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35 Simple But Powerful US History Homeschool Curriculum Resources K to 12

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’ve rounded up 35+ simple, but powerful US history homeschool curriculum and resources for kindergarten to high school.

Whether you’re trying to fill a state requirement, or you want your child to have a well-rounded view of U.S. history, I know you’ll love these resources.

First, because I have homeschooled for over 20+ years, I have some great tips for you.

35 Simple But Powerful American History Homeschool Resources K to 12

Look at these 10 ways to teach U.S. history out of the box. Besides, not every kid responds to an all-in-one i.e. boxed curriculum.

US History Homeschool Curriculum Tips

How to Teach U.S. History Out of the Box

  1. Instead of trying to learn about all American History in one year, focus on one period through the eyes of a founding father or another historical colorful character. We did this when we examined the life of Wyatt Earp. Look at Free American History Lapbook – The Old West Through the Life of Wyatt Earp. This idea works for multiple ages because you can bring out much about the time period in American history and add fun hands-on activities too.
  2. In addition, when my first son reached high school, we learned about the FBI. It was a fun way to focus on learning about American government based on a topic he was interested in. So, take a topic or key event which piques your teen’s interest and build a study around it. Look at my FBI unit study.
  3. For older kids, study American history through original sources. Reading letters between friends and family helps to make what could be a boring time period in history come alive. Look at 7 Things to Try When a Homeschool History Curriculum Isn’t Coming Together (Hint: Try a Primary Source or Two).
  4. Learning through movies is another way to make learning any period in history an event to look forward to. Look at 7 Educational Movies for Kids About Westward Expansion.
  5. Another slant is for art lovers. Learn about history through art. Look at Art History for Kids.

5 More Ways to Teach U.S. History Out of the Box

  1. Also, learning U.S. history through lapbooks is a fun way to learn important events. Look at my Free 27 Week American History Study through Lapbooking In Chronological Order
  2. One more fun slant is to learn about historical costumes. Look at Bring History To Life With Historical Costumes: Fun, Fashion and Unforgettable
  3. An especially fun way to bring meaning to history is to use a living book as a spine. A living book is a term used by Charlotte Mason to mean a book written in a story form which engages a reader as opposed to a boring textbook. Use a living book as a spine or the main book and add activities based on the reading. Toward the bottom of the article, I listed some living books which could work as a history spine.
  4. Another engaging and fun way to learn about history is through cooking recipes from the different states. Kids of any age love learning what other kids’ eat and how they live. Look at my post make chili when doing a state study on Texas.
  5. This last slant is to learn U.S. history through creating a timeline. Whether you want to focus on events or people, a timeline is a great visual of American history. Look at my post How to Teach With an Easy DIY American History Timeline.

Resources K to 12 US History Homeschool Curriculum

Next, I’ve rounded up tons of resources to give you a variety of options.

For me every year was different when I taught American history. Some years we dived deeper, other years not so much.

There are a variety of resources below from audio to living books to lapbooks.

Also, the resources and books or literature are listed from easiest or for the youngest learner up to high school.

Of course, grade level is subjective. You’ll want to mix and match history resources to make learning American history meaningful.

Further, readers mature at different rates. What is sensitive to one family or reader you and I know will be different for another.

So be sure you check out the readers because where possible and best I can remember, I give you a heads up if something may be sensitive.

As always, you’re responsible for previewing resources beforehand. I know you will.

Kindergarten to Sixth Grade American History Resources

Beginning with kindergarten to sixth grade U.S. history resources, variety is key.

Especially for young kids like prek and kindergarten, reading aloud, coloring, creating crafts, and activities helps to lay a foundation for what is American history.

Do not forget that even older kids whose introduction to history has been boring could still benefit from activities, reading aloud, and games.

Look below for kindergarten to sixth grade American history resources roundup.

1. American History Dover Books for Coloring and Paper Crafts

Whether you have a younger or older child, Dover coloring pages have been a staple in our homeschool for years.

They’re not just ordinary coloring books, but coloring books that teach facts while having some creative fun.

Look at this United States Coloring Book.

Also, Dover has paper models for hands-on history. You don’t want to miss these fun ways to learn history.

Look at these Stand Up Presidents and White House Cut & Assemble.

2. American Kids in History Series

This next series is a fun slant on American history.

American Kids in History series is a series that just doesn’t use text but games, activities, and recipes to learn about Americans.

One or two of these books would make for a great mini unit study.

3. Early American History by Beautiful Feet

This next curriculum which I loved and used when my kids were younger and all the way through high school is by Beautiful Feet Literature.

The Early American History Jumbo Primary pack for first to third grade introduced my kids to American history makers through beautiful literature as opposed to a boring text book.

4. Stories of Great Americans For Little Americans

This next series Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans was written in 1895 at about a second grade level and reprinted and updated.

The illustrations are beautiful and little Americans are introduced to Boone, Washington, Franklin, and more. Also, Memoria Press reprinted it.

5. Magic Tree House Series

Another series The Magic Tree House has the Magic Tree House Books 21-24 Boxed Set which is American History.

The Magic Tree House series is a beloved set for teaching history for all time periods, but it has the American history set for the youngest readers.

This series aims for first to fourth grade.

History for Kids

6. The d’Aulaire Biographies

The first time I read one of the d’Aulaire historical books with my young kids, we were hooked.

Look at some of the titles to choose from.

7. American Story Series

Additionally, American Story is a beautiful series which has been around for a long time and for reason. The literature and illustrations are beautiful.

It is a secular approach to history, but not anything you can’t tweak one way or the other to your worldview.

You’ll love all the titles in the series. Here are a few below.

8. Who was? What was? Where is? Series

There is a reason this much loved Who was What was Where is series has close to 200 books. It was a hit when this series started.

Although it can be hard to find a grade level, this series is good for kids up to sixth grade. However, it aims for third to fifth grade.

But don’t let that stop you if you have kids a bit younger or older.

It’s a much loved series with so many topics and titles which makes it a great multiple age series of books to teach about important American history events and persons.

9. America First: One Hundred Stories From Our Own History by Lawton B. Evans

Then next America First: One Hundred Stories From Our Own History by Lawton B. Evans approaches history by using stories or the living history approach I love for all ages.

10. My America Series

This My America series is a fictional series aimed at elementary aged kids.

And My America series is a spinoff of the Dear America series and written in the same diary format.

From best I can remember there are approximately 20 books or so in the a series. Like the Dear America series, you have many choices of great books.

11. American Girl series

Also, what young girl doesn’t fall in love with Felicity, Kirsten, and Addy from the American Girl books.

I haven’t put my hands on the series in a while, but from best I remember the older versions of the books have a non-fiction section at the back.

There are period crafts and recipes you can add for each theme.

12. Childhood of Famous Americans Series

Then, Childhood of Famous Americans Series was also another life saver for me when the kids were young. It’s a biography series that was originally written in the 1940s.

The series has grown and expanded through the years and reprinted.

This was one of my kids’ favorite series because of the illustrations and short chapters for young readers.

13. History Pockets by Evan-Moor

This next resource, which is History Pockets is such a wonderful hands-on resource that I feel you can use it even for kids in middle school.

Each book comes with a theme. Themed activities such as maps, timelines, minibooks and character descriptions are created for the history pocket.

If your child is not ready to unleash his history creativity and wants something fun, but more laid out he’ll love the themed history pockets.

Again, some of the themes are for sixth grade, so I know older kids will love them too.

FOURTH GRADE HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

Middle and High School American History Resources

Moving to teaching middle and high school can be challenging unless you have the right resources.

Don’t be afraid to teach American history with resources you have at your finger tips. It’s easier than you think to create a credit worthy course. Look at my tips How to Create a Creditworthy American History Course (& resources)

Look at the resources which can be used for older kids.

14. Paradigm Accelerate Curriculum Worktexts

When I first looked at Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum, I wasn’t sure it would work for us. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it helped my kids to cover some topics we were lacking.

First, PAC booklets are a worktext. A worktext is different from a workbook.

Unlike a workbook, worktext does some teaching right in the workbook. Worktext are great for teaching kids to be independent. You don’t have to do all the teaching.

Usually, some background information along with activities are all built into the lesson plan. It’s like having the textbook and workbook in one spot.

The American History I, America’s Founding Fathers, Events, and Documents (Supplement), are aimed for about eighth grade and American History II is for high school.

15. Guest Hollow High School American History

Guest Hollow is a two year program for high school kids.

If your kids love learning history through literature and good books, they’ll love this program.

16. A History of US Book Series by Joy Hakim

The A History of US series is an usual series that we loved. It’s written in a story form to older students.

The series touts to be for fifth grade to eight grade. I’ve found that even older kids can benefit from the material.

17. Time Travel Adventure with Exceptional Americans Series by Rush Limbaugh

Next, who’d think Rush Limbaugh would have a series of history books, but he does.

What kid or adult (me) wouldn’t love to read about traveling back in time? Historical fiction is a way to also revive a love of history by talking about time travel through history.

The Rush Revere Time Travel Adventure with Exceptional American series is aimed for grades fourth to eighth, but again you know grade levels are subjective. There are five books for now in the series.

18. 19. Modern and Early American History by Beautiful Feet

Beautiful Feet which is one of my favorite homeschool curriculum for living history books and has packs for middle school and high school kids.

The packs can be used anywhere from an advanced 7th grader to high school.

The curriculum has a twist, it’s mixed. It has American history and world history studied together.

This makes sense if you’re trying to connect American history to the bigger picture of how it fits into world history.

20. Dear America series by Scholastic

The Dear America series is for girls. The books are written like diaries looking at events in American history.

Although the book touts for a younger reader closer to a 10 year old girl, I find a few of the elements in some of the books are more suited for an older reader like 14 or 15 years old.

One book mentions something mysterious about a wedding night implying a sexual nature which is not necessary for a young reader.

I mean I have found nothing explicit so far, but feel that innuendo could have been left out if this was for a younger reader.

More US History Homeschool Curriculum

So I am putting this series here more suited for a middle or high school girl.

Multiple Ages Resources And All-in-One

Next, there are many resources which can be used stand alone for teaching history, but there are also resources that make planning easy.

Multiple age resources and all-in-one curriculum are those types of helps.

There are advantages to using an all-in-one.

A few advantages of using laid out curriculum are

  • you have less planning;
  • some of them can be used for multiple ages;
  • sometimes plenty of background information is given which can lessen your prep work; and
  • if you need to track hours, it can be easier to do it with laid out curriculum.

Look at some of these resources below. Some are more scripted than others, but all of them are laid out easier than just using a book.

21. Home School in the Woods

This first one is Home School in The Woods because I loved having more ideas for hands-on history.

Like science, I feel history is better understood and appreciated when it’s hands-on or project based.

Sure it takes longer to do activities, but learning like this sticks.

22. Build Your Library Secular Based

Build Your Library is a secular literature approach to history.

You’ll have to purchase the books and the lesson plans are .pdf, but you can certainly combine kids with this unit study approach

.Also, if you’re trying to build a library this a great way to do it. Build your library is good if you’re trying to teach multiple children and want more of a general guide.

23. Notgrass History Christian Based

If you want a unabashedly Christian curriculum, then you’ll love Notgrass History.

Their history is told in a story form and you’ll love all the options for each grade.

24. U.S. History Secular Based By Blossom and Root

Blossom and Root has U.S. history for elementary and middle school kids. It is a complete secular history unit.

25. Memoria Press Uses a Classical Approach

Memoria Press has guides for first grade to high school and uses a classical approach to teaching U.S. history.

Using great books of the past they paired them with history guides to teach different topics of American history at each level.

26. Hillsdale Free U.S. History Courses

Hillsdale College offers free American history courses in the same

You’ll love the free courses on line.

Hillsdale offers courses from a faith-based approach. As stated on their website: “These free, not-for-credit courses are taught by Hillsdale College faculty and are patterned after the education offered on the Hillsdale College campus.”

27. Truthquest History Christian Based

Truthquest history is a literature-based curriculum which can be used for multiple ages.

Instead of having day to day lesson plans, you’re giving guides for each topic. Using real books, this history is more of a unit study approach. If you want to have a guide, but go down bunny trails this curriculum may work for you.

28. All American History Christian Based by Bright Ideas Press

All American History by Bright Ideas Press is a staple in the homeschool community.

From the site, it says American History is a complete year’s curriculum when combined with the Student Activity Book PDF and Teacher’s Guide. The first volume covers Exploration through 1840.

American History Spines

Living Books, Audio, Video, CD, Online Courses for American History Resources

Last, I’m sharing some other wonderful resources which helps kids with different learning styles and needs. Too, sometimes you need to mix and match as I talked about earlier.

35 Simple But Powerful American History Homeschool Resources K to 12

Too, I want you to understand what is a history spine because it’s a fun, but very practical way to teach a content subject like U.S. History.

A spine is a resource you use as your main reference to teach a subject. A spine refers to a backbone. So it’s a resource which can be a living book or reference book which is the backbone of your course of study.

A spine has many advantages and is different than an all-in-one in many ways.

5 Advantages Of Using a History Spine

  1. When you choose a history spine, you can narrow your focus. Instead of teaching all of American history in broad strokes, sometimes you need a few key events or people for a deeper study.
  2. In addition, you may want to move quicker on topics if your goal is broad strokes. A general history spine instead of day to day laborious lesson plans may fit your needs this year.
  3. A spine like a living book written in story format helps kids young kids to associate what could be abstract to concrete people and events.
  4. In addition, a history spine can be tweaked to fit exactly the needs of your kids, i.e. rabbit trails.
  5. There is no feeling of being behind when studying American history. You’re just at where you’re kids are at. Then you move on when you’re done.

With that being said, in this section, I have included

  • history living books;
  • audio books for those who want to listen and not so much read;
  • online free courses in video form;
  • and videos using public domain books.

Many years I preferred to use books that were classic and written pre politically correct.

History has the good, the bad, and the really ugly and I wanted to convey all those parts to my kids as I felt they could understand it.

I’d love to rewrite history in some places, but I can’t. So I explained to my kids how some people in the past and why some in the present may still feel one way.

Explaining point of views becomes important while using any history resource.

29. The Rainbow Book of American History by Earl Schenck Miers 

The Rainbow Book of American History was published in the 1950s and is a book you can use for a spine.

Remember that vocabulary and terminology are different for that time; keep that in mind if you use a classic book.

DIY American History Resources

30. America: The Last Best Hope

America: The Last Best Hope is another series loved by homeschoolers for a spine, but I haven’t used it. But you recognize the name William J. Bennett for his book The Book of Virtues which is a compilation of moral stories.

31. My America Story Book Audio Using Public Domain Books

Well-educated heart has audio of stories from pre-1924 books in the public domain. Your child can listen or read, It’s free.

32. Drive Thru History Adventure Video/DVD Series

This is a fun twist on history. It’s a 12 part video series on history by “visiting” places. Too, it’s offered in DVD form because not everyone has a great internet connection.

He has different time periods, but the American: Columbus to the Constitution is for American history and the whole family can watch and learn.

33. This Country of Ours by H. E. Marshall 

This Country of Ours is another timeless history keeper. We loved the story format of this book and this is one that you could use for multiple ages too. I feel it’s geared more toward elementary to middle school.

34. American History Stories by Mara Pratt

Again American History Stories by Mara Pratt is what I consider a living book approach to history.

It’s a story format and I would use it for younger kids.

I do think an older kid would benefit from it if they haven’t had a good introduction to history.

Big List of U.S. History Curriculum

35. Jim Hodges American History Audio

This next resource is such a fun one.

Whether you want some help for all the reading aloud you’ve been doing or your child learns better by listening and loves stories, you’ll love Jim Hodges Audio Books.

From Ten Girls from History to American History Stories and True Stories of Great Americans for Young Americans and the Modern U.S. History bundle, you’ll find tons of great resources.

More US History Homeschool Curriculum

36. Khan Academy Online Free Videos

When Khan Academy entered the homeschool world it was popular and have gained even more popularity through the years.

Although some teachers used Khan Academy as a stand alone curriculum a lot of homeschoolers supplement with it. Either way you have another option for your learners.

37. Crash Course Online Free Videos

Crash Courses are another favorite of homeschoolers. They too have been around for years with educational videos on many different subjects.

Crash Course has many different history topics you’ll love including the American history section.

This list is by no means the total list of all the resources I’ve been exposed to, but it’s a comprehensive list of homeschool favorites. Pssst! They work.

What US history homeschool curriculum do you like to use for teaching American history to your kids?

18 Amazing Kids Subscription Boxes to Try Right Now

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

A homeschool subscription box has a way of bringing learning to life.

There are several advantages to using subscription boxes in your homeschool, so let’s take a look at the benefits and the types you can choose.

One/Convenience
Subscription boxes are convenient because they are mailed right to your doorstep at a predictable time every month. Most everything you need for the lessons are included right in the box, other than some common household items you already have, depending on the type of box.

Two/ Hands-on learning
Most subscription boxes are designed to be very engaging and hands-on with experiments, projects, maps, and more. These get the kids excited and involved with the whole process of learning.

Three/Variety
Subscription boxes make it easy to include a variety of learning activities in your homeschool without all the fuss and muss of planning them on your own. You get a box, you do the activities, and then you can look forward to something different next month. That kind of learning variety can really perk up your homeschool when you’re in a slump.

Benefits of Educational Subscription Boxes

Did I mention that some of the boxes can be used like a unit study approach?

You know that the unit study approach works for relaxed homeschoolers, unschoolers, and child-led homeschoolers.

Also, subscription boxes are a great way to keep the kids learning while you’re sick or even if you need a break from teaching.

18 Amazing Subscription Boxes to Try RIGHT Now @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Here is a list of homeschooled kids’ favorite subscription boxes, divided by subject, and where possible I added ages that each company recommends for their subscription box.

STEM and SCIENCE Subscription Boxes

Amazon STEM boxes available in three age ranges (3-4 years, 5-7 years, and 8-13 years). I love these boxes. Right now we’re using them for preschool with Munchking and love the monthly boxes.

Hands-on activities with Subscription Boxes 1
Hands-on activities with Subscription Boxes 2

Science Expeditions from Little Passports (elementary). The Science Expeditions subscription is recommended for children 9+ years of age.

Academics in a Box (elementary to middle school) physics and chemistry projects a/k/a Groovy Lab in a Box. Stem learning and Groovy Lab in a Box is for children ages 8+.

Steve Spangler science (elementary to middle school). Great for ages 5 to 12 years old.

Mel Science (elementary to middle school) for practical chemistry experiments. Aimed at children ages 10 to 14 years old.

Tinker Crate crafts and STEM projects for middle school to high school. Ages 9 to 16+ years old.

Magic School Bus science club through (The Young Scientist Club) has 12 kits with the program and each kit has a 12 page colorful manual. For ages 5 to 12 years old with younger kids needing some supervision.

ToucanBox preschool crafts and activities. For ages 3 to 8 years old and encourages STEAM.

Geography Subscription Boxes

Little Passports, both World and United States geography. Recommended for ages 3 to 12 years old.

Top Secret Adventures Book Club from Highlights, world geography and critical thinking skills. Join Highlights Hidden Puzzle Club and Receive a Free Book and Tote with Your Order Today! From the site: Your child can explore the world, capture a villain, solve a mystery and still be home in time for dinner. For ages 7+. Visit a new country with every kit . Each kit is a kid’s world travel guide, puzzle challenge and detective game all rolled into one.

Secret Adventures? Book Club Top Secret Adventures? World Tour Set

Creativity and Crafts Subscription Boxes

Kiwi Crate crafts and activities for ages 0 to 16 years.

Look What You Can Make Craft Books 4-Book Set Vol. 1

Radish Kids crafts and activities for elementary. Teach weekly thematic cooking lessons that incorporate math, science, nutrition, geography, and culture. For ages 4 to 14 years old.

Green Kid Crafts for preschool through elementary. Different theme each month to emphasize STEAM. For ages 2 to 10 years old.

Booster Bricks from LEGO for preschool through elementary. From the site: Each one of our famous Challenge Boxes includes over 250 LEGO® pieces as well as at least 5 unique Build Challenges and LEGO® Story to bring it all together! We recommend our boxes for kids ages 4-12, but LEGO can be enjoyed by anyone 4 and up!

Foreign Language, Craftsman, and Arctic Subscription Boxes

Boss Club for entrepreneurial kids

Your Boss Club box comes with everything you need to start and launch a real business. From raw ingredients to advertising materials, this box has it all. You won’t believe how much fun starting a business can be!

Polar Pen Pal (elementary) to learn about the Arctic with crafts, videos, and more. Includes educational postcards, stickers, northern gifts, and access to online content including videos, printable activities, craft suggestions etc. For ages 5-12 years old.

TalkBox immersion foreign language for the whole family. Each talkbox has a theme.

CraftsmanCrate with tools and ideas for building.
From the site: You’ll get the tools you need to learn the skill and they’ll be tools you can keep using. You’ll get quality supplies that will let you produce a real project. Boxes are designed for ages 12 and up, due to the complexity of the tasks involved.

18 Amazing Subscription Boxes to Try RIGHT Now. Your kids will love these AWESOME and fun projects they get in the mail. Check them out at Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Kids love to get mail, right? They’ll look forward to getting a brand new subscription box in the mail every single month. Use that excitement and eagerness to your advantage while homeschooling to bring a spark to their learning.

You’ll love these other ways to keep the fun in learning:

As you can see, there are lots of great options to bring subscription box learning into your homeschool! If you want the benefits of convenience, variety, and hands-on learning in your homeschool, try one of these subscription boxes to get started!

Hugs and love ya,


Quick and Easy Ancient Chinese Paper making for Kids

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love this quick and easy ancient China paper making activity. Also, look at my post Free Ancient China Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History.

Did you know that the smooth white paper you write on everyday got its start in Ancient China right around 100 BC during the Han Dynasty?

Prior to the invention of paper as we know it there was papyrus and parchment  that people could write on, but it was expensive and very difficult to make.

In China expensive silk was also used but that was reserved for only the very wealthy.

That means that it was not readily available to everyone.

Did you know that the smooth white paper you write on everyday got its start in Ancient China? Your kids will love this quick and easy Ancient Chinese paper making activity. CLICK HERE to add this fun hands-on history project to your homeschool curriculum!

Its invention meant that people of all economic backgrounds could learn and write.

Because it absorbed ink, forgery was harder and it made carrying a book so much easier! Just a stack of paper sheets is much lighter than carrying a dozen hand chiseled tablets across town. Teachers had to be smart and strong!

Ancient China Paper Making

Plant fibers and rags were soaked in water until they became a pulpy mush then they were mashed and pressed onto screens in different sizes so that the water could drain off.

Once dry the paper was much lighter and easier to use than its heavier ancestor.

Since bamboo and other plant fibers are not as readily available to us as it was in 100 BC we are going to improvise with our own paper making and use supplies that we have on hand so that we can still get an idea of the paper making process.

Chinese Paper Making Activity

For this activity you will need:

  • newspaper
  • art paper or construction paper
  • water
  • Hardware screen/window screen
  • wood/frame
  • a blender
  • plastic tub
Ancient China Paper Making

You can buy paper making screens or you can make a simple one like we did here, by making a simple frame of wood scraps and stapling a square of hardware cloth to the back.

You could also do the same with a piece of window screen and the backside of a picture frame.

Tear your paper into smaller pieces, about 1” square.

Now we are going to hurry along our paper dissolving process by adding water and paper to a blender.

Ancient China Paper Making

Run the blender until you get a nice watery pulp, add water as needed to make sure it purees up well, you can’t have too much water as it will drip off. 

I used white drawing paper and one small piece of blue construction paper to get a very light blue shade.

In ancient China this process would have been done by a long soak of bark, hemp, bamboo, and other plant materials rather than a blender!

Ancient China Paper Making

Lay the frame in a tub large enough to hold it and pour the mixture from the blender onto the screen, flatten it out with your fingers so that it is as smooth as you can get it.

Chinese Paper Making Activity

The trick is to pour slowly and move it rather than pouring a giant pile in the center.

Ancient China Paper Making

Let most of the water drain off your screen until it is just a slow drip then carefully flip your screen to release the paper onto an absorbent surface, I used a sheet of craft felt for mine.

Ancient China Paper Making

Press a stack of several paper towels or napkins on top and press to absorb some of the water.

Place a block of wood on top and press or even stand on it to press it flat and squeeze more water out. Allow your paper to dry completely- it may take a day or two depending on how much water is left in your paper at this point as well as the humidity in your area.

Once your paper is completely dry you can trim it with scissors if you like to make it a more uniform shape. Still not flat enough?

Lay it under a couple of heavy books for a few days and it will be smooth and flat for your writing.

Ancient China Paper Making

Use a small paintbrush to paint a few basic Chinese characters as part of your studies.

Did you know that the smooth white paper you write on everyday got its start in Ancient China? Your kids will love this quick and easy Ancient Chinese paper making activity. CLICK HERE to add this fun hands-on history project to your homeschool curriculum!

Experiment with different types and colors of paper, brown paper bags make a nice parchment style paper, add a little color, and cut some into various shapes.

Ancient China Paper Making

More Ancient China Hands-on History Activities for Kids

Did you know that the smooth white paper you write on everyday got its start in Ancient China? Your kids will love this quick and easy Ancient Chinese paper making activity. CLICK HERE to add this fun hands-on history project to your homeschool curriculum!

Ancient China Paper Making Fun Facts

  • Paper making hasn’t changed much in all these years, basically the process is the same with new technologies and methods added in.
  • China tried to keep the art of paper making a secret but it eventually spread.
  • A Chinese government official, Ts’ ai  Lun, is credited with starting the paper making industry.
  • It was another 1000 years before paper making spread into other parts of Eurasia.
  • The original paper making was originally done with mainly hemp.
  • The oldest record of paper making that we have is dated 105 AD.
  • Combined with the invention of woodblock printing in 600 AD China was able to print its first newspaper in 740 AD.
  • How To Make Paper Look Old Craft With Kids
Ancient China Paper Making

You’ll love some of these other fun hands-on Ancient Civilization kids activities:

Hands-on Ancient Mesopotamia: Easy STEM Irrigation Activity

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, we’re doing a fun STEM irrigation in Ancient Mesopotamia activity.

The study of Mesopotamia is one of our middle school requirements

. I’ve been really surprised by how much fun we’ve been having studying about this time period.

I’m sure the STEM projects we have been including may have something to do with it! We have this next one ready which is an easy stem irrigation activity.

Ancient Mesopotamia STEM Irrigation Activity

With this project, kids learn how this ancient civilization invented a system to grow crops.

The most extraordinary thing about this is that we still use this system today.

Irrigation has been the main contributor in the development of agriculture.

If you are studying about erosion in science, this could also double as a great STEM project for science too. Hands-On Ancient Mesopotamia: STEM Irrigation System

About the Mesopotamians

In addition, Mesopotamia was a region situated along the Tigris-Euphrates River system located in Western Asia.

It’s where Kuwait, Iraq, sections of Saudi Arabia, the eastern sections of Syria, Southwestern Turkey, and parts of Turkish-Syrian and Iran-Iraq borders are today.

The name Mesopotamia means “between rivers.”

It’s said this was the center of culture and where the influence of agriculture began.

Agriculture changed the game for ancient people. Instead of hunting and gathering, tribes of people were beginning to settle down and form civilizations.

The Mesopotamians were the first to develop a written language and invented the wheel.

They also built ships to travel the Persian Gulf in order to trade with other civilizations.

In the center of their cities they constructed temples of the many gods they worshiped.

The anatomy of these structures would have involved thousands of workers and would have taken many years to construct.

More Ancient Mesopotamia Activities for Kids

Mesopotamia’s Engineering

In Southern Mesopotamia, the Sumerians built city walls and canals to prevent flooding.

The Tigris and Euphrates Rivers carried monstrous amounts of silt, resulting in fast rising rivers.

The irrigation system was of a basin type.

They would dig a hole in the embankment and then use mud to close it back up. Water was then lifted up using a swape, which is a pole acting as a lever.

Some of these canals may have been used for 1,000 years before they were left and others rebuilt.

Today, 3,000-4,000 years later, remains of the canals are still present.

To build your own Mesopotamia irrigation system you will need the following items:

  • a big baking pan
  • sand
  • cotton squares
  • water
  • pieces of wood/popsicle sticks
  • soil
  • green construction paper/green food coloring
  • sticks and leaves
  • monopoly houses
  • hot glue

Moreover, cover your table or do this outside. Have a trash can nearby, as this project tends to get messy.

Hands-On Ancient Mesopotamia: STEM Irrigation System

I was able to find many of these supplies around the house. The only thing I had to buy was a big bag of sand from Home Depot.

Mesopotamia Irrigation System

This is what makes this STEM project really affordable. Start by filling up one side of the baking pan with cotton squares.

This will help prevent your sand from eroding when you fill up the river with water.

The other side will be the river. Play around with the sand until it begins to look like a beach.

After you get the look you want, begin sectioning off where you want to place the fields of crops. This is where you’ll need the soil.

Also, plan out little sections to build homes or temples to represent the cities.

Additionally, you’ll love these super hands-on history resources from Home School in the Woods.

Hands-On Ancient Mesopotamia: STEM Irrigation System
Hands-On Ancient Mesopotamia: STEM Irrigation System
Hands-On Ancient Mesopotamia: STEM Irrigation System
Hands-On Ancient Mesopotamia: STEM Irrigation System
Hands-On Ancient Mesopotamia: STEM Irrigation System


Using green construction paper, or leaves, place your crops in the fields. You can dye some of your sand green to represent fields. Use the sticks and leaves to look like trees.

We used the hot glue gun to glue the leaves onto the sticks.

Move on now to build your canals.

Ancient Civilization Irrigation System

Begin digging trenches in between the fields with a ditch leading out towards your river. (You’ll fill in the river in just a bit!)

Now that your canals have been dug, you will need a gate to control how much water will be needed for your crops.

Furthermore, you can use popsicle sticks, pieces of wood, or sticks to build a gate to fit between the edges of your canal.

The gate will need to be able to open and close, and it will need to be water proof. We hot glued pieces of popsicle sticks together.

Once your gate is built, install it into your canal.

Pour water into your river with the gate shut. If the water leaks keep modifying your gate.

The river should not be released into the canals until the gate opens.

Begin digging trenches in between the fields with a ditch leading out towards your river. (You’ll fill in the river in just a bit!)

Now that your canals have been dug, you will need a gate to control how much water will be needed for your crops.

Use popsicle sticks, pieces of wood, or sticks to build a gate to fit between the edges of your canal.

The gate will need to be able to open and close, and it will need to be water proof. We hot glued pieces of popsicle sticks together.

Once your gate is built, install it into your canal. Pour water into your river with the gate shut. If the water leaks keep modifying your gate. The river should not be released into the canals until the gate opens.

Hands-on History for Kids

Next, search online for pictures of irrigation systems of Mesopotamia if you are stuck. I found an image to show my kids before I let them go.

They always surprise me with ways to build things that I never would have thought to do.

With this project, kids learn how this ancient civilization invented a system to grow crops. The most extraordinary thing about this is that we still use this system today! CLICK HERE to do this Ancient Mesopotamia Kids Hands-on History and STEM Irrigation Activity!

These ancient people were truly remarkable. I love being able to build small replicas of engineering systems so the kids can understand how they work.

Not only does it improve their comprehension of what is being read, it also improves their critical thinking as they try to build what they read!

You’ll love these other activities:

100 Easy Ways Kids Can Fight Boredom & Celebrate Childhood

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“I’m bored!” Two infamous words that make every parent cringe. It’s frustrating to hear our kids complain about having nothing to do. We immediately feel resentful and turn into our own parents hollering the phrases we swore we’d never say ourselves. How can you possibly be bored?! I’ll give you something to do!  Anybody else guilty of this?

I’ve rounded up 100 easy ways kids can fight boredom and celebrate childhood. We live in a world where our kids don’t know how to be bored. Having minimal activity is so underwhelming they just give up altogether. I’ve noticed this all or nothing attitude from my own kids and some days it makes me crazy. If our kids aren’t stimulated on a superpower level they don’t feel stimulated at all. Sigh…

Now more than ever our kids are having to learn how to be “bored”. For lack of a better word. As much as I want to throw some chores and school work their way when my kids complain about being bored, I’m trying to respond in a way that gets me the results I really want.

One thing that doesn’t work for me is getting an attitude. Believe me, I know. This is the tactic I’ve used a thousand times, but for some reason, it doesn’t help. Go figure?

They’ve also never willingly taken me up on my offer to have them do chores. Yeah, yeah. They get the point, but they also don’t find anything productive to do.100 Easy Ways Kids Can Fight Boredom & Celebrate Childhood. "I'm bored!" Two infamous words that make every parent cringe. It's frustrating to hear our kids complain about having nothing to do. We immediately feel resentful and turn into our own parents hollering the phrases we swore we'd never say ourselves. How can you possibly be bored?! I'll give you something to do! Anybody else guilty of this? CLICK HERE to grab these AWESOME 100 Easy Ways Kids Can Fight Boredom!

3 Simple Strategies for Responding to Bored Kids

Humor

“I’m bored.”

“I’m Mom. Nice to meet you.”

They hate it, but they always laugh.

Fantasy

I love responding this way to my youngest. It works every time!

“Wouldn’t it be awesome if we had an activities planner? Like a life coach that keeps us from ever being bored?”

He eats it up.

Time

It’s hard to admit, but when my kids are complaining about being bored, they often crave time with me.

They aren’t going to admit this. Especially older kids! But? It never fails. If I take a few minutes to give them my attention, listen to what’s on their mind, or even offer to watch a short show, it makes a big difference.

It’s not always easy to deal with bored kids, but the next time your kiddos are looking for something to do see what happens if you respond in a new way. And if all else fails, here’s a mega list of chore-free ideas to help give them some direction.

100 Easy and Fun Activities For Bored Homeschooled Kids

Read a book. Look at 5 BEST Books to Create an Around the World Unit Study (and Hands-on Activities)
Go outside.
Make homemade sun catchers.
Draw a self-portrait.
Write a letter to a loved one. Even a short card, most grandparents delight to get.

Learn morse code.
Ride your bike.
Invent an app.
Make a stop motion video.
Go for a walk. Check out this fun Above and Below a Pond Unit Study. Something about exploring in water that most kids of any age can’t resist.

You’ll have to check out these fun and quick file folder games too. Great boredom busters!

Plant a tree.
Go on a scavenger hunt. Check out Hands-On Middle School Math: Everyday Math Scavenger Hunt (Printable) and Geoscavenge – A Rock and Mineral Hunt: Day 6 Hands-on Learning.
Try bird watching.
Do 10 jumping jacks.
Make a friendship bracelet.

Learn how to play chess.
Bake a cake.
Freeze something weird.
Make a homemade cat condo out of cardboard.
Play a game with your brother.

Take the dog for a walk.
Make an indoor fort with pillows and blankets.
Listen to music.
Have a dance party.
Learn to write in Japanese.

Build a Viking Ship.
Do 10 push-ups.
Make slime.
Jump rope.
Record a funny video.

Be sure to check out Ellen McHenry’s Basement Workshop for lots of hands-on activities and free ones too.

The Basement Workshop Store

Make homemade ice-cream.
Sell old games and figures on eBay.
Paint a picture.
Make a birdfeeder.
Write a story.

Take your fingerprints.
Make a collage of all your favorite pictures.
Rearrange your bedroom.
Make rock candy.
Do 15 squats.

Play a board game.
Watch a movie.
Make a list of things you like about yourself.
Learn to play an instrument.
Do an easy hands-on history activity.

Create a vision board.
Try learning sign language.
Learn to crochet.
Do 5 yoga poses.
Go for a run around the block.

Make edible rocks.
Cook dinner for your family.
Collect garbage around the neighborhood.
Learn to crochet.
Do 20 sit-ups.
Destination Switzerland CASE OF ADVENTURE
Make a timeline of your life.
Find a service project.
Call a grandparent.
Play “I Spy”.
Collect leaves for crafts.

Use a metal detector in your backyard.
Do a handstand.
Look at leaves under a microscope.
Learn a foreign language.
Have a lemonade or hot cocoa stand.

Make a time capsule and bury it in the backyard.
Pack a bag of old toys to donate.
Make a message in a bottle.
Build a tent with bed sheets.
Make a costume. Check out my post Bring History To Life With Historical Costumes: Fun, Fashion and Unforgettable.

Art classes help too.

Interview a grandparent.
Do 24 lunges (12 on each leg).
Offer to help a neighbor.
Cook a dish from a different country.
Design an outfit.

Make a list of places you want to visit.
Start a journal.
Try origami.
Bake cookies.
Make a flip book.

Learn about the human body.
Take a personality quiz.
Do a science experiment.
Plank for one minute.
Go outside and take some pictures of nature.

Learn how to tie knots.
Write a list of countries you want to visit.
Make a family tree.
Create a sculpture with found objects.
Do 25 jumping jacks.

Create a product.
Research your dream job.
Make oobleck.
Bake bread.
Create a “dream” Amazon wish list.

Make mixed media flower art.
Do a backbend.
Collect canned good to donate to a food pantry.
Memorize the state capitals.
Make a diorama of a scene from your favorite book.

Even though it can be frustrating, sometimes I think our kids just genuinely don’t know what to do with themselves. In our fast-paced, technology-filled society, they are looking for that constant flow of information. I don’t have all the answers, but a fresh list of ideas is always helpful!100 Easy Ways Kids Can Fight Boredom & Celebrate Childhood. "I'm bored!" Two infamous words that make every parent cringe. It's frustrating to hear our kids complain about having nothing to do. We immediately feel resentful and turn into our own parents hollering the phrases we swore we'd never say ourselves. How can you possibly be bored?! I'll give you something to do! Anybody else guilty of this? CLICK HERE to grab these AWESOME 100 Easy Ways Kids Can Fight Boredom!

You’ll also love these other ideas:

How do you deal with bored kids?

Hugs and love ya,