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Ancient HIstory

13 Living Books Ancient History Your Kids Will Love

October 21, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a list of engaging living books ancient history your kids will love. Also, look at my Ancient Civilizations page for fun hands-on ideas and free lapbooks to go with studying ancient history.

Studying ancient history is a fascinating and wide-reaching topic.

It should be taught in a way that draws a child into the period you’re studying about.

That is what a living book does as opposed to a dry boring textbook which kids can loathe.

13 Living Books Ancient History Your Kids Will Love

Too, when I first started homeschooling, I knew what we were reading for history wasn’t presented to my kids in a way they could understand.

A list of dry boring facts does not stir critical thinking skills or nurture my sons’ love for wanting to learn more.

I wanted my sons to read books like I did while growing up.

Little did I know then, there was a name for a book that is lively, engaging, encourages conversations and that is a living book.

WHAT ARE LIVING BOOKS FOR KIDS

Also, through the years I’ve read many excellent definitions of what is a living book.

Be sure you take time to understand what they are so that when you study any topic, especially ancient history, you can bring the topic to life.

Besides, not all, but a lot of them are older books.

They were written at a time when authors did not talk to children, even very young children. And they were written before there was a banned book list or before libraries adopted politically correct views.

However, one of the best features of living books is that the author usually talk about the topic in a story or narrative form. All ages love stories. We never outgrow them.

Additionally, the author is not a textbook writer but an authority on the topic who has infectious enthusiasm for the topic.

This excites the reader.

Even books that are fictional history, the author can weave in dates, events, and details that are true. However, while the story is untrue it still can bring the history period to life.

It helps readers to understand the stream of time.

Additionally, keep this balance in mind as you learn about living books.

Not all vintage books are living books.

However, if you are considering one that is a classic, look for ones that are not edited and have beautiful artwork especially if it’s a picture book.

Many older print pictures books are beautiful and have a higher reading level than you may think.

MORE LIVING BOOKS FOR KIDS LIST & TIPS

  • 5 Steps to Choosing Geography Living Books Your Children Will Love
  • Ancient Civilization History Living Books
  • 13 Living History Books about Ancient Greece
13 Living Books Ancient History Your Kids Will Love

In addition, I have a 5-point checklist to help you decide what is a living book on my post 5 Steps to Choosing Geography Living Books Your Children Will Love.

Your definition and lists of books will grow as you homeschool longer.

Finally, look at this list of living book ancient history for kids.

13 ANCIENT HISTORY LIVING BOOKS FOR MULTIPLE AGES

Add one or two of these books to your day for a unit study or add them to your home library for books to keep.

The Children's Homer

It recounts the perilous adventures of Odysseus on his journey back from the war in Troy, including his encounter with the horrible Cyclops, the duplicitous Sirens, and the evil Circe. One of Colum’s many successful children’s novels, these stories will be enjoyed as much today as they were when they first appeared. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and is wonderfully illustrated by Willy Pogany.

The Arabian Nights

Full of mischief, valor, ribaldry, and romance, The Arabian Nights has enthralled readers for centuries. These are the tales that saved the life of Scheherazade, whose husband, the king, executed each of his wives after a single night of marriage. Beginning an enchanting story each evening, Scheherazade always withheld the ending: A thousand and one nights later, her life was spared forever.

The Golden Goblet

Ranofer wants only one thing in the world: to be a master goldsmith like his beloved father was. But how can he when he is all but imprisoned by his evil half brother, Gebu? Ranofer knows the only way he can escape Gebu's abuse is by changing his destiny. But can a poor boy with no skills survive on the cutthroat streets of ancient Thebes? Then Ranofer finds a priceless golden goblet in Gebu's room and he knows his luck−and his destiny−are about to change.

City of the Golden House

A slave and a cripple, A saint and a Roman officer, An Emperor and a conspirator . . . A city on fire! The events surrounding the burning of Rome and the subsequent Christian persecution provide the backdrop for this story of faith and friendship. A young slave from Britain finds himself in Rome at a tumultuous time. Through his acquaintance with Christians he comes to understand and love the new religion. Out of his zeal for the love of the Christ, he performs a great spiritual work of mercy that sadly goes awry. In the end, God's providence and mercy shine through.

Boy of the Pyramids

The pictured wall of an Egyptian tomb supplied the inspiration for this unusual story, which takes place during the building of the Great Pyramid of Khufu more than 4,000 years ago. Kaffe and Sari, an Egyptian noble's son and a slave irl from the nomadic Sand People of the Sinai region, help solve a troublesome mystery and trap its culprit. All told against a colorfully detailed backdrop of ancient Egypt.

Gilgamesh the Hero

This is one of the oldest stories in the world, and it's about things that still matter to us today: friendship, fame, courage, happiness.Gilgamesh and Enkidu are friends -- best friends. Together they can work wonders, fight monsters, brave earthquakes, travel the world! But waiting in the dark is the one enemy they can never overcome.Retold by award-winning author Geraldine McCaughrean, and illustrated with great power by David Parkins, Gilgamesh the Hero is a story that will linger in the imagination long after the book has been put down.

The Arkadians

Lucian is on the run from a pair of murderous soothsayers. Joy-in-the-Dance knows magic and marvels, and is on a quest. Fronto is a poet-turned-donkey who wants to break the spell that turned him into an animal. The three of them join forces and set out through Arkadia—on an amazing trip that will change their lives. “Master storyteller Alexander keeps the action brisk, packs the text with a riveting collection of weird characters, fantastic settings, plot twists, derring-do, heroes, villains, magic, prophecy, humor, shipwrecks, fires—what more could readers ask for?”—Kirkus Reviews

Archimedes and the Door of Science

Jeanne Bendick, through text and pictures, admirably succeeds in bringing to life the ancient Greek mathematician who enriched mathematics and all branches of science. Against the backdrop of Archimedes' life and culture, the author discusses the man's work, his discoveries and the knowledge later based upon it. The simple, often humorous, illustrations and diagrams greatly enhance the text.Greece, 200 B.C.

The Golden Bull: A Mesopotamian Adventure

A brother and sister's search for a new life and new home . . .5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur. Marjorie Cowley vividly imagines the intrigues, and harsh struggle for survival in ancient Mesopotamia.

God King: A Story in the Days of King Hezekiah

A never-before published tale by the author of the best-selling Hittite Warrior carries the reader back to Ancient Egypt and biblical Jerusalem. It is 701 B.C—rule of the Kushite dynasty in ancient Egypt. Young Prince Taharka, a very minor royal son, succeeds unexpectedly to the throne of Kush and Egypt—a "divine" rulership. It's not long, however, before a treacherous plot pushes him into sudden exile and into the hands of Amos, an emissary of King Hezekiah seeking help against the Assyrians. Posing as a medical assistant, Taharka journeys with Amos to Judea where he encounters two kings in conflict. His true identity suddenly uncovered, he must choose with whom he will fight—the mighty Assyrian, Sennacherib, promising alliance, or Hezekiah, the Jew who trusts in Yahweh. A novel inspired by research on the historical King Taharka and his period. Includes an introduction, with home-education suggestions, by Daria Sockey.Egypt and Judea, 700 B.C.

Mara, Daughter of the Nile

Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom in ancient Egypt, under the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. Mara is not like other slaves; she can read and write, as well as speak the language of Babylonian. So, to barter for her freedom, she finds herself playing the dangerous role of double spy for two arch enemies—each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt.   Against her will, Mara finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, and she starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake.

The Boy of the Painted Cave

Tao is an outcast. Unlike the great hunters of his clan, Tao does not want to kill the wild bears or woolly mammoths of the hunt. Instead he wants only to paint them. But only Chosen Ones can be cave painters. What's more, Volt, the clan leader, violently despises Tao. And when the other clan members discover Tao's secret talent, they cast him out into the wilderness alone. There, he befriends a wild wolf dog named Ram, and the mysterious Graybeard, who teaches him the true secret of the hunt.

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

Here are the greats of ancient Greece—gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters—as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come.  “For any child fortunate enough to have this generous book . . . the kings and heroes of ancient legend will remain forever matter-of-fact; the pictures interpret the text literally and are full of detail and witty observation.”—The Horn Book

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Book Lists Tagged With: ancient, Ancient Babylon, ancient civilizations, ancient egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient HIstory, book lists, books

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

August 18, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some Incan crafts for kids. Also, look at my page Meso-America Free Unit Study and Lapbook for more activities.

We’re going on a journey to learn about Incan jewelry, a sparkling part of history that’s full of amazing stories and stunning designs!

Grab a great reference book or two to use along with these ideas that I have gathered up.

The Incas were a fascinating civilization that lived in South America, mainly in what is now Peru, from the 15th to the 16th century.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

They were known for their incredible architecture, like the famous Machu Picchu, and their impressive artwork.

And guess what? They also created some truly awesome jewelry!

There is also a tutorial for stunning salt dough Incan jewelry at the bottom, a great project for your learner to work on as you read about them.

Who Were the Incan

Before we get into these Incan crafts let’s learn a little bit more about these peoples who helped shape the generations that came after them.

  • The Incas were an ancient civilization that lived in South America from the 13th to the 16th centuries. They were one of the largest and most advanced civilizations in the Americas before the arrival of Europeans.
  • The Incas were known for their impressive stonework, their extensive road system, and their agricultural terraces. They also had a complex system of government and religion.
  • The Inca Empire began in the Cuzco Valley in Peru. Over time, the Incas conquered many other tribes and kingdoms. At its peak, the Inca Empire stretched from present-day Ecuador to Chile and Argentina.
  • The Incas were master builders. They built large cities, temples, and fortresses. They also built an extensive road system that connected all parts of their empire.
  • The Incas were very skilled farmers. They used terraces to grow crops on steep mountainsides and built aqueducts to bring water to their fields.
  • The Inca Empire was a powerful and prosperous civilization. But it was eventually conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century.

Gold was the sacred metal of the Incan people.

They called it “the sweat of the sun god”.

The lore of their land of gold and silver is what led to the Spanish soldiers attacking the Inca for their treasures.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

The Maya, Aztec, and Inca of Central and South America shared many common elements.

The groups practiced farming, developed social structures, raised up armies, and worshiped many gods.

But these three civilizations were as different as the terrains they called home.

Books about Meso-America For Kids

Next, look at some of these books to grab when learning about South America.

5 Resources for Learning about Meso-America, the Aztec, Inca, and Maya

Add some of these books to your unit study about Meso-America.

DKfindout! Maya, Incas, and Aztecs

This fun, fact-filled book for kids ages 6–9 is the ultimate guide to three great civilizations of the American continents—the Maya, Incas, and Aztecs. Entertaining and educating young readers through a combination of close-up images, quirky trivia facts, quiz questions, and fascinating tidbits,
it’s the perfect book for any kid who can’t get enough of ancient history.

DK Eyewitness Books: Aztec, Inca & Maya: Discover the World of the Aztecs, Incas, and Mayas―

Journey back in time to experience the rise and fall of the Aztecs, as well as other Mesoamerican peoples, including the Incas and Mayas. You’ll explore their vast empires and lost worlds in spectacular detail, and meet their gods and goddesses and marvel at their precious stones. Join them farming and hunting, team up for sports and games, taste the food and drink, and dance at their celebrations. Then, after centuries of growth and progress, discover how the Spanish conquest
brought these civilizations crashing to their knees.

Llamas and the Andes: A nonfiction companion to Magic Tree House #34: Late Lunch with Llamas

Track the facts about llamas and other animals of the Andes in this nonfiction companion to the bestselling Magic Tree House series!When Jack and Annie came back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #34: Late Lunch with Llamas, they had lots of questions. Why do people raise llamas? What are llamas' closest relatives? How tall are the Andes mountains? What other animals live there? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts about llamas and the Andes.

Secret of the Andes (Puffin Newberry Library)

An Incan boy who tends llamas in a hidden valley in Peru learns the traditions and secrets of his ancestors. 

Incans Aztecs Mayans

Fascinating account of three major civilizations that existed in the New World before Europeans arrived. How did they live? What did they achieve? What happened to them? Seeks to interpret history from a biblical perspective.

Also, look at more Incan crafts for kids activities.

More Incan Crafts for Kids

  • Discovering Geography Through a Field Trip to Incan Ruins
  • Recreate these Easy Nazca Lines Craft For Kids to demonstrate the unsolved mystery of the ancient markings found in the Peruvian desert.
  • 7 Facts About the Inca Empire & Make a Fun Incan Ruins Model
  • These Incan Inti Masks are simple to make with just cardboard and markers.
  • One of the most important symbols to the Inca was the sun god, Inti, also known as Apu-Punchau, and appears in many of the artifacts found. Make your own version with a Metal Foil Inca Sun.
  • Make 3D relief Peruvian Masks and talk about the importance to their culture in rituals, celebrations of patron saints, ceremonies, and special dances.
  • Because the animal was so important to their culture for food, wool for clothing, and as pack animals we couldn’t leave out this Cardboard llama Weaving Craft.

For a book that’s some bang for your buck learning about the 3 different ancient civilizations we really enjoyed this DK Find out Maya, Incas, and Aztecs.

You get a little bit of info on a lot of topics like their food, children, gods, ceremonies, medicines, calendars, daily life and more.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

Finally, look at how to make stunning salt dough Incan jewelry.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry

Before you begin look through your books or online for Incan designs to model your jewelry after.

Because of the importance of gold to the Inca we painted our pieces gold.

You will need:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½  cup table salt
  • ½ cup water
  • Craft paints
  • Paintbrushes
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Tools-toothpicks, rollers, craft sticks, straw etc
Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

First. combine flour, salt, and water.

Mix until everything is incorporated, and the dough is fairly smooth.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

Transfer to a smooth surface and knead for 2-3 minutes, if the dough is too sticky work a little flour into it as you knead it.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

Roll dough to ¼” thickness or so, if you don’t have a roller, you can use a tin can or a cup.

Cut out your general design using cookie cutters, cups, or even a craft stick. we went with a ceremonial mask.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

Use whatever tools you have on hand, forks, toothbrushes, toothpicks, wooden craft sticks, a clay knife, etc. to add details to your designs.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

Roll small coils of clay or make little dots and add it to your pieces to add dimension, to help it stick you can add a tiny bit of water with your fingertip.

Use a straw to poke a hole at the top of your pendant design to put your string through.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

Carefully transfer your jewelry to a baking sheet.

Then place it into an oven that has been preheated to 200 °.

Bake for an hour and a half and then flip.

How to Make Salt Dough Incan Jewelry With Kids

Then, bake for another hour and a half.

If it’s completely dried you can remove it if not bake for an additional hour or as needed.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

Allow your pieces to cool a bit and then paint.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

Once the paint is dried, run your string through the hole to create your necklace.

Or if you’re making earrings, you can glue earring posts to the back of the pieces.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

We created a ceremonial mask that looks like a warrior

And a beautiful gold disc.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

As well as a golden llama.

Incan jewelry is a beautiful reminder of how creativity and culture come together.

From dazzling gold to colorful stones, the Incas made jewelry that was as meaningful as it was beautiful.

Make Stunning Salt Dough Incan Jewelry | Incan Crafts for Kids

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient HIstory, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, homeschool, homeschoolhistory, Inca, jewelry

Free Ancient China Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

February 25, 2024 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have a free Ancient China lapbook with some hands-on history ideas. Also, you’ll love my other Homeschool Lapbook Ideas on my page.

I’m sharing my complete lapbook Ancient China lapbook along with some hands-on history ideas.

I had a few minibooks already, so I incorporated them into this unit.

And learning about ancient civilizations makes for interesting segues into your history day.

Free Ancient China Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

When you focus on an ancient civilization like Ancient China in depth it makes history much livelier.

Besides whom wants to just color maps.

When learning about the culture, flora and fauna and history of the people, children can connect with history.

Ancient China Books for Kids

Also, I used living books as much as possible so kids can learn about history in a story form.

In addition, we use reference books to help us locate geographical features and learn other things about an area.

12 Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read to About Ancient China

Add some of these books to your home library about Ancient China. Also, use them for a homeschool unit study.

Zheng He, The Great Chinese Explorer: A Bilingual Story of Adventure and Discovery

In the West, legendary explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ernest Shackleton and Sir Edmund Hillary are a recognized part of our history. But in China, that legend belongs to the great explorer Zheng He (1371–1433), who lived during China's renowned Ming Dynasty. Zheng He, the Great Chinese Explorer is a bilingual (English and Chinese) tale of his adventures.

When he was a child, Zheng He dreamed of foreign lands, his imagination was inspired by the travels of his father and grandfather and the wonderful items they brought back from trading trips to the West. A simple but exotic porcelain vase in cobalt, a color not found in China at the time, drove Zheng He to discover the origins of this unique color—and become one of the most famous explorers in China's history.

Chee-Lin: A Giraffe's Journey

Eighty years before Columbus, China sent ships to explore the world.The Chinese discovered many marvelous things, but one discovery stood out above the others: the chee-lin.This chee-lin was just a giraffe, but to the Chinese it was an omen of good fortune so rare that it had appeared only once before—at the birth of Confucius.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

A Time Magazine 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time selection!​A Reader’s Digest Best Children’s Book of All Time​!This stunning fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore is a companion novel to Starry River of the Sky and the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award finalist When the Sea Turned to SilverIn the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat returns with a wondrous story of adventure, faith, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Her beautiful illustrations, printed in full-color, accompany the text throughout. Once again, she has created a charming, engaging book for young readers.

Science and Scientists (True Stories From Ancient China)

Ancient China has a long history of scientific excellence. Learn more about some of China’s greatest scientific wonders and the scientists who studied them. Features stories about astronomy, seismology, mathematics, calendar-making, and geography.

The Warlord's Beads (Warlord's Series)

Clever Chuan devises a simple way for his father to quickly and accurately count all the warlord's treasure.

The Five Chinese Brothers (Paperstar)

The classic picture book about five clever brothers, each with a different extraordinary ability, has been in print for almost 80 years."An original nonsense tale told with...spirit and gusto." -- The Horn Book

The Great Wall Of China (Aladdin Picture Books)

Angela FIsher's The Great Wall is an "awe-inspiring, impressive, black and gray illustrations set the tone for this history of the building of the Great Wall of China." (School Library Journal)

The Story about Ping

No one can deny the appeal of the book's hero, Ping, the spirited little duck who lives on a boat on the Yangtze River. Ping's misadventures one night while exploring the world around his home form the basis of this timeless classic, which is brought to life by Kurt Wiese's warm and poignant illustrations.

In the Forbidden City (We All Live in the Forbidden City)

Serving as the seat of imperial power for six centuries, the Forbidden City is one of China's most famous and enigmatic landmarks. Accompanied by a mischievous cat, readers will tour this colossal architectural structure, discovering the secrets hidden inside the palace walls. They will encounter the people who have walked through its halls and gardens, including emperors, empresses, and rebel leaders, and hear exciting tales about the power struggles and intrigues of everyday life.This large format book conveys the grandeur of the Forbidden City through highly detailed line drawings of its buildings, gardens, and courtyards with numerous fold-out spreads. Each page is populated by a large variety of characters and peppered with entertaining anecdotes. Every book includes a plastic magnifying glass for looking at the drawings more closely."Readers receive a lavish tour of the Forbidden City, once home to Chinese emperors and now a museum, courtesy of Chiu and the Design and Cultural Studies Workshop, which he founded. Delicate line drawings highlight the architectural intricacies of the nearly 178-acre complex (several foldout spreads emphasize its size) while Chiu examines the Ming and Qing dynasties in thorough detail, along with major events in the palace's history. (In one foldout scene, 24 emperors offer pithy, even brusque notes on their reigns — "I was entirely unaccomplished," says Emperor Longqing.) A magnifying glass is wisely included to help readers appreciate the wealth of visual detail." — Publishers Weekly

The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall

DID YOU KNOW that China was named after its first emperor – the brilliant, all-powerful emperor who built The Great Wall? In this book, discover why he started building the Wall, how he made China the biggest country on earth, and what treasures he hid in his secret tomb. Find out how he became one of the most important people in the history of China. Read all about the first emperor’s fascinating life in The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall.The simple language and beautiful illustrations make this book a wonderful reader or bedtime story. It is suitable for all ages, but children aged six to twelve years will especially enjoy reading this book.~ About the ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA… Series ~China has a long history, but its many stories are often too complex for children. In this series, Jillian Lin retells China’s best historical tales so they are easy and fun to read. Children will embark on a journey through time where they will get a glimpse inside the colorful lives of famous Chinese figures. Beautiful illustrations, gripping stories, and fascinating facts make these books wonderful readers or bedtime stories for ages six and above. Other titles in this series include:The King Without A Throne (Confucius)The Mountain Man Of Music (Zhu Zaiyu)The Miracle Doctor (Hua Tuo)The Girl Who Became Emperor (Wu Zetian)The Dreamer Of Stars (Zhang Heng)The Greatest Explorer In The World (Zheng He)The Pirate King (Koxinga/Zheng Chenggong)

Where Is the Great Wall?

More than two thousand years ago, with his land under constant attack from nomads, the First Emperor of China came up with a simple solution: build a wall to keep out enemies. It was a wall that kept growing and growing. But its construction came at a huge cost: it is believed that more than a million Chinese died building it, earning the wall its nickname--the longest cemetery on earth. Through the story of the wall, Patricia Brennan Demuth is able to tell the story of China itself, the rise and fall of dynasties, the greatness of its culture, and its present-day status as a Communist world power.

DK Eyewitness Books: Ancient China: Discover the History of Imperial China―from the Great Wall to the Days of the La

A spectacular and informative guide to the history of the great Chinese empire and the customs and traditions of its people.  Stunning real-life photographs and lifelike models offer a unique "eyewitness" view of life in imperial China, from its earliest beginnings in the Bronze Age to its final years in the early 20th century. See the stunning bronze work of the ancient Chinese and the beautiful techniques used for Chinese calligraphy. Learn why the First Emperor created the Terracotta Army, what kinds of goods were carried along the Silk Route, who invented paper, and much, much more. 

Facts About Ancient China

  • Han Chinese were the original people of China.
  • The oldest religion in China is ancestor worship but there were other religions too like Confucianism based on the teachings of Confucius. Taoism is another religion.
  • Next the cultivation of silkworms to obtain silk for weaving.
  • At first silk was expensive and only the wealthiest wore it. But about 200 B.C. soldiers and other people were wearing silk. And then even poor people wore silk.
  • Then ancient Chinese wrote on bamboo and wood, then silk. Paper was invented in China about 105 A.D.
  • Education was important in Ancient China. Boys usually went to school at the age of seven. If their parents were rich, they hired a tutor. They learned to write 20 Chinese characters a day.
  • Girls were not usually sent to school. They learned to spin, weave, and embroider. They helped their mothers at home.

Children learn to write calligraphy. It was a great art because there were thousands of symbols each representing a different idea.

Chinese writing has hardly changed over 2,000 years.

More Homeschool Lapbook Ideas

  • Marco Polo Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Ancient Greece
  • 18 Colorful and Free Lapbooks for History Unit Studies
  • Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities
  • Ancient Civilization Lapbook
  • French Revolution 1789 – 1799 Lapbook
  • American Revolution Lapbook 1775 – 1783
  • Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook
Free Ancient China Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

In addition, look at this Ancient Chinese inventions on hub page to see what they invented.

Moreover, look at these other ideas for hands-on history.

Hands-on History for Kids Learning About Ancient China

  • How To Make The Great Wall Of China Out Of Paper
  • 8 Ancient China Activities For Kids | How To Make An Abacus
  • Kids Ancient China Activity | How To Make a Simple Ming Dynasty Craft
  • Quick and Easy Ancient Chinese Paper making for Kids
    Free Ancient China Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History

    Topics in Free Ancient China Lapbook

    Look at these minibooks which are included in the free download.

    Use them all or mix/match with other activities your child wants to include in the lapbook.

    • Early Chinese Dynasties
    • History of Silk
    • Where the Ancient Chinese
    • Did You Know . .
    • Growing Up in Ancient China
    • Shang Warrios
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    How to Get the Free Ancient China Lapbook

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    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbooks Tagged With: ancient, Ancient China, ancient civilizations, Ancient HIstory, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources

    Kids Ancient China Activity | How To Make a Simple Ming Dynasty Craft

    February 9, 2024 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Make your own Ming Dynasty plate for a fun and educational ancient China activity. Also, look at my post Free Ancient China Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on History.

    This hands-on history craft leaves a lasting impression and makes for a wonderful keepsake of your study.

    The blue and white porcelain is from the Yuan Dynasty.

    It is attributed to the Ming Dynasty because it was during the Ming Dynasty period that it started coming to Europe and gained popularity.

    Kids Ancient China Activity | How To Make a Simple Ming Dynasty Craft

    Popular designs and motifs were Chinese characters, dragons, pagodas, fish, birds, botanical, and waves.

    Ming China was not the first or the highest in quality and design.

    However, it holds as one of the most significant milestones in ceramic history because it was during this dynasty that China dramatically improved its ceramic technology.

    The blue and white coloration is the most popular and identifiable.

    Ming Dynasty was a period of imperial China which existed from 1368 to 1644. It was a hereditary monarchy that was dominated by a single family.

    Many achievements were made during the Ming Dynasty.

    For example, doubling its population, refurbishing the Great Wall to its greatest glory and large naval expeditions.

    Also, there was robust maritime trade, the production of beautiful porcelains, paintings, and textiles.

    In the last century the dynasty was plagued with crop failures, monetary instability, and corruption in the courts.

    That allowed it to be overthrown by a combined effort of  Wu Sangui and the Manchu Prince Dorgon.

    This is just one of the fascinating ancient dynasties that you can learn more about.

    Research rulers and the contributions each made to their time.

    Books About China For Kids

    Next, along with this hands-on ancient China activity, look at some of these living books.

    I like to add living books to our day then reference books too.

    12 Books & Resources For Kids Who Love Reading and Being Read to About Ancient China

    Add some of these books to your home library about Ancient China. Also, use them for a homeschool unit study.

    Zheng He, The Great Chinese Explorer: A Bilingual Story of Adventure and Discovery

    In the West, legendary explorers like Christopher Columbus, Ernest Shackleton and Sir Edmund Hillary are a recognized part of our history. But in China, that legend belongs to the great explorer Zheng He (1371–1433), who lived during China's renowned Ming Dynasty. Zheng He, the Great Chinese Explorer is a bilingual (English and Chinese) tale of his adventures.

    When he was a child, Zheng He dreamed of foreign lands, his imagination was inspired by the travels of his father and grandfather and the wonderful items they brought back from trading trips to the West. A simple but exotic porcelain vase in cobalt, a color not found in China at the time, drove Zheng He to discover the origins of this unique color—and become one of the most famous explorers in China's history.

    Chee-Lin: A Giraffe's Journey

    Eighty years before Columbus, China sent ships to explore the world.The Chinese discovered many marvelous things, but one discovery stood out above the others: the chee-lin.This chee-lin was just a giraffe, but to the Chinese it was an omen of good fortune so rare that it had appeared only once before—at the birth of Confucius.

    Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

    A Time Magazine 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time selection!​A Reader’s Digest Best Children’s Book of All Time​!This stunning fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore is a companion novel to Starry River of the Sky and the New York Times bestselling and National Book Award finalist When the Sea Turned to SilverIn the valley of Fruitless mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat returns with a wondrous story of adventure, faith, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless story reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz and Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Her beautiful illustrations, printed in full-color, accompany the text throughout. Once again, she has created a charming, engaging book for young readers.

    Science and Scientists (True Stories From Ancient China)

    Ancient China has a long history of scientific excellence. Learn more about some of China’s greatest scientific wonders and the scientists who studied them. Features stories about astronomy, seismology, mathematics, calendar-making, and geography.

    The Warlord's Beads (Warlord's Series)

    Clever Chuan devises a simple way for his father to quickly and accurately count all the warlord's treasure.

    The Five Chinese Brothers (Paperstar)

    The classic picture book about five clever brothers, each with a different extraordinary ability, has been in print for almost 80 years."An original nonsense tale told with...spirit and gusto." -- The Horn Book

    The Great Wall Of China (Aladdin Picture Books)

    Angela FIsher's The Great Wall is an "awe-inspiring, impressive, black and gray illustrations set the tone for this history of the building of the Great Wall of China." (School Library Journal)

    The Story about Ping

    No one can deny the appeal of the book's hero, Ping, the spirited little duck who lives on a boat on the Yangtze River. Ping's misadventures one night while exploring the world around his home form the basis of this timeless classic, which is brought to life by Kurt Wiese's warm and poignant illustrations.

    In the Forbidden City (We All Live in the Forbidden City)

    Serving as the seat of imperial power for six centuries, the Forbidden City is one of China's most famous and enigmatic landmarks. Accompanied by a mischievous cat, readers will tour this colossal architectural structure, discovering the secrets hidden inside the palace walls. They will encounter the people who have walked through its halls and gardens, including emperors, empresses, and rebel leaders, and hear exciting tales about the power struggles and intrigues of everyday life.This large format book conveys the grandeur of the Forbidden City through highly detailed line drawings of its buildings, gardens, and courtyards with numerous fold-out spreads. Each page is populated by a large variety of characters and peppered with entertaining anecdotes. Every book includes a plastic magnifying glass for looking at the drawings more closely."Readers receive a lavish tour of the Forbidden City, once home to Chinese emperors and now a museum, courtesy of Chiu and the Design and Cultural Studies Workshop, which he founded. Delicate line drawings highlight the architectural intricacies of the nearly 178-acre complex (several foldout spreads emphasize its size) while Chiu examines the Ming and Qing dynasties in thorough detail, along with major events in the palace's history. (In one foldout scene, 24 emperors offer pithy, even brusque notes on their reigns — "I was entirely unaccomplished," says Emperor Longqing.) A magnifying glass is wisely included to help readers appreciate the wealth of visual detail." — Publishers Weekly

    The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall

    DID YOU KNOW that China was named after its first emperor – the brilliant, all-powerful emperor who built The Great Wall? In this book, discover why he started building the Wall, how he made China the biggest country on earth, and what treasures he hid in his secret tomb. Find out how he became one of the most important people in the history of China. Read all about the first emperor’s fascinating life in The Emperor Who Built The Great Wall.The simple language and beautiful illustrations make this book a wonderful reader or bedtime story. It is suitable for all ages, but children aged six to twelve years will especially enjoy reading this book.~ About the ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA… Series ~China has a long history, but its many stories are often too complex for children. In this series, Jillian Lin retells China’s best historical tales so they are easy and fun to read. Children will embark on a journey through time where they will get a glimpse inside the colorful lives of famous Chinese figures. Beautiful illustrations, gripping stories, and fascinating facts make these books wonderful readers or bedtime stories for ages six and above. Other titles in this series include:The King Without A Throne (Confucius)The Mountain Man Of Music (Zhu Zaiyu)The Miracle Doctor (Hua Tuo)The Girl Who Became Emperor (Wu Zetian)The Dreamer Of Stars (Zhang Heng)The Greatest Explorer In The World (Zheng He)The Pirate King (Koxinga/Zheng Chenggong)

    Where Is the Great Wall?

    More than two thousand years ago, with his land under constant attack from nomads, the First Emperor of China came up with a simple solution: build a wall to keep out enemies. It was a wall that kept growing and growing. But its construction came at a huge cost: it is believed that more than a million Chinese died building it, earning the wall its nickname--the longest cemetery on earth. Through the story of the wall, Patricia Brennan Demuth is able to tell the story of China itself, the rise and fall of dynasties, the greatness of its culture, and its present-day status as a Communist world power.

    DK Eyewitness Books: Ancient China: Discover the History of Imperial China―from the Great Wall to the Days of the La

    A spectacular and informative guide to the history of the great Chinese empire and the customs and traditions of its people.  Stunning real-life photographs and lifelike models offer a unique "eyewitness" view of life in imperial China, from its earliest beginnings in the Bronze Age to its final years in the early 20th century. See the stunning bronze work of the ancient Chinese and the beautiful techniques used for Chinese calligraphy. Learn why the First Emperor created the Terracotta Army, what kinds of goods were carried along the Silk Route, who invented paper, and much, much more. 

    Activities Resources For Ancient China Unit Study

    • Learn the Quick and Easy Ancient Chinese Paper making for Kids and practice writing characters to spell out names or spelling words.
    • Before you make your plate, watch Ming Dynasty Pottery For Kids for a quick and easy art lesson.
    • Make Bamboo Scrolls like they would have started as far back as the third or fourth century B.C.E.

    Find out about Terra Cotta Warriors, these were made in the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), and were created to protect the kingdom of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

    Kids Ancient China Activity | How To Make a Simple Ming Dynasty Craft

    Finally, look how to make this Ming Dynasty plate.

    How To Make a Simple Ming Dynasty Craft

    You can use a regular sharpie to make your plate.

    However, if you use the sharpie paint markers like I linked below you will get a much richer and longer lasting color.

     Also, you can also choose to make a bowl, cup, or vase using the same method as below.

    You will need:

    • White plate (Dollar Tree)
    • Oil based Sharpie markers
    • Dry erase marker
    • Rubbing alcohol/cloth
    • Oven

    First, google various pieces of Ming China until you decide on some pattern ideas you like for inspiration.

    Or your child can create their own modern version of the popular blue and white porcelain that has been reproduced many times over the years.

    Kids Ancient China Activity | How To Make a Simple Ming Dynasty Craft

    Wipe down the plate with rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth to remove any oils and dirt from the plate and then let it dry completely.

    Draw your design, if you make a mistake that you can’t or don’t want to work into your design you can color over it completely with a dry erase marker and it will completely wipe away.

    Kids Ancient China Activity | How To Make a Simple Ming Dynasty Craft

    You can start along the rim like this repeating simple patterns if you like.

    Kids Ancient China Activity | How To Make a Simple Ming Dynasty Craft

    Now fill in the center of your plate with a scene.

    Ming porcelain was usually very detailed and full of some sort of designs, so I encouraged as much drawing as possible. We went with a couple of pagodas to make it obvious.

    Kids Ancient China Activity | How To Make a Simple Ming Dynasty Craft

    When you are satisfied with your design, place it on a baking sheet in an oven that has been preheated to 350 and bake for 30 minutes before turning it off.

    Allow it to sit until completely cooled and then remove it.

    These plates are not food safe, but the designs are now permanent and can be used in a display.

    Kids Ancient China Activity | How To Make a Simple Ming Dynasty Craft

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient China, ancient civilizations, Ancient HIstory, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    October 21, 2023 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have a varied list of 10 Viking explorer project ideas to get you started on a wonderful hands-on unit study. Also, I have this Vikings Lapbook Unit Study and Hands-on Activities.

    And we are also going to make a simple Trollen wheel and Viking braid.

    Create costume pieces, tools, ancient writings, and more through the tutorials, and learn more about Vikings who ruled the seas from the late 8th century to the 11th.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    For example, a Trollen Wheel is a tool for making patterned cords or ropes and dates back several centuries.

    Trollens were traditionally made from organic materials like bone, horn, leather, and wood.

    We are going to craft a simple and inexpensive one with cardboard.

    While Trollen wheels are used frequently in Viking reenactments it is undetermined if they used them, since none have been found in archeological digs.

    However, they did wear braids in their hair as well as adornments on their clothing and the Trollen wheel is a great way to braid intricate decorative braids.

    Books About The Vikings

    First, add some of these books to your day.

    11 Viking Resources & Books for Multiple Ages

    Grab some of these books and resources for multiple ages about Vikings.

    Viking Adventure

    Sigurd, a Viking boy, cannot see the value of learning to read and write. All he can think of is adventure. But then he has an adventure that he cannot help but tell. And to do that, he decides, he must learn to write. A fine story for young readers.

    Guts & Glory: The Vikings (Guts & Glory, 2)

    From battle-axe-wielding tribes plundering the greatest cities of Europe to powerful kings and queens ruling their dominions with iron fists, the Vikings were some of the most feared and fearless figures in European history. Find the bravest heroes, the most menacing villains, and unbelievably awesome facts and myths inside this action-packed overview that will amaze kids with tales of a people so incredible...it's hard to believe they were real.

    Viking: Discover the Story of the Vikings―Their Ships, Weapons, Legends, and Saga of War

    The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures. Loaded with superb color photographs of Viking ships and swords, clothes and shields, memorial stones and beautiful brooches, this revised and updated edition of Eyewitness: Viking offers a unique view into the lives of the Norse people and their outstanding achievements.

    LEGO Creator Viking Ship

    Kids can experience thrilling adventures on land and sea with this 3in1 set featuring a toy Viking ship, Viking house and Fenris wolf figure

    A Child's Introduction to Norse Mythology: Odin, Thor, Loki, and Other Viking Gods, Goddesses, Giants, and Monsters

    The newest book in the best-selling, award-winning A Child's Introduction series explores the popular and captivating world of Norse mythology. Organized into two parts, part one introduces characters like Odin, the leader of the Norse gods; Thor and his mighty hammer Mjollner; Frigg,
    weaver of the destinies of humans and gods; frost and fire giants; cunning dwarves like Brokk and Eitri; and many more. Part two tells the stories of the suspenseful myths themselves including The Creation of the Cosmos, The Aesir-Vanir War, Loki Bound, Thor's Hammer and many more.

    Renegade Game Studios Raiders of The North Sea,Multi-colored

    Play Raiders of The North Sea, a worker-placement board game where players work to assemble a crew and outfit a longboat to raid settlements for gold and fame.(For 2-4 players)

    Odd and the Frost Giants

    Odd, a young Viking boy, is left fatherless following a raid. In his icy, ancient world there is no mercy for an unlucky soul with a crushed foot and no one to protect him. Fleeing to the woods, Odd stumbles upon and releases a trapped bear…and then Odd's destiny begins to change.

    The eagle, bear, and fox Odd encounters are Norse gods, trapped in animal form by the evil frost giant who has conquered Asgard, the city of the gods. Now our hero must reclaim Thor's hammer, outwit the frost giants and release the gods…

    Viking Quest Series Set of 5 Volumes Including Raiders From the Sea, Mystery of the Silver Coins, the Invisible Friend, Heart of Courage, and the Raider's Promise

    Raiders from the Sea: Viking raiders capture Bree and her brother Devin and take them from their home in Ireland. After the young Viking prince Mikkel sets Devin free on the Irish coast far from home, Bree and Devin embark on separate journeys to courage. Readers will be captivated by the unfolding drama as Bree sails to Norway on the Viking ship and Devin travels the dangerous road home.

    Black Fox of Lorne

    Set in 1005 AD, twins Brus and Jan go a-Viking with their father Harald Redbeard and all their household. They plan to settle in England with Danish relatives there. But, their ships are caught in a fierce gale on the North Sea, and they are taken far off course to the western shore of Scotland. Held captive by a cunning Scottish Laird, Jan and Brus must navigate the political intrigue of chieftain, clan, and king without the help of their father, who has been killed and their mother, who is believed lost at sea. They follow adventure after adventure until they earn their freedom and find a home in Scotland at last.

    Make This Viking Settlement (Usborne Cut-Out Models)

    Printed on stiff card, this book contains templates to cut out and construct a model of a Viking settlement crammed with authentic detail. The base of the completed model measures 61 x 46cm, and includes 16 houses with doors and windows that open to reveal the details inside, and two Viking trading ships. It contains over 40 cut-out figures including merchants, traders and towns people to recreate scenes of everyday life in a bustling riverside settlement.

    Who Were the Vikings Internet-Linked (Starting Point History)

    Answers questions about the everyday life of the Vikings, including clothing, homes, religion, medical care, food, entertainment, ships, shops and towns, government, warfare, and the travels of the Northmen in Asia and the North Atlantic.

    Too, look at these facts about daily life with the Vikings.

    Daily Life With the Vikings

    1. Surprisingly the majority of Viking men spent most of their time farming, not sailing the seas. They raised crops like barley and oats, as well as a variety of animals.
    2. Vikings were known for their good hygiene, dig sites have turned up tweezers, razors, combs, and ear cleaners that were made from animal bones and antlers. They bathed weekly, which is more than most Europeans at the time, and also enjoyed frequent dips in natural hot springs.
    3. Viking men preferred being blonde, so if one was born brunette they would use a strong soap with a high lye content to bleach their hair and sometimes their beards as well.
    4. They did not wear helmets with horns, or any helmets at all. This belief started when it was dreamt up by a costume designer named Carl Emil Doepler for an 1876 production of Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen.
    5. A Viking named Leif Erikson was the first to set foot in the new world, not Christopher Columbus, he beat him to it by 500 years. Leif’s father was the first Viking to set foot in Greenland.

    Next, look at these explorer project ideas.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas

    1. This impressive tutorial will teach you how to Make a Viking Shield that is worthy of the best adventures.
    2. Create fun and special messages on these Viking Runestones.
    3. The Best Free Viking Lapbook and Hands-on Ideas
    4. Try this delicious Viking Bread Recipe and see how Nordic explorers ate between adventures.
    5. The BEST Viking Unit Study for Homeschooled Kids
    6. Turn cardboard and metallic paint into this amazing-looking helmet with the Make a Viking Helmet-Crafts for Kids.
    7. How cute is this simple Viking Lunch? What a great addition to a Viking unit study and a fun break in the day..
    8. STEM and Geography: How to Build an Ancient Viking Ship
    9. You can learn to make A Makeshift Lucet, a fiber-working tool used by the Vikings.
    10. This DIY Kids Viking Costume is great for the kid who loves to dress up, for fairies, for a co-op presentation, or just for fun.
    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    Finally, look how to make a Trollen wheel Viking braid.

    Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    You will need:

    • Sturdy cardboard
    • String or yarn
    • Ruler
    • Pen
    • Scissors
    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    First, trace a circle on sturdy cardboard, you want it small enough to be held comfortably in your child’s hand, 3”-4” in diameter is a good size.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    Cut out the circle.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    Use a ruler to create 4 lines, intersecting across the middle, to end in 8 equally distant ends.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    Cut ⅛” to ¼” of the way in, into a narrow v at the end of each line.

    And then use the scissors to cut out a roughly ¾” in diameter hole in the center of the wheel.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    Cut 8 lengths of string or yarn to 12” long.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    Tie all the strings together at one end in a knot.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    Place the knotted strings through the hole and place one string through each slit you cut in the ends of the lines.

    You should have one empty spot.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    To create a braid, you will hold the wheel in your hand, letting the knotted end hang free in the middle.

    Place the empty spot right in front of you and count 3 strings clockwise from the empty hole, bring that string down onto the empty spot.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    Repeat, moving the 3rd string clockwise from the empty spot into the empty spot over and over until you reach the end of the string.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    Once at the end of the length, you can remove the strings from the cardboard and knot it.

    Use the braided piece to make a friendship bracelet, or to make a decoration for a keychain or backpack.

    10 Viking Explorer Project Ideas and Make a Trollen Wheel Viking Braid

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Ancient HIstory, handicraft, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, Vikings

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