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Hands-On Activities

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

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

When thinking of an idea for kindergarten sensory bin ideas I came up with a theme perfect to cap off summer while introducing kindergarten concepts. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

What do you think of when you think of summer?

For a preschooler headed to kindergarten they have probably spent their summer in the sand.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Or at the pool, splashing in sun shower puddles, kites, sidewalk chalk, and enjoying drippy popsicles.

So, popsicles it is.

This is a fun and inexpensive way to practice letter recognition and matching, not to mention the other wonderful benefits of sensory bins.

Sensory bins are also fabulous for toddlers through middle elementary kids to introduce and reinforce new themes.

Also, they encourage creative play, and sensory input.

They can also be used as a fun way to teach simple concepts like alphabet matching.

Kindergarten is a time of exploration and big learning leaps making it a great time to introduce or continue using bins for learning.

Add another level of learning to the sensory bin learning by adding in some ABC tiles, books, or flashcards.

Also, this is one of my favorite books for learning about the letters.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is one of my favorites for learning letters, bright and fun with singsong rhymes. Kids love it.

Image for Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Chicka Chicka Book, A)

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Chicka Chicka Book, A)

There is always enough room on your child’s bookshelf for this rollicking alphabet chant that has been a children’s favorite for over thirty years!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!

Besides my summer sensory bin, I have 10 more amazing kindergarten themed sensory bins to make your whole year of learning fun and memorable.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas

Whatever the theme you need to cover I can guarantee there is a creative sensory bin to go along with it.

  1. For another summer theme, learn How to Make a Watermelon Sensory Bin for Play and Learn to reinforce letter sounds and thematic concepts.
  2. Here, learn How to Dye Rice & Make Mini Sensory Bins
  3. Kids start with learning how to identify and spell out their own name first, making this Magnetic Letter Name Search Sensory Bin a great place to start.
  4. If you need something to do with all of those shells you brought home from the beach this summer, create a Seashell Alphabet Sensory Bin with them.
  5. These 4 Fun and Engaging Bat Activities include a neat bat sensory bin
  6. Make a Construction Site Sensory Bin to go along with not only a construction themed unit but for community helpers as well.
  7. Use the Farm Harvest Sensory Bin to teach your child about the seasons of planting and harvest.
  8. Make teaching numbers a snap with a Number Recognition Sensory Bin that you can easily develop into simple addition and subtraction problems for your cold to figure out.
  9. Is your kindergartener reading sight words already? Check out this Kindergarten Sight Words Sensory Bin.
  10. This Apple Pie Sensory Bin can go in so many theme directions- A is for Apple, farm, fall, or a cooking unit.
10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

  • How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up
  • Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities
  • 8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study
  • 10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin
  • How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks
  • 8 Stellaluna Kindergarten Activities | How To Make A Coffee Filter Bat Craft
  • First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards
  • Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  • T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten
  • Fun and Easy Tissue Paper Crafts for Kindergarten
  • Fun Kindergarten History Activities: How to Create Royal Peg Dolls
  • Enhance Your Language Arts Kindergarten Curriculum with Free Flip Books

Kindergarten Sensory Bin Resources

  • Sensory Bin
  • Letters
  • Numbers
  • Sensory Bin Tools
  • Kinetic Sand for Filler

How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

You will need:

  • Large shallow bin
  • Shred paper filler
  • Craft foam
  • Wooden craft sticks
  • Paint marker
  • Pompoms, pipe cleaners, etc…
  • Alpha tiles/letters
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

First, start by adding a base layer to your sensory bin.

A shredded paper from the dollar store is a great choice because it’s inexpensive, comes in a variety of colors, and is reusable for many applications.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

I also threw in some colorful pom poms to give it a little more splash of color.

Twist some pipe cleaners around your finger to make a fun little spring shape that adds more color, texture, and dimension to your bin.

And add some letter beads to continue with the ABC theme in our bin.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Cut out popsicle shapes, twice, you will need a front and back for every popsicle.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Run a line of hot glue along the top and sides of one half and then press the other piece onto the top and let it cool.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Now on the popsicle use a paint marker, sharpies run, to write either a lowercase or capital letter

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Finally, write the opposite letter (lowercase or uppercase) on a stick.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

Place “popsicles” in the sensory bin either together or separate with some buried to encourage your child to search through for matches.

You can also add in cups, scoops, tongs, spoons, etc. for your child to investigate the filler and learn about measuring and more.

I highly recommend capping off this activity with a real popsicle to enjoy.

10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin

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

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

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

Check out these 8 best summer unit studies for kindergarten. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum. And other ideas on my page Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

Too, I have a free ant study with tons of great resources and a step-by-step tutorial to create your own ant model.

With a quick trip to Dollar Tree, you can get everything you need to make this detailed and display worthy ant model.

All the while you teach your child all about ant anatomy.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

These tiny little powerhouses are fascinating.

Ants are one of the world’s strongest creatures in relation to its size.

One ant can carry up to 50 times its body weight.

They are classified as insects as they are invertebrates with jointed legs and hard outer coverings called exoskeletons.

They have three main body parts: a head, thorax, and abdomen.

And most adult insects have six legs and one or two pairs of wings, as well as antennae.

You will enjoy this ant study as much as your child.

And if you work in a few books, videos, and fun hands-on activities you have everything you need for a knowledge hungry kindergartener to learn all about ants.

Summer is full of beach trips, flowers, backyard birds, ice cream, gardening, and more.

This is a great time to dive deep into those topics with fun unique studies on each one.

Here are enough ideas to get you through the summer with a couple weeks free or to continue a longer study.

Books About Ants for Kids

First, look at these books about ants.

I prefer living books when I can find them, then like to add reference books so all ages can be included in your study.

9 Ant Books & Resources For Kids

Add some of these fun books about ants to your home library.

Image for Ant Cities (Lets Read and Find Out Books)

Ant Cities (Lets Read and Find Out Books)

Did you ever wonder where an ant goes when it disappears into an anthill? Underneath the hill, there are miles of tunnels and hundreds of rooms!

In this Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children (NSTA/CBC), Arthur Dorros uses simple, easy-to-understand words and colorful illustrations to guide early readers on the life of a harvester ant—and even shows readers how to build their own ant farms.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It's a Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are:

Image for The Life and Times of the Ant

The Life and Times of the Ant

Not mighty in size, but mighty in resourcefulness and industry, the ant has crawled the earth since prehistoric times. It has dwelt in rainforest tree trunks and acorns of oak trees, beneath logs, and under sidewalks. It has protected forests by capturing insects, cleared weeds away from acacia trees, and by growing gardens has released important nutrients into the soil. Seed lifters, dirt diggers, social beings, ants have the most advanced brain of all insects! So watch where you step, especially on a warm day: a small but mighty ant may be underfoot.

Image for Wonders of the Anthill

Wonders of the Anthill

Exactly as the title implies. A description of the daily routine of an ant's life cycle.

Image for Amazing Ants. A Kid's Book of Cool Facts and Pictures of Ants

Amazing Ants. A Kid's Book of Cool Facts and Pictures of Ants

Please note that this book is not for toddlers. It is better for children ages 8 and up.This engaging and informative book introduces kids to the world of ants.This fun book is packed with cool facts, illustrations, and pictures of ants.It's perfect for inspiring kids to learn more about these amazing creatures. Whether it's a science fair project, a report, or for pure enjoyment, this book is a great source of information for the ant enthusiast.

Image for Life Cycle of an Ant Set - Realistic Ant Development Stages

Life Cycle of an Ant Set - Realistic Ant Development Stages

  • Educational Journey: The Life Cycle of an Ant Set takes children on an enlightening journey from the tiny white eggs to the industrious adult ants. The set includes figurines depicting four stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult ant.
  • Realistic Representation: The set accurately mirrors the development stages and colors of ants, making it a powerful educational tool that blends learning and play.
Image for Ants for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Queens, Drones, and the Hidden World of Ants

Ants for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Queens, Drones, and the Hidden World of Ants

Ants are scurrying, social creatures with unique abilities to carry huge loads, work as a team, and fiercely protect their colony. This book gives you a microscopic look into the hidden world of ants, answering all your big questions about our small, hardworking neighbors. Learn fun facts about flat headed Turtle Ants, wide-eyed Gigantiops, and many more. Explore colorful photos and cool profiles on how big each ant is, what they eat, where they're found, and more!

Image for The City Under the Back Steps

The City Under the Back Steps

Down beneath the ground they are herded, to the city under the back steps and the complex world of the ant colony. Here where the haughty Queen rules with an iron hand, each of her subjects has a vital role to perform, and Jill and Craig are put to work. But no sooner had they become involved in the daily routine of the colony when an army of red ants sweeps down, threatening the destruction of the city and its
inhabitants, including Jill and Craig!

Evelyn Sibley Lampman's exciting fantasy, sure to ignite an interest in nature, accurately explores the fascinating hierarchy of the ant world.

Image for The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant)

The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant)

Avon the snail has never had an adventure. And adventure, he has heard, is the key to a happy life. So with his new friend Edward the ant, Avon sets out on a journey to find the excitement his life has been missing.This modern fable is filled with funny--and profound--insights about the meaning of things . . . great and small.

Image for Those Amazing Ants

Those Amazing Ants

A clear, simple text and full-color, richly detailed artwork journey inside an ant colony to provide a close-up look at the lives, behavior, and life cycle of this fascinating insect.

Too, if you’re planning your unit studies for the year, look at these 8 unit studies for kindergarten.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten

  1. Grab this idea for an ocean or shark unit to build language art skills-Shark and Oceans for Kindergarten Fun Sight Word Activity.
  2. Summer is the best time for a Kids Dandelion Flower Unit Study and Easy Tea Recipe & Notebooking Pages with the bright yellow flowers and puffs of seeds just about everywhere you look.
  3. Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam
  4. Get outside and enjoy a Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests as you observe feathered friends in your own yard.
  5. Free Homeschool Chicken Unit Study and Anatomy of an Egg Felt Activity & Worksheet
  6. Delicious, this Ice Cream Unit Study is a tasty way to learn about a summer time favorite with a wide variety of hands on ideas.
  7. Learn How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids, this is easily adaptable for all ages and makes a good family unit.
  8. This Free Butterfly Unit Study For Kids and Fun Sponge Stamping is full of great ideas.
8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

  • How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up
  • Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities
  • 8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study
  • 10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin
  • How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks
  • 8 Stellaluna Kindergarten Activities | How To Make A Coffee Filter Bat Craft
  • First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards
  • Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  • T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten
  • Fun and Easy Tissue Paper Crafts for Kindergarten
  • Fun Kindergarten History Activities: How to Create Royal Peg Dolls
  • Enhance Your Language Arts Kindergarten Curriculum with Free Flip Books

Pack up your picnic and let’s get into this amazing ant study with tasty treats, some great books, and videos.

Free Ant Unit Study

Look at these ideas for a fun unit study about ants.

Hands-on Ideas About Ants

  • Make Ants on a Log for a tasty themed snack your kid will love!
  • How To Make A Fun Ant Farm : Mason Jar Craft

Ant Math Learning Ideas

  • Use plastic ants for manipulatives to count, add, and subtract.
  • Check out these Busy Ants Clip Counting Cards for an activity that builds math and fine motor skills at the same time.

Science Learning Ideas

  • Today, you’ll be making a simple ant model. It is a wonderful hands-on way to teach your child about ants anatomy. You can use it to talk about the head, thorax, and abdomen, its 6 legs, and of course antennas and what they are used for.
  • Watch Learn All About Ants: Ant Facts For Kids to find out more about these tiny pests that crash picnics and pack a sting.
  • Use a glass jar and make an ant farm.
  • Learn all about the ants life cycle with this cute little set that lets them see firsthand (without the bites).
8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Also, write these ant parts down for your child to have them match to what is the function of the body part.

  • Eyes
  • Hairs
  • Antennae
  • Legs
  • Mandibles
  • Eyes sense motion.
  • Hairs to sense its environment.
  • Antennae helps to taste, smell and feel.
  • Legs clean the antennae.
  • Mandibles to grasp, cut and dig.

Language Arts Learning Ideas

  • Practice writing the word Ant with this fun worksheet.
  • Have your child explain what is a life cycle and learn the life cycle. For example, egg, larva, pupa and adult.
  • Too, explain there are many kind of ants. There are leafcutter ants which are like farmers, army ants which are hunters and dairying ants with are herders.

In addition, you can use these words to help your child appreciate what are ants and how they help our environment.

  • insects – air-breathing invertebrates with three body segments, two antennae, three pairs of legs, and normally two sets of wings
  • larvae – wingless, immature form of many insects before developing into pupae
  • invertebrate – lacking a backbone or spinal column
  • nectar – sweet liquid that flowering plants produce to attract insects and birds

Also read The Life and Times of the Ant and a silly book they’ll love The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant).

Additionally, if you want to include your older children with unit study or expand it for a very inquisitive learner, look at these other topics.

  • Illustrate an ant colony
  • Describe how they reproduce
  • Delve into learning how they produce ant colonies
  • How do they find and manage their food supply

How to Make a Simple Ant Model With Kids

You will need:

  • 3 small styrofoam balls
  • Black paint
  • 2 black beads
  • 3 Pipe cleaners
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

First, cut two pipe cleaners into 3 pieces each for the legs. Cut two more for antennae.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Paint three small styrofoam balls black all over and allow them to dry.

I did not have any black pipe cleaners on hand so rather than run out and buy them I just covered them in a coat of black paint all over them.

Allow them to dry alongside the styrofoam.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Once everything is completely dry you can begin assembling your ant.

Start by pressing the six legs into the thorax (center segment) of the ant.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Next press two black beads into either side of the next ball for a head to make the eyes and add two black pipe cleaner pieces to create antennae.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Finally use a hot glue gun to connect the three segments together, use care not to touch the hot end of the glue gun into the foam or it will melt it.

Bend the legs into shape.

8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, insects, kindergarten, life science, science, unit studies, unit study

Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities

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

Choosing a kindergarten health curriculum doesn’t have to be hard. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

The curriculum can be as simple as being intentional in talking about good nutrition, hygiene, and physical activity.

However, curriculum at this age is more about activities which promote healthy well-being.

And we want to teach that from an early age.

Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities

Things you do naturally, every day!

As parents these topics are important from an early age but as our children grow the expectations do as well.

We expect a bit more out of our kids and using at least a loosely structured curriculum can help with that.

I am giving you a list of ideas for physical activities for single children or groups.

These are great for co-ops.

I also have rounded up some fantastic kindergarten health curriculum that you can grab and get going with right away.

At this age it’s important to teach children about it from a young age.

Good hygiene habits can help protect children from illness and keep them healthy and happy.

Teaching children about good nutrition is also essential for their overall health and well-being.

A well-balanced diet provides the nutrients children need to grow and develop properly.

And it also helps to reduce their risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

You can encourage good nutrition by including them in the meal planning and cooking to make them more likely to try foods.

Children need plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and develop properly.

Here are some fun and engaging physical activities that are perfect for elementary kids along with their benefits.

Kindergarten Games to Promote Health

Tag. This classic game is easy to learn and can be played anywhere.

It promotes cardiovascular health, coordination, agility, and social interaction.

Variations such as freeze tag and team tag add excitement and challenge.

Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities

Four Square. Fast-paced game that is perfect for even a small group of kids.

It improves reflexes, agility, and hand-eye coordination.

Red Rover-Remember this team game from your childhood?

 It is sure to get kids running and laughing, it promotes teamwork, cooperation, and physical exertion. Calling all friends in the neighborhood!

Dance- What an expressive way to get kids moving every day. Dance can improve coordination, rhythm, and balance. Impromptu dance parties in the kitchen are a great idea! 

Of course, climbing all over playgrounds, playing basketball, riding bikes, and simple hula hoop contests make great physical activity as well.

Grab this Health Kit Freebie using one of my favorite series Llama Llama Home With Mama to learn more about good habits.

More Kindergarten Activities

  • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study
  • Rock Activities For Kindergarten And Fun Edible Rock Cycle
  • 19 Fun Hands-on Rainforest Activities for Kindergarten

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

  • Enhance Your Language Arts Kindergarten Curriculum with Free Flip Books
  • How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up
  • Best Kindergarten Health Curriculum Easy Ideas For Activities
  • 8 Best Summer Unit Studies For Kindergarten | Free Ant Study
  • 10 Kindergarten Sensory Bin Ideas | How To Make A Summer Sensory Bin
  • How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks
  • 8 Stellaluna Kindergarten Activities | How To Make A Coffee Filter Bat Craft
  • First Day Of Kindergarten Homeschool Ideas | Free Scavenger Hunt Cards
  • Math Made Easy: Engaging Addition For Kindergarten Dice Activities
  • T Is For Simple Fun Thunderstorm Activities For Kindergarten
  • Fun and Easy Tissue Paper Crafts for Kindergarten
  • Fun Kindergarten History Activities: How to Create Royal Peg Dolls

Next, add these 10 more ideas to your day.

10 More Easy Activities & Kindergarten Health Curriculum

Add one or two of these ideas to your homeschool day.

Image for Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Grade K

Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Grade K

Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids Grade K

Image for Horizons Health Kindergarten Set

Horizons Health Kindergarten Set

If you want a true open and go box health curriculum Horizons has been a standard for years and offers a Kindergarten option.

Image for Jump Rope Kids

Jump Rope Kids

One small piece of equipment that creates a simple way to get kids moving and improve their coordination. It also helps strengthen the heart, lungs, and muscles. Jumping rope can be done individually or in groups, and there are many different tricks and patterns to learn.

Image for 2-In-1Hopscotch & Bean Bag Toss,Combine Hopscotch Rings with Bean Bag Toss Game

2-In-1Hopscotch & Bean Bag Toss,Combine Hopscotch Rings with Bean Bag Toss Game

While it may be an old classic this game really helps kids develop balance and agility while it promotes spatial awareness and counting skills. Hopscotch can be played outdoors and indoors.

Image for Catch Tail Game Belt

Catch Tail Game Belt

Capture the Flag.  A team game that is both physically and mentally challenging. It requires strategy, teamwork, and physical fitness.

Image for Outdoor Games Combo Set for Kids

Outdoor Games Combo Set for Kids

Obstacle Course. A great way to get kids moving and working on their problem-solving skills. Obstacle courses can be created using a variety of materials, such as cones, hula hoops, and jump ropes.

Image for Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt

Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunt. Put together a scavenger hunt to get kids exploring and learning about their surroundings. Scavenger hunts can be tailored to specific themes or interests and can be played indoors or outdoors.

Image for Yogi Dice Kids Educational Yoga Dice Game

Yogi Dice Kids Educational Yoga Dice Game

Yoga. This is a relaxing method to help kids relax and improve their flexibility, Yoga poses can be easily adapted to different skill levels. Regular yoga practice can promote mindfulness and self-awareness.

Image for Music at Home

Music at Home

Music is also wonderful for emotional and cognitive development as well and should be considered to include as part of your child's health curriculum. 

The 15-Minute Music Lessons online course contains twenty lessons especially suited for elementary-aged students. Everything you need is included right in the course.

Image for Learning to Cook Healthy

Learning to Cook Healthy

If cooking is something you would like to start with your kindergartener, Kids Cook Real Food is a great site for lessons, and you can find curriculum maps that cover all the skills each age level will learn.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, health, kindergarten, life science

10 Easy Resources About The French And Indian War For Kids

September 27, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Try some of these 10 fun ideas for learning about the French and Indian war for kids instead of reaching for a dry textbook. Look at my page French and Indian War 1754 -1763.

We are going to embark on a journey through time to explore the French and Indian War.

It was a conflict that shook the foundations of North America from 1754 to 1763 prior to the Revolutionary War.

10 Easy Resources About The French And Indian War For Kids

We can do that with games, interesting books, facts, lapbooks, dioramas, and attention grabbing videos.

But first let me tell you a little bit more about the who, what, and why of it.

The French and Indian War was very important because it shifted the dynamic of power in North America.

It gave Britain control over a huge territory and removed French influence.

This in turn led to growing tensions between the British and the American colonies, which eventually led to the American Revolution.

The Native American people of the Algonquin, Lenape, Wyandot, Ojibwa, Ottawa, Shawnee, and the Mi’kmaq tribes sided with the French.

The Iroquois Confederacy, especially the Mohawk and Oneida, sided with the British.

 It all started with a small skirmish at Fort Duquesne in 1754.

Little did anyone know that this would escalate into a full-blown war between France and Great Britain.

Let’s take a little peek at the timeline.

TIMELINE OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR

1754- Tensions begin to simmer in the Ohio Valley. The French and British both claim ownership of the land, and neither side is willing to back down. The first shot is fired at Fort Duquesne, marking the beginning of the French and Indian War.

1755- The Battle of the Monongahela took place, and things didn’t go very well for the British. General Edward Braddock led his troops right into an ambush, and they suffered a brutal defeat.

1758- The tide begins to turn in favor of the British. They captured Fort Frontenac which was an important French stronghold on Lake Ontario.

1759- The pivotal moment of the war: the capture of Quebec City. This victory was a major blow to the French, and it pretty much sealed their fate.

1763- the Treaty of Paris was signed which officially ended the French and Indian War. Under the terms of the treaty, France had to give up a huge chunk of its land in North America to Britain.

10 Easy Resources About The French And Indian War For Kids

As you teach your child about this important history, a way to make sure that everything sticks is by utilizing resources that appeal to their learning styles and are just plain fun for their hands and minds.

MORE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR CRAFTS FOR KIDS

  • 15 Hands-on History Ideas for Kids Studying the French and Indian War
  • Free Fun Lapbook for Kids About the French And Indian War Years
  • Amazing Iroquois Confederacy: A Look at the First Democracy in North America
  • Free Iroquois Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study for Kids

Finally, at this roundup of activities about the French and Indian War.

10 Easy Resources About The French And Indian War

One of these 10 amazing and easy resources are sure to be just what you need to give a fun hands-on aspect to your study on the French and Indian War for kids!

Image for French and Indian War 1754 -1763

French and Indian War 1754 -1763

The French and Indian War was part of wider conflict between the European Powers.

It was called the Seven Years War and began in North American and spread to Europe.

Image for - YouTube
Photo Credit: www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Watch this quick video of the French and Indian War on Youtube together to learn more about the causes, people, and outcome.

Image for The Matchlock Gun

The Matchlock Gun

In 1756, New York State was still a British colony, and the French and the Indians were constant threats to Edward and his family. When his father was called away to watch for a raid from the north, only Edward was left to protect Mama and little Trudy. His father had shown him how to use the huge matchlock gun, an old Spanish gun that was twice as long as he was, but would Edward be able to handle it if trouble actually came? This classic, first published in 1941, has an updated, kid-friendly format that includes the original black-and-white illustrations.

Image for The French and Indian War American History for Kids: Prelude to Revolution

The French and Indian War American History for Kids: Prelude to Revolution

The French and Indian War was, like, a major deal in American history, and it’s the backdrop for this totally lit short story made just for young readers. This book takes kids on a wild ride through the tricky stuff of early American government, all wrapped up in a cool narrative that really captures the vibe of that chaotic time.So, imagine this: it’s the mid-1700s, and the British and French armies, plus their Native American homies, are totally going at it over land and resources in North America. Readers are gonna meet some brave characters who deal with the craziness of war, showing off some mad courage, teamwork, and why it’s important to see things from different angles. As kids dive into the action, they’ll learn about major battles, alliances, and how this war shaped America forever, no cap.Every chapter is like, crafted not just to tell a story but also to drop some serious knowledge

Image for Revolutionary War British Army Designe

Revolutionary War British Army Designe

You could also add in these British Soldier figures to create a diorama and in a pitch could use the only Native American tribe they carry, the Powhatan.

Image for Hoecakes: a Revolutionary War Recipe
Photo Credit: mybeautifulmess.net

Hoecakes: a Revolutionary War Recipe

Hoe cakes were described as George Washington’s favorite breakfast in which he ate them slathered in “butter and honey.” Over the next century, hoecakes eventually became a dish of regional pride and a staple on the Southern colonial table.

Image for Bayonets & Tomahawks: The French and Indian War

Bayonets & Tomahawks: The French and Indian War

  • Bayonets & Tomahawks is a two-player grand strategic game depicting the French & Indian War, which raged from 1755 to 1760 and in which France's North American empire was conquered.
  • Take command of either the French or British to fight all facets of the conflict: army maneuvering, diplomacy with indigenous nations, raids, battles, construction, naval operations, sieges, and more.
  • With scenarios varying from a single year to the whole war, as well as rules for team play, Bayonets & Tomahawks is perfect for new and experienced wargamers alike.
Image for French and Indian War Unboxed (U.S. History)
Photo Credit: www.historyunboxed.com

French and Indian War Unboxed (U.S. History)

History Unboxed is a cool subscription box (or a la carte) that contains supplies for three different activities to match the period as well as information cards.  They even have one for the French and Indian War that includes beeswax candle making, a flageolet, and supplies for a Native American Game.

Image for Free Homeschool History Cards - French and Indian War

Free Homeschool History Cards - French and Indian War

Use these Free Homeschool History Cards – French and Indian War cards to practice facts and important dates surrounding this period of history.

Image for Simple and Fun Spy Activities Your Child Will Love
Photo Credit: theresjustonemommy.com

Simple and Fun Spy Activities Your Child Will Love

Both the British and French heavily used Native American tribes to gather intelligence; their knowledge of the terrain and enemy movement was very helpful to their cause. Employ some of their tricks with Kids Spy Activities: Invisible Ink & Secret Code.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: French and Indian War, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

September 26, 2024 | 2 Comments
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We did a fun Arctic Region Salt Dough Map to learn about the Arctic region. Also, look at my pages Arctic Region and Arctic and Inuit Unit Study Free Lapbook & Hands-On Ideas for more fun.

The Arctic Ocean is about 5.5 million square miles of water and sea ice floats on top of the ocean.

Sea ice or the polar ice cap covers most of the ocean and some of the ice is perennial meaning it is frozen year around.

The Arctic is surrounded by land in Greenland, Canada, Russia and parts of these countries as well as part of Alaska is in the Arctic Circle.

So, I thought making a salt dough map would be the perfect way to show the geography of the land and polar ice cap.

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

Salt dough maps are not only appealing to all ages, but they are just plain fun to do.

We had a bit of controversy in our house before we started this because the Arctic region covers land and the polar ice cap.

According to my boys the polar ice cap is like “frozen land” that is moving. So they wanted to be sure it showed up that way on the map.

They decided to give it “texture and form” by using the dough to show that portion.

BOOKS ABOUT THE ARCTIC FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books about the Arctic.

I prefer living books when I can find them.

12 Arctic Books about People & Animals of the Arctic

Studying about the region of the Arctic is a fascinating topic. Grab some of these books about life in the Arctic and animals of the Arctic.

Image for The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder

How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered inside this exploration of the science of snow, featuring photos of real snow crystals in all their beautiful diversity. Perfect for reading on winter days, this book by a nature photographer and a snow scientist will inspire wonder and curiosity about the marvels of snow. Snowflake-catching instructions are also included for aspiring young snow scientists!

Image for In Arctic Waters

In Arctic Waters

This arctic adaptation of “This is the House that Jack Built” follows polar bears, walruses, seals, narwhals and beluga whales as they chase each other around “the ice that floats in the Arctic waters.” Not only is the rhythmic, cumulative prose good for early readers; it is a pure delight to read aloud. The “For Creative Minds” section helps children learn how these animals live in the cold, icy arctic region.

Image for Arctic Fox: Fascinating Animal Facts for Kids (This Incredible Planet)

Arctic Fox: Fascinating Animal Facts for Kids (This Incredible Planet)

Fascinating Animal Facts Arctic Fox Learn all about the amazing and adaptable Arctic fox. This small yet hardy creature survives in the harshest of environments!

This Incredible Planet series provides young readers with interesting information about the Earth’s most fascinating creatures.

Beautiful color photography makes each animal come to life. Learn about the Arctic fox’s habitat, diet, breeding, lifespan, behavior, threats, and so much more!

Image for Over and Under the Snow

Over and Under the Snow

A wonderful winter book for kids from the author and illustrator of the beloved Over and Under series, now in paperback! Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, this volume takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.

Image for Animals in Winter (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Animals in Winter (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Read and find out about how animals cope with winter in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

Have you ever seen a butterfly in the snow? Probably not. Butterflies can't survive cold weather, so when winter comes, many butterflies fly to warmer places. They migrate. Woodchucks don't like cold weather either, but they don't migrate; they hibernate. Woodchucks sleep in their dens all winter long. How do these and other animals handle the cold and snow of winter?

Read and find out in the proven winner Animals in Winter!

This is a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades.

Image for The Inuit Thought of It: Amazing Arctic Innovations (We Thought of It)

The Inuit Thought of It: Amazing Arctic Innovations (We Thought of It)

Today’s Arctic communities have all the comforts of modern living. Yet the Inuit survived in this harsh landscape for hundreds of years with nothing but the land and their own ingenuity. Join authors Alootook Ipellie and David MacDonald as they explore the amazing innovations of traditional Inuit and how their ideas continue to echo around the world. Some inventions are still familiar to us: the one-person watercraft known as a kayak still retains its Inuit name. Other innovations have been replaced by modern technology: slitted snow goggles protected Inuit eyes long before sunglasses arrived on the scene. Andother ideas were surprisingly inspired: using human-shaped stone stacks (Inunnguat) to trick and trap caribou. Many more Inuit innovations are explored here, including: • Dog sleds • Shelter • Clothing • Kids’ stuff • Food preservation • Medicine. In all, more than 40 Inuit items and ideas are showcased through dramatic photos and captivating language. From how these objects were made, to their impact on contemporary culture, The Inuit Thought of It is a remarkable catalogue of Inuit invention.

Image for Mini Arctic Animals Figurines Set, Polar Animals Toy for Kids Plastic Arctic Reindeer,Walrus,White Whale,Polar Bear,Arctic Fox,Wolf Figures,

Mini Arctic Animals Figurines Set, Polar Animals Toy for Kids Plastic Arctic Reindeer,Walrus,White Whale,Polar Bear,Arctic Fox,Wolf Figures,

Tiny Animals Figures Party: 18 PCS Package include orca, walrus, white owl, reindeer, husky, 2pcs seal, 2pcs beluga whale, 2pcs arctic wolf, 2pcs arctic fox, 2pcs arctic rabbit, 2pcs polar bear figurines and igloo model.

Image for Who are the Eskimos? Arctic People's Traditional Way of Life

Who are the Eskimos? Arctic People's Traditional Way of Life

Who Are The Eskimos is perfect for early to middle elementary students and makes a great addition to your library.

Image for North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration

North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration

“A treat for middle-graders of an ecological bent.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) At the top of our world is a huge wild place called the Arctic. In the winter, it is a cold and barren land, where few animals can survive. But when spring comes, it attracts animals from every corner of the earth. This lushly illustrated picture book celebrates the resilient wildlife and barren, beautiful landscapes of the Arctic Circle, tracing the awe-inspiring spring migration of millions of creatures to the Arctic and reminding the reader of the hardships and harmony of life in the wild.Back matter includes additional information about the arctic, a glossary, and an index.

Image for Arctic White

Arctic White

When you live in the Arctic in winter, everything is a shade of white. A young girl looks around her home in the Arctic and sees only white, white, white...but one day her grandfather takes her on a journey through the tundra.  And at the end of their cold walk across the ice, they find something special that brings color into their world.

Image for Farthest North: The Incredible Three-Year Voyage to the Frozen Latitudes of the North (Modern Library Exploration)

Farthest North: The Incredible Three-Year Voyage to the Frozen Latitudes of the North (Modern Library Exploration)

In 1893, Fridjtof Nansen set sail in the Fram, a ship specially designed and built to be frozen into the polar ice cap, withstand its crushing pressures, and travel with the sea’s drift closer to the North Pole than anyone had ever gone before. Experts said such a ship couldn't be built and that the voyage was tantamount to suicide.  This brilliant first-person account, originally published in 1897, marks the beginning of the modern age of exploration. Nansen vividly describes the dangerous voyage and his 15-month-long dash to the North Pole by sledge. Farthest North is an unforgettable tale and a must-read for any armchair explorer.

Image for This Place Is Cold: An Imagine Living Here book

This Place Is Cold: An Imagine Living Here book

Can you imaging living in a place where it's so cold your breath turns instantly into tiny ice crystals that glitter in the sun? Where temperatures can drop fifty degrees below zero and even lower and the sun only comes out for a few hours per day? In This Place Is Cold readers will learn how people and animals survive in Alaska's ferocious cold, and how because of global warming this region is now in trouble. Vicki Cobb and Barbara Lavallee travelled the world together to research this groundbreaking geography series, that is now updated and redesigned to appeal to today's readers.

This is unique for us because unless we study the Antarctic, it probably will be our only salt dough map that looks like this meaning a portion is white.

So many other parts of the world have defined land, water and land forms masses that are blue for water, green for land and brown for mountains.

Having the white portion on the map representing the polar cap is unique.

Dye is optional if you don’t want to paint but we chose to paint ours this time.

Tiny grabbed some blue glitter thinking that it might work good on the blue or water part of the map.

EASY SALT DOUGH RECIPE

  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 cups salt
  • 2 Tablespoon cream of tartar
  • 1 piece of cardboard.. For example, lid from a used box or pizza box lid (clean as possible)
  • acrylic paint
  • pencil and black sharpie
  • tape to hold your map down
  • Optional blue sprinkles, dye
  • The map we used as a template is here by Atlas on the Arctic.

I don’t have pictured the acrylic paint we decided to use later instead of the dye.

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

I printed the map on 3 pages because we used a pizza size cardboard lid and too, we didn’t want our map too big.

If we were focusing on one country, we probably would have made it a bit bigger.

Since this is the top of the world, we wanted it to keep it with an aerial view.

Tape the map lightly to your box to hold it in place.

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

Trace over the map outline with a pencil to make a faint outline.

You’re just trying to get a pattern to follow.

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

Too, color the entire back side of your map which is a nifty tip and then the faint outline is more noticeable.

Also, if your template is big enough, at times, I have just glued the template straight onto the box.

If it is a simple outline you can just try free hand.  In my earlier days, I used traced paper too. But this way is easy enough and we like it.

Then come back with a black marker to trace over your pencil outline.

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

We went ahead and made our dough because Tiny couldn’t wait a minute longer to get his hands into it. 

I do like to add in the cream of tartar because I think it makes the salt dough smoother, soft and creamier.

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

It also kept and didn’t get dry while we painted.

So we painted the water and it doesn’t take too long for it to dry.

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

Also, on these kinds of maps you can lightly spray paint. As long you spray pay lightly you can still see your outline.

Slowly, they formed the land and the frozen polar ice cap.

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

Then what is it about making this salt dough map that makes every kid bring out all the tools they have from their play-doh making days?

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

We let our map dry for a day or two. I have read where you can put in the oven also to get it hard but you have to watch it. And bake it on low.

We weren’t in a hurry, so we just let it dry for a while after they painted it.

Important: Don’t forget to put holes in the dough where you want to put your map flags or animal tooth picks before it dries completely.

It is hard to place them after it dries completely.

We added one more country after it dried and you can use an ice pick and tap LIGHTLY so it doesn’t crack.

Kind of twist it and tap lightly and we got it in without breaking the land.

The boys wanted to make their own flag for the North Pole so they added that before it dried.

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

I created some flags so that we could locate these countries and areas.

Next, we placed all the flags after we read about the area again.

Ta da, all done and tons of fun.

There is no better way to study geography. Okay, I can think of a few more ways but they all have to be fun.

I have a little something for you too. I have made these flags on the Arctic.

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

Also, I have flags that just have animals on it for the younger sweeties.

You know most young kids equate countries or lands with where an animal lives.

Land of the polar bear and land of the seals equals the Arctic.

As they grow older, they know the countries, etc. So I created a set of map flags.

One page has the countries or regions, one is blank if you want to write them in yourself and one page has flags with the animals, igloo and the Saami, etc

Use the page with flag markers that are blank to write in your own animals or points of interests.

HOW TO GET THE FREE ARCTIC PRINTABLE MAP FLAGS

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

Arctic Region Salt Dough Map and Free Map Flag Printables

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

1) Sign up on my email list.

2) Grab the freebie now.

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

2 CommentsFiled Under: Geography, Geography Based, Hands-On Activities, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas}, Science Based Tagged With: salt dough map

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