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art

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

July 16, 2023 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

In honor of Global Kinetic Sand Day on August 11th, I have an easy sand art DIY kinetic sand for you to make and enjoy. Also, look at ideas on my post Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert).

I have 12 other fun sand art activities.

Summer just gets you thinking about sand and everything that it entails.

So, even if you can’t make it to the beach there are lots of ways to enjoy playing with sand.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

We all remember the cool activity of layering sand in a bottle, and we know there are many ways to create art with it.

Kinetic sun is a super fun sensory activity, but that stuff can get crazy expensive.

 Making it yourself saves a lot of money and allows you to customize it with fun colors.

Besides the fun of making it, you can then use it for fun layered creations, in sensory bins or trays, and with cookie cutters and mold.

5 Sand Facts

What exactly is sand anyway?

The definition of sand is any material made up of grains within a certain size range. Sugar and salt can qualify as sand.

  1. The most common material to make up sand is silica,  which is made of quartz crystals that have broken down as far as they naturally will.
  2. Beach sand is silica sand mixed with fragments of coral, shell, and other materials.
  3. Sand is commonly used in making concrete, glass, mortar, paint, and brick.
  4. In over 3 dozen deserts around the world, there’s a phenomenon known as “singing sand.” As wind passes over the dunes or when the sand is disturbed, it creates a deep, humming sound. It is believed to be the vibrations of the grains of sand.
  5. The recommended ratio for the perfect sandcastle is 8:1, that is 8 parts dry sand and 1 part water.
How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Then, here are some fun art ideas.

12 Easy Sand Art Ideas

Here are 12 more easy sand art activities to try for kids of all ages and their parents.

  1. I remember having something similar to this Easy Aqua Sand Recipe and it was a blast, like a sand lava lamp that you customize.
  2. I love the pretty layering in this Colored Sand Art, I also like that it will be a unique art piece every time you make it.
  3. Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert).
  4. We had to include a simple DIY Colored Sand tutorial for you to make your own and do whatever you want with it. It works great with several of the activities here or make up your own ideas.
  5. Create Sand Castle Sand Art during a beach study, for summer fun, or to mark a family beach trip.
  6. This Ocean Sand Art For Kids has limitless possibilities to create beautiful ocean scenes with colored sand.
  7. Faux sand still counts right? Make your own Sand Art With Salt, salt is very inexpensive and easy to find, making it a good alternative to sand.
  8. Doubling as a pretty art piece and a planter the Rainbow Sand Art Terrarium is a really fun sand art piece.
  9. How Accurate is a Sand Clock? 
  10. These DIY Sand Art Candles are unique and would make a great handmade gift anytime or a colorful addition to a teen’s bedroom.
  11. This Glow in The Dark Sand will no doubt be a big hit with everyone for creating sand art.
  12. Of course, I had to include something tasty, how about this Edible Sand Art Recipe? What a fun party favor or co-op activity this would be.
How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

There are so many good ideas here, unique ways I never thought to use sand to make art.

How to Make DIY Kinetic Sand

You will need:

  • 2 cups fine white sand (dollar tree)
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 Tablespoon clear dish soap
  • ½ cup white school glue
  • Food coloring
How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

First, combine the sand and the cornstarch until thoroughly mixed, I find it is easier to get a better mix when you don’t stir everything in all at once.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Next, stir in dish soap and glue, mixing them in for several minutes until all ingredients are well combined.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Separate sand into as many containers as you would like to make different colors.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Add food coloring until satisfied with the color, we left one natural. A fork makes a great tool for mixing color into the sand.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Spread out the sand in a container as much as you can for drying.

Allow mixture to “dry” for 15-30 minutes until it becomes a texture that is not super sticky and flows well in your hands.

You want to be able to squeeze it into a solid mass that slowly flows out of shape.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Transfer to containers with a lid (or you can use baggies).

Add a tray to keep the mess contained and cookie cutters.

You can press through the kinetic sand with cookie cutters, but it is also fun to lay down the cutter and add sand, watching it “ooze” to fill in the entire space.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

Even after the colors become mixed up, it is still a pretty and fun kinetic sand.

Store in a sealable container like a zipper baggie or mason jar with a lid.

How to Make Fun DIY Kinetic Sand And Easy Sand Art

1 CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: art, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, sand

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

July 9, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I have a fun watercolor flamingo tutorial if you’re learning about the Galapagos Islands animals in South America. Also, you’ll love ideas on my South America Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas post.

There are many unique and fascinating animals of the Galapagos Islands. 

Some are native or endemic, and others that are plentiful there but might also be found in other exotic spots.

The Galapagos is an archipelago which is a sea or stretch of water containing many islands.

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

They are made up of 127 islands to be exact, of which only 4 are inhabited.  

Many of which are endemic (native) to the Galapagos Islands from the well-known Galapagos tortoise to the small temperate weather Galapagos penguin.

About Flamingos of the Galapagos Islands

Flamingos are beautiful and graceful creatures that are easily identified.

And while flamingos are not endemic to the Galapagos, the ones that are found there are among the most brilliantly colored.

They are certainly eye-catching and that is why I chose to make them the focus of today’s activity.

The pink coloring of Galapagos flamingos comes from their diet.

These flamingos’ primary food source is crustaceans, which contain carotenoids, a pigment that helps the flamingos to maintain a bright pink color.

Galapagos flamingos live in large colonies, wading in the brackish, shallow waters of the Galapagos off the coast of Ecuador.

I found a beautiful two-page spread on flamingos in the Wildlife Anatomy from Julia Rothman.

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

This beautiful book not only served as inspiration for our watercolor painting but also covers the anatomy of a flamingo and a few fun facts.

Fantastic Facts About 8 Endemic Animals of The Galapagos Islands

  1. Galapagos Penguin- The only one of its kind that makes its home north of the equator, they are the second smallest penguins and are the rarest penguin species in the world.
  2. Galapagos Land Iguanas have a symbiotic relationship with the islands’ birds, who find a food source in the parasites that live on the iguanas’ skin.
  3. Blue-Footed Booby, The name “booby” actually comes from a mispronunciation of the Spanish bobo, which means “clown” or “fool.”
  4. Galapagos Tortoises inhabit most of the islands in the Galápagos.
  5. Marine Iguana can live on both lands and in the water, diving to depths of up to 30 feet.
  6. Flightless Cormorant is endemic to the Galápagos, yet flightless. They inhabit 2 different islands that are miles from any other shore.
  7. Frigatebird birds have tiny bodies with enormous wingspans, and because they cannot take off from water, they will simply soar around for days, weeks, and sometimes even as long as two months without touching down.
  8. Darwin’s Finches were discovered by Charles Darwin and belong to the Tanager family. Thirteen of the fourteen types are endemic to the Galapagos.

Also, look at these books and resources about the Galapagos Islands.

11 Books & Resources About the Animals of the Galapagos

Add one or two of these fun resources about the animals of the Galapagos Islands in South America.

Where Are the Galapagos Islands? (Where Is?)

The Galapagos Islands are a chain of volcanic islands located on either side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean. The isolated location of the islands has allowed a vast number of species to develop that are original to each island, such as the marine iguana, the blue-footed booby, the magnificent frigatebird and of course the giant Galapagos tortoise, which may live to be over one hundred years old. 

Galapagos Wildlife TOOB

This Galapagos Island Toob is a must have item for sensory bins and dioramas, but they really give your child a better understanding of what creatures they may never get to see in person. They make great models for art projects as well from sketching to painting.

Galapagos (Earth's Extraordinary Places)

This is the ultimate book about the Galápagos for kids, covering the formation of the islands, the fascinating animals that live there, the evolutionary traits of the flora, the diverse climates, the brilliant conservation efforts and much more!This beautifully illustrated and photographic book provides a fascinating tour of the flora, fauna, and geology of the Galapágos islands. Children can learn about the unique and incredible wildlife, volcanoes, climate and Darwin’s theory of evolution from his visit to the Galápagos.  

Karl, Get Out of the Garden!: Carolus Linnaeus and the Naming of Everything

Carolus (Karl) Linnaeus started off as a curious child who loved exploring the garden. Despite his intelligence—and his mother's scoldings—he was a poor student, preferring to be outdoors with his beloved plants and bugs. As he grew up, Karl's love of nature led him to take on a seemingly impossible task: to give a scientific name to every living thing on earth. 

Exotic Birds TOOB

11 EXOTIC BIRDS: This Toob brings you some of the most amazing exotic winged friends from around the world. It includes a Parakeet, Quetzal, Yellow Macaw, Humming Bird, Hibiscus Flower, Keel-Billed Toucan, Cockatoo, Flamingo, White Ibis, Snowy Owl, and a Greet Parrot.

My Father's Island (Guinness World Records Little Books)

A true story that incorporates biography, adventure and the elements of armchair travel. Angermeyer, who grew up in Nebraska, embarks on a search to discover what happened to her father, a refugee from Hitler, on the Galapagos Islands where he and her mother had lived before his death.

Marcel McDuby the Blue-Footed Booby

For ages 3-9... The strange little bird with turquoise blue feet spent all his time imagining being someone else. Follow him on a journey that leads to self-acceptance and a life-changing discovery: It's our differences that make us special and set us apart. What's really important comes from our heart.

Galapagos Wildlife (Bradt Wildlife Guides)

This new, thoroughly updated and lavishly illustrated fourth edition of Bradt's Galápagos Wildlife is packed with information and magnificent pictures to aid in identifying key species, all in an easy-to-carry format that covers everything from the wildlife that you're likely to encounter, whether flying in the air, running along the ground or swimming underwater, to a succinct history of the islands, their habitats and volcanic origins. 

Galapagos animal adventure with 26 coloring pages for all ages

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands with this endemic animal coloring book. With 26 pages filled with detailed and realistic drawings, this coloring book will take you on a journey through the unique landscapes of the islands as you immerse yourself in the wild nature of the región.

Take Your Time: A Tale of Harriet, the Galapagos Tortoise

Harriet the tortoise likes to do things slowly. She explores her home on the Galápagos Islands―slowly. She eats―slowly. And when the sun goes down, she slumbers deeply all night long.

When Harriet’s friends tell her to pick up the pace, Harriet decides to journey to a neighboring island to see what there is to see. She parades with penguins and rides with dolphins, encountering adventure at every turn. But is life in the fast lane right for a tortoise who loves to take her time?

Marine Iguanas - Tails of the Galapagos Islands Series

Marine Iguanas. Discover the unique Galapagos Island critter called the Marine Iguana. Designed for Young Readers (Ages 5-7) in mind, your little adventurist can immerse themselves within the colorful pages that take them on a journey to better understand the Life of the Marine Iguana. Fun facts and vibrant photos make this book an enjoyable read now and for years to come.

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

Before you begin, have your child identify the Galapagos Islands on a map, globe, or atlas.

Also, have them locate Ecuador and the equator as well.

More South America Activities

  • 9 Free South America Country Reports for Kids Notebooking Pages
  • Free South America Printable Lapbook and Fun Hands-on Unit Study Ideas
  • South America Geography Salt Dough Map + Printable Pennants
  • South America Unit Study resources
  • Free 8 Page Fan Book–Animals of the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

Finally, look how to make this diy watercolor flamingo tutorial.

I do not claim to be an artist or an art teacher.

Also, I have a fun printable flamingo unit study that you can read about here.

  • Dynamic and Beautiful Flamingo Printable Themed Informational Packet Study for Young Learners

    Dynamic and Beautiful Flamingo Printable Themed Informational Packet Study for Young Learners

    $4.00
    Add to cart

Galapagos Islands Animals – Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

But as long as I have been homeschooling, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks that helped me teach things like watercolor in a simple way that helps kids “get it”

If you feel confident, freehand your flamingo with watercolor.

But this simple tutorial is meant for kids (or adults) who like art but aren’t yet confident to jump in fully,

Supplies:

  • Watercolor paper
  • Flamingo picture
  • 2-3 small watercolor paintbrushes
  • Pencil with eraser
  • Cup of water
Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

Start by lightly tracing the curving neck and body of a flamingo.

It’s okay if it’s not perfect. You can erase and re-sketch as many times as you need to.

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

Now add some jointed legs, you can draw feet or let them disappear into the water line.

Next, erase your drawing leaving just the lightest pencil marks to give a basic guide.

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

Use a clean brush and “paint” the neck and body using only water, get it nice and wet.

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

Now, pick up a light shade of pink watercolor and begin to fill in the flamingo.

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

Do some wet-on-wet watercolor by adding a little bit of detail and shading with a darker pink while it is still wet.

You will be able to see how nicely it moves when you add wet paint to wet paint. This is a great time to start shaping the tale a bit.

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

Allow the watercolor to dry, it shouldn’t take long.

Once dry or most of the way dry add details like the leg color, as well as adding more details to the wing and tail.

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

Let the final layer of watercolor dry and add a black eye and a large, curved beak.

Galapagos Islands Animals Fun and Simple Watercolor Flamingo Tutorial

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: art, flamingo, galapagos islands, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, south america, watercolor

Grades 1 to 8 Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and Printable Notebooking Pages

May 7, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have free homeschool art curriculum. Also, look at my free Art Units page.

Too, it can be hard to fit in subjects like art and music.

So, having free art curriculum always works because there are no guilt feelings if you don’t use it all up.

Grades 1 to 8 Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and Printable Notebooking Pages

Besides, having free art curriculum, I created 2 sets of notebooking pages for each grade.

Altogether, I have grades 1 to 8 art curriculum and the notebooking pages.

List of Artists Studied in Each Grade Level

Also, the curriculum is set up where you 10 artists per grade level.

Look below at the names of all 80 artists.

1st Grade Artists Studied

2nd Grade Artists Studied

  • Paul Cezannne
  • Edward Hicks
  • Normal Rockwell
  • Pieter Brueghel
  • Sir Joshua Reynolds
  • Daniel French
  • Albrecht Durer
  • Mary Cassett
  • Winslow Homer
  • John Constable
  • Anne Whitney
  • Henri Rousseau
  •  George Catlin
  • John Singleton
  •  Henry Tanner
  •  Gustave Courbet
  •  Jean Millet
  •  Van Gogh
  •  Claude Monet
  •  Maria Sibylla

3rd Grade Artists Studied

4th Grade Artists Studied

  • John Curry
  • Wassily Kandinsky
  • John Millais
  • Raphael Sanzio
  • Gilbert Stuart
  • Eastman Johnson
  • Jessie Smith
  • Frederick Remington
  • Julia Cameron
  • Thomas Sully
  • John Audubon
  • William Morris
  • Edwin Landseer
  • Edmonia Lewis
  • Berta Hummel
  • Rosa Bonheur
  • Edgar Degas
  • Leonardo da Vinci
  • Pierre-Auguste Renoir
  • Georges Seurat

5th Grade Artists Studied

6th Grade Artists Studied

  • George Bingham
  • Frederic Church
  • Edward Curtis
  • Emanuel Leutze
  • Paul Revere
  • Robert Duncanson
  • Henrietta Johnston
  • Thomas Moran
  • Martin Heade
  • John Trumbull
  • James McNeil Whistler
  • Tom Thomson
  • Caravaggio
  • Camille Pissarro
  • Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
  • Kathe Kollwitz
  • Rembrandt van Rijn
  • Edvard Munch
  • Katsushika Hokusai
  • Johannes Vermeer

7th Grade Artists Studied

8th Grade Artists Studied

  • Casper David Friedrich
  • Gustave Caillebotte
  • Anne Vallayer-Coster
  • Michelangelo
  • Hendrick Avercamp
  • Henri Fantin-Latour
  • William Turner
  • George Inness
  • Paul Gauguin
  • Francois August Rene Rodin
  • Berthe Morisot
  • Édouard Manet
  • Jan van Eyck
  • Cecilia Beaux
  • Susanne Valadon
  • Maurice Utrillo
  • George Bellows
  • Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi
  • Francis A. Silva
  • Adélaïde Labille-Guiard

Then, look below at ways to use it.

Grades 1 to 8 Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and Printable Notebooking Pages

How to Use the Free Art Curriculum

Then because it’s free you have many options how to use it.

Too, art is subjective, meaning some children are more advanced in creative abilities than others.

Also, some of the easier techniques taught in the younger grades are beneficial for all budding artists regardless of grade level.

5 Options how to Use the Free Art Curriculum

Moreover, there are several ways you can use this curriculum.

  1. Of course, the first way is by grade level as is and make it a 10 week study any time of the year.
  2. Next, is the schedule we followed. So, we studied 1 artist per MONTH. This was a slow enough pace for the year, and it gave us a day or so each week to focus on learning about the artists, his/her techniques and history of the artist’s life.
  3. Also, one more way to follow it is to take 1 artist PER WEEK and choose 36 of the 80 artists regardless of grade level. Thirty-six weeks is enough for a year. Too, the free curriculum has enough information about the artist to create a framework of information regardless of age. Just remember with this method you overlook grade levels which I do anyway.
  4. This is another way we covered art and that for each child to choose an artist and focus on it. This was open-ended so each child could focus on what they wanted.
  5. I created notebooking pages for the non-artsy child so they could write about what they knew and do as much or as little art as they wanted to.

How to use the Notebooking Pages for Homeschool Art Curriculum

As a mom homeschooling multiple ages I want the flexibility to provide more in depth art, even for my highschoolers, as I used this curriculum.

Too, I needed to keep it on the lighter side for my youngest.

So both sets have the SAME art pieces but one set has one more text box and the other set has a sketch box.

First set has 4 Text Boxes – Artist Name, Facts About the Artist, Title of the Art and Interesting Facts.

Second set has 3 Text Boxes + 1 Sketch Box – Artist Name, Facts About the Artist, Title of the Art and Box for a Sketch of the art.

Your student can decide if they want to do more research and write under “Interesting Facts” or prefers to “Sketch” the art or a similar art piece.

The point is you with my download you have notebooking pages to use with your child’s art, as stand alone, or don’t use them at all. I love choices

Grades 1 to 8 Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and Printable Notebooking Pages

Also, look at some of the supplies we used to add to your roundup.

9 Fun Art Supplies for Learning

Whether you prefer to study art for a long period of time or short, I have some of our favorite supplies listed here. Too, everyone stores art differently. We love 3 ring binders and page protectors as well as large envelopes. I know you can use some of these ideas.

Sculpey Premo 24 Color sampler of Polymer Oven-Bake Clay,

I loved this brand. And it has a variety of colors for each child.

Amazon Basics Premium Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 24 Count (Pack of 1)

  • Explore your creativity with a wide variety of colors
  • Contains artist-quality soft lead for rich pigment and smooth application
  • Includes a tin storage case with a built-in tray to keep pencils organized and protected
  • Cardinal 3 Ring Binders

    Great for holding art projects.

    Watercolor Paper Pad 9"x12"

    Watercolor Paper Pad - Dyvicl spiral watercolor paper pad is loved by new and experienced artists, rough finish, heavyweight paper will satisfy any artistic needs! for drawing, sketching, or painting. You can play with techniques & effects to your heart's content. Watercolor pad work excellently with wet and dry mixed media including watercolor, gouache, acrylic, colored pencil, charcoal, and pastel.

    Paint This Book!: Watercolor for the Artistically Undiscovered

    Put the brush in your hand. Stick it in the water, then smush it around in one of the colors. Now take a deep breath and plop it down on the page . . .You’re an artist. Yes, really! Young or old, there is an artist in each of us. If yours is hiding (perhaps behind a shred of self-consciousness?), just remember: Art is personal expression. You have your talent. Nobody else has anything like it!

    Caliart Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes

    Acrylic Paint Set With 12 Brushes: Premium paints glide on smoothly, dry quickly and stay as beautiful as the day they were painted. Whether you’re new to acrylic painting or a seasoned
    artist, the paint kit will set fire to your imagination.

    Artstorys Watercolor Paint Set, Vivid Colors Washable

    Premium Watercolor Paint: Comes with 48 vibrant water colors cake, 1 premium refillable water brush, wooden paint brushes and 1 mixing palette converted by the transparent lid. Perfect for artists, amateurs, students, teens, kids, children and painters of all levels. Wonderful gift idea for your friends and families who have fun in painting!

    8 Pack Plastic Envelopes Poly Envelope Folder Clear Plastic Reusable Folders

    [Colorful Transparent Envelopes] 8 assorted colors: transparent blue, green, yellow, purple, pink, orange, white and red. It’s easy to organize and distinguish your paper with a different color.

    1 Pcs Craft Knife Hobby Knife

    Valuable Package Content:1pcs hobby knife,10pcs hobby knife blades,1pc steel ruler(6inch/15cm long)

    In addition, look at some of these other fun art ideas.

    More Fun Homeschool Art Curriculum Ideas

    • The BEST Resources for Teaching Art at Home (K to Gray)
    • Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums
    • Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting
    • Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting
    • Kids Art History Board Game Ideas
    • DIY Fun Salt Winter Watercolor Art Project for Kids
    • How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot
    • DIY String Pumpkin Art
    Grades 1 to 8 Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and Printable Notebooking Pages

    How to Get the Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and 2 Sets of Notebooking Pages

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

     1) Sign up on my list.
     2) Grab the freebie instantly.
     3) Glad to have you following me by email!

    2 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: art, artnotebookingpages, hands-on activities

    Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums

    April 19, 2023 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    If you’re learning about African art for children, you’ll love learning about djembe drums. Also, look at my pages Free Africa Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning | Free Continent & Country Reports and How to Make a Kids’ Fun Ceremonial African Tribal Mask for more ideas.

    African Art, whether modern or historical, covers a wide range of items from elaborate masks to colorful jewelry, to bronze structure and instruments like the djembe drums.

    The art of Africa tells powerful stories of culture, people, customs, animals, clothing, and history.

    Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums

    The djembe pronounced (GEM-bay) is one of West Africa’s most well-known instruments.

     It is a goblet-shaped drum and carved from a single piece of African hardwood.

    A piece of dried animal skin functions as the drumhead.

    The carvings and decorations on the djembe drums depict African designs, ceremonial tribal art, and imagery that tell stories and fables handed down through the ages.

    Facts About African Art for Children

    • Masks were an important part of African art. Besides the art of designing mask, they were used with dance to create a type of performance art.
    • African masks are estimated to be over 20,000 years old.
    • Ancient African civilizations often made their jewelry from gold, gems, shells, and other materials.
    • African art is created in three dimensions.
    • Rock art is the earliest form of African art.
    • African art was made for more than just beauty. The art was used in everyday life like clothing, masks, jewelry, baskets, and dishes.

    Also, here are more facts about Senegal and Gambia where djembe drums are more common.

    Facts about Senegal and Gambia

    To make a djembe drum often used in Senegalese and Gambian music, a hollow frame is carved out of a tree trunk.

    Then, metal rings were used to stretch the animal skin over the top of the drum.

    The sound and tone of the drums is made by twisting strings attached to the metal rings.

    Drums have played an important part in West Africa societies.

    Music is part of a larger ceremony which normally includes dance and storytelling.

    Songs mark important stages in life.

    • Gambia is named after the Gambia River. The river’s banks are covered with mangrove swamps.
    • The main religion of the Gambia is Islam.
    • Since Britain once ruled Gambia, the main language is English.
    • Dakar is the capital city of Senegal and about 80% of the people are Muslim as well.
    • Only 40% of the people of Senegal can read and write. There are no government programs to help the poor.
    • Listen to the beautiful African drum music.

    More Facts about the Geography of West Africa

    • West Africa has 19 countries and has the largest number of nations in Africa.
    • Some of the countries border the Atlantic Ocean and the countries between the Sahara Desert and coastal countries.
    • Some of the landscape consists of the desert, rain forest and coastal plains.
    • West Africa is famous for music and the arts.

    Resources to Learn About Egypt in Northeast Africa

    Additionally, you’ll love these other resources to learn about Egypt.

    • 7 Fun Ways to Play Go Fish Egyptian Games for Kids
    • Ancient Egypt DIY Simple and Fun Mummification Process Game
    • Egypt Crafts For Kindergarten Create a Fun Kid Sized Mummy
    • Fun Pharaohs and Queens Ancient Egypt Lapbook and Activities
    • Hands-On Ancient Egypt Craft: Create Canopic Jars
    • 11 Easy Hands-On Ancient Egypt Projects for Middle School.
    • Hands-on Ancient Egypt: Israelite Mud Bricks for Kids
    • Free Ancient Egypt Mehen Printable Board Game (Hands-on History)

    Next, look at some of these books to add to your curriculum.

    13 Resources for Children Studying About Africa

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

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

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

    Africa Coloring Book For Kids!

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

    African Patterns Scrapbook Paper

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

    Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country

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

    Africa Is Not a Country

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

    The Water Princess

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

    Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions (Picture Puffin Books)

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

    When Stars Are Scattered

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

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

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

    Things Fall Apart

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

    Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guides, 3)

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

    Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna

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

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

    The Bitter Side of Sweet

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

    Moreover, add some of these hands-on activities to learn about Africa.

    Hands-on Activities to Learn about Africa

    Start by having your child identify West Africa on a map, where the Djembe drums are from.

    Use the map or globe to identify different areas where various art comes from.

    • Make a salt dough map of Africa to learn to identify the continent and its countries.
    • Create a beautifully Painted African House  craft.
    • Make a Kente cloth with simple paper weaving.
    • How to Make a Kids’ Fun Ceremonial African Tribal Mask
    • This African Sunset Art is a nice addition to your learning about Africa.
    • Make and then play your own Mancala game that is native to Africa.
    • Here you can build your own African Thumb piano to make native music.
    • A Clay African Basket is a great activity for all ages.
    Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums

    Finally, let’s make some fun African art for children.

    How to Make Djembe Drums With Kids

    You will need:

    • 2 plastic cups
    • Tan tissue paper
    • Twine
    • School glue
    • Markers or paint
    • Hot glue gun/sticks

    Directions:

    Hot glue two cups bottom to bottom with a generous amount of glue.

    Be careful not to touch the metal nozzle of your glue gun to the plastic cup or it will melt them and high temp glue guns can as well.

    Hold in place until the glue cools and it is secure.

    Also, let younger children tape them with masking tape. You want to involve them in the project from start to finish.

    Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums

    Mix 1 part water to 2 parts school glue to make mod podge.

    Paint glue mixture onto the top couple inches of one of the cups and wrap a piece of tissue paper over it to cover.

    Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums

    Brush the glue mixture over the top of the tissue to form the drumskin. Be careful not to poke through. It will strengthen after it is dry.

    Repeat the layering of tissue paper glue over just the top 2 more times.

    Cover the remainder of the drum with tissue paper.

    First, brush the glue mixture over the surface then pressing in tissue,and finally coat all over the top of the tissue with glue again.

    Two to three coats are plenty.

    Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums

    Allow the glue to dry well all over the entire surface before going on to the next step.

    Afterwards, once the glue is dry it is time to add the beautiful colors and patterns using either permanent markers, paint, paintbrush, or paint markers.  

    Markers work very well and dry quickly.

    Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums

    Once done, wrap twine around the top edge, center, and bottom.

    Next, hold it into place with hot glue.

    Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums

    Your drum is ready to use.

    The hardened glue makes it stronger.

    Finally, it will hold up to gentle drumming. But it is meant for display.

    Learn About African Art For Children And Make Fun Djembe Drums

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Africa, art, crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, history, history resources, homeschoolhistory

    Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting

    January 31, 2023 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Kindergarten paper crafts are not just fun but build fine motor skills. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

    Kindergarten is such a fun age to teach.

    Like little sponges their minds are wide open and soak up all the knowledge that you and the world have to offer them. 

    It is exciting to introduce them to new art mediums, fresh techniques, and art styles.

    Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting

    Watching a budding artist is one of the great joys of this homeschooling life we chose.

    Letting them linger over something they are really enjoying and perhaps cutting short those things they don’t. 

    Simple kindergarten paper crafts are low prep, inexpensive, easy, and can be open ended for countless opportunities to use their imagination.

    But first look at these fun must have art supplies.

    Kindergarten Art Supplies

    9 Must Have Tissue Paper Art Supplies for Kindergarten

    Add these supplies to your craft list.

    Crayola Ultimate Crayon Box Collection (152ct), Classic & Glitter Crayons

    • CRAYOLA CRAYON CADDY: Choose from 152 unique crayons, housed in a fun Crayon Storage Caddy.
    • PORTABLE CRAYON CADDY: Take this bulk crayon collection with you wherever you go with a unique crayon storage caddy that makes carrying your art supplies fun and easy.

    Watercolor Paint Set

    Various colors: Watercolor paint set, with 48 different bright and beautiful colors, very soluble in water, to meet your strong demand for color.

    High Quality Brushes: This watercolor set contains a high quality refillable water brush and a high quality oil painting brush. You can use the brush to describe the details of your paintings.

    Bleeding Tissue Assortment

    PERFECT FOR ARTISTS:  Hygloss bleeding art tissue paper is great for making backgrounds and much more.

    ART IN THE CLASSROOM:  Teachers love the versatility of bleed art tissue paper for a variety of creative and fun art projects that have texture and color.

    GREAT FOR DIY CRAFTS: Crafters love using this bleed tissue paper to enhance their craft projects and exercise their own creativity.

    24 Colors Small Block Polymer Clay Starter kit

    Best Gift for Kids: Each block weight 0.39 oz (11g), Size: 1.5" x 0.7" x 0.2". Every one was wrapped in a plastic pouch, Total weight: 9.31 oz (264g). Get it to develop your kids imagination and Creativity.

    Safety Material: Non-toxic, Eco-friendly, Brightly-Colored Polymer Clay. Strictly Complies with the ASTM D-4236 Standards and Requirements.

    WikkiStix Sensory Fidget Toy, Arts and Crafts for Kids

    Calming Sensory Fidget Toy: Soft And Pliable

    Small Compact Tube With 24 Wikki Stix ! Convenient Take-Along Size For Those Moments Of "Down Time".

    Easy And Fun To Use, Wikki Stix: Adhere With Just Fingertip Pressure To Most Smooth Surfaces. No Glue, No Paste, No Mess!

    Tru-Ray Construction Paper

    Heavyweight 100% vat-dyed sulphite paper is perfect for any arts and crafts project

    Durable enough to take scoring, folding and curling without cracking and tearing

    Superior fade resistance for brighter, longer-lasting projects

    The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia

    The entire history of the greatest works in painting, sculpture, and photography are included on this comprehensive and colourful tour through time.

From the first strokes of paint on prehistoric caves to contemporary street art in the 21st century, every artistic style and movement is explored and explained in stunning detail. Special features celebrate the lives of groundbreaking painters, sculptors, and photographers, from Dutch master Johannes Vermeer to photography pioneer Julia Margaret Cameron. Many best-loved pieces of art are showcased in iconic images. Marvel at Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious Mona Lisa, the most famous painted lady. March alongside China’s statues of the Terracotta Army, and gaze in awe at Barbara Hepworth's stunning Pelagos sculpture.

    Harold and the Purple Crayon

    If you want to do a crayon craft with tissue paper how can we leave out this book?

    The Day the Crayons Quit

    Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! Blue crayon needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. Black crayon wants to be used for more than just outlining.  And Orange and Yellow are no longer speaking—each believes he is the true color of the sun. What can Duncan possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best?

    Also, grab some of these other kindergarten homeschool curriculum and crafts ideas.

    Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum And Crafts

    • Kindergarten Crafts for Winter An Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting
    • How to Make A Fun ABC Flip Book Fingerprint Activity for Kindergarten
    • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study
    • 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
    • Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity
    • Native American Activities For Kindergarten Create A Fun Cradleboard Craft
    • Rainforest Science Activities For Kindergarten Amazing and Fun Living Terrarium
    • Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam
    • Easy and Fun Pine Cone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten
    • 4 Fun and Engaging Bat Activities for Kindergarten
    • Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot
    • 10 Best Homeschool Phonics Curriculum For Kindergarten
    • 15 Fun Resources For History for Kindergarten Homeschool
    • 19 Fun Hands-on Rainforest Activities for Kindergarten
    • Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey
    • How to Create the Best Homeschool Schedule for Kindergarten (free printable)
    • 60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten
    • 10 Affordable and Complete Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum
    • How to Effortlessly Blend Kindergarten Homeschool Subjects & Life
    • BEST Free Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum With A Gentle Approach (List)
    • Delightful Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Which Promote a Love of Learning

    Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting

    Finally, look at how to make this tissue painting

    For this art activity you can let your child completely free hand their “painting”.

    Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting

    Or encourage your child to make something related to what you are learning, like a rainbow for a weather unit.

    How to Tissue Paint

    You will need:

    • Tissue paper
    • Spray bottle with water
    • Art Canvas
    • Masking or painters tape

    First, give your canvas a clean edge and make it look like it has been matted for a museum showing.

    Tape off a border all the way around the edge with masking tap.

    Be sure to press it firmly into the texture of the canvas all the way around.

    Cut or tear the tissue paper into small pieces, the more variety of sizes and shapes you have for them the better.

    Kids really enjoy tearing the paper up themselves.

    Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting

    Use the spray bottle to spritz canvas with water until it is soaked.

    Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting

    Have your child create their picture by placing the tissue paper onto the wet canvas to form it.

    Simple shapes or patterns will obviously be the easiest for them to create.

    Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting

    Remind them to spray the canvas often to keep it wet while they work.

    Once they have covered the canvas as much as they like, give it one final spray with the water bottle to soak it again.

    Allow the water to dry completely.

    Carefully peel off the tissue paper and admire the beautiful color that seeped out of the tissue paper to create their design.

    Peel off the tape for a crisp white edge.

    Kindergarten Paper Crafts and a Fun Tissue Paper Painting

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: art, crafts, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, kindergarten

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