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Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study

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

This amazing Daniel Boone Explorer lapbook is such a fun lapbook. It can go with a study of colonial period, American Revolution or French and Indian War. I have many more lapbooks on my Homeschool Lapbooks page.

Daniel Boone is one of the most famous figures in American history, a legendary frontiersman, hunter and explorer credited with opening up the area now known as Kentucky to settlers.

Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study

And I especially love this excerpt from a 1910 article by Genealogy Bank.

“He found more profit in the woods than in tilling the soil, and for months at a time he was away hunting beaver, otter, bear, deer, wolves and wildcats.

Garbed in hunting shirt of deerskin, with leggings and moccasins of the same material, and with powder horn, bullet pouch, scalping knife and tomahawk, the world afforded him plenty.

The bare ground or the bushes furnished him a bed, and the sky was his canopy. His skill with a gun or in throwing a tomahawk was marvelous. Of Indian fighting he had enough to satisfy.”

5 Benefits of History Lapbooks

But first, there are many benefits to using history lapbooks.

  1. If a child learns visually, a lapbook helps to cement important events in time.
  2. Hands-on learners grasp history points when they interact with mine timelines or maps placed in the lapbook
  3. Because minibooks can be placed in any order in the lapbooks, they can be placed in sequential order if you want your child to understand events
  4. Not all children do well with trying to memorize facts. So, by opening, closing, and folding the minibooks constantly, kids have an interactive way to relate to the historical facts.
  5. Lastly, lapbooks can be as large or as small as your child wants. If the topic has several events or persons, create more flaps. If you want to focus on a narrow topic then your lapbook adjusts to just the right amount of information for your learner.

However, add some more facts about Daniel Boone’s life to your study or lapbook.

Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study

Look below for more facts because he was the ultimate explorer.

Daniel Boone Explorer

First, Daniel Boone, a famous hunter from North Carolina, opened up a road through the forest, from the mountains of Eastern Tennessee to the Kentucky River.

It was called the “Wilderness Road,” and over it thousands of emigrants went into Kentucky to settle. Boone, with others, built the fort at Boonesboro, Kentucky, and went there to live

Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study

In his long, adventurous life, Boone was an officer in the American Revolutionary War, a captive of the Shawnees, who later adopted him into their tribe.

Also, he was a successful politician.

It was said that when he died in 1820 that all of America mourned.

Amazing Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study

Additionally, look at my post here 30 Fun Resources for Learning About Daniel Boone.

Look at Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History).

More Hands-on History Lapbooks

Also, you’ll love these other history homeschool lapbooks.

Lastly, look below at how to grab this free lapbook.

How to Get the Free Daniel Boone Explorer Lapbook 15 page download

Finally, how to grab the free lapbook. It’s a subscriber freebie.

 1) Sign up on my list.

2) Grab the freebie now.

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

40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten

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

These 40 awesome earth science movies for kindergarten keep science learning fun. Grab my other kindergarten tips on my kindergarten homeschool curriculum page.

First, there are three basic sciences that are generally introduced to younger children,

They are Physical Science, Earth/Space, and Life sciences.

40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten

Today l’m focusing on the wonderful and broad spectrum of Earth Science.

Earth Science can be broken down into 4 smaller sub sections.

  • Geology,
  • Meteorology,
  • Oceanography, and
  • Astronomy.

And each has a lot to teach children about the world around us.

Earth science covers natural hazards, environmental changes, fresh and salt bodies of water, earthquakes, volcanoes, tectonic activity, rocks and minerals, fossils, and the different kinds of soils.

Value of Teaching with Science Movies

Besides hands-on activities, bright and engaging videos (that are not too long) are a great way to introduce kindergarteners to various science studies.

They are especially good for things your child might not get to see up close or in person like the moon or volcanoes.

It is like a virtual field trip for kids.

Too, videos are good for all learning styles and can help you to teach a topic you may not feel prepared to handle on your own fully.

They are useful whether you use a box curriculum, unschool, or do unit studies

Geology Science Movies for Kids

First, look at these geology science movies.

Geology is the study of the physical features and history of Earth.

And this is always a fun one with especially the younger ages because they are naturally so interested in rocks.

My kids always had a pocket full of rocks that were “treasures” and kids are fascinated by volcanoes and giant glaciers.

10 Geology Videos for Young Kids

Fine one or two movies about geology to add to your day or unit study.

Next, look at these meteorology videos.

Meteorology Science Movies for Kids

Meteorology is the scientific study of the atmosphere, weather, and weather forecasting.

Besides, children can breeze into early lessons on meteorology by learning about snow, tornadoes, tools we use to read and learn about weather, and what meteorologists do to figure out weather.

10 Meteorology Videos for Young Kids

Add one or more of these videos to your day to change up.

Third on my list of science movies are oceanography movies.

Oceanography Science Movies for Kids

Oceanography is the study of the ocean.

This includes the water, what’s below the water, and all of the animals that live within it.

40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten. These 40 awesome earth science movies for kindergarten keep science learning fun. Grab my other kindergarten tips on my kindergarten homeschool curriculum page. First, there are three basic sciences that are generally introduced to younger children: They are Physical Science, Earth/Space, and Life sciences. Today l'm focusing on the wonderful and broad spectrum of Earth Science.

Additionally, I have more kindergarten resources.

40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten

More Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum And Crafts

Take a look at these 10 videos that give simple but engaging lessons on animals, as well as ocean names, zones, and why we can’t drink ocean water.

10 Oceanography Videos for Young Kids

Grab one or two of these videos to lean about oceans.

Finally, look at these astronomy science movies.

Astronomy Science Movies for Kids

Astronomy is the study of outer space, everything in it.

This includes planets, stars, galaxies, comets, and black holes.

These videos explore all things early astronomy from the sun, to what astronauts do, the moon, teach the names of the 8 planets, and what are stars.

10 Astronomy Videos for Young Kids

Mix and match the videos to keep your littlest leaner interested in science.

When you pair educational videos with hands-on activities kids really retain a lot of information on a subject.

Do you see a few you can add to your learning day?

Day 28 Homeschool Mom Burnout And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

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

Today, Day 28 is homeschool mom burnout tips and sanity savers. You’ll love the other tips on my 31 Day Free Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers.

When I started homeschooling, I printed out EVERYTHING and I do mean EVERYTHING that I had found on a topic that we were going to study.

I put it all into huge 3 ring white binders.

Oh, it was organized, but like I have said before my organization skills had nothing to do with knowing how to teach.

Before I knew it, my shelves were overflowing with “unit studies”.

Well that is what I thought anyway. In reality, not the world I was living in at the time, my shelves were full of torturing tools for my toddlers.

Day 28 Homeschool Mom Burnout And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp

Over scheduling and over planning are the telltale signs of not just the inexperienced, but of those that do not know how to say no.

We are going to practice how to say no in a minute, but right now, I want to share some questions with you that can be used to evaluate your planning and scheduling when burnout is brewing.

Questions for Homeschool Mom Burnout

Mark this and come back to them anytime you feel tension in your routine.

Have I been home or am I on the road too much?

Have I forgotten how to say no?

Have I taken time to pray, and get spiritual nourishment?

Have I taken time to share my concerns with my husband?

Do I need to switch curriculum or switch out my children with somebody else? Okay okay. Or is it that I don’t need to have my children do ALL of what a curriculum is telling me to do?

Do I need to obtain curriculum that is more structured so I am more accountable?

Do I need to incorporate more fun and relaxing times in my day?

Have I forgotten that curriculum is not magical, accredited or teaches character? I am teaching a child not a curriculum. So a relationship, capturing their heart and a (serving heart) attitude toward my children makes me view them correctly and that is as “individuals or persons”.

Have I forgotten that a child is entitled to a childhood with free time to explore, investigate and have a separate opinion from mine?

I have already shared with you how to realistically plan for your day on Day 8: Organize Your Home – Then School and a simple how to on lesson planning Day 20: Lesson Plan or Lesson Journal.

But I have not explained the secret to maintaining moderation and balance.

It is a simple exercise I do with my newbies in my workshop.

And that is to put your lips together and say NO! Let’s try it now—-say it out loud: NOOOOOOO!!! There, you said it.

I know you may be just the perfect person for heading up the potluck dinner for your friends.

Or, maybe you’re hosting a baby shower, or leading that volunteer group this year, but PLEASE hear my heart when I say: Give Yourself THIS year to learn how to homeschool and do not over commit. 

Think: Are not my children worth the things that I let go this year?

Place a high value on your children’s education and for being there not just in body when they have a question, but with a refreshed mind.

Learn the homeschool ropes and don’t make it extra stressful on yourself by trying to be supermom.

We all try on the supermom cape at various times in our journey and then put it away back in the closet. Some of us try  to wear it constantly and wear ourselves out.

Change your homeschool mood by turning over scheduling, over planning and over load into overjoyed.

New to Homeschooling Start with the Basics

1 – 7 Start with the Homeschool Basics

8-14 Homeschool Organization 101 for Beginners

15 – 21 Best tips for New Homeschoolers Choosing Curriculum

22- 28 Homeschool Preschoolers, Highschoolers, Resistant Learners, Homeschool Mom Burnout

Day 28 Homeschool Mom Burnout And New Homeschooler Free Bootcamp
Day: 28 Over Scheduling + Over Planning = Over load. {31 Day Boot Camp For New Homeschoolers on My Blog}

Medieval Japan Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas

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

You’ll love this Medieval Japan lapbook for a fun unit study. I have many more on my Homeschool Lapbooks page.

This Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook covers from 1185 – 1600 A.D.{1185 – 1600 A.D.} or from the end of the Heian Period to the Beginning of Tokugawa {Edo} Period.

Medieval Japan Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas

Too, you’ll love learning about the culture and geography of Japan.

Include some fun hands-on ideas and this fun Medieval Japan lapbook can turn to a unit study for multiple ages.

Facts and Vocabulary Words about Japan

Too, here are some fun facts about Japan.

  • Geography features and terms are Pacific Ocean; Sea of Japan, four major islands: Hokkaido, Honshu (largest), Shikoku, Kyushu; typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis and the Pacific Rim
  • Typhoon. A typhoon is a strong wind storm with winds in excess of 74 miles per hour creating strong winds and heavy rains.
  • Tsunamis. Tsunamis are giant waves caused when an earthquake on the ocean floor creates waves up to ten stories high,
  • Pacific Rim. The Pacific Rim is a great circle of lands bordering the Pacific Ocean. And the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Chile, California, Alaska, and Japan are part of the Pacific Rim.
  • Samurai. A samurai is a Japanese warrior whose duty was to serve and protect his lord or give up his life doing so.

Japan lies east of China, in the direction of the sunrise.

The name Japan comes from the Chinese word ri-ben, which means “origin of the sun” or “land of the rising sun.”

Since ancient times, Japan had borrowed ideas, institutions, and culture from the Chinese people.

Japan’s genius was its ability to take in new ideas and make them uniquely its own.

Too, about 4,000 islands make up the Japanese archipelago or island group which extends in an arc
more than 1,200 miles long.

Most Japanese people have lived on the four largest islands: Hokkaido (hah•KY•doh), Honshu (HAHN•shoo), Shikoku (shee•KAW•koo), and Kyushu (kee•OO•shoo).

Medieval Japan Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas

Also, add this fun Ancient Japan for Kids: Fun and Simple Handwriting Activity.

More Hands-on History Lapbooks

Also, you’ll love these other history homeschool lapbooks.

Additionally, you’ll love the books below.

Books about Japan

I added some fun resources too.

11 Books and Resources for Studying About Japan

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

Medieval Japan Lapbook Minibooks

Next, look at the minibooks you get in this free lapbook download.

  • There are 4 lapbook covers and most of the pages have parts for your child to color. Glue on the outside of your lapbook.
  • Feudal system layered book.
  • Japanese fan book to add your own research about the history of the fan or other research.
  • Japanese Swords minibook. Add the history of the swords from my printed page in the download or add your own information.
  • Map of Japan to label.
  • Kimono shaped book to add my printed information on the kimono or add your own.
  • One page so you can write facts or illustrate information about Japanese women.
  • Samurai minibook to explain who they were.
  • Theater minibook. Explain what influence the theater had on the Japanese.
Medieval Japan Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas

How to Get the Free Lapbook 14 page download

Finally, how to grab the free lapbook and notebooking pages. It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library and this freebie.

However, not all of my freebies are in the library (wink).

I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more, some freebies you must sign up again on the form below even if you are already a follower.

It’s the only way I have of freely delivering them to you. Just follow the steps below.

 1) Sign up on my list or re-enter your email if you’re a follower because your email is your password.
 2) Download the freebie,
3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox. If you’re new, glad to have you following!

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

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

Growing a seed activity for kindergarten science is one of the easiest and delight science experiments with kids. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

A seed activity for kindergarten is a great way to introduce your child to life science.

For this science experiment, I wanted to keep it simple while also letting the kids fully see the seed as it sprouts.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

Too, by not being hampered by soil or being tucked inside a paper towel your kids will be amazed at the growing stages.

For this seed experiment we are going to investigate if seeds need darkness to sprout.

Begin by explaining that seeds need the proper temperature, moisture, air, and light conditions to germinate.

But they do not require being covered in soil.

Let’s investigate if the light or dark makes a difference. 

You can keep activities simple and still learn so much by investigating life around you with your child.

A Seed is Sleepy Activity

In addition, I based this experiment off the book A Seed is Sleepy.

Aa beautiful picture book that is a great science reference book for preschoolers to middle elementary students.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

The illustrations are rich and the snippets of information it provides give a lot of great information for young learners.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

Also, below you will see a list of some other books you can use as well

Books About Seeds for Kids Science

Even picture books can be used with older learners.

5 Fun Books About Seeds

Children of all ages love activities about seeds. Add a few of these books to your learning day or use as a unit study.

Then, look at more seed activities here or choose several and make it a great seed unit study.

Hands-on Seed Activities

You can also use the book to investigate other types of seeds besides fruit and vegetables.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

Go on a nature walk and collect pinecones, acorns, seed pods, and flowers to investigate.

More Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

Look at these other resources.

Then, look below at how to do this easy science activity.

Before you begin the experiment, have your child make a hypothesis as to what they think will happen?

Will both sprout? Which will sprout faster? 

If they can, write down their answers so they have the opportunity to see their words in print.

Let your child do as much of this as possible so they have ownership in the experiment.

Help your child create a small booklet by stapling together half sheets of paper.

For example, staple down one side to bind to record the different steps in the experiment with words or just their drawings.

Explain that you want to try and keep everything the same in the experiment except for the one thing which is light and dark so that your results are accurate.

Easy Grow a Seed Activity

You will need:

  • Seeds (radishes are a quick sprouting seed)
  • 2 containers
  • Black paper
  • Paper towels
  • Water

Directions:

Grab two of the same containers, whatever you have laying around will work, cleaned out yogurt containers, paper cups, etc.

Then, fold a paper towel so that it is small enough to fit in the bottom.

Soak the paper towel and place a few seeds on each damp paper towel in your cup. 

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

Cover one cup completely with black construction paper.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

Next, place both in a sunny window. Explain that you want to keep everything the same except for one.

Check both every 24 hours.

Usually at this time they are completely or almost dried out so you will need to rewet the paper towels. Take care not to disturb the seeds.

Here is what our experiment looked like at the start.

After 24 hours, there was really no difference yet in either cup.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

At 48 hours we could see a tiny sprout bursting out of the seeds which were covered with the dark paper but nothing on the one exposed to light.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

After 72 hours there is an obvious sprout from several seeds in the dark cup.

Also, at this point we noticed that one of the seeds in the cup which was covered finally started to germinate but just a tiny bit.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

Look how much has happened with the covered seeds after just 3 days.

It’s clear that seeds need the darkness to sprout.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

After the experiment is done you can transplant your seedlings to soil for planting in the garden once they are large enough.