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How To Make A Desert Diorama With Free Printables

June 9, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m showing you how to make a desert diorama with a free printable desert diorama you can download.

Creating a desert diorama is a fun hands-on activity that combines art and science.

It sparks creativity while reinforcing key lessons in ecosystems and geography. And a desert biome offers a perfect blend of beauty and fascinating life forms.

How To Make A Desert Diorama With Free Printables

For instance, you can learn about ecosystems, food webs and climate.

Too, learning about the various deserts around the world is a fun way to learn geography.

Personally, I like them with unit studies since you can learn about the flora and fauna along with geography.

DESERT BOOKS FOR KIDS

Also, add some of these books about the desert so you child can explore which deserts interest him.

I have plenty of books below that your child can choose from.

18 Desert Books & Resources for Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read To

Add some of these living books and references books about the desert to your library.

The Seed & the Giant Saguaro

Children's reader on the subject of deserts and what lives there Large book with very large kid friendly illustrations

Cactus Hotel (Rise and Shine)

It is another hot day in the desert. Birds and other animals scurry about looking for food. When they get tired they stop to rest at a giant cactus. It is their hotel in the desert!Many different animals live in the cactus hotel. It protects them; and they protect it, by eating the pests that could harm the cactus.The cactus grows larger and larger and will live for about two hundred years. When one animal moves out, another moves in. There is never a vacancy in the cactus hotel.This story--about a desert, a giant cactus, and the animals who live in it--is one that even the youngest child will understand and enjoy.

Desert Giant: The World of the Saguaro Cactus

A venerable saguaro cactus stands like a statue in the hot desert landscape, its armlike branches reaching fifty feet into the air. From a distance it appears to be completely still and solitary--but appearances can be deceptive. In fact, this giant tree of the desert is alive with activity. Its spiny trunk and branches are home to a surprising number of animals, and its flowers and fruit feed many desert dwellers. Gila woodpeckers and miniature elf owls make their homes inside the saguaro's trunk. Long-nosed bats and fluttering white doves drink the nectar from its showy white flowers. People also play a role in the saguaro's story: each year the Tohono O'odham Indians gather its sweet fruit in a centuries-old harvest ritual.

Where Is the Sahara Desert?

Imagine over three million square miles of sand dunes that are as tall as a ten-story building. That place is real -- it's the Sahara Desert! Vast, yes! And home to fascinating creatures such as ostriches and fennec foxes as well as amazing plant life. The shallow roots of the mesquite tree can grow almost 200 feet across to absorb water. Readers will also learn about the famous trade routes of the past with caravans of up to 10,000 camels, European explorers to the region (some very unlucky ones), and native populations like the Berber and Tuareg, the faces of the men are blue from the dye in the veils they always wear.

Where Is Antarctica?

Antarctica, the earth's southernmost continent, was virtually untouched by humans until the nineteenth century. Many famous explorers journeyed (and often died) there in the hope of discovering a land that
always seemed out of reach. This book introduces readers to this
desert--yes, desert!--continent that holds about 90 percent of the
world's ice; showcases some of the 200 species that call Antarctica
home, including the emperor penguin; and discusses environmental dangers to the continent, underscoring how what happens to Antarctica affects the entire world.

A Desert Scrapbook: Dawn to Dusk in the Sonoran Desert

In the early morning hours, an artist stirs. Gathering her paints and notebook, she heads into the Arizona Sonoran Desert to explore its treasures. Sketching, painting, and writing, she records all that she sees and as night falls, she spreads out her pictures to make this scrapbook of her day, from dawn to dusk.

This Place Is Dry: Arizona's Sonoran Desert

Surveys the living conditions in Arizona's Sonora Desert for the people and unusual animals that live there. Also describes the engineering accomplishment of Hoover Dam.

Desert Solitaire

In Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey recounts his many escapades, adventures, and epiphanies as an Arches National Park ranger outside Moab, Utah. Brimming with arresting insights, impassioned arguments for wilderness conservation, and a raconteur’s wit, it is one of Abbey’s most critically acclaimed works.   Through stories and philosophical musings, Abbey reflects on the condition of our remaining wilderness, the future of a civilization, and his own internal struggle with morality. As the world continues its rapid development, Abbey’s cry to maintain the natural beauty of the West remains just as relevant today as when this book first appeared in 1968.

Coyote Raid In Cactus Canyon

While the rest of the animals hide from view from a group of rambunctious coyotes, the fearless gang takes full advantage of the open space of Cactus Canyon and participates with great zeal in an array of nighttime activities, but an unexpected encounter with a rattlesnake quickly puts an end to the coyotes fun as they are sent running for cover, too!

Roxaboxen

Marian called it Roxaboxen. There across the road, it looked like any rocky hill—nothing but sand and rocks, and some old wooden boxes. But it was a special place. And all children needed to go there was a long stick and a soaring imagination.

Why Oh Why Are Deserts Dry? All About Deserts

n this latest installation of the Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, the Cat takes Sally and Dick to explore different kinds of deserts around the world,  from the hot, dry Sonoran and Mojavi to the bitter cold Gobi and Antarctica. Young readers learn why deserts are dry, and how plants and animals—including cactus, kangaroos, camels, penguins, roadrunners, and many others—have adapted to survive the unforgiving climate. Also included: how sand dunes are formed; the reason we see mirages, and how shallow water beneath the surface of the ground can create an oasis. Fans of the new PBS preschool science show The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! (which is based on the Learning Library series) won't want to miss this hot new addition to the series!

One Day in the Desert

‘A wounded mountain lion moves from his mountain habitat to a Papago Indian hut in Arizona’s Sonoran desert during a record-breaking July day. All creation adapts to the blistering heat until a cloudburst causes a flash flood. With a measured yet vivid style, this introduction to desert ecology makes a memorable impact."

Deserts

This intriguing yet simple description will captivate young readers who have an interest in the unfamiliar.

A Walk in the Desert (Biomes of North America)

Take a walk through the desert. This hot, dry biome of the southwest is full of life. How do plants and animals of the desert live? As you wander through the desert, discover how each and every plant and animal relies on the others to live and grow.

Wildlife of the Southwest Deserts

Learn about the fascinating creatures of the desert Southwest including: Venomous Animals Insects and Arthropods Rattlesnakes, Lizards, Desert Tortoise The Roadrunner and other Birds Bighorn Sheep, Kit Fox, Coyote.

Indian Uses of Desert Plants

Now in its fourth edition, this is a beautiful book with both historical and contemporary images showing the most important plants used by Native Americans. Medicinal, food resources, tools and shelter are just some of the uses discussed. Plants shown and described are among the most widespread plants in the desert Southwest.

Desert Snakes

Learn all about desert snakes with the beautiful book by James W. Cornett.

The Namib Desert

An excellent introduction to the natural history of the Namib Desert of southwest Africa. At its heart, second only to the Atacama Desert of Chile and Peru as the driest place on Earth. Also, it is the oldest desert on our planet and the only desert with a megafauna including elephant, giraffe, and rhinoceros. The lofty orange dunes, highest in the world, are also shown and discussed.

Next, look at more activities to go with this free printable desert diorama.

MORE HANDS-ON DESERT ACTIVITIES

  • How To Create An Engaging Desert Sensory Bin For Hands-On Play
  • Check out these 8 Desert Craft Ideas | How To Make Egg Carton Cactus to focus a bit on the flora of the desert biome.
  • 7 Desert Crafts For Kids: How To Make A Clay Cactus Jewelry Holder
  • Exploring Edible Cactus: Hands-on Learning (The Desert)
  • Easy Desert Animal Crafts And A Scorpion Creation
  • Explore 3 completely different desert habitats and learn How to Make A Desert Triorama About the Gobi, Sahara, & Antarctica to display the flora and fauna of each.
  • While you are learning about snakes of the desert here is a fun craft Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool to learn about this aspect of snakes.
  • Make a Hygrometer: Day 1 Hands-on Learning (Humidity in the Desert)

How To Make A Desert Diorama With Free Printables

Finally, grab the free printable desert diorama.

HOW TO GET THE FREE DESERT DIORAMA WITH FREE PRINTABLES

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

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

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Respiratory System Fun Facts For Kids And Free Worksheets

May 17, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re learning some respiratory system fun facts, and I have some free respiratory system activity pages. Also, I have this Human Body Crafts page for more hands-on ideas. And this Beautiful Human Body Lapbook and Fun Unit Study.

We don’t really think about breathing, but it is amazing the way it happens. The respiratory system is the part of your body that helps you breathe and keeps you alive.

The respiratory system is the group of organs and tissues that work together to help you breathe.

Respiratory System Fun Facts For Kids And Free Worksheets

And the respiratory system is your body’s way of bringing in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

Every cell in your body needs oxygen to create energy. Without it, your body wouldn’t be able to move.

So, you’ll love using these easy free activity worksheets to learn about it.

HUMAN BODY BOOKS FOR KIDS

First, look at these human body books to use with your unit study.

I prefer to use living books then add reference books to our research.

16 Human Body Books & Hands-on Resources

Add a few of these fun resources whether you do a couple of lesson plans about the human body or a unit study.

The Way We Work: Getting to Know the Amazing Human Body

One of the resources we used as a reference for this activity was The Way We Work, it covers a lot of interesting topics on the human body.

Medical Torso Human Body Model Anatomy

Vivid Human torso organ structure: 15 Pcs Removable Organs including: Torso, Brain (2-part), Heart, Esophagus and Aorta, Lungs (4-part), Cranial Cap, Stomach, Diaphragm, Liver, pancreas and spleen, small and large intestine. The torso structure showing the relative position, morphological features, anatomy of the head, neck and internal organs, especially the respiratory, digestive, urinary and nervous systems.

Human Organs Shape Silicone Molds 8 Pc

[HUMAN ORGANS SILICONE MOLD]: 8 Pcs Human Organs Mold With Different Shapes, Include 1 Human Heart Mold, 1 Brain Silicone Mold, 1 Liver Mold, 1 Intestinal Mold, 1 Lung Mold, 1 Stomach Mold, 1 Brain Stem Mold, 1 Kidney Mold.

Ooze Labs: Visible Human Body with Squishable Organs

This human body with squishable organs is another great way to identify the organs and become familiar with their layout in the body, it has that gross factor that so many kids love.

Human Body Model for Kids 8PCS Mini Body Parts

8PCS Human Organ Figures Set:Human organ anatomy parts display model children learning toy include small intestine, large intestine, lung, brain, stomach, heart, liver, kidney. Suitable for boys and girls over 6 years old,good for brain ability and imagination.

Anatomy (Quickstudy Academic)

Complete labeled illustrations of over 1,400 anatomical identifications.Loaded with beautifully illustrated diagrams clearly and concisely labeled for easy identification.

Basher Science: Human Body: A Book with Guts!

Basher Science: Human Body, A Book with Guts! Created & illustrated by Simon Basher, written by Dan Green

From the best-selling team that brought you The Periodic Table, Physics, Biology, and Astronomy comes a topic that's close to our hearts-literally! Meet the characters and processes that that keep the human body chugging along. From the basic building blocks like Cell, DNA, and Protein, to Bones, Muscles, and all of the fun-loving Organs, readers will cozy up with the guys on the inside. Trust us-Liver has never looked better!

Heart Anatomy Poster - LAMINATED

High-quality 3 MIL LAMINATION for added durability

Tear Resistant

Human Heart Anatomy Floor Puzzle

HUMAN ORGANS LEARNING: Marvel at the rich complexities of the human heart muscle! Every piece has a unique shape designed to outline each major part of the heart organ, making these an exciting challenge to assemble. Each puzzle includes an Anatomy Reference Guide, so you can learn as you build!

Fixed Bones X-Rays, Black/White, 14 Pieces,

  • Authentic x-ray images
  • Works with any light source or light table)
  • Matching facture card
  • Detailed teaching guide

4 Pack - Anatomical Poster Set - Laminated - Muscular, Skeletal, Ligaments of the Joints, Anatomy of the Spine

  • Set of 4 Posters Made in the USA
  • Posters are 18" x 24” in size
  • High-quality 3 MIL lamination for added durability
  • Tear Resistant

My First Book About the Brain (Dover Science For Kids Coloring Books)

Discover the workings of the body's most complex organ! How does the brain control the rest of the body? How does it enable the senses to function, regulate speech, affect balance, and influence sleep and dreams? These 25 illustrations to color explain every aspect of the brain's important jobs, from communicating with the central nervous system to retaining memories. Suitable for ages 8–12.

Skull Anatomy Coloring Book: Incredibly Detailed Self-Test Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book

Enjoy This Coloring Book with 34 Beautiful Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Pages.

The Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book Provides A Means Of Learning About The Structure And Function Of The Human Skull Anatomy Through A Process Of Coloring-By-Directions.

Coloring The Human Skull Anatomy And Its Nerves Is The Most Effective Way To Study The Structure And Functions Of Human Skull Anatomy. You Assimilate Information And Make Visual Associations With Key Terminology When Coloring In The Human Skull Anatomy Coloring Book, All While Having Fun.

1 Pair Plastic Skeleton Hands

Fall is a grea time to grab a set of hands at Dollar Tree but also here is a pair if you're doing a unit study and need one now.

Circulatory System Poster

This poster makes a great reference and can be used with older children to help them add more detail to their project.

The Circulatory System (Your Body Systems: Blastoff! Readers

Our bodies contain a super highway of blood vessels that carry nutrients, waste, and much more from our heads to our toes. This network is the circulatory system! Beginning with a deep breath in, this fact-filled title uses easy-to-follow text and diagrams to allow readers to dive inside the bodys circulatory system!

The human body is a complex being made up of systems that keep us alive and moving! In this series, readers will dive into the bodys systems though engaging, leveled text and related diagrams that follow the parts and functions of each system. Get a microscopic view inside the body with A Closer Look, and put new knowledge into action with a hands-on activity. Check out what is happening inside the body with each title!

Then, look at some respiratory system fun facts.

And i have some hands-on activities too.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM FUN FACTS

  • Bringing in oxygen (O₂) and remove carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the respiratory system’s main job to exchange gases.
  • Did you know your lungs are not the same size? The left lung is a bit smaller to make space for your heart.
  • You start by breathing in through your nose or mouth. Your nose even helps warm and clean the air.
  • Then the air travels down your throat (pharynx) and passes through the voice box (larynx).
  • Next the air then moves into the trachea, also called your windpipe.
  • The diaphragm is the main muscle involved in breathing.
Respiratory System Fun Facts For Kids And Free Worksheets

Additionally, look at these hands-on activities.

HANDS-ON RESPIRATORY SYSTEM ACTIVITIES

  • 8 Facts About the Respiratory System & Fun Lung Craft for Kids
  • How to Measure Lung Capacity
  • Simple Lung Craft For Preschoolers To Learn About The Human Body
  • Human Body Activities: Respiratory System Model
  • Respiratory System Lesson
  • Lung Science Experiment and Tobacco Prevention Resources

Also, look at the free worksheets included in this download.

  • Respiratory system diagram & labeling activity
  • Alveoli diagram & Parts of the alveol labeling activity
  • Parts and function of the respiratory system
  • Fun word search
  • Coloring page
  • Matching activity

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE RESPIRATORY WORKSHEETS

Now, how to grab the freebie. It’s 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) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, human body, human body crafts, life science, respiratory, science

World War I & II History Toys For Kids that Make Learning Exciting

April 23, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

World War I and II history toys for kids can be used to teach history in a creative and fun way as a supplement to your curriculum. Also, look at my page Free World War II Unit Study Ideas and Fun Lapbook and my page Kids History Games Boosts Learning & Promotes Critical Thinking for more activities.

Toys can be a powerful tool for learning, and history toys are no exception.

For World War I and World War II, there are many toys available that can engage children.

And they teach them about these significant historical events.

World War I & II History Toys For Kids that Make Learning Exciting

These toys can range from model kits and action figures to board games and educational resources.

Even playing cards can help teach some important history lessons from the World Wars.

Using toys to teach children about WWI and WWII can have several benefits.

It is never just about playing with an action figure or building a model tank.

It can make history more engaging and accessible, helping children to connect with the past in a tangible way.

These “toys” can also foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and empathy.

By learning about these significant historical events, children can develop a deeper understanding of the world and the challenges facing humanity.

WORLD WAR II & WORLD WAR II HISTORY TOYS FOR KIDS

First, playing cards were popular during both World War I and World War II.

Soldiers often carried playing cards with them for entertainment and to pass the time during periods of downtime.

They were a common item in care packages sent to soldiers overseas, and organizations like the Red Cross distributed them as well.

Some of the games played were poker, brag, pontoon, and nap.

Cards are an inexpensive item that can be used not only for these games but also as a prop to talk about how they were used throughout this period.

Speaking of which, another way that playing cards were used during both World Wars was for strategy.

The Bicycle playing card company joined forces with American & British intelligence agencies to create a deck of cards to help Allied prisoners of war escape from German camps during World War II.

These decks of cards peeled apart when wet and when put together they revealed secret escape maps of Germany.

So, downed pilots and captured soldiers could navigate their way back to Allied lines.

Did you know that the U.S. military also distributed playing cards with silhouettes?

And the names of both friendly and enemy aircraft so troops would be exposed to the relevant information while playing cards.

Also, look at these other resources.

OTHER EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Besides traditional toys there are other educational resources that can help children learn about WWI and WWII.

These include books, documentaries, and interactive websites. Some resources are specifically designed for children and present the information in an engaging and accessible way.

For example, illustrated books with historical photographs and maps can bring the past to life, while documentaries featuring firsthand accounts from veterans.

It can provide a personal perspective on the war.

World War I & II History Toys For Kids that Make Learning Exciting

Not a toy but this Children’s War World War 2 Replica Memorabilia Pack is a fantastic way to introduce this topic, boys and girls alike will love pouring over this peak into the past.

Great Battles for Boys is a very engaging series that brings history to life and makes what could otherwise be a boring topic interesting.

MORE WORLD WAR 2 ACTIVITIES

  • World War II Hands-On History – Make Ration Cakes
  • World War II Hands-On History – Make a Secret Message Deck
  • 8 World War II Historical Fiction Books for Middle School
  • World War II Free Resources For a Middle School Unit Study & Make Victory Garden Soup
  • World War II Homeschool History-Manhattan Project,Vocabulary & A. Frank
  • World War II Homeschool History: Minibooks Causes & Great Depression
  • World War II Homeschool History: Staged For War & Quick Facts Minibooks & Links
  • World War II Homeschool History Free Unit Study and Lapbook
  • How to Make an Easy Anderson Shelter World War II Activity Craft
  • World War II Homeschool History: Life During the War & Pearl Harbor Minibook

History Toys for Kids

Finding meaningful ways to teach kids about the world can feel like an uphill battle. That’s where historical toys come in.

II Heavy Tank Building Blocks Set, WWII Military British Main Battle Tank Building Kit

  • World of Tanks co-branded model, British main battle TOG II* heavy tank. The TOG II* tank model is accurately reproduced at a scale of 1:30, perfectly showing the magnificent momentum of this British giant tank in World War II.Finished size: 15.47*4.17*7.09in.
  • Function- Printed bricks. The turret can rotate 360°, restore the prototype tracks of the Maus tank, the turret hatch and turret door can be opened, the turret can rotate 360°, and the barrel can be flexibly adjusted up and down. Special camouflage color matching, and equipped with World of Tanks game props redemption card.

Model Tank

  • Russian T34 Scale Model Kit: The T-34 was arguably by far the best tank design in the Second World War. In addition to having an excellent combination of firepower, armour, mobility and shape, its superb technical design emphasised simplicity and durability making it possible to mass produce it in large numbers and gave it a very high field and combat reliability

Flying Tigers Fighter Model Kit - WWII Classic Fighter Model

  • 【US P-40 Flying Tigers Fighter Model Kit】: The P-40 series fighter jet is a fighter jet produced by the United States during World War II. It served in the Chinese Flying Tigers and is a symbol of friendship between China and the United States. This 4D fighter model kit is accurately replicated in a 1:48 ratio, making it the perfect gift for military enthusiasts.

U. S. Toy Green Army Men Toy Soldiers

  • 36 Pack - 2 Inch Classic Green Toy Army Men!

WWII German Infantry Figures France Campaign (5)

5 German infantry figures, helmets, mounting plates, various accessories, and possibly paints, glue, and small tools

Renegade Game Studios Axis & Allies: 1941 - A WWII Strategy Board Game,

  • A Streamlined introduction to the Axis & Allies line of board games

WWII Historical Board Game of Epic Battles! Tabletop Miniatures

  • HISTORICAL EPIC: Step into the shoes of WWII commanders and engage in thrilling battles with Memoir '44, a unique historical board game featuring plastic Army men and authentic scenarios.
Photo Credit: shrsl.com

World War I Portrait Posters

Our series features stunning, lifelike portraits of key figures from the Great War era, each seemingly ready to step out of the frame and into your history lesson. From world leaders to military commanders, these images offer an unprecedented glimpse into the faces that shaped the course of the 20th century.

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Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

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

Hands on money math activities teach kids about identifying coins and bills and learning their value.

A felt pizza is a creative and interactive way to introduce math concepts to young learners.

It engages multiple senses, making learning fun and memorable.

Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

For just a couple dollars in craft felt you will create an activity that has endless possibilities for teaching and fun.

I like to use actual currency for activities like this.

It can be more difficult to learn plastic change and relearn it as real coins.

It is like skipping a small step and going right to real life.

Resources to Teach Kids About Money

Then look at some of these fun resources to teach your kids about money.

8 Rad Money Resources to Teach Money For All Ages

Grab some of these money resources to teach your children about how to save and budget money.

Not Your Parents' Money Book: Making, Saving, and Spending Your Own Money

For the first time, financial guru and TODAY Show regular Jean Chatzky brings her expertise to a young audience. Chatzky provides her unique, savvy perspective on money with advice and insight on managing finances, even on a small scale. This book will reach kids before bad spending habits can get out of control. With answers and ideas from real kids, this grounded approach to spending and saving will be a welcome change for kids who are inundated by a consumer driven culture. This book talks about money through the ages, how money is actually made and spent, and the best ways for tweens to earn and save money.

The Toothpaste Millionaire

Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower is betting that he can make a whole gallon of toothpaste for the same price as one tube from the store.
There’s just one problem, he has to solve real-life mathematical
equations first! With help from his good friend Kate Mackinstrey, can
these two entrepreneurs keep up with the high demand for their popular product? Beloved children’s author Jean Merrill introduces readers to the ins and outs of a budding business, from costs to profits, in this exciting tale about perseverance, ingenuity, and underdogs.

Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game

  • MONEY GAME FOR KIDS: Players collect, count, and exchange money all the way to the finish line
  • MONEY SKILLS: Learn valuable money skills through fun game play
  • PLAY MONEY: Includes game board with spinner, 100 plastic coins, play bills, markers, and dice

Smart Money Smart Kids - Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money

In Smart Money Smart Kids, financial expert and best-selling author Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze equip parents to teach their children how to win with money. Starting with the basics like working, spending, saving, and giving, and moving into more challenging issues like avoiding debt for life, paying cash for college, and battling discontentment, Dave and Rachel present a no-nonsense, common-sense approach for changing your family tree.

I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond

The perfect gift! Give the gift of financial literacy to your teen - they will thank you for a lifetime. You are not alone; it is often difficult to reach young adults on the topic of money management, but look no further. I Want More Pizza finally has teenagers excited about personal finance and is giving them the confidence that they can succeed. This resource is being used in classrooms around the nation as young adults enjoy the pizza model for learning about money management. Now available for the first time for you to bring into your home, give your young adult the gift of financial literacy and they will thank you for a lifetime. Primary topics discussed include saving, spending, prioritization, goal setting, compound growth, investing, debt, credit cards, student loans, mental blocks, and taking real world action.I am sure you have heard a few of these: "I don't need it", "I'm too young", "I need to spend my money on _____ ", and the list goes on. The pizza model for learning personal finance breaks down those barriers because, well, everyone loves pizza! Just because money management is extremely important doesn't mean that it has to be extremely complex. I Want More Pizza leaves them in complete control to find the plan that works for your young adult - it's their choice. If they don't enjoy math or don't like to plan, no problem, we've got them covered as well. And it's only ~100 pages, which young adults love given their busy social calendars. Money doesn't have to be stressful. Finally reach your young adult and help them become financially literate for a lifetime. After all, there is a lot of pizza in life to enjoy!

Managing Your Money (Usborne Life Skills)

This down-to-earth guide is filled with practical advice on everything from how to budget and be a smart shopper to student loans, mortgages and insurance. An essential book for equipping young people with the skills they need to manage their money now and in the future. Includes links to websites with more tips and advice.

12 Ways for a Homeschooled Teen to Earn Money - A Budding Entrepreneur?

Long before they are of age to start working, kids want their own money. And whether they count bricks at a construction site as a kid like my entrepreneur husband did or just want some spending money, kids are looking for creative ways to earn their own bucks.

Economics for Beginners

Nobody has everything they need, all the time – so how can we make do with what we have? Economics is all about understanding the choices we make to solve this problem. With bright, infographics pictures, this informative book describes why markets are so important, how businesses work out what to sell, and how governments choose how to run a country. Includes Usborne Quicklinks to specially selected websites for more information.

 The benefits of hands-on money math activities are countless.

Benefits of Teaching Hands-on Money Activities

Concrete experience: Hands-on activities provide kids with a concrete experience of handling money, which can help them understand the value of money and how to use it.

Real-world application: Hands-on activities allow kids to apply their knowledge of money to real-world situations, such as making purchases and budgeting.

Problem-solving skills: Hands-on activities can help kids develop problem-solving skills as they learn to make decisions about how to spend their money.

Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

Financial literacy: Hands-on activities can help kids develop financial literacy skills, such as understanding the concept of saving, investing, and budgeting.

Confidence: Hands-on activities can help kids build confidence in their ability to manage money.

6 More Exciting Money Math Activities

  1. Play a fun game while you learn like this Exact Change Card Game.
  2. Learn How to Make a Boys Duct Tape Wallet Back to School Craft to hold bills while you teach what each bill is.
  3. Using Grocery Flyers To Practice Math Skills is a great practical life skill for teaching both money and value in the real world.
  4. Grab these Free Counting Money Clip Cards for Coins to keep hands and minds busy while they quickly learn to identify values.
  5. Sort coins using a muffin tin and liners with a Brilliant Coin Value Recognition and Counting Activity that takes very little effort to prep for.
  6. Try out simple Art and Math Activities : Coin Rubbings to identify each coin.
Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

Next, look at these fun hands on money activities to do with felt.

Money Math Activities You Can do With Felt Pizza

Money:

  • Let your child create a slice with whatever toppings they like and then have them figure the total cost.
  • Give your child a certain amount of money and ask them to build a slice using just the money they have.

But also, I couldn’t help but share with you all the other math topics you can use with this simple inexpensive felt pizza.

Fractions:

  • Cut the pizza into slices and assign each slice a fraction value (e.g., 1/2, 1/4, 1/8).
  • Have kids identify the fraction of the pizza represented by each slice.
  • Practice adding and subtracting fractions using the pizza slices.
Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

Shapes:

  • Identify the different shapes of the toppings, such as circles, triangles, and rectangles.
  • Sort the toppings by their shapes.
  • Create patterns using different shaped toppings.

Counting:

  • Count the number of toppings on the pizza.
  • Count the number of toppings of each color or shape.
  • Compare the number of toppings on different slices.

Addition and Subtraction:

  • Add or subtract the number of toppings on different slices of pizza.
  • Create word problems involving addition and subtraction of toppings.

Problem Solving:

  • Encourage kids to create their own pizza designs and solve problems related to the toppings. Ask questions like, “If you remove two pepperoni slices, how many toppings are left?”

Dramatic Play

The youngest of children will enjoy simply using the pizza for dramatic play.

Toppings get lost? Just make a few more to replace them.

Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

Finally, grab your crafting supplies.

And look how to make felt pizzas. Use them for math but keep around for dramatic play too.

How to Make Felt Pizzas

You will need:

  • Colorful felt
  • plate
  • Scissors
  • paper
Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

First, prepare the pizza crust by tracing a circle using a plate or bowl onto cream felt and then cut it out.

Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

Trace and cut out a slightly smaller uneven circle from the red felt.

Trace and cut an even smaller circle from yellow felt for the cheese layer.

Layer the pizza-crust, sauce, and cheese.

Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

Cut in half and then in half again to create 4 even pieces.

Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

Cut out various shapes and sizes from green, yellow, and other colors of felt.

These will be the toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers.

A medicine bottle cap is a great size for pepperoni.

Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

Now you want to create a ‘menu’ for your pizza by giving a value to each part of it.

You can type something up or just quickly write it out by hand, drawing images if needed for younger children.

Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

To practice money math, you can create a slice of pizza with different toppings and have your child figure out how much that slice would cost based on the menu.

Pizza Party Math: Exciting Money Math Activities with Felt Pizzas

When not in use, load all the pieces up in a ziploc bag to store.

You can also add a pizza pan from a dollar tree to make it even more fun.

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The Best Second Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

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

Second grade homeschool curriculum should be fun and engaging while building on basics that your child has already learned. Also, you’ll love my page Homeschool Curriculum for more ideas and grade level curriculum.

Gone are the sweet little round cheeks of a baby and a taller leaner child is taking over.

I can assure you every phase has its joys spent with your heads leaning over a book learning new things and watching those little ‘aha!” light bulb moments come across their eyes.

The Best Second Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

At this age children can sit for longer periods of time but that still doesn’t mean they should sit at a desk or table all day long.

There is still much learning to be done through play, field trips, and fun activities.

We will include some technology and games too so that their interests continue to be explored and developed in these formative years.

Second graders are building up reading skills, continuing with print and cursive instruction, spelling, phonics, and copywork.

The Best Second Grade Homeschool Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

So, these are the skills we are going to focus on with the resources and tips I have.

Second Grade Homeschool Tips and Recommendations

  • If you are not doing it already, consider beginning a morning time routine. It is such a wonderful slow start to the day. This usually includes reading aloud, music, character training, and handicrafts.
  • Keep in mind that children learn different things at different rates, your second grader may be a whiz at math but hasn’t started reading yet and that’s okay. No need to sound the alarm yet unless you truly suspect a learning disability.
  • While they won’t be sitting at a desk all day it is helpful to create a dedicated learning space with posters and maps to reinforce what they are learning (even if you put everything on a trifold science board instead of walls).
  • Attend a homeschool convention this year if you are able to, this is the best place to see a lot of curriculum in person, hear lectures from homeschool veterans, and hang out with like-minded parents on the same journey.
  • Home Learning Year by Year, Revised and Updated: How to Design a Creative and Comprehensive Homeschool Curriculum 

Best Homeschool Curriculum For All Grades

  • Homeschool Preschool Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations
  • Kindergarten Curriculum
  • First Grade Curriculum | 7 Tips And Recommendations
  • Second Grade Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations
  • Third Grade Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations
  • Fourth Grade Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations
  • Fifth Grade Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations
  • Sixth Grade Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations
  • Seventh Grade Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations
  • Eighth Grade Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations
  • Ninth Grade Curriculum | Tips And Recommendations
  • Tenth Grade Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations
  • 11th Grade Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations
  • 12th Grade Curriculum | Tips and Recommendations

2nd Grade Homeschool Curriculum Recommendations

Second graders are building up reading skills, continuing with print and cursive instruction, spelling, phonics, and copywork.

Horizons 2nd Grade Math Box Set

  • Parent-led curriculum
  • Christian curriculum

  • Spiral Learning
  • Print curriculum set
  • Fun-Schooling Math Mysteries - Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide: Ages 6-10 ~ Create Your Own Number Stories & Master Your Math Facts!

    Fun-Schooling Math Mysteries lets your child create their own math problems while they write and color their way through the basic concepts of math.

    Photo Credit: www.allaboutlearningpress.com

    All About Reading Level 2

    Package includes: one Teacher's Manual, one Student Packet (Activity Book, Flashcards, Stickers), and two readers.

    Kids Science Experiment Kit with Lab Coat Scientist

    While it may seem like it’s just dramatic play, this science experiment kit with a lab coat and more is
    useable and a  great way to teach young children about the importance of safety when working on labs and accuracy with measuring, etc.

    Earth Science & Astronomy for the Grammar Stage Student Workbook:

    Earth Science and Astronomy for the Grammar Stage provides a foundational survey of Earth science and astronomy for the elementary student. The Student Workbook includes all the pages you need for the unit projects, narrations, lab reports, and student glossary, plus review sheets. Don’t forget the Teacher Guide which lays out the plans for this study of planet Earth, the weather, rocks and fossils, the solar system, and space. 

    Story of the World, Vol. 2: History for the Classical Child: The Middle Ages

    Now more than ever, other cultures are affecting our everyday lives―and our children need to learn about the other countries of the world and their history. Susan Wise Bauer has provided a captivating guide to the history of other lands. Written in an engaging, straightforward manner, this revised edition of The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child, Volume 2: The Middle Ages weaves world history into a story book format. Who discovered chocolate? What happened to the giant Fovor of the Mighty Blows? Why did the Ottoman Turks drag their war ships across dry land?

    DK Workbooks: Geography, Second Grade: Learn and Explore

    Your child will discover and understand new topics and curriculum-aligned exercises with every page. Objectives include familiarity with the compass rose and map grids.This second-grade workbook further unpacks geography concepts through fun activities and exercises. Your child will grow their confidence in topics like physical and political maps, and the concept of hemispheres. 

    Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary: An Introduction To Earth's Geographical Features For Kids

    Welcome to Geography: An Illustrated A-Z Glossary by B.C. Lester Books! This book takes you across the world's main landforms and biomes, each with a colorful illustration accompanied with a child-friendly definition.

    What is a mesa? Or an estuary? What is the difference between a swamp and a marsh?

    Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day

    Let your child s imagination soar with this fascinating study of birds, bats, and flying insects. Your young zoologist will investigate the dynamics of flight, learn classification skills, keep a field journal, and explore how the design we see in flying creatures points us toward our Creator. High-flying projects for this course include building a bird feeder, working with nesting materials, and even bringing a flying insect back from the dead !

    Photo Credit: www.bfbooks.com

    Early American History K-3rd - Homeschooling History Pack

    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. Spanning 1000 AD to the mid-1800's this course makes teaching this literature-rich curriculum easy and fun!

    Carson Dellosa Beginning Traditional Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Kids, Handwriting Practice

    Workbook Features:• Ages 6-9, Grade 1-3• 32 pages, 11 inches x 8 ½ inches • Practice writing upper- and lowercase letters, number words, and more in cursive• Learn to form and connect letters together • Includes a lined practice page and an alphabet reference chart

    The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids

    Discover why reading aloud to your kids can make such a big difference in their lives and yours.

    Learn practical strategies to make reading aloud an attainable family goal.

    The stories we read--and the conversations we have about them--help shape family traditions, create lifelong memories, and become part of our legacy. Many parents can't get their children to become book-lovers. Other parents lose touch with what their child is reading.

    A Reason For Handwriting Writing Workbook Level B, Grade 2 -Practice Paper Books for Spelling and Reading for 2nd Grader

    • Proven Handwriting Learning Book - A Reason For workbooks sharpens your child's writing books
    • Packed 2nd Grade Handwriting Workbook - 35+ lesson plans full of fun handwriting tips & tricks

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: curriculum, elementary, homeschool, homeschool curriculum, second grade

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