges are kind to hands, and the welded seam won’t come unstuck

Image for The Gingerbread Man Padded

The Gingerbread Man Padded

"Run, run as fast as you can. You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man!" Follow the gingerbread man as he runs from the old woman, the old man, pig, cow, and horse, and meets a sly fox. This padded storybook of the classic fairy tale features engaging text and delightful, colorful illustrations by Gail Yerrill. Designed to encourage vocabulary development and help children read aloud, this story uses large font types and vibrant, contemporary illustrations to help early learning skills. It's a perfect addition to any children's library.

Image for The Gingerbread Boy (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

The Gingerbread Boy (Paul Galdone Nursery Classic)

The classic tale of the old couple, with no children of their own, who bake a gingerbread boy to keep them company. Just as the little old woman is about to take him from the oven, he slips away and runs out the door past a cow, a horse, a group of threshers, mowers, etc. All follow in hot pursuit until the gingerbread boy meets up with a wily fox, and ‘at last and at last he went the way of every single gingerbread boy that ever came out of an oven . . . He was all gone!’ A wonderfully frenetic cross-country chase is depicted in Galdone’s broadly humorous color wash drawings.

Image for Gingerbread Baby

Gingerbread Baby

Fairy tale about the Gingerbread Baby. Full-color illustrations.

Image for 12PCS Measuring Cups, Little Cook Colorful Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

12PCS Measuring Cups, Little Cook Colorful Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

The 12 different spoon sizes in this measuring cup set make it versatile for measuring a wide range of ingredients. The measuring spoons range from 1/8 tsp teaspoon up to 1 cup tablespoon, allowing you to measure small or large quantities with ease. This makes the measuring spoons set perfect for home cooks and professional chefs alike, as it can be used for a variety of recipes, from baking to cooking and more.

Image for Gingerbread Man Cookie Cutter Set (Gingerbread Man 3 Piece)

Gingerbread Man Cookie Cutter Set (Gingerbread Man 3 Piece)

Gingerbread Man 3 Piece

Image for How to Catch a Gingerbread Man

How to Catch a Gingerbread Man

Do you have what it takes to catch the Gingerbread Man? The famous storybook character has magically come to life and leapt from the pages during story time! Follow along as the Gingerbread Man runs loose in a bookstore with the help of Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Peter Rabbit, nursery rhyme characters, and more! If you set the right traps, you might…just might be able to catch this wily cookie and finish the fairy tale!

Also, games are not just fun.

Look at some of the benefits of games for preschoolers.

WHY PRESCHOOLERS LEARN THROUGH GAMES

  • Problem solving boosts cognitive skills
  • And they promote short term and long term memory.
  • Most games children learn to take turns.
  • When children play independently they are learning self-regulation.
  • This game promotes creativity. For example, your child can place more than 1 piece of candy on a circle.
  • Also, mix textures like green hard candy with green jelly beans.
  • Because games are fun, preschoolers do not feel pressured to learn. It should never be that way.
  • In this game early math skills like counting is introduced without the need for a worksheet.

Also, look at more hands on fun for kids about gingerbread.

MORE GINGERBREAD ACTIVITIES

  • How to Make Gingerbread Slime For Play | 9 Slime Craft Ideas
  • DIY Adorable Salt Dough Gingerbread House To Make With Kids
  • Fun Selfie Salt Dough Gingerbread Kids Activity for Long Winter Nights
Free Roll-A-Gingerbread House Game For Kids Who Love Games

Finally, look at how to grab this free printable game.

HOW TO GRAB THE FREE PRINTABLE

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie now.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

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

Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable

December 16, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun meteorology for kids amazing potato straw experiment sure to give you the eww and aww moment you need in your science day. Also, I have this fun Free Weather Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning post for more teaching ideas.

Learning about air pressure should be fun. When kids can’t see something like air, for example, show them what air can do.

First explain what is air pressure. Air pressure is the force that the air exerts on everything around us.

Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable

And it’s pushing on us all the time although we don’t really know it.

Too, air is made of tiny particles (molecules) that are constantly moving and bumping into things.

Although we can’t see, air is all around us.

Too, air has weight. It presses down on everything here on Earth.

WEATHER BOOKS & RESOURCES FOR KIDS

Also, here are a few weather and book related resources.

Add them to your home library.

10 Weather Unit Study Resources & Books

Add a few of these resources to your weather unit study for hands-on learning.

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 You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Extreme Weather!

You Wouldn't Want to Live Without Extreme Weather!

This series takes readers (Ages 8-12) on a historical journey, examining how people coped in the past and how they developed ingenious ways to make life safer and less unpleasant. Each book features full-color cartoon-style illustrations and hilarious speech bubbles to heighten interest, making the series attractive even to reluctant readers.It's a nuisance when it rains on a picnic. It's a tragedy when a tornado destroys a neighborhood. Some plants can grow only in hot, dry conditions; others require cold temperatures at certain times of year. And if the Arctic and Antarctic were less cold, melting ice would raise sea levels around the world and cause widespread flooding.

Image for If You Were a Kid Surviving a Hurricane

If You Were a Kid Surviving a Hurricane

If a hurricane was heading toward your home town, what would you do?

Readers (Ages 7-9) will enjoy the thrilling story of Carrie and Dan, two friends who find themselves caught in the path of a major hurricane. Along the way, they will learn how hurricanes form, how weather scientists track and study these storms, what people do to protect themselves from wind and flooding, and much more.

Image for The Kids' Book of Weather Forecasting

The Kids' Book of Weather Forecasting

With experiments, observations and activities children ages seven to thirteen will learn to predict the weather by understanding the science behind it. From foggy mornings to sunny afternoons to our changing seasons, weather forecasting is a year-round, practical science that children will have fun learning about.

Image for Weather: Explore Nature with Fun Facts and Activities

Weather: Explore Nature with Fun Facts and Activities

How is a forecast predicted? What makes a rainbow? Packed with facts and activities, this book has these answers and more, and is a perfect introduction to the world of sun, snow, and rain for kids who are curious about nature.

With amazing facts about fun topics like thunder and lightning, Weather lets kids have fun and be innovative as they learn through simple activities like cloudspotting and making a barometer. It includes information on weather found in every season of the year, so kids can discover how weather works no matter what it's doing outside.

Image for What Makes a Tornado Twist?: And Other Questions About Weather

What Makes a Tornado Twist?: And Other Questions About Weather

Is each snowflake unique? What comes first: thunder or lightning? What causes the seasons? Charming illustrations, clever charts, and fun text help kids learn whatever they want to know about wild weather. No matter their question, the fascinating answers are right here!

Image for Pet Tornado-Spin and Watch

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 Includes educational information aboutEF-0 to EF-5 tornados and is a perfect addition to a weather science curriculum or for your future meteorologist Great Stress reliever and the perfect desk toy.

Image for Weather Science Lab  20 All Season Projects

Weather Science Lab 20 All Season Projects

Discover The Wonderful World Of Weather Science With This Scientific Weather Science Lab Kit Designed To Educate The Budding Meteorologist On The Mysteries Of The Climate And Teach Your Young Scientist How To Chart And Predict It.

Spark Your Kid'S Curiosity & Imagination: Including 20 All-Season Activities For All Climates, This Weather Project Kit Covers A Wide Range Of Weather-Related Subjects And Boosts Children'S Cognitive Skills.

Make A Cloud In The Bottle: Measure Temperature With A Real-Life Thermometer, Atmospheric Pressure With A Barometer, Keep Your Head In The Sky To Identify Clouds And Create Fluffy Snow Without Freezing Temps

Keep Children Busy Come Rain Or Shine: Let Your Kids Set Up Their Weather Station Indoors Or Pick The Right Spot For Their Experiments Outdoors. Encourage Them To Take Notes, For The Most Accurate Forecasts

Image for Peaceable Kingdom Sunny and Stormy Day Game

Peaceable Kingdom Sunny and Stormy Day Game

LEARNING AND GROWING: Nourish your child’s social-emotional well-being through this matching-and-sharing game from Peaceable Kingdom that has three difficulty levels adaptable to your child’s age.

HOW TO PLAY: Read the book together, then use your memory skills to find the “sunny” and “stormy” matches from the book before the moon comes up. Use the sun, cloud and rainbow tokens to share the highs and lows of your own day as a family.

WE WIN TOGETHER: Talking about feelings in an age-appropriate way can nurture emotional health and encourage confidence, compassion and kindness. Sunny Stormy game and book help kick-off important conversations between kids and parents.

3 PART, 3 LEVELS: The game’s storybook, memory game and sharing activity can be done all together, or separately, and have three levels of experience to adapt to older and younger children.

INCLUDES: Full-color Picture Book, 24 Game Tiles, 1 Game Puzzle, Heart Pouch with 3 Sharing Tokens, Instructions (For ages 3 and up)

Image for Board Game to Learn About Seasons and Weather

Board Game to Learn About Seasons and Weather

SMART GAMES FOR LEARNING ABOUT THE SEASONS: Easter in spring, Halloween in fall, Christmas in winter. You go sailing in summer and see butterflies in spring. Children love playing and learning about the seasons, holidays, activities, and events with our educational board game.

EASY GAMEPLAY FOR BOARD GAMES: Win the season card by matching different props with the correct season card. The first player to collect the 5 season cards wins the game. This game can be played in multiple ways. Watch the video to know more!

LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR KIDS GAMES: Review each picture card, have discussions, and guide kids to sort cards across categories. Gain knowledge about fruits, animals, activities, holidays across the different seasons. Build language, reasoning skills, season identification and categorizing, logical, creative, and critical thinking. "

Then, look at more hands activities to go with our meteorology for kids activity today.

METEOROLOGY FOR KIDS ACTIVITIES

  • 9 Hands on Weather Activities for Kids and Awesome Weather Sensory Tray
  • 5 Simple Wind Energy Activities For Kids & Fun DIY Anemometer
  • Weather In A Bottle | How To Make An Amazing Tornado In A Jar
  • How to Make a Simple Wind Vane | Fun Wind Activities Middle School
  • T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten
  • 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
Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable

Additionally, look at more facts about air pressure.

FACTS ABOUT METEOROLOGY AND AIR PRESSURE FOR KIDS

Look at these simple facts.

  • Air pressure can be high or low.
  • Low pressure can lead to clouds and storms
  • But high pressure is often associated with sunny skies and clear weather.
  • Air pressure decreases with altitude. That is why it’s hard to breathe at high altitudes because there is less oxygen.
  • Scientists use instruments like barometers to measure air pressure.

And look at these words to define.

  • pressure
  • atmosphere
  • molecules
  • vacuum
  • weather

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s a subscriber freebie.

GRAB THE FREE PRINTABLE BEFORE THE EXPERIMENT

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie now.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Finally, look at this fun experiment to learn about the power of air pressure.

AMAZING POTATO STRAW EXPERIMENT

In this activity, we’re going to explore how air pressure can create force and movement.

Look at this easy list to get the wow factor.

Gather all ages around, it really is that cool!

Supplies:

  • 1 raw potato
  • 1 paper straw (note we tried a flexible straw and used a jumbo smoothie straw for variables)
Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable

Directions:

Grab a raw potato and a paper straw.

Try to insert the straw into the potato.

Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable

Use the free printable to have your student write his observations and guesses.

Try again and hold a thumb over the end of the straw as you try to insert it. How is this possible?

Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable

Because of air pressure!

Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable

When a thumb is placed over the opening of the straw it traps air making the straw stronger.

Meteorology For Kids Made Fun: Amazing Potato Straw Experiment | Free Printable

This allows the straw to pierce into the raw potato without bending or breaking. Do it again!!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: air pressre, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, potato, science, straw, weather

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

December 14, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re learning how do mollusks breathe and making a fun snail craft.

Mollusks are one of the largest groups of animals.

For example, they include octopus, snails, clams, and squid.

And they are soft bodied creatures. Because they do not have a backbone, they are called invertebrates.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

In addition mollusks can be divided into 3 main groups.

They are Gastropoda (snails and slugs), Bivalvia (clams, oysters, and mussels), and Cephalopoda (octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish).

Gastropods make up the largest group of mollusks.

SNAIL BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at some of these books about snails.

We love to read living books when we can find them.

6 Books About Snails

Add some of these books to your home library or to your unit study for the day.

Image for Matisse's Magical Trail

Matisse's Magical Trail

A young snail's artistic trail inspires a whole class of children to be creative too!

Image for The snail's spell

The snail's spell

"Brilliant illustrations and a short text invite an unnamed sleeping, pajama-clad child into a garden teeming with wildlife. The boy gradually shrinks until he is so small he experiences things as a snail would. The incredibly detailed drawings and the idea of shrinking to enter another world should capture children's imaginations

Image for Escargot

Escargot

Escargot is an adorable French snail who only wants two things: 1) To be your favorite animal, and 2) To eat the delicious salad at the end of this book. Except this delicious salad has a carrot in it. And Escargot hates carrots. But when he finally tries one―with a little help from you!―he realizes that it’s not so bad after all.

Image for The Snail House

The Snail House

Here is the story Grandma tells one evening on her wide veranda steps. It has Michael and Hannah and the disappearing baby in it, a tigerish bird, raindrops like sacks of water, and the hugest apple you ever saw. Oh yes . . . and the Snail House. So gather round, climb up now into Grandma’s lap. Darkness is falling, the air is still, and the story is just about to begin.

Image for Snail in the woods (A Nature I can read book)

Snail in the woods (A Nature I can read book)

A snail's life from the time it is hatched to the time it lays its own eggs.

Image for The Biggest House in the World

The Biggest House in the World

A young snail dreams of having the biggest house—or shell—in the world. Then one day, his wise father tells him the story of another snail with the same dream. He grew and grew, adding bright colors and beautiful designs, until he found that his house came at a terrible cost. The young snail decides that a small, easy-to-carry shell might be best for a life of adventure and exploration.

Also, look at these facts about how do mollusks breathe.

HOW DO MOLLUSKS BREATHE

Most mollusks live in water. For instance, clams, oysters, and snails use gills.

However, land snails breathe through a lung-like organ called a “pallial cavity,” which works kind of like our lungs.

The majority of mollusks live in marine environments.

Additionally, two groups, the bivalves and the gastropods, contain freshwater species.

And only the gastropods have animals that live on land (snails and slugs).

For breathing, the gills or lung-like organ is located inside their bodies.

Water or air flows through an opening in their body called the mantle cavity.

So mollusks have different ways of breathing depending on where they live.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Look at more activities about mollusks.

MORE ACTIVITIES TO GO WITH HOW DO MOLLUSKS BREATHE

  • Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink
  • How do squid swim? 
  • Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl
  • Clam shell cookies. How fun!
  • Easy Paper Snail Craft | Rocking Snail Craft | Crafts for Kids
  • Peek-a-Boo Snail Craft for Kids
  • Blue-Ringed Octopus craft for kids

Finally, look at how to make this adorable pipe cleaner snail.

HOW TO MAKE A PIPE CLEANER SNAIL WITH KIDS

First, look at this short list of supplies.

  • Colorful pipe cleaners
  • Googly eyes
  • Craft glue
  • Round object (pen or marker or sharpie)

Step 1:

Select 3 pipe cleaners, 2 of the same color and 1 different color.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 2:

Take that one pipe cleaner and a round object such as a pen or a sharpie.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 3:

Coil the pipe cleaner around the round object firmly and evenly.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 4:

Coil the entire pipe cleaner.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 5:

Take out the coiled pipe cleaner carefully.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 6:

Now, place the 2 other pipe cleaners adjacent to each other.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 7:

Insert both pipe cleaners through the coil and draw out about 1.5” of their length from the other end of the coiled pipe cleaner.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 8:

Bend that 1.5” to 90 degrees.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 9:

Twist the longer sides of the pipe cleaners evenly.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 10:

Start by making a small coil at the open end of the longer end.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 11:

Continue to coil the twisted pipe cleaners.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 12:

Coil and bring them near the 90-degree bent part.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 13:

Bent the open ends of the 1.5” sides by a cm. Select 2 googly eyes.

How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft

Step 14:

Use craft glue to join the googly eyes to the bent parts. Allow the glue to dry.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, life science, mollusks, pipe cleaners, science, snails

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

December 13, 2024 | Leave a Comment
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Today we’re making kids easy origami fish. Also, look at more fun ideas on my page Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D.

Origami is the art of folding paper. It’s about using your creativity, imagination, and hands.

And with the most minimal of supplies, you can craft and create fun objects like frogs, boats, flowers, cranes and even jumping frogs.

It’s not clear of the exact origins of origami but it has a long history.

The Chinese invented paper but origami can be traced back to ancient Japan.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

For instance, it’s thought during the Edo period people of all ages enjoyed the art of paper folding.

Eventually paper became more affordable and was available to everyone.

Further, the Japanese word “origami” comes from two words: “ori” meaning fold, and “kami” meaning paper.

So origami became much more than a hobby, it’s part of Japanese culture.

BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books if you’re learning about ancient Japan.

We prefer to read living books when I can find them.

11 Books and Resources for Studying About Japan

You'll love these resources and books for studying about Japan. Add them to my Medieval Japan Unit Study or just fun for the day.

Image for Samurai: An Illustrated History

Samurai: An Illustrated History

This Japanese history book traces the story of a unique historical phenomenon: a period of 700 years--equivalent to the entire stretch of Western history between the reigns of the Crusader king Richard the Lionhearted and of Queen Victoria at the height of the British Empire--during which an enclosed civilization was dominated by a single warrior caste.

The historical narrative of samurai history is supported by explanations of samurai armor, weapons, fortifications, tactics, and customs, and illustrated with nearly 800 fascinating color photographs, maps, and sketches, including ancient scroll paintings and surviving suits of armor preserved for centuries in Japanese shrines.

Image for Samurai Arms, Armour & the Tactics of Warfare

Samurai Arms, Armour & the Tactics of Warfare

Part of the acclaimed Book of Samurai series, which presents for the first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ry samurai school of war, this volume offers an exceptional insight into the weaponry and armour of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for use on and off the battlefield.

Image for Life in Old Japan Coloring Book

Life in Old Japan Coloring Book

More than 40 handsome, ready-to-color illustrations depict samurai warriors, the imperial villa at Kyoto, a Shinto shrine, a tea ceremony, a Noh play, a typical city street, a restaurant, music makers, more. Introduction and detailed captions describe Japanese culture and provide detailed information on art, government, costume, and daily life.

Image for Japanese Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 Japanese Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages

Japanese Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 Japanese Words and Phrases for Creative & Visual Learners of All Ages

Learning a new language is a new way of meeting new people, opening doors in your professional career and attracting fresh opportunities when traveling around the world, as you may know. The great thing is - whether you want to learn Japanese to visit Japan’s precious historic landmarks, watch anime and movies or simply meet wonderful Japanese people - we’ve got you covered!

Image for All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids

All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids

A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place--and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, and learn some Japanese songs.

Image for The Inch-High Samurai

The Inch-High Samurai

The brave little boy who sailed to the Capital in a teacup and fought a demon with a needle to win the love of a Lady is a Japanese cousin to Tom Thumb.

Image for The Crane Girl

The Crane Girl

In this magical retelling of a Japanese folktale, a mysterious girl weaves silk to help repay the kindness of a boy and his father until the father's greed finally exposes her secret.

While gathering firewood, Yasuhiro comes upon an injured crane hidden in the snow. He rescues and comforts the bird, then watches as it flies away over the wintry hills.

The next night, a mysterious young girl arrives at Yasuhiro's home seeking shelter from the cold. The boy and his father welcome the girl, named Hiroko, to stay with them. When Hiroko notices that Yasuhiro's father is struggling to earn money, she offers to weave silk for him to sell. After the fabric fetches a good price, the boy's father becomes impatient for more silk, and his greed has a life-changing effect on them all.

Lyrical storytelling deftly interwoven with original haiku create a magical adaptation of a popular Japanese folktale--an inspirational story of friendship and the power of kindness to transform lives.

Image for Commodore Perry the Opening of Japan (Landmark Series, #56)

Commodore Perry the Opening of Japan (Landmark Series, #56)

For more than 200 years Japan had isolated herself from the world - now Commodore Perry, representing the US government had arrived on the shore of Japan. Perry's mission was to open a door into Japan so US ships might stop for fuel & water on their route to China.

Image for 3D Puzzle Wooden Craft Kits DIY Model Building Kit

3D Puzzle Wooden Craft Kits DIY Model Building Kit

This 3D wooden Puzzle is the oldest tower in Japan and one of the iconic buildings, ancient and elegant.

Image for Japan Tokyo Skyline Famous Architecture Model Block Set

Japan Tokyo Skyline Famous Architecture Model Block Set

The iconic landmark you love,Build this detailed Japan skyline model!Features an elaborate façade with Tokyo Tower,Tokyo SKYTREE, Mount Fuji,Sensoji Temple,Osaka Castle and more.

Image for Japanese Flower Pavilion Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree Bricks Kit

Japanese Flower Pavilion Cherry Blossom Bonsai Tree Bricks Kit

Japan Sakura Tree House Building Set consists of 1810pcs + mini-blocks. It includes detailed step-by-step color instructions, and exquisite details of various sizes and color componentsand.

Also, look at a few facts about Japan.

FACTS ABOUT JAPAN

  • Emperor Jimmu was the legendary first emperor of Japan.
  • Samurai were Japan’s warriors and followed the code of Bushido.
  • Traditional Japanese homes are called minka.
  • There are three writing systems. These three systems are called hiragana, katakana and kanji. Ancient Japan used mostly kanji which are symbols representing ideas.
  • Ninjas were secret spies and assassins who were skilled in stealth and trickery and hired mostly by hired mostly by daimyōs.
  • In ancient Japan, the people practiced Shinto. Shinto is one of the oldest religions in Japan.
  • Japanese medieval society was divided into classes.
  • The ancient tea ceremony was done with care and respect and is an ancient ceremony where they gathered to drink powdered green tea or match.
Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Next, add a few more hands-on Japan activities to your day.

MORE MEDIEVAL JAPAN ACTIVITIES

  • Perfect for Ancient Japan studies or modern times, this Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids is a great way to bond and learn at the same time.
  • Ancient Japan for Kids: Fun and Simple Handwriting Activity
  • How to make an origami crane
  • Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft
  • Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity.

Finally, look at how to make this fun origami fish.

HOW TO MAKE AN ORIGAMI FISH

First, look at this short list of easy supplies.

  • Colored craft papers
  • Pencil
  • A pair of scissors
  • Craft glue
  • Googly eyes

Step 1

Prepare a square paper (of any color of your choice). We’re using a 4” x 4” piece of orange paper.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 2:

Fold the paper in half, vertically and horizontally; and then unfold both.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 3:

Turn the paper to the other side.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 4:

Now, make diagonal half-folds along both sides. Unfold both folds.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 5:

Push the vertical and horizontal folds inwards and make mountain folds along the diagonal creases.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 6:

Flatten the paper along the creases. This is called a square base.

It has 2 open sides and 2 closed sides. Place it on a flat surface with its closed corner towards the top.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 7:

Fold in the right closed side along the middle crease.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 8:

Fold in the left closed side along the middle crease.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 9:

Turn the pattern to the other side and similarly, fold that side.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 10:

Open any one side/ flap (let’s start with the left side) of the current pattern.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 11:

Open the side from its top-open end.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 12:

Draw it to the opposite side (as far as it can be folded flat).

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 13:

Flatten in neatly.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 14:

Similarly, fold and flatten the right side.

These 2 are the fins of the origami fish.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 15:

Cut out a small square shape for the tail fin.

Fold the square shape in half to form a triangle.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 16:

Attach the triangle paper to the back end of the origami fish to complete the fish pattern.

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Step 17:

Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish

Attach a googly eye to the head part to complete the origami fish craft.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient Japan, art crafts, crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, Medieval Japan, origami

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