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4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

November 5, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free 4-week Shakespeare unit study for kids. Look at these other Best Homeschool Unit Studies and my Fun Renaissance Unit Study Ideas for Kids and Lapbook Renaissance for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

Although there is debate about Shakespeare’s exact date of birth, we do know he was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, a town in a farming area.

His mother, Mary, was the daughter of a local farmer. His father, John, was a glove-maker and wool trader with a large family house.

4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

And Shakespeare lived during a remarkable period of English history.

The life of William Shakespeare is surrounded in mystery due to the lack of records from that time.

Elizabeth I became the Queen of England in 1558.

During her 45-year reign, London became a cultural center where learning and literature thrived.

Also, I share a few of the ideas we did at our co-op. There are just some activities that are way more to do with a group.

Especially if you have a tough subject to teach, gather families together and use the creative brain of those families in your group.

BOOKS ABOUT SHAKESPEARE

Next, add a few of these books that will get you started on your unit study.

And where possible, I prefer living books over textbooks to teach with.

6 Books About Shakespeare For Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Add one or two of these books to your unit study or learning day.

A Child's Portrait of Shakespeare (Shakespeare Can Be Fun series)

Who is William Shakespeare?" For more than 20 years, Lois Burdett has asked that question of her elementary school students in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, leading them on a voyage of discovery that brings the Bard to life for boys and girls ages seven and up.

A Child's Portrait of Shakespeare, written in rhyming couplets is suitable for staging as class plays as well as reading aloud.

Tales from Shakespeare (Wordsworth Children's Classics)

Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb was written to be an 'introduction to the study of Shakespeare', but are much more entertaining than that. All of Shakespeare's best-loved plays, comic and tragic, are retold in a clear and robust style, and their literary quality has made them popular and sought-after ever since their first publication in 1807.

This edition contains the delightful pen-and-ink drawings of Arthur Rackham.

Favorite Tales from Shakespeare

Retellings of the exciting stories of Macbeth, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and Hamlet are augmented by full-color illustrations

Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare

Nobody knows exactly when or why William Shakespeare left his boyhood home of Stratford-on-Avon for the great city of London, but it didn't take long for him to make a name for himself. His plays are now performed almost every day in just about every part of the world; even people who've never seen them use words and phrases he introduced into the English language.

How did a man from an unremarkable family create a legacy that the world, even 400 years after his death, has never forgotten? There will always be unsolved mysteries about Shakespeare, but what we do know of his life, his times, and his theater makes for a very dramatic story.

How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare

Ken Ludwig devised his friendly, easy-to-master methods while teaching his own children. Beginning with memorizing short passages from the plays, his technique then instills children with cultural references they will utilize for years to come. Ludwig’s approach includes understanding of the time period and implications of Shakespeare’s diction as well as the invaluable lessons behind his words and stories. Colorfully incorporating the history of Shakespearean theater and society, How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare guides readers on an informed and adventurous journey through the world in which the Bard wrote.

Romeo and Juliet

Joining Bruce Coville's earlier prose adaptations of Shakespeare's plays is this picture book treatment of the Bard's most popular work ever. The tender story of the young star-crossed lovers from warring families, Romeo and Juliet has moved audiences to tears for four hundred years. And Coville tells it in a way that will surely whet the appetite of young audiences, who will then find even greater enjoyment in the original. As with his earlier adaptations, Coville expertly combines his own dramatic language with key lines from the play. Dennis Nolan, who illustrated Coville's version of A Midsummer Night's Dream, contributes stunning paintings, including a gatefold of the famous balcony scene. In addition to A Midsummer Night's Dream, which Publishers Weekly called "A first rate entree to the Bard," Coville also retold The Tempest and Macbeth. Of the latter, School Library Journal said, "Coville's muscular sentences, full of dramatic word choices, make this a good read-aloud." Both Macbeth and A Midsummer Night's Dream were honored as ALA Quick Picks for Young Adults.

Next, look at some of these fun ways to incorporate history and geography into your Shakespeare unit study.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY SHAKESPEARE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

Queen Elizabeth I ruled from 1558, until her death on March 24, 1603, marking the Elizabethan era.

She was the daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

Queen Elizabeth also recognized the importance of the arts to the life and legacy of her nation.

She was fond of the theater, and England’s greatest playwrights.

  • Salt Dough Map of England gets your kids involved hands-on.
  • The Globe Theatre, built in 1599. Make your own globe theater stage
  • Learn about the fashion of the Elizabethan period. Fabrics like velvet, silk and brocade. The wealthy wore extravagant clothing. A ruff is a collar that is large and comes around the neck.How to make a paper maché Elizabethan ruff
  • Make a Tudor Rose and learn what is symbolized. Takes its name and origins from the House of Tudor, which united the House of Lancaster and the House of York. The Tudor rose consists of five white inner petals, representing the House of York, and five red outer petals to represent the House of Lancaster.
  • Research the contributions of England’s maiden queen then create a 3-D portrait.
  • This was the Age of Exploration. Research Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake. Look at how to make a Sir Francis Drake Ship.
  • Another fun twist on geography is to make a map of places where Shakespeare’s plays take place. For example, Macbeth took place in Scotland and some in England, Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona, Italy and A Midsummer Night’s Dream took place in Athens.

NATURE & SCIENCE SHAKESPEARE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Also, study a list of plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.

For example, learn about roses.

4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

A rose symbolizes love and beauty.

And think about the line “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” from the play Romeo and Juliet.

Here are some more examples and research about what they mean.

  • Hamlet – Holly, Violet, Daisy, Fennel, Willow, Cypress
  • The Winter’s Tale – Marigold, Mint
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Pansy, Cowslip
  • Romeo and Juliet – Rose, Briar, Basil
  • Make a homemade candle
  • Plant a mini herb garden planting thyme, rosemary and lavender as used during the Elizabethan period.
  • The clothes had to be dyed as well as using berries for ink. Look at this post for how to dye fabric from berries and vegetables and How to Make a Quill and Berry Ink.

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS SHAKESPEARE UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

Additionally, here are some fun ways to add a bit of math and language arts to your unit study.

Besides the obvious idea of focusing on a couple of Shakespeare’s plays, look at more ideas to flesh out your study.

  • Talk about the 3 ways of telling time during Shakespeare’s time. Hourglass, sundial, and clocks. Look at this article which has interesting facts about time and how inaccurate clocks were then.
  • Take a twist on math and learn about the structure of a Shakespearean sonnet which is 14 lines and research about iambic pentameter.
  • Too, look at my post How To Teach Your Homeschooled Children Shakespeare
  • Shakespeare Unit Study Starters
  • Another fun way to bring Shakespeare’s plays to life is to act out certain parts. We had some teens in our group make a few props like a balcony and costumes and acted out their parts. It was way more fun for our teens.
  • Discuss the shapes of The Globe Theatre to learn about geometry. Build a scale model of it.
  • Learn about the money used during this time. For example, pounds, shillings, and pence.
  • Prepare food of the time and practice math measurements. For example, learn about pottage, bread was popular, meat pies, cheese, beers and ale. Honey was a popular flavoring since sugar was expensive. Look at my post Fascinating and Fun Honey Bees Unit Study and Lapbook for Kids.
  • Apothecary was an occupation during Shakespeare’s time. Look at my post Apothecary Salve.
  • And I know not everyone lives near a renaissance fest but I contacted them to get names of folks they used as actors. We had a volunteer “Bard” come and go over with our kids about Shakespeare.

Also, look at some of my favorite sites. They are text retellings.

  • Absolute Shakespeare.
  • Beautiful Stories From Shakespeare.
4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

ARTS & CRAFTS SHAKESPEARE UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

Finally, look at these fun art and craft ideas during the Shakespeare and Elizabethan period.

  • Look at these fun puppets and coloring pages for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
  • In addition, use simple paper plates, string, paint to make masks of favorite characters from his plays.
  • Make stained glass windows. Look at my post How To Make A Kids Easy Medieval Stained Glass Window and Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft.
  • In addition, learn about glassblowing. Look at my unit Glass Blowing lapbook and unit study.
  • And here are some fun dresses for paperdolls. Use them to create your own costume or use them for paperdolls.
  • For older kids interested in fashion of the time look at these model templates they can use to create their own designs.
  • Discover some of the trade crafts of that time. For example, there were playwrights like Shakespeare, quillmaking, costumer, actor, blacksmith, chandler, tanner and shoemaker.
  • Host a fashion contest within your co-op.
4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Last, whether your focus is on poetry, history, comedies or tragedies, look at some of Shakespeare’s works.

4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

Also, grab my Renaissance lapbook to go with this unit study.

  • Dynamic Renaissance Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    Dynamic Renaissance Lapbook for Multiple Ages

    $4.00
    Add to cart

TRAGEDIES

COMEDIES

  • Antony and Cleopatra
  • Romeo and Juliet
  • Macbeth
  • King Lear
  • The Taming of the Shrew
  • Much Ado About Nothing
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  • The Merry Wives of Windsor
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream

HISTORIES

POETRY

  • Henry VI
  • Richard II
  • 154 Sonnets
  • Venus and Adonis
4 Week Free Shakespeare Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

We add to our unit study as we learn more about Shakespeare.

What hands-on fun have you done?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Do Unit Studies Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, shakespeare

4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

November 4, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free 4-week Middle Ages unit study for kids. Look at these other Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

The Medieval or Middle Ages is a period in history that is full of legend and myth.

This Middle Ages unit study is about medieval Europe.

4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

We’ve studied other periods like Medieval Japan which can make for a great comparison with this one. That is an idea for a co-op with maybe a mix of middle and high school kids.

However, for today we’re focusing on the castles, knights, and King Arthur of medieval Europe.

Next, it’s important to understand that a way of life doesn’t just stop and another one begins at an exact date.

So many periods of history, customs, way of life, and events overlap. This period of Medieval we’ll cover is approximately 500 to 1400–1500 ce.

BOOKS ABOUT THE MIDDLE AGES HISTORY FOR KIDS

First, look at some of these books.

Using a living book as your spine or main text is a fun way to bring this time to life.

9 Medieval History Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add a few of these books to your Middle Ages or Medieval unit study.

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)

King Arthur is one of the greatest legends of all time. From the magical moment when Arthur releases the sword in the stone to the quest for the Holy Grail and the final tragedy of the Last Battle, Roger Lancelyn Green brings the enchanting world of King Arthur stunningly to life. One of the greatest legends of all time, with an inspiring introduction by David Almond, award-winning author of Clay, Skellig, Kit's Wilderness and The Fire-Eaters.

A Castle with Many Rooms: The Story of the Middle Ages

This covers people and events and covers a larger period of time.

Days of Knights and Damsels: An Activity Guide

Kids can re-create a long-ago world of kings, castles, jousts, jesters, damsels, magic fairies, and Robin Hood—all they need are their imaginations, materials they can find at home, and the activities in this book. Dressing up in a coat of armor made from plastic milk jugs, whipping up a batch of curds and whey, writing secret messages in invisible ink, and telling time with a sand glass made from soda bottles are just some of the fun projects. Every activity is illustrated, and sidebars highlight colorful facts about life hundreds of years ago.

The Usborne Encyclopedia of World History

This newly updated book will introduce you to world history, from prehistoric times to the start of the 21st century. Find out about dinosaurs, the first humans, Ancient Egypt, the Aztec Empire, Medieval Europe, the First World War and many more fascinating subjects.

The Door in the Wall

Set in the fourteenth century, the classic story of one boy's personal heroism when he loses the use of his legs.

The Kitchen Knight: A Tale of King Arthur

The Knights of the Round Table were in their glory. When an unknown stranger visits the castle and asks Kin Arthur's favor, he is allowed to serve in the kitchen for his meat and bread. Little does anyone suspect that he is of noble blood and will soon be knighted by the famous Sir Lancelot. Lush illustrations bring the reader into the book, as Sir Gareth meets adventures and battles to free a princess from the fearsome Red Knight of the Plain.

Castle: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner

In this 1978 Caldecott Honor Book, award-winning author and illustrator David Macaulay explores the history and construction of castles in a richly illustrated resource for curious young readers. The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur. What could be more perfect for an author/illustrator who has continually stripped away the mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated modern man? With typical zest and wry sense of humor punctuating his drawings, David Macaulay traces the step-by-step planning and construction of both castle and town.

The Middle Ages: An Interactive History Adventure

I like to incorporate a wonderful and informational book to support our topic while making it fun and engaging. The Middle Ages, choose your own adventure style book is fantastic for middle elementary.

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood (First Edition): Illustrated Classics

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood was written and illustrated by Howard Pyle and published in 1883. It is the best known version of the story of Robin Hood which had been popular throughout the previous century. Pyle popularized Robin Hood, his adventures, and his band of merry men in a way that influenced most later depictions in writing, drawing, and film. The book consists of a series of episodes pitting the outlaw Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck and the rest of his band against corrupt authorities epitomized by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

Also, understand why the Middle Ages are also called Medieval Times.

Merriam-Websters defines Middle Ages like this: With its roots medi-, meaning “middle”, and ev-, meaning “age”, medieval literally means “of the Middle Ages”. In this case, middle means “between the Roman empire and the Renaissance”—that is, after the fall of the great Roman state and before the “rebirth” of culture that we call the Renaissance.

In summary, I explained to my sons it’s the time between Ancient Rome and The Renaissance.

However, if you have older children, the Middle Ages can be broken down further into the Early Middle Ages (c. 400 to 900), the High Middle Ages (c. 900 to the mid-1200s) and the Late Middle Ages (c. mid1200s to 1500).

Each of these time periods have significant events, people and places which emerged. This helps to narrow your study if you want to dive deeper.

Because this is only 4 weeks, I’m teaching a general overview of the Medieval Times.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY MIDDLE AGES UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

The Roman Empire had provided stability for centuries in the region. It had spread its culture, the Latin language, and Christianity across the continent.

But the Roman grew weak and worse it had been invaded.

So, it was a time when kings and feudal lords ruled the land and when castles appeared.

Castles were both a residence for the noble and a defensive structure.

However, the majority of people were poor people or peasants.

They learned a trade and survived off the land living in thatched huts and farming on land they did not own.

The lands were normally owned by a feudal lord.

And it’s important to help your child understand what we mean when we say Middle Ages Europe. All the countries did not have the same name as they do today but we’ll use the modern day names so our kids will understand the geography.

During the early Middle Ages, Europe included the islands of Britain and Ireland.

Also, much of the land that we now call Italy, Germany, and France was included. It also included the Vikings and the Scandinavian countries. The countries are we now called Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

  • If you have the room, make your European Middle Ages Map a poster size so your kids can see the countries.
  • Read about knights and then look at my post How to Make a Knight Templar Helmet for Fun Medieval Times Crafts
  • Duct Tape Weapons Help Bring Medieval History to Life
  • Read and learn about what is a coat of arms. Then look at my post Middle Ages History: Make a Coat of Arms Activity
  • Make a Medieval Castle
  • Look at this Medieval Sensory Bin for the littles
  • Hands-on Demonstration of Feudalism in the Middle Ages

MIDDLE AGES HISTORY VOCABULARY WORDS

Too, look at a list of words to define.

  • noble – A person of high social rank, often owning large amounts of land and having titles like lord or lady.
  • feudal society – a social system in which land is owned by a small ruling class and is worked by peasants in exchange for protection and other services.
  • vassal– A person who receives land from a lord in exchange for loyalty and service.
  • papacy – the office or the position of the pope
  • fief – A piece of land granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and service
  • manor – a Iarge estate, often including farms and a village, ruled by a lord
  • knight – a man who received honor and land in exchange for serving a lord as a soldier

NATURE & SCIENCE MIDDLE AGES UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Next, in the Middle Ages people decorated their heads with flowers and leaves. Make a crown of flowers with any long stem flowers. Daisies are a good choice.

Medieval Chemistry had early beginnings although we don’t always think about the medieval period as that time.

  • Discuss the physics of moats and drawbridges.
  • A terrible plague called the Black Death swept through Europe, causing the deaths of millions of people. Research what it was and how it was spread.
  • Define Science’ of Alchemy. Look at my post Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity.
  • Make a battering ram
  • Kids Fun Pumpkin Catapult Stem Challenge for Medieval Unit Study
  • Discuss hygiene. Baths were normally in warm springs in winter less to none.
  • Dragon STEM Activities
  • Look at this fun Magic Color Changing Potion Science. Folks didn’t understand what science versus fantasy was.
  • Medieval Food changed during this time but look at these fun recipes and good background information

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS MIDDLE AGES UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

During this period, it was hard for people to separate myth from reality.

But that is why the book King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is fun to read to get a taste of the time.

Also, we don’t have as many primary sources which is why this is called the dark period.

But be sure to pore over what we do have from that time which are the famous stories like “Beowulf” and “The Canterbury Tales”.

  • Fun Dragon Unit Study Ideas and Salt Dough Dragon Craft. My dragon unit study is a fun way to introduce make believe versus reality.
  • Discuss what is meant by BC and AD or BCE and CE. AD means “Anno Domini,” or “in the year of our Lord,” and is used for dates after the birth of Jesus. These refer to ancient times and modern times.
  • How To Make A King Arthur Painted Book Brick| Quick King Arthur Study
  • Children’s Books About Castles and Simple Mary Blair-Inspired Craft
  • Explore the architecture of castles and cathedrals.
  • Some children understand better when they can do a timeline of people and events.
  • Read King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
  • And do a fun self-paced language arts course online for high school on the book Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Too, here are some history makers and events during this period.

Research one or two that interests your child.

FAMOUS PEOPLE AND EVENTS

  • knights – men who fought for and protected the lands of their lord, baron, count, or king.
  • barbarians – people that the Romans thought were primitive.
  • King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table – No one knows if they’re real or not.
  • Medieval minstrels – Musicians who traveled from place to place, singing songs and reciting poetry. Look at this beautiful site Luminarium for Lyrics (make sure your sound is on) and look at the English Anthologies too.
  • Henry II of England – In 1154, Henry II was crowned King of England. Under his rule, England prospered. He brought common law to England.
  • court jester – the court’s official entertainer
  • bubonic plague – infectious disease carried by rats and mice that spread to humans.
  • Charlemagne – “Charlemagne” is French for Charles the Great. Charlemagne used the great wealth and strong military organization that he had inherited from his father and brother to build his empire.
  • Crusades – A series of wars fought between Christians and Muslims during the 11th to the 13th centuries in the hopes of taking possession of Jerusalem and other places considered to be holy by the Christians.
4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas

ARTS & CRAFTS MIDDLE AGES UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

  • Learn about knights and do this easy Knight Armor Engraving on my post The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft.
  • Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval-Stained Glass Craft
  • Paint a Jester . The court jester had a unique position in the court. His job was to make fun of things and to make jokes. This included the King and Queen. Anyone else would be punished or even put to death.
  • 5 Usborne Knights And Castles Books | How To Make A Medieval Toilet Roll Castle
  • How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables
  • How To Make A Kids Easy Medieval Stained Glass Window
  • Medieval Period: How To Make A Quill Pen
  • Fun Kindergarten History Activities: How to Create Royal Peg Dolls
  • Host a Medieval Feast. This is fun to do when you finish your study and celebrate with a feast.
  • And because the Middle Ages and the Renaissance overlap look at how to make this fun goblet.

  • Color Your World: Fun and Easy Dragon Stained Glass Project

Also, look at this list of craftsmen and trades during the Middle Ages.

  • Blacksmith – Worked with metal to make tools, horseshoes, and armor.
  • Candlemaker – Made candles from tallow or beeswax for light.
  • Glassblower: Crafted glass items like bottles and windows. Look at my fun unit study and free lapbook Glass Blowing.
  • Tanner – Made leather from animal hides for clothing and goods
  • Fletcher – Made arrows for archery and hunting.
  • Weaver – Created cloth and textiles using a loom.

Also, look at a few more Middle Ages resources.

MORE MIDDLE AGES RESOURCES

  • Medieval History for Homeschool Middle School
  • Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity
  • 12 Gifts For Medieval History Buffs
  • Medieval Homeschool History – 4 Surefire Ways to Beat a Boring Study

Of course, as I mentioned this is a huge quick overview and just touches the fringe of this expansive time.

There are more colorful characters and events to explore.

What are you studying about and doing hands-on?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Do Unit Studies Tagged With: hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, historyspine, homeschoolhistory, medieval Europe, medieval homeschool history, Middle Ages, middle ages history

Free 4-Week Australia Unit Study For Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning

October 24, 2024 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free 4-week Australia Unit Study for kids. Look at these other Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning. Also, look at my page Hands-On Simple And Best Homeschool Geography Ideas & Tips for more fun hands-on geography.

From the Sydney Opera House, with its distinctive sail-like design to the home of kangaroos, koalas, and the platypus to the stunning Great Barrier Reef there is no shortage of topics to learn.

The beauty of unit studies is not only combining subjects but teaching multiple ages of children.

Free 4-Week Kid’s Australia Unit Study Who Love Hands-on Learning

Additionally, teaching all your children together means you can discuss the same topic but it’s the activity that is chosen which makes it age appropriate.

For example, if you’re teaching language arts, your younger children can do copywork while your older children draft an essay or learn figurative language.

Today, I have topic ideas and activities for Australian history, geography, nature and even math and language arts.

Remember too with unit studies you can use any curriculum to supplement.

To illustrate, some unit study themes may be more science oriented or history oriented. So don’t force a fit with other subjects.

Many times if we lack math or language arts, we can supplement with ready made already on hand.

By not forcing a fit with a topic it makes the unit study more natural for what interests your child.

BOOKS ABOUT AUSTRALIA FOR KIDS

First, look at this list of living books I rounded up and we love.

Living books are my go-to for unit studies. They teach facts in a story form.

9 Australia Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

Grab one or two of these books about Australia to add to your unit study or your home library.

The Upside-down History of Down Under

The true story of Australia starts with a piece of land that went for a swim. Millions of years ago it floated away from Africa. Very, very, slowly. It was home to dinosaurs and giant animals, until the first Australians showed up and got comfortable. This wild and wonderful land was a mystery to the rest of the world. Then the English decided to make it the biggest jail ever . . . Experience the story of Australia from prehistory to federation in 1901.

Storm Boy & Other Stories

Set along the rugged beauty of the South Australian coast, Storm Boy cares for an injured pelican and finds a friend that shows him the power of loyalty and love. This moving story is now a major motion-picture and one of the classics of Australian writing for children. This edition comes with five other stories by Colin Thiele that capture the unique voices of Australians across the natural and suburban landscape.

Seven Little Australians

A captain who has lost his wife remarries a much younger woman to provide his six children with a new mother. Together, the couple had another child, making seven. The captain tries to run the family with stern discipline, but he is no match for the fun-loving children.

Warrigal the Warrior

The story of a killer-dog. His owner had tried to train him to the domestic life, but the call of the wild and his hunting instincts were too powerful. As a killer he roamed abroad, hunted fiercely by farmers whose stock he wantonly destroyed. It is a story that is founded in fact.As for Warrigal -- he is as nature fashioned him.“I have not sought to glorify Warrigal, neither have I condemned him. I have just tried to present him as he really is, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”

Audrey of the Outback

Meet Audrey Barlow - a girl with a lot on her mind. Her dad has gone away to work, her brother Price thinks he's too old for games, and little Dougie likes pretending to be a bird. So together with her best friend Stumpy, Audrey ponders some of life's big questions ... like whether being a swaggie is lonelier than being a girl, and whether it's better to be a sheep or a cow. Follow Audrey and Stumpy through this dazzler of a story and discover how friends are never far away ... even in the Outback. You'll soon wish you lived there too.

A Little Bush Maid

Billabong, a large cattle and sheep property in the Australian countryside, is home to 12-year-old Norah Linton, her widowed father, David, and her older brother, Jim. Norah's prim and proper aunts, who live in the city, consider she is in danger of "growing up wild" - riding all over Billabong on her beloved pony, Bobs, helping with mustering, and joining in on all the holiday fun when Jim and his friends come home from boarding school.

A fishing trip results in unexpected drama when they discover a mysterious stranger camped in the bush. Who is this stranger and why is he there? Norah's resourcefulness is tested to the full!

Rabbit-Proof Fence: 1000 Headwords

Fourteen-year-old Molly and her cousins Daisy and Gracie were mixed-race Aborigines. In 1931 they were taken away from their families and sent to a camp to be trained as good 'white' Australians. They were told to forget their mothers, their language, their home.But Molly would not forget. She and her cousins escaped and walked back to Jigalong, 1,600 kilometres away, following the rabbit-proof fence as their guide across the desert.This is the story of that walk, told by Molly's daughter, Doris. 

Are We There Yet?

Join Grace and her family as they hit the road camping, experiencing, and meeting all the people and places that make up Australia.

Possum Magic

Grandma Poss uses her best bush magic to make Hush invisible. But when Hush longs to be able to see herself again, the two possums must make their way across Australia to find the magic food that will make Hush visible once more. “Another treat from Mem Fox that is sure to be treasured. The whimsical illustrations are a wonderful complement.

Next, look at these ideas about history and geography.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

When I list ideas, I think of ways you can include multiple ages of kids.

And when possible, give you ideas.

  • List the 6 states and territories as an introduction. 1. New South Wales: Capital city is Sydney 2. Queensland: Capital city is Brisbane 3. Tasmania: Capital City is Hobart 4. Western Australia: Capital City is Perth 5. Victoria: Capital City is Melbourne 6. South Australia: Capital City is Adelaide. There are two territories the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.
  • Investigate the area known as The Outback.
  • Understand that the country name is the Commonwealth of Australia. Australia is an independent but has strong ties to Britain.
  • 1851 Gold is discovered and many miners in California head for Australia.
  • Australian Craft Ideas: How to Make a Cute Sydney Opera House
  • Learn landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Kakadu National Park, Daintree Rainforest, Sydney Harbour Bridge,Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Great Barrier Reef
  • The Aborigines were the first inhabitants of mainland Australia and the Torres Strait Islanders were people who originally inhabited the 270+ islands north of Australia in the Torres Strait
  • British settlers arrived in Australia in 1788.
  • What two animals are on the Australian Coat of Arms? Kangaroo and Emu.
  • Learn about who was Dutch navigator Willem Janzoon. He was the first European to make recorded contact with and map part of the Australian continent.
Free 4-Week Kid’s Australia Unit Study Who Love Hands-on Learning

Also, for week 2 look at these nature and science ideas to study this week.

NATURE & SCIENCE AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Next, Australia is diverse. There are deserts, rainforests, and savannas to explore.

  • 6 Australian Animal Craft Ideas | Easy Paper Bag Platypus
  •  Make a Fun Edible Great Barrier Coral Reef
  • The 7 foot high emu is Australia’s largest bird.
  • Melbourne Zoo is one of the top zoos in the world.
  • Define marsupial: Marsupial is an animal that has a pouch, and the mother carries her baby in her pouch as it grows over time.
  • Australia is in the south hemisphere. How does that affect the seasons? If it’s fall here, it spring there.
  • The Great Barrier Reef is a chain of more than 2,500 reefs and many small islands.
  • Australian Wild Animals Sensory Activities To Celebrate Its Unique Wildlife
  • Define: Monotremes. Animals that are like reptiles in many ways but are mammals. They are different from reptiles in that they have hair and produce milk to feed their young.The only two in the world are found in Australia. Platypus and Echidna.
  • 9 Australian Animals Art Ideas and Fun Koala Handprint Craft
  • Explore what is an arch bridge. The city of Sidney is famous for its Harbor Bridge.
  • Australia is famous for its wool and sheep.
  • Ayers rock is the largest rock in the world. Look at my post Hands-on Rock Activities & Free Notebooking Pages.

  • The Tasmanian Devil is a carnivorous marsupial found only in Tasmania.
  • Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforest in the world. Explore the flora and fauna.
Free 4-Week Kid’s Australia Unit Study Who Love Hands-on Learning

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

  • How To Make A Kangaroo Pocket | Letter K Craft Preschool Australia Theme
  • Read and learn about Captain James Cook and see whether your agree or not if he was the discoverer of Australia
  • Learn about famous author Mem Fox and read some of her delightful books like Possum Magic and Koala Lou.
  • Research what is the Dingo Fence and why it was built.
  • Get your littles having fun by doing a Kangaroo Jump. Have your kids jump and measure. Then convert it to centimeters. Compare to how high and how far a kangaroo jumps.
  • Research and write Abel Tasman who discovered Tasmania. Hint: He was a sea captain employed by the Dutch East India Company and sailed to the west coast of Tasmania.
  • Write this list of 10 fun Australian words and their meaning: 1. G’day – Hello/Friendly Greeting 2. Fair Go – A fair chance 3. Tucker – Food 4. Dunny – a toilet 5. Bush – countryside 6. Aussies – An informal term for an Australian person 7. Lollies – candies 8. Barbie – BBQue 9. Bloke – man 10. Sheila – woman

  • Symmetry and balance is important in Aboriginal Art. Learn about symmetry and then have your child create Aboriginal Art. Also, look at this art symmetry lesson plan.
  • Convert prices from AUD to another currency (like USD or EUR)

ARTS & CRAFTS AUSTRALIA UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

  • Australia Awesome and Deadly Animal Art
  • Make a fun toilet roll Didgeridoo and Australian dot art.
  • Make Anzac biscuits
  • Construct a model of the Sydney Opera House
  • Make boomerangs out of cardboard and look at their fascinating artwork. Originally, people in Australia and other countries used boomerangs to hunt for food.
  • Learn about vegemite and see if you can make a recipe that tastes like it. It is a spread used for sandwiches and crackers.
  • Do Aboriginal Dot Painting
  • The Great Victoria Desert is the biggest desert in Australia. It has red sand dunes and incredible wildlife. Compare to some of the deserts here and do desert sand art.
  • The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: An Ecosystem Triorama

Finally, we tend to build on unit studies each year which is why we love them.

What are you studying about in Australia?

2 CommentsFiled Under: Teach Unit Studies Tagged With: continent, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, unit studies, unit study

Free 4-Week Kid’s Paddle To The Sea Unit Study

October 17, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free 4-week Paddle to the Sea unit study for Kids. Look at these other Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning. Also, look at my page Hands-On Simple And Best Homeschool Geography Ideas & Tips for more fun hands-on geography.

Paddle-to-the-Sea book is a must read for geography lovers.

The journey a toy carved canoe Paddle takes through various waterways and regions highlights the interconnectedness of the Great Lakes and the rivers leading to the Atlantic Ocean.

However, it is much more than a geography and science lover’s book.

It is a living book that bring learning about North America, the waterways, Native Americans and history to life in an inviting way.

Free 4-Week Kid's Paddle To The Sea Unit Study

The story begins near Lake Nipigon, north of Lake Superior in Ontario, Canada where a canoe makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean in four years.

The Native American boy places his canoe and person in the snow.

Gradually, the snow melts.

Next, the canoe is carried to Lake Superior and finally ends in the Atlantic Ocean.

And the reading grade level is for middle school.

I certainly think a younger reader would enjoy the poetic language and beautiful watercolor pictures.

Too, don’t discount this beautiful living geography book for use by a high school teen.

For example, the author uses the word Indian instead of Native American since it’s an older book.

Discuss attitudes of people today toward early nations and now.

However, beyond that all ages will love the adventure and dangers Paddle faces.

There are many rabbit trails to take like exploring about canoes, wood carving, lakes, shipwrecks, Niagara, lumber mills, songs, and Canada.

Paddle to the Sea

Geography living books bring to life the topic you’re studying through a narrative or story form. Yet it combines other subjects while capturing our attention through excitement and adventure.

Paddle-to-the-Sea

A young Indian boy carves a little canoe with a figure inside and names him Paddle-to-the-Sea. Paddle's journey, in text and pictures, through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean provides an excellent geographic and historical picture of the region.

Now look at these topics and ideas I group together by subject.

You will notice that you can include multiple ages of children.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY PADDLE TO THE SEA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

First, look at some of these ideas to study about the history and geography in the book.

  • Learn about the Canadian wilderness.
  • Find and label Canadian provinces, the Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean.
  • When Paddle reaches Duluth, he begins heading East along the great shipping routes. Research how iron ore, copper, wheat, and coal were carried in ships across the Lakes.
  • Paddle encounters the dangers of a sawmill while traveling the water and a French Canadian lumberjack that rescues him.
  • Name the five Great Lakes. Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Tip: Use the acronym HOMES to remember them.
  • Look at my post The Fascinating World of Sea Geography | Paddle to the Sea Craft to understand ocean and sea geography.
  • Paddle reaches Montreal which is a historic trading area. Introduce the Ojibwe or Chippewa, Huron and Frenchmen and learn about bartering, beavers, and pelts.
Free 4-Week Kid's Paddle To The Sea Unit Study

  • What is an international border? And what does it mean to cross a border?
  • Where is Niagara Falls? Look at my post Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary.
  • What are lighthouses and how were they used? Look at my post 5 Cool Lighthouse Facts and Make a Chip Can Lighthouse.
  • How did the Native Americans use trees? For example, the Chippewa built excellent birchbark canoes. They also built baskets and homes from wood and bark. For more fun look at my post From Forest to Fun: Unique Crafts With Tree Bark.

Additionally, look at these science and nature topic ideas.

NATURE & SCIENCE PADDLE TO THE SEA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Next, many of these topics can take a day or two to learn about or spend time on what interests your family.

  • Learn how the water cycle impacts Paddle’s journey. Look at my activity Simple and Fun Hands-On Water Cycle Activity For Kids.
  • Investigate the dangers of ice to ships.
  • Paddle sees a shipwreck and rescue using a breeches buoy. Research what are breeches buoy and compare with how rescues in sea are done today.
  • When Paddle drops into a beaver pond. Look at my posts Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam and Preschool Beaver Craft: Simple Projects for Little Hands.
  • Discuss fish anatomy
  • Paddle is washed into a marsh when he reaches Lake Superior. Discuss what is a marsh.
  • Air currents act like rivers carrying floating objects. Learn about wind. Look at my 5 Simple Wind Energy Activities For Kids & Fun DIY Anemometer and Middle School Hands-on Science : Extreme Winds + Free Minibook. Too discuss how waves move as Paddle bobbed up and down.
  • Discuss how trees are used for logging.
  • Again, and again Paddle is stranded at the beach among debris as he is slowly carried northward through Lake Michigan. Discuss upcycling ad recycling

  • Identify animal tracks. Extend this to learn about scat and see my post 10 Gross Scat Facts and How to Make Edible Scat.
  • Explain the devastation of forest fires.
  • Learn about deer and antlers and investigate when deer lose their antlers. Look at my Deer Unit Study & Notebooking Pages.
  • Learn and explain how to use waterway locks. Research Soo Locks. They enable ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.
  • Investigate forest related careers. Teens may be thinking pursuing a career as a forest ranger. Are there junior ranger programs in your area? Or can you learn online?

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS PADDLE TO THE SEA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

Because this is a living book do not try to dissect it in depth if you have younger children.

However, if you have older children, focus on some literary analysis.

I think some of this study is necessary for teens to nurture critical thinking skills but try to not reduce book the drudgery.

A teen needs to look for themes and to understand an author’s background or biograph and an author’s message.

In addition, here are more ideas.

  • Define buoyancy
  • Encourage your child to do simple copywork like what was carved on the underside of the canoe “Put me back in the water. I am Paddle to the Sea.”
  • How much time has passed? 4 years and discuss how we know. For example, the change in the seasons in North America.
  • What season does the story begin? In spring and we know because the geese are returning.
  • Who were the animals that came to see Paddle when he started his journey?
  • What were pennies made with when the author wrote the book? Copper. What are pennies and money made with today?

  • For stories that take years create a huge timeline together marking events that signal the start of a new season. For example, the story begins in spring since the geese are returning (Year 1) then summer activities (Year 2) could be when he is trapped in the marsh and caught with fish in the Apostle Islands,etc.
  • The journey Paddle made carried him around the perimeter of Lake Superior. Define perimeter – distance around the outside of an object. When will we need to calculate perimeter? Give some examples. To enhance this lesson determine how to calculate the perimeter if the shape is irregular.
Free 4-Week Kid's Paddle To The Sea Unit Study

ARTS & CRAFTS PADDLE TO THE SEA UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

In addition, look at some of these arts and crafts ideas.

  • Carve a paddle person or canoe if you have older children stressing safety. For younger children use soap. For an example of how to carve animals with soap look at my post How To Make A Fun Animal Soap Carving.
  • Talk about what is a crooked knife or what the Native Americans called “mocotaugen.” Make your own with wood.
  • Make snowshoes. The Native American boy used them to move over snow to check on Paddle.
  • If you have younger children, explain what is a passport and have them create their own. Have them “stamp” it when they travel to a new place. For example, Canada, U.S. and France.
  • With younger kids, look at How to Make a Fun Paper Plate Fish | F is for Fish for an easy craft.
  • Make a Fun Birchbark Canoe Craft
  • Have kids use stones to tell the story. Paint stones with images or events and place in order first, middle and last.
  • The outline of Lake Superior is shaped like a wolf’s head. Look at this printable that shows all the lakes. Create a wolf head using this outline. What other animals or things can be made using geographical features or outlines of the lakes?
  • When Paddle reached the trading post the Native Americans and Frenchmen were bartering over beads and other supplies. Make a Fun Kids Iroquois Bracelet
  • Build a model of a lock and use it raise and lower boats.
  • Because Paddle ran into so much litter, have your child create something upcycled. For ideas on how to make something your child loves look at my activity How to Make a Recycled Robot.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Do Unit Studies

Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports

October 15, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a free 4-week Africa unit study for Kids. Look at these other Best Homeschool Unit Studies for more ideas and topics for hands-on learning.

In this huge unit study, I give multiple ideas for varied ages so you can teach together.

Also, because Africa is such a large continent, I encourage you to focus on one or two countries if all your children are young.

Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports

However, with older children dividing the area by regions and focusing on countries in those regions gives your older kids an in depth study.

In addition, I hold to the firm belief that hands-on activities teach in a superior way to just worksheets.

Sure, worksheets have their place, but it’s been my experience that hands-on learning sticks lifelong.

Let’s dive into this 4-week study first by looking at some books about Africa to add to your study.

BOOKS ABOUT AFRICA FOR KIDS

13 Resources for Children Studying About Africa

Add one or two of these books to your study about the art of Africa.

Africa For Kids: People, Places and Cultures - Children Explore The World Books

Africa For Kids: People, Places, Culture gives children not only a peek into the land and its people but the artwork of even simple everyday items like weaving and serving plates.

Africa Coloring Book For Kids!

Here is a coloring book filled with African souvenirs to color that is soothing and a great springboard for discussion.

African Patterns Scrapbook Paper

I found this beautiful book of African Patterned Scrapbook paper that can be used for many craft projects.

Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

Atinuke’s first non-fiction title is a major publishing event: a celebration of all 55 countries on the African continent! Her beautifully-written text captures Africa’s unique mix of the modern and the traditional, as she explores its geography, its peoples, its animals, its history, its resources and its cultural diversity. The book divides Africa into five sections: South, East, West, Central and North, each with its own introduction. This is followed by a page per country, containing a delightful mix of friendly, informative text and colourful illustrations.

Africa Is Not a Country

Enter into the daily life of children in the many countries of modern Africa. Countering stereotypes, Africa Is Not a Country celebrates the extraordinary diversity of this vibrant continent as experienced by children at home, at school, at work, and at play.

The Water Princess

With its wide sky and warm earth, Princess Gie Gie’s kingdom is a beautiful land. But clean drinking water is scarce in her small African village. And try as she might, Gie Gie cannot bring the water closer; she cannot make it run clearer. Every morning, she rises before the sun to make the long journey to the well. Instead of a crown, she wears a heavy pot on her head to collect the water. After the voyage home, after boiling the water to drink and clean with, Gie Gie thinks of the trip that tomorrow will bring. And she dreams. She dreams of a day when her village will have cool, crystal-clear water of its own.

Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions (Picture Puffin Books)

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

When Stars Are Scattered

Omar and his brother Hassan, two Somali boys, have spent a long time in the Dadaab refugee camp. Separated from their mother, they are looked after by a friendly stranger. Life in the camp isn't always easy. The hunger is constant . . . but there's football to look forward to, and now there's a chance Omar will get to go to school . . .With a heart-wrenching fairytale ending, this incredible true story is brought to life by Victoria's stunning illustrations. This book perfectly depicts life in a refugee camp for 8-12 year olds.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Reader's Edition

When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba's tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season's crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family's life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William's windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land. Retold for a younger audience, this exciting memoir shows how, even in a desperate situation, one boy's brilliant idea can light up the world. Complete with photographs, illustrations, and an epilogue that will bring readers up to date on William's story, this is the perfect edition to read and share with the whole family.

Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart is the first of three novels in Chinua Achebe's critically acclaimed African Trilogy. It is a classic narrative about Africa's cataclysmic encounter with Europe as it establishes a colonial presence on the continent. Told through the fictional experiences of Okonkwo, a wealthy and fearless Igbo warrior of Umuofia in the late 1800s, Things Fall Apart explores one man's futile resistance to the devaluing of his Igbo traditions by British political andreligious forces and his despair as his community capitulates to the powerful new order. With more than 20 million copies sold and translated into fifty-seven languages, Things Fall Apart provides one of the most illuminating and permanent monuments to African experience. Achebe does not only capture life in a pre-colonial African village, he conveys the tragedy of the loss of that world while broadening our understanding of our contemporary realities.

Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guides, 3)

Those looking for a concise yet informative, visually breathtaking yet affordable East African safari need look no further than this spectacular field guide. Featuring full-color photos of 475 common species of bird, mammal, snake, lizard, insect, tree, and flower, Wildlife of East Africa takes us on an exquisite one-volume tour through the living splendor of the main national parks and game reserves of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Many of the species included--from pelicans to plovers, ostriches to elephants, from the daintiest of antelopes to cattlelike giants, from leopards to lions, baboons to gorillas, chameleons to crocodiles, acacias to aloes--also inhabit neighboring countries. The selection was based on the personal experiences of the authors, wildlife experts who have been leading safaris in the region for more than twenty years.

Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

Heads up: this is a great book but there is a rite of passage and has a part about circumcision.

Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton gives American kids a firsthand look at growing up in Kenya as a member of a tribe of nomads whose livelihood centers on the raising and grazing of cattle. Readers share Lekuton's first encounter with a lion, the epitome of bravery in the warrior tradition. They follow his mischievous antics as a young Maasai cattle herder, coming-of-age initiation, boarding school escapades, soccer success, and journey to America for college. Lekuton's riveting text combines exotic details of nomadic life with the universal experience and emotions of a growing boy.

The Bitter Side of Sweet

Fifteen-year-old Amadou counts the things that matter. For two years what has mattered are the number of cacao pods he and his younger brother, Seydou, can chop down in a day. The higher the number the safer they are. The higher the number the closer they are to paying off their debt and returning home. Maybe. The problem is Amadou doesn’t know how much he and Seydou owe, and the bosses won’t tell him. The boys only wanted to make money to help their impoverished family, instead they were tricked into forced labor on a plantation in the Ivory Coast. With no hope of escape, all they can do is try their best to stay alive—until Khadija comes into their lives. She’s the first girl who’s ever come to camp, and she’s a wild thing. She fights bravely every day, attempting escape again and again, reminding Amadou what it means to be free. But finally, the bosses break her, and what happens next to the brother he has always tried to protect almost breaks Amadou. The three band together as family and try just once more to escape.

Next, here is a bit of background information to help you plan your own unique study.

I start with an overview and some background information.

BECAUSE AFRICA IS A CONTINENT NOT A COUNTRY

First, especially when my kids were young, it’s important for them to know that Africa is a large continent with many countries.

For example, when we first studied about Africa, it had 51 countries and some island nations.

Now, there are 54 countries according to the United Nations. Too, there are many languages spoken there which is also important to understand.

I found it easier when teaching my kids or co-op to separate the continent by region. Each region has several countries located in it and this gives your children a focus.

Of course, each region has its own cultures, unique geographical features, crafts and proud heritage.

Managing in smaller chunks I believe makes it easier to teach through the years.

Look below as I break it down by region and list a few countries to study in each region.

AFRICAN COUNTRIES/DISPUTED TERRITORIES BY REGION

NORTHERN AFRICA

  • Egypt
  • Morocco
  • Tunisia
  • Sudan
  • Libya
  • Western Sahara
  • Algeria

SOUTHERN AFRICA

  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • South Africa
  • Island nation Madagascar

EASTERN AFRICA

  • Kenya
  • Ethiopia
  • Somalia
  • Rwanda
  • Eritrea
  • Burundi
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda

WESTERN AFRICA

  • Niger
  • Ghana
  • The Gambia
  • Liberia
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Nigeria
  • Mali
  • Sierra Leone
  • Guinea

CENTRAL AFRICA

  • Central African Republic
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Cameroon

ANCIENT CIVILIZATION BEGINNINGS

Then, a lot of our knowledge about Africa comes from the country of Egypt and rightfully so.

Some historians believe life began in Africa first others say it began in the Fertile Crescent (preset day Iraq). Whatever the case, life has been in Africa for thousands of years.

Look at my free lapbook about the Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities and my free Ancient Civilizations unit study on Egypt.

Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning

Also, the Rosetta Stone was found in the city of Rosetta (modern el Rashid) near a tributary of the Nile River in Egypt.

See my activity Hands-On History: The Rosetta Stone and Breaking The Code.

HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY AFRICA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 1

Likewise, look at some of these geographical features and history activities as you explore the countries and regions.

Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano.

And Zimbabwe is where the Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world is located.

Africa has 3 deserts: the Sahara, Namib, and Kalahari. It is divided in half by the equator.

Additionally, the Nile River is one of the largest rivers in the world. Learn how it was used in ancient civilizations and how it’s used today? Can you name the countries it flows through?

Next, learn about the Berber culture by learning about the Atlas Mountains. The mountain range stretches through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

Furthermore, learn about the Red Sea and gold. Ghana is called the gold coast. Investigate gold mining.

Also, the Congo Basin is a huge rainforest and unique ecosystem.

Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning

Finally, issues like the Slave Trade and apartheid can be discussed at your discretion.

  • How to Make An Embroidered African Map Fun Geography Craft
  • Look at the physical geography of Africa
  • How To Make A Mountain Volcano | Mighty Mount Kilimanjaro With Geronimo Stilton
  • Explore the Baobab tree in my unit study and lapbook Famous and Historic Trees Fun Nature and History Homeschool Unit Study
  • Learn about the wind in the desert. Middle School Hands-on Science : Extreme Winds + Free Minibook
  • Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study

NATURE & SCIENCE AFRICA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 2

Equally you want to leave enough time to discover about the beautiful landscapes, plants and wildlife.

Too, the issue of no electricity was told through this beautiful story The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

Research about the lack of drinking water and electricity and how the people cope.

In addition, look at just a few of the animals of Africa for your research.

Lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, zebra, hippopotamus, ostriches, giraffe, African penguin, okapi, and gorillas of the Congo Basin.

  • 8 Facts about African Elephants and a Cute Paper Plate Elephant
  • Interesting Facts For Kids About Africa | Cute Handprint Cheetah
  • Alphabet Letter G is for Gorilla Fun Paper Plate Preschool Mask
  • Compare and contrast the sweet bananas we eat versus the wild bananas native to Ethiopia.
  • Paper Crafts For Kindergarten | How To Make A Zebra Papercraft
  • 6 World Wildlife Day Activities to Learn About African Lions
  • 8 The Water Princess STEM Activity Ideas and African Clay Pot Craft
  • Simple and Fun Wildlife Craft Mountain Gorilla Layered Art Project
  • Learn about Aloe Vera of Africa
  • The Sisal plant makes strong fibers to make rope and other things. Make cordage.
  • Cheetah Craft for Kids: Easy Steps to Create an Adorable Mask

MATH & LANGUAGE ARTS AFRICA UNIT STUDY IDEAS WEEK 3

As you can see there are numerous topics to use to investigate math and language arts topics.

Next, look at some of these ideas.

  • Explore some of the currency of Africa. For example, the rand, naira, the Egyptian pound, and the Kenyan Shilling to name a few.
  • Another fun one for older children is to plan a safari. Estimate costs and flights.
  • Renewable energy is important like solar and wind. Calculate costs for using renewable energy.
  • Read African Proverbs
  • Investigate time zones.
  • And because a variety of patterns are used in art, learn about symmetry and patterns
  • Learn about geometry through estimate sizes of huts and architect.
  • Do a no boring language arts study on the book The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

ARTS & CRAFTS AFRICA UNIT STUDY WEEK 4

Last, but not least spend plenty of time to learn about the beautiful art and crafts and skills passed down to generations.

Here are some ideas.

  • How to Make a Kids’ Fun Ceremonial African Tribal Mask
  • Do Henna Hands
  • Journey to Africa Art and Artifacts
  • People in East Africa do beautiful wood carving and weave baskets and mats
  • Do art about the beautiful deserts and here is a fun Desert Sand Art: Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert) activity
  • 10 Fun Toilet Paper Roll Activities & How To Make A Paper Roll Giraffe & Free Template
  • Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums
  • Gawu African influenced tapestry
  • Make African Shekere
  • Ceremony face painting is not only an art but full of cultural meaning
  • String beads inspired by African designs
  • Then Tingatinga art is beautiful with vibrant colors
  • Do Kente cloth weaving as a paper strip craft
Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports

These ideas give your children an introduction to the fascinating life, culture and African civilization.

Finally, I have 1 free Africa continent at a glance page and 10 African country reports.

HOW TO GET THE 10 FREE COUNTRY REPORTS & AFRICA OVERVIEW REPORT PRINTABLES

The African countries I have free printables for are:

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Egypt
  • Kenya
  • Madagascar
  • Morocco
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • Senegal
  • South Africa
  • Tunisia

Now, how to grab the freebies. They are a subscriber freebie.

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

1) 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!

What area of Africa are you learning about?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Unit Studies Tagged With: Africa, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, unit studies, unit study

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