Teach Kindergarten

How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

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

A kindergarten math game is the best way to teach your child basic math concepts. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Your child has fun and that helps him retain what he’s learning.

I took an old school favorite and moved it from a deck of cards to one of our favorite craft supplies, wooden popsicle sticks.

It is just fun and unique, making a ho-hum game a little bit more exciting.

Gameschooling is a fantastic idea, especially for younger children.

How to Create a Kindergarten Math Game With Popsicle Sticks

And it is a great way to introduce the simplest math concepts.

At the kindergarten level typically kid start learning number recognition,

Additionally, they learn counting, addition and subtraction, shapes, patterns, comparing, time, months of the year, and the days of the week.

While it may seem very basic, this game really teaches a lot of great skills to young children.

Not only is it good for math but this simple game has many other benefits that help develop strong minds.

Why Go Fish Makes a Great Kindergarten Math Game

Provides a sense of accomplishment to little learners.

When kids successfully collect pairs, they feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.

This game is just plain fun!

Go Fish is an engaging game that kids of all ages enjoy playing and even adults can have fun with this one.

Teaches basic math skills. Go Fish helps kids practice basic math skills like number recognition.

Develops memory skills. Kids have to remember which cards they have and which cards they need to ask for.

Encourages social interaction. It teaches kids to learn how to take turns, follow rules, and interact with others.

Promotes language development. Kids can practice their communication skills by asking for cards and describing the cards they have.

Holding onto the cards or in this case, sticks helps to develop fine motor skills.

Math Resources for Kindergarten

Also, look at these fun hands-on resources and games for learning about math.

7 Kindergarten Math Games & Resources

Add some of these fun kindergarten math games and resources for hands-on math.

Melon Rind Clumsy Thief Junior Math Game

GAME-CHANGING FUN : A hilarious game of give and take where kids develop confidence and solid math skills. Every player has fun as cards are constantly changing hands!
EASY TO LEARN: Players look at their dealt hand for any two cards that add to 10 to make food stacks. Get stacks from other players if you have a card in your hand that makes 10 when added to the top card of an opponent's stack. Thief cards take food stacks. Trap cards stop the Thief cards. All players are actively adding and snatching. The player with the most cards wins!

ThinkFun Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo Game | Perfect for Kids

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY: ThinkFun's Zingo 1-2-3 provides a fun and engaging way for kids to develop critical skills like counting, simple addition, number sense, and word recognition

Math Dice Junior Game - Engaging Math Skills Builder |

MENTAL AGILITY ENHANCER: This game is designed to enhance mental math skills and cognitive abilities among kids aged 6 and up - a fun way to learn.
QUALITY AND TRUST: With over 50 million games sold worldwide, ThinkFun is a global leader when it comes to brain-busting puzzles and engaging games.
CRITICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: The gameplay offers a stealth learning experience where kids can develop early math skills while having fun.

Mathswatters Addition & Subtraction Game - 99 Pieces for Age 5+ Kids,

Swat, Learn, and Win!: Kids grab a swatter, add or subtract, and swat their way to new kindergarten math skills every time they play these fast-paced math games for kids!
Multiple Ways to Play: Designed for 1-4 players, these smart games for kids comes with many ways to play and learn—compete head-to-head, or boost with solo play!

Math Scramble Game,Educational Games for Kids,

BUILD new elementary math skills with this strategy tile game!
RACE to build and solve addition and subtraction equations--first one to use all their tiles wins!
MULTIPLE ways to learn math skills, both solo or with up to 3 friends!

MOBI Kids Fun Math Games for Kids 4-8

✅ Objective: Help build confidence and social skills in children but engages the entire family young and old by teaching and reinforcing basic math skills in a cool entertaining game setting. Parents and teachers will love this for beginner’s.
✅ How To Play: Each player selects one set of number tiles. Each toy set contains the exact same numbers. Players then connect their number tiles to form equations using operation tiles. The first player to connect all their number tiles wins!

Big Time Student Clock, Teaching & Demonstration Clock

Hidden gear mechanism automatically advances the hour hand when the minute hand is manually manipulated

Don’t forget that you can also use dice or playing cards for many math practice games as well.

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

Craft Stick Go Fish Kindergarten Math Game

Play is just like the classic go fish game with cards but using numbered craft sticks instead.

If you need a refresher, I included basic instructions at the bottom to fit the sticks better.

Besides the basic go fish game, kids can use these numbered craft sticks as an interactive number line, or to add and subtract simple numbers.

Put a pair of each number face down on the table and mix them up to use for a classic memory game.

(Heads up. All of my games and hands-on ideas are tried and tested on littles. Guaranteed to have fun AND learn.)

You will need:

40-80 Jumbo craft sticks
Paint markers

First, write each number on the top of 4 craft sticks, be sure to write it clearly.

Add dots to match the number to help kids that don’t quite recognize all their numbers yet.

If you want to let your child have a little more involvement you can let them paint or draw on the backside of the sticks to add their own touch.

Let the paint dry completely then add all the sticks, numbers down, into a container that cannot be seen through.

How to Play:

Each person grabs 6 random sticks from the container and lays down any matches that they pick up.

Take turns asking one another for numbers you need, if you have it, hand it over, and the new match is laid down in front of the player.

Otherwise tell them to “go fish”, they then draw one more stick.

Continue until someone runs out of sticks and then have your child count how many pairs they have, the one with the most pairs is the winner.

Replace all sticks, mix them up, and go again!

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

September 30, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You want to create the perfect kindergarten homeschool set up. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Then figure out your child’s learning style and pick your curriculum, or at least the style of learning you are going to begin following.

You may have a dedicated homeschool room or you may just enjoy school together snuggled up on the couch.

How to Create the Perfect Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

Either way you will want to create a setup that works well for you.

I can guarantee a few things.

You will probably change curriculum at least a handful of times before you are done.

Next, your needs as a homeschool family will change over the years.

What works now may not work next year, or even later this year and that’s okay.

I am going to give you some tips to help keep it flexible.

So that whatever you choose for a set up will always fit into your homeschool life with a little adjustment here and there.

4 Ways to Begin Your Kindergarten Homeschool Set Up

Do you have an empty extra room already to be a blank canvas as your learning area?

Will you be starting on the couch then moving to a table for penmanship and crafts?

Get an idea of where you will have your homeschool base so you can set it up properly.

There are benefits for a dedicated room despite what some homeschooler tout.

For example, it helps you and your child to focus with less distraction.

Also, it sets the mood for learning, and gives you a defined place to display posters, your child’s artwork, and more.

At the end of the day, you can close the door and keep the school supplies contained to one room.

The drawback to a room is that learning shouldn’t be stifled and takes place everywhere and all day long.

Crayons and paper scattered on the coffee table might inspire your little Picasso to create art.

A stack of animal books on the kitchen table along with some plastic creatures will invite a curious child to create a diorama.

Or add some popsicle sticks and playdough in to make enclosures for each animal.

You will probably find that somewhere in the middle works best, but it is up to you and your family.

You may need just a bookshelf in a corner and a basket in the living room.

1. Choose Your Kindergarten Furniture Wisely

Smaller children need smaller furniture.

While they can sit at a big family table for meals you will find that younger kids have a much easier time sitting at a table or desk that is scaled just for them.

To master fine motor skills such as handwriting they really need to be able to use the correct posture.

Search for something that is great for multipurpose uses to get the best bang for your buck like a little table and chair setup.

This is wonderful for writing but also painting, playing with playdough, sorting math manipulatives, and even enjoying a snack.

A good sturdy bookshelf is a must have as well no matter where you find a home for it.

It could be beside your recliner or in a dedicated school space.

You want a home for the majority of your materials to keep them organized and ready to go.

2. Gather up all your mom/teacher materials

Start with your own supplies for planning, even if you are doing a very relaxed homeschool a planner can help keep you organized and also serves as part of your homeschool record.

Check out some of my very favorite planners here on my site.

I create the 7 Step DIY Unique Homeschool Planner that is free. Let me walk you through step by step to create your own unique planner.

And I have a planner which is specifically designed with teaching little ones from preschool to about first grade.

One of my favorite materials is good mom encouraging books.

Grab My Book on How to Homeschool

Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is a real eye-opener on homeschooling. It will alleviate a lot of the anxieties about getting started homeschooling.

Reading each chapter’s highlights will give you encouragement, knowledge, guidance, and peace of mind to homeschool with confidence. The best part is that you’ll be educating the person who loves your kids the most in this world--YOU! Armed with the knowledge to make better choices in curriculum will empower you to continue the path of home education. Unlike many books based on one family’s experience, Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers is also based on Tina’s many years of mentoring hundreds and hundreds of new homeschoolers at live workshops.When you don’t know where to begin Homeschooling 31 Day Boot Camp for New Homeschoolers equips you to successfully homeschool your children.

I have learned so much from other homeschooling moms and if you didn’t already know I am a veteran of 20 years and have written my own book that you can grab right here to help you navigate your first-year homeschooling.

3. Collect your child’s books, supplies, and games

Gather up some basic school supplies like pencils, paper, crayons, markers, a couple types of paper scissors, and glue.

You can add as you go but these are a good place to start.

Check here for a more exhaustive list of my 60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten. Invest in educational toys, manipulatives, and games that align with your child’s interests and learning goals

You want to choose things that can be used in multiple ways and for more than just one year. Here are just a few of my favorites.

Magnetic tiles can be used to make letters and numbers, create roads, to teach shapes, they can be measured, weighed, and as a part of all important make believe play.
Letters/Numbers will be used for years to learn not only letters but eventually they can be used as spelling word practice.
Dry erase, chalkboards, or LCD tablets are wonderful for beginning writing practice, doing simple math problems, and so much more.
Add in a few neat games. Playing board games may seem like all fun but they teach your child how to follow directions, develop critical thinking skills, improve attention span, learn cooperation, and how to be a good winner/loser.

There is much more than this I could recommend.

These are just a few basics beyond crayons and paper that will round out your child’s kindergarten education.

MORE KINDERGARTEN HOMESCHOOL CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES

4. Create a Simple Storage System

To contain your daily materials, you can use a large basket or a bookshelf,

One thing that I really like to utilize throughout all levels of homeschooling- a tiered cart that can be rolled from the kitchen table to the couch, because you will find out that homeschooling takes place everywhere.

A 3-tier cart is a great option because it gives you a place to keep your materials and books, a shelf for their curriculum and supplies, and a section for fun games, puzzles, and manipulatives to use throughout the day.

The top level is a good place to keep your planner, teacher manuals, books, and special items for yourself.

A few final tips before I let you get to putting together your kindergarten homeschool set up.

Utilize your local library, thrift store, and yard sales to build an amazing library full of living books, picture books, and chapter books for read alouds.

Enjoy this year, it will be over before you know it and there is nothing like watching your child light up as they learn new things.

Don’t go crazy buying too much right away, you can always add things as you go but start small with just the basics.

This space will not only be a place for your child to learn but also a haven where creativity and curiosity can flourish.

16 Beautiful Picture Science Books for Kindergarteners

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

Let’s fill up those bookshelves with quality beautiful picture science books for kindergarteners. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

You want to choose books that will last and be treasured for years to come as reference books, read aloud, and even inspiration for art.

These books should be a combination of nonfiction and fiction, biographies, nature study, and living books.

16 Beautiful Picture Science Books for Kindergarteners

And I also like to make sure some have real life images as well as beautiful illustrations.

But for the most part you want to selectively choose books that follow a few guidelines to make sure that you are getting 3 things.

They are the most bang for your buck-quality and content, books that will last for more than one quick lesson, and most important books that will engage and teach your kids in a fun way.

Gail Gibbons is always a go to, as are Julia Rothmans Anatomy series, The Big Book of series, as well as the Over and Under books.

They create a lovely library of reference and read aloud books which will give your child more science knowledge than daily worksheets will.

I have 5 tips to help you choose your books and then an expansive list of 16 of my favorite picture science books for Kindergarteners.

5 Tips for Choosing Picture Science Books For Kindergarteners

Choose beautifully illustrated oversized picture books that have small bits of information. Most children of this age only will be able to sit for small amounts of time and this is a great way to present the information by reading a bit while you look at the images. Eye catching illustrations will invite questions, investigation, and interest.
Try to choose books that will have use far beyond the kindergarten years,books like the Nature Anatomy series and The Big Book of series have value that will last in my opinion at least through middle school for some reference and definitely as art inspiration when painting, putting together dioramas and more.
Gather a variety to cover all the sciences in the early years. There are typically 3 types of science covered in kindergarten- physical, earth/space, and life science. Choose interesting books for each topic and theme. Concentrate more heavily on your child’s favorites like dinosaurs or bees.
Select a mix of nonfiction, wordless picture books, read aloud, as well as books your child can read independently. Give them variety and make them accessible to your child, teaching them to care for their books.
There are plenty of books out there now about the people of science-Ada Twist Scientist, Temple Grandin, and Eugenie Clark to name a few, don’t forget to choose some of these as well to inspire your child and highlight the contributions they made.

Next, look at some kindergarten science activities to pair with the books.

Kindergarten Science Activities

16 Beautiful Picture Science Books for Kindergarteners

I have done my best to give you a variety of topics, styles, and prices to help you create a wonderful science library made up of beautiful picture science books. Let’s dig in!

The Big Book of Bugs (The Big Book Series)

The Big Book of Bugs as well as any others in the series- Big Book of Blooms, Nature Art, Blue, Beasts, and Birds

A beautifully illustrated, informative book for children introducing them to bugs that creep, crawl, bite, fly, and more.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.

Botanicum

Part of: Welcome To The Museum (9 books) The 2016 offering from Big Picture Press's Welcome to the Museum series, Botanicum is a stunningly curated guide to plant life. With artwork from Katie Scott of Animalium fame, Botanicum gives readers the experience of a fascinating exhibition from the pages of a beautiful book. From perennials to bulbs to tropical exotica, Botanicum is a wonderful feast of botanical knowledge complete with superb cross sections of how plants work.

Bees: A Honeyed History

One part science, one part cultural history, and countless parts fascination, Bees: A Honeyed History is a picture book that celebrates the important role that these intriguing insects have played in our ecosystem throughout the ages, and today.“Goes beyond the scientific (anatomy, pollination, communication, etc.) to include the bee’s place in history and culture . . . Socha has created what is quite possibly the sweetest resource on honey bees around

Over and Under the Waves

Over the waves, the sea lions bark and seagulls wheel and call. The bay is smooth and bright in the sun. But under the waves, there's a whole hidden forest, full of whales and wolf eels, sardines and sea bass, leopard sharks and luminous jellies, as well as the waving kelp that shelters them all. Discover the magical depths of the kelp forest, and all the fascinating creatures living just a paddle's length away—over and under the waves.

Worm Weather (Penguin Core Concepts)

Join in the rainy-day fun, as kids splash through the puddles, affecting another weather enthusiast, a nearby worm. An imaginative and playful story, readers will love seeing the worm delight in the weather just as much as the kids.

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt: (Nature Book for Kids, Gardening and Vegetable Planting, Outdoor Nature Book)

Explore the secret realm beneath the dirt that brings the world of nature to life: Follow a young girl and her grandmother on a journey through the year planning, planting, and harvesting their garden—and learn about what's happening in the dirt to help make it all happen.

Curiositree: Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature - Jacket unfolds into a huge wall poster!

Discover the interconnectedness of the natural world and learn why living things look and behave the way they do in a series of visually compelling information charts, maps, and cutaways, all illustrated in a nostalgic, vintage style. Packed with incredible facts about the natural world and the animals that populate it, the whole family will enjoy the full-page spreads grouped into the categories of habitats, species, and adaptations.

A Seed Is Sleepy: (Nature Books for Kids, Environmental Science for Kids)

Part of the incredible six-book Nature Books series from artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston, A Seed is Sleepy introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts. Turn each page to explore the amazing world of these garden wonders through watercolor illustrations that bring to life nature landscapes filled with seeds, flowers, plants, leaves, and trees. A NATURE BOOK TO TREASURE: From tiny redwood seeds to giant coconut seeds, from bright red-orange mountain laurel seeds to pods of fluffy milkweed, curious kids will find a wealth of information and inspiration in this fascinating picture book.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere--she even brought a crocodile to school!When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children's tea parties--with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist

Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn't imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn't think women should be scientists.

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

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

Gravity Is a Mystery

What goes up must come down. Everybody knows that. But what is it that pulls everything from rocks to rockets toward the center of the earth? It’s gravity.

Nobody can say exactly what it is, but gravity is there, pulling on everything, all the time. With the help of an adventurous scientist and his fun-loving dog, you can read and find out about this mysterious force.

The Street Beneath My Feet

This double-sided foldout book takes you on a fascinating journey deep underground. One side of the foldout shows the ground beneath the city, whilst the reverse side shows the ground beneath the countryside. The underground scenes include tunnels and pipes, creatures' burrows, layers of rock and the planet’s molten core, and run seamlessly into the next. Mixing urban and rural settings, covering subjects such as geology, archaeology and natural history, The Street Beneath My Feet offers children the opportunity to explore their world through a detailed learning experience. This expansive concertina book opens out to an impressive 2.5 metres long, perfect for spreading out on the floor to pore over for hours.

Moon! Earth's Best Friend (Our Universe, 3)

Meet Moon! She's more than just a rock―she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space

Space is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. The Mysteries of the Universe is a stunning space encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with
reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. From planets and asteroids to black holes and galaxies, every page of this enthralling space book reveals the secrets behind more than 100 celestial objects, and will inspire youngsters as they journey through the vastness of the Universe. Each celestial body is shown both photographically and illustrated, and children will love poring over the detailed close-up images.

12 Easy Pick Up And Go Homeschool Kindergarten History Curriculum

April 29, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have 12 pick up and go homeschool kindergarten history curriculum. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Teaching history to a young child can be daunting.

And sometimes we may not have a handle on what is and isn’t important to teach in kindergarten.

12 Easy Pick Up And Go Homeschool Kindergarten History Curriculum

Additionally, you want to understand what pick up and go means. It can mean different things for each person.

For me it means the resource gives me in a capsule the important parts to teach.

Day-to-day lesson plans are what some families thinks of pick up and go.

With the resources I’ve listed, you’ll have a chance at both of those approaches along with others.

First, you need to determine what is the best way for you to teach history to your kindergartner.

For example, kids this age do best by hands-on learning.

That lesson was a hard one for me to learn because I felt comfortable with worksheets.

3 Ways to Make Homeschool Kindergarten History Relatable

And was comfortable thinking that completing a worksheet equated with understanding. It does not as I learned.

Worksheets do not teach anything, but they can guide you as the educator.

For instance, worksheets can condense important parts into smaller parts, and you can use them to construct a lesson plan for the day.

Or you can use the worksheet question and answers to summarize important points from the curriculum.

However, beyond choosing homeschool kindergarten history curriculum it’s more important to make history relatable to your child.

Look at these 3 ways to make history relatable to your young child.

1. Use a story telling method.

Because young kids don’t really have a significant grasp of time like the past other than the day they were born, a story is a fun and relatable way to bring history to life.

For example, Story of the World uses a reader to tell the story.

The rest of the work in the activity guides can be saved for next year when a child can write.

However, the activities can guide you how to flesh out the topic.

Too, living books are some of the best stories.

The Geronimo Stilton series of books is about a scaredy mouse Geronimo who goes on many adventures through history.

He’s a timid single guy afraid of new adventures yet finds himself reluctantly traveling the globe with his friends and family solving mysteries and completing research for his next big story.

They bring history to life without too many details which can be distracting to young learners.

2. Do Hands-on Activities.

This next point is hard for new parents to accept. It was for me.

I didn’t have enough experience to know that hands-on activities makes learning stick.

True I was quite judgmental thinking crafts was fluff learning.

But when you know better you do better. My kids showed me the way.

When we did hands-on activities, points in history stuck.

Also, we would do coloring, lapbooks, and use these hands-on lap packs.

Next, is one of the most important ways although I didn’t fully appreciate it in the beginning.

3. Through play learning.

Play is how children use their imagination to connect information.

Simply, children are learning about the world around them when they engage in play.

Use a diorama like Rocky Mountains Oregon Trail Fun Large Diorama Craft for Kids to teach kids about the early pioneers, learn about Daniel Boone through creating an edible cabin, and learn the difference between myth and true happenings by making the lost city of Atlantis diorama.

More Kindergarten Homeschool Resources

Finally, look at some resources for teaching kindergarten homeschool history.

12 Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

12 History Curriculum for Kindergarten

You can get as much help as you need or as little with these resources. Sometimes we want lesson plans laid out and other times we want just a framework.

Story of the World

Available in paperback, this four-volume narrative world history tells the story of the entire globe, from the earliest nomadic humans all the way to the Persian Gulf war at the end of the twentieth century. It now includes the Revised Edition of Volume 4. Told in an entertaining, engaging style, The Story of the World uses the stories of women and men, countries and empires, rebels and rulers, peasants and presidents, to walk young readers through a continuous, chronological account of human events.

A Child's First Book of American History

This is America! And this is its glowing, epic story, from the days of the Viking expeditions to the birth of the Atomic age. Here are the explorers, the Indians, the settlers and fur trappers, the soldiers, the statesmen, the men and women who have shaped our country and its destiny. It is a continuous take of adventure, of wars, of industry and invention, of hardship and growth; it is an unparalleled tale of courage, high ideals, hard work--and a precious thing called Freedom.

Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Teacher Guide Around the World Part 1 - Homeschool Teacher's Guide

AROUND THE WORLD WITH PICTURE BOOKS PACK PART 2

Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

Early American History K-3rd - Homeschooling History Curriculum

Sure to ignite curiosity about our nation's history, this Early American History Through Literature study will take you and your K-3 homeschooling students through the first Indigenous people of the Americas, the Vikings discovery of America, the exploration, colonization, settlement, and establishment of the United States

Social Studies, New Edition - Grade K5

A simple and fun introduction to American history.

Photo Credit: store.homeschoolinthewoods.com

Hands-on History Lap-Paks

Each Lap-Pak contains projects on a topic for one complete lap book, as well as a text booklet, making this a complete topic study.

History Pockets: Native Americans, Grades 1-3

Bring history alive as students explore the fascinating past by making the interactive projects in History Pockets. Students store the projects in easy-to-make construction paper pockets
that are wonderful portfolios for assessment and display!

What's Inside History Pockets-Native Americans, Grades 1–3, contains nine memorable discovery pockets. The introduction pocket gives an overview of the tribes in North America that are featured. The other pockets focus on food, clothing, shelter, and family life of eight Native American tribes.

Who Was? and What Is? America Collection Boxed Set 25 books

Explore short biographies of historical figures so you can read aloud or if your child is already a fluent reader, he will short these engaging storeis about people and events.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition Coloring Book (Dover American History Coloring Books)

On April 30, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase Agreement between France and the United States was formally signed. President Thomas Jefferson paid the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte approximately 18 cents per square mile for a vast wilderness territory (more than 825,000 square miles) stretching from New Orleans to the Canadian border and west from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. The Purchase effectively doubled the size of the young United States.

180 Days of Social Studies: Grade K

Supplement your social studies curriculum with 180 days of daily practice! This essential classroom resource provides teachers with weekly social studies units that build students' content-area iteracy, and are easy to incorporate into the classroom. Students will analyze primary sources, answer text-dependent questions, and improve their grade-level social studies knowledge.

My Story K: My Family My Life

This is a unique kindergarten social studies course, introducing you to family and culture, what it is to be a good citizen, basic geography, and basic economics.

History Quest Study Guide Early Times Pre-History to 8th Century CE

History Quest Study Guide contains everything you need for a full year’s history curriculum for elementary-age children. Each weekly unit takes a chapter of History Quest: Early Times, the narrative history series, and turns it into a robust unit study with a week’s worth of engaging activities. Your student will gain a broad and deep understanding of early civilizations through readings, geography activities, discussions, writing assignments, coloring pages, crafts, and more. Also included throughout the curriculum are four weeks of warm and cozy ancient literature study, where parents and students snuggle up together to enjoy time-honored tales from four ancient civilizations across the world.

How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations

April 15, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m sharing tried and true tips for how to determine the best beginner reading books for kindergarten while homeschooling. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

Besides, reading is one of the most important subjects to teach well.

Teaching other subjects in kindergarten is important.

How To Determine The Best Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten & Recommendations

However, if a child doesn’t read well, he could struggle lifelong in all subjects.

Also, I have a free reading journal you can download below to help you track reading time.

As he grows and has interests in other subjects, like history or science, he may struggle with comprehension.

So, what we do in the beginning or while homeschooling kindergarten matters.

For example, beginner books for children should not only meet them where they’re at but be engaging and delightful.

3 Questions About Beginner Reading Books for Kindergarten

With that being said, look at these ways you can meet your child where he is in understanding phonics and growing in reading.

Some kindergarten aged children are ready for beginner chapter books or higher and others are still very much finding delight in repeated texts and phonics readers.

Being at either level is very much normal as well as anywhere in between.

Now, look at these 3 questions to see if your child needs more prereading help or if he is ready to tackle beginner chapter books.

1. How well does your child understand or master rhyming?

Rhyming is not just a fun childhood pastime, but learning to rhyme helps him to see patterns in reading.

After that when you point out the similarities in the word pattern, he learns to make other words quickly.

For example, if you print CAT on a card, then write FAT.

After you show him how the first letter is different, but the end is the same, he sees and hears the pattern.

This is an effective and simple way to have a strong foundation in reading.

Next, identify his knowledge of letter sounds.

2. How well does he know letter sounds?

That is more important than the shape of the letter or knowing the name of the letter.

While recognizing the shape of the letter is important, your child will need to grasp that it represents or stands for a sound.

Thereafter, you want to be sure of his print awareness.

3. What is his understanding of print concept?

For example, does he hold the book right way up, looks at the pictures and knows we read from left to right?

Even if he doesn’t understand his left from his right (even as adults we get confused) does he point with this finger or lead with his eyes and track left to right to read?

If you can answer yes to these prereading concepts, then barring any special needs he is ready for beginner reading books.

Additionally, if your child is still mastering some of the concepts listed above, then keep his reading diet steady with phonics readers and mixing in easy chapter books.

The books listed below will help him to not only reinforce basic reading concepts but challenge him to continue moving on in reading levels.

More Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum And Crafts

Beginner Reading Books For Kindergarten

A homeschooled kindergarten child’s reading diet should still be a mix of repeated texts or phonics readers and beginner readers.

This way your child’s basic reading skills continue to be strengthened while your child’s reading level is advancing.

Starfall Short-Vowel Pals 16 Decodable Phonics Books

These decodable primer books provide beginner readers with practice connecting letter sounds. Set of 16 Short-Vowel Pals: Zac and Cat Zac and the Hat Peg Helps Zac Peg's Egg Hen Mox Jogs Hop, Bend, Stomp Pop! Pop! Pop! Tin Man Sits Fix the Jet Fish and Me Bug in a Jug Get Up, Cub Gus and His Dog Peg and the Box Zig-Zag

Meg and Greg: A Duck in a Sock (Orca Two Read, 1)

Great books for parents to share with kids. Parents read then child reads.

A Duck in a Sock is the first book in the Orca Two Read series designed for shared reading
between a child learning to read and an experienced reader. Inside you'll find four stories that introduce one new phonogram (a letter or combination of letters that represent a sound) in each story: the ck, sh, ch and th phonograms. Each story builds on the previous ones by including words
with the phonograms already introduced. In addition, the series has special features to help a child with dyslexia or another language-based learning difficulty achieve reading success.

Usborne My First Phonics Reading Library Collection 12 Books Box Set

Usborne My First Phonics Reading Library Collection 12 Books Box Set (Phonics Readers) (WITH FREE AUDIO ONLINE)

The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster!

From #1 New York Times best-selling, award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems!
Buckle up for twists, turns, and emotional loop-de-loops in the most roller coaster-y Pigeon book ever! The Pigeon WILL be ready. Will YOU!

Bob Books - Set 1: Beginning Readers Box Set |

Many early reader books contain words that are too difficult for a child who has just learned the sounds of the alphabet. Not these books! With only four letter sounds in the first story (M, A, T, and S), children can read a whole book and their confidence grows. Kids love the stories and funny pictures, and can’t wait to read these books to everyone they know!

Biscuit Flies a Kite (My First I Can Read)

For fans of Clifford and Spot, welcome everybody’s favorite little yellow puppy, Biscuit, in an I Can Read adventure!

It seems like the perfect day to fly a kite, until—oh, no!—the wind begins to blow the kite away!

Join Biscuit, that sweet puppy, and his friend Puddles as they put their furry heads together to save the day. Woof woof! Bow wow!

The gentle and appealing Biscuit books are a wonderful first introduction to reading for little pups, and this My First I Can Read friendship tale is perfect for shared reading in a classroom or at home. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers

Jumpstart reading success with this big collection of 25 motivating storybooks correlated with Guided Reading Level D. The books features simple text, decodable words, strong picture cues, and two to four lines of text per page to support readers with just a little experience under their belts. Children will laugh, learn, and build confidence with these funny books on their favorite topics—from dogs to dinosaurs, princesses to pizza! Includes a 4-page parent guide.

Apples and Apricots: The Letter A Book (AlphaBOX Alphabet Readers collection)

This is the first book in the highly acclaimed AlphaBOX Alphabet Readers collection – a gorgeously illustrated series that teaches each letter of the alphabet and its phonetic sound. With Apples and Apricots, young readers will explore the letter A with bright colours, adorable pictures and an arty challenge you can enjoy together

Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks)

Books in this boxed set include:The Cat in the HatOne Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue FishGreen Eggs and HamHop on PopFox in Socks Originally created by Dr. Seuss himself, Beginner Books are fun, funny, and easy to read.

Usborne Beginners History 10 Books Collection Box Set (Stone Age, Iron Age, Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, Romans, Vikings, Castles & MORE!)

Great history set of books that an advanced kindergartener could tackle.

(Usborne Beginners Series) Usborne Beginners Science Collection Box Set (10 Books)

This box set includes: Living in Space, Planet Earth, Storms and Hurricanes, Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis, The Solar System, Weather, Your Body, Sun, Moon and Stars and Astronomy.

However, I also have a way for you to track your reading time, or help your child track his time in 15 minute increments.

Free Reading Journal Tracking Reading Time by 15 Minute Increments

Free Reading Logs by tracking reading time in 15 minute increments.

How to Get the Free 7 page Reading Logs With Journal Cover

Now, how to grab the freebie. This is a subscriber freebie.

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

1) Sign up on my email list to get my emails.
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3) Last step. Look for my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following..

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1. How well does your child understand or master rhyming?

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3. What is his understanding of print concept?

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