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Ancient Rome (Hands-on History): Paint a Jester

May 18, 2017 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today in our Ancient Rome study we’re going to paint a jester. Also, look at my post Ancient Rome Lapbook for Kids and Fun Hands-on Ideas.

Fools, buffoons, jesters or court jesters were entertainers especially well-known during the Medieval period.

But what we didn’t know was that they had their beginning in several ancient civilizations.

One ancient civilization where they got their start was Rome.

We have been loving our art lessons using and learning about the jester fit into our ancient civilization hands-on series.

Fools, buffoons, jesters or court jesters were entertainers especially well-known during the Medieval period, but what we didn't know was that they had their beginning in several ancient civilizations. One ancient civilization where they got their start was Ancient Rome. Click here to grab some interesting facts and learn how to draw and paint a court jester!

Our hands-on lesson today started with understanding how the word buffoon developed. We use the word somewhat differently today.

Easy Hands-on Homeschool History

The book, The Unexpected Evolution of Language:Discover the Surprising Etymology of Everyday Words states that buffoon derives from a word that means to “puff out the cheeks.”

The word “Buffo” was used in the Roman theatre by those who appeared on the stage with their cheeks blown up. When they received a blow, they would make a great noise causing the audience to laugh.

It was fascinating to learn that Ancient Greeks, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome all had various forms of entertainers or the modern day clown.

Too, entertainers of earlier times went well beyond just costumes and masks. There were storytellers, joketellers, jugglers and acrobats.

Also, look at some of these living books about Ancient Rome.

Books About Ancient Rome for Kids

20 Ancient Rome Resources. Books, Pop Up, Coloring & Hands-on Figurines

Whether you're doing a unit study or want to dig deeper about Ancient Rome, you'll love adding a resource or two.

Image for Famous Men of Rome

Famous Men of Rome

The Romans were history's great men of action, making the study of Rome ideal for beginners of all ages, but especially for younger students, who are fascinated by the abundant action and drama of Roman history. In addition, an understanding of modern political history is impossible without a thorough understanding of Rome. There are thirty stories covering the history of Rome from its founding under Romulus to the last emperor in the West. Your children will see the rise and fall of a great civilization through the lives of Horatius, Camillus, Caesar, Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, and many other larger-than-life figures. Rome is the model civilization, the mastery of which provides a foundation for all other history study.

Image for Ancient Rome for Kids through the Lives of its Heroes, Emperors, and Philosophers (History for Kids - Story Format)

Ancient Rome for Kids through the Lives of its Heroes, Emperors, and Philosophers (History for Kids - Story Format)

When I first discovered that my 8-year-old kid believed that the adventures of Odysseus were the actual history of ancient Greece, I panicked and bought him a stack of children's history books. I sat by his side as he started reading about the class structure of Athens and the economic underpinnings of the Greek polis. He yawned. He asked for candy... and then for the Disney Channel...Kids like stories. And when it comes to history, they learn from stories, not from dense paragraphs about the phases of the Bronze age, the location of trade routes, or the injustices of the social order here and there.This book follows the old-fashioned, story-based, traditional route of teaching history - through tales of heroes and kings, with no tribute paid to modern economic and social perspectives. Culture is memes. And that means historical figures, and anecdotes about them. To write this book, I went back to Tacitus, Livy, Suetonius, Cassius Dio, Valerius Maximus, Josephus, Eusebius, Theodoret, and other ancient sources of biographical anecdotes, and extracted from them the stories that will be most memorable to a modern kid

Image for Theras and His Town

Theras and His Town

Young Theras, born an Athenian, is taken to Sparta by a relative when his father is lost at war. He is forced to live like a Spartan, a brutal life with no pity for those who are not physically perfect and totally obedient to Spartan control. After enduring rigorous training and repeated cruel incidents, he escapes with a Perioikoi boy and heads for his beloved Athens. Here is the story of a hard and dangerous journey with Snedeker's amazing historical accuracy. 

Image for Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome (Build It Yourself)

Tools of the Ancient Romans: A Kid's Guide to the History & Science of Life in Ancient Rome (Build It Yourself)

Tools of the Ancient Greeks: A Kid’s Guide to the History and Science of Life in Ancient Greece explores the scientific discoveries, athletic innovations, engineering marvels, and innovative ideas created more than two thousand years ago. Through biographical sidebars, interesting facts, fascinating anecdotes, and fifteen hands-on activities, readers will learn how Greek innovations and ideas have shaped world history and our own world view.

Image for Detectives in Togas

Detectives in Togas

In these two delightful history-mysteries, seven boys in Ancient Rome solve strange crimes . . . thanks to some help from their cranky teacher, a little bit of logic, and a lot of amusing misadventure.

Image for The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers (The Thrifty Guides)

The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers (The Thrifty Guides)

The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome contains information vital to the sensible time traveler:   • Where can I find a decent hotel room in ancient Rome for under five sesterces a day? Is horse parking included?   • What do I do if I’m attacked by barbarians?   • What are my legal options if I’m fed to the lions at the Colosseum? All this is answered and more. There is handy advice on finding the best picnicking spots to watch Julius Caesar’s assassination at the Roman Forum in 44 BC, as well as helpful real estate tips to profit from the great Roman fire of AD 64. There are even useful recommendations on which famous historical figures to meet for lunch, and a few nifty pointers on how to avoid being poisoned, beheaded, or torn apart by an angry mob.

Image for Time Traveler

Time Traveler

Takes readers back in time to illustrate the exciting happenings of daily life

Image for The Bronze Bow: A Newbery Award Winner

The Bronze Bow: A Newbery Award Winner

Daniel bar Jamin will stop at nothing to seek revenge for his father's death at the hands of the Roman Empire.After Daniel bar Jamin's father is crucified by the Roman Empire, Daniel wants nothing more than to rid his land of Israel of Roman control once and for all. Yet when David meets Jesus of Nazareth, a traveling carpenter with a gentle message of love and forgiveness, David starts to realize that the hate festering in his heart might be his true enemy after all.

Image for Eyewitness Ancient Rome: Discover One of History's Greatest Civilizations

Eyewitness Ancient Rome: Discover One of History's Greatest Civilizations

From Roman emperors and gods and goddesses to soldiers and gladiators, step into the exciting world of ancient Rome.Who were Rome's most famous emperors? What was everyday life like for a soldier in the Roman army? How did the citizens of ancient Rome live? Did gladiators really fight to the death in the mighty Colosseum? Find out the answers to all these questions, and many more, in Eyewitness: Ancient Rome.

Image for SuperToob: Ancient Rome

SuperToob: Ancient Rome

Use these fun figurines for art study, for a sensory bin for younger kids or for art inspiration.

Image for Life in Ancient Rome Coloring Book (Dover Ancient History Coloring Books)

Life in Ancient Rome Coloring Book (Dover Ancient History Coloring Books)

At the peak of its power, the Roman Empire stretched thousands of miles in all directions: north to what today is England, westward to Spain, to Armenia in the east, and Egypt in the south. The growth, development, and cultural achievements of that magnificent civilization are brought to life by the artist John Green in this exciting and fact-filled coloring book.

Image for The Romans Pop-Up: Pop-up Book to Make Yourself

The Romans Pop-Up: Pop-up Book to Make Yourself

There are 6 scenes to make in this book - combining the pleasure of seeing them pop up with interesting information and ideas. There are a number of mini popups as well. Close the book and they fold away. Open it and they popup again. These vivid, colorful three-dimensional scenes help to bring Ancient Civilisations to life in a way which no other kind of book can. Scenes: The City of Rome, The Forum, The Roman House, The Army of Rome, Entertainment, Ostia - the Port of Rome.

Image for Attack at the Arena

Attack at the Arena

Patrick and Beth learn that Mr. Whittaker’s fancy ring can be seen inside the Imagination Station but not outside of the machine. A mysterious letter leads the cousins to fifth-century Rome in search of a special cup that belongs to a monk. If found, the cup could keep the mysterious Albert out of prison.At the Roman Colosseum, Emperor Honorius is hosting a gladiator battle in celebration of a war victory. Beth attends the event as the emperor’s slave; Patrick attends as a monk’s apprentice but is taken prisoner and sent to fight in the arena. During their adventure, the cousins meet Telemachus (a true historical figure), a monk who believes that fighting is wrong. Telemachus is willing to risk everything―even his life―to stop the killing. When the cousins return with the cup, they find that a third letter has been sent with more information about Albert’s fate.

Image for Growing Up In Ancient Rome

Growing Up In Ancient Rome

Describes daily life in ancient Rome, discussing family life, entertainment, schools, religion, and other aspects.

Image for The Story of the Romans: A History of Ancient Rome for Young Readers - its Legends, Military and Culture as a Republic and Empire

The Story of the Romans: A History of Ancient Rome for Young Readers - its Legends, Military and Culture as a Republic and Empire

Image for Who Were the Romans? (Starting Point History)

Who Were the Romans? (Starting Point History)

This series consists of simple illustrated guides to answer children's questions about history and invite comparisons with life today. This particular title deals with the Romans.

Image for In the Daily Life of the Ancient Romans (Gods & Goddesses Of...)

In the Daily Life of the Ancient Romans (Gods & Goddesses Of...)

This exciting new series explores ancient life by examining the traditions and religious beliefs of each culture. Through photographs, illustrations, and cut-away, detailed diagrams, each book considers the way religious beliefs affected everything from food, drink, and entertainment to rituals surrounding birth and death

Image for Science in Ancient Rome (Science of the Past)

Science in Ancient Rome (Science of the Past)

Describes how the Romans put to use and expanded the scientific achievements of earlier civilizations.

Image for Roman Empire: Rise & The Fall. Explore The History, Mythology, Legends, Epic Battles & Lives Of The Emperors, Legions, Heroes, Gladiators & More

Roman Empire: Rise & The Fall. Explore The History, Mythology, Legends, Epic Battles & Lives Of The Emperors, Legions, Heroes, Gladiators & More

The Roman Empire may have fallen thousands of years ago, but the lessons and the legacy left behind lives on to this day

From a tiny settlement on the banks of the Tiber River, Rome grew into a colossal, unstoppable force. At its peak, The Empire dominated the world from Europe, West Asia, North Africa, and many more territories.

Never again would the world see such an influential power.

In this epic narrative, History Brought Alive presents an intriguing dive into Roman History, Legends, Facts, Myths and much more. Covering thousands of years the study of Roman history is vast and complex. Much like the Ancient Romans themselves, in order to study them, we need to follow structure and have an open mind.

Image for See Inside Ancient Rome

See Inside Ancient Rome

Visit the world of ancient Rome, from bustling streets and the busy port to steaming baths and gruesome games. This book reveals how the Romans really lived.

More Ancient Rome Activities for Kids

  • How to Make a Roman Costume With Kids
  • Rome Fun Mosaic is a wonderful way to depict the profile of a Roman Soldier.
  • How to Make an Easy Roman Helmet & Shield & A Set of Printable Wings
  • (Colosseum Craft)
  • How to Make an Ancient Rome-Inspired DIY Clown Collar No Sew.

True, some of the forerunners of modern day clowns and jesters are grim looking.

I don’t know how some things in history can from grin to grim. But history has a way of twisting the beginning of things.

Jesters sometimes reminds me of the nightmares of my childhood.

But once we started reading how faces painted early on were because of poor stage lighting, it made more sense to us.

Look at some of these other fascinating links about clowns, buffoons and jesters. The History and Psychology of Clowns Being Scary and History of Clowns.

Also, you’ll love the hands-on history ideas we love at Home School in the Woods.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Ancient Civilizations, Hands-On Activities, History Based, History Resources, My Unit Studies {Free Printables & Hands-on Ideas} Tagged With: ancient civilizations, Ancient Rome, art, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, history resources, historycostumes, homeschoolhistory

How to Shake Up STEAM With Geography For Middle School

April 25, 2017 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Science intimidates me, but I’ve always managed to teach it through one of my other strengths. I had a chance to shake up STEAM with geography. I used a country crate about Poland and used it to teach STEAM with geography, history and hands-on activities as a unit study. I love pick up and go resources that have everything in a crate that makes teaching STEAM and geography easy. Click here to read about it and grab it!

I stalked the mailbox waiting for this country crate. For review purposes, I was given this product for free and I was paid for my time. However, paid for my time does not mean paid off. All opinions are my own and I will always tell you what is on my mind. Not every product gets a positive review. But because I carefully sort through numerous offers for reviews, it usually means that I’m giddy about the product when I do accept it. Read my full disclosure here.


Science intimidates me, but I’ve always managed to teach it through one of my other strengths. So when I had a chance to shake up STEAM with geography by receiving a country crate about Poland from STEAMworld, I jumped at the chance. I can’t wait to tell you about the country crate, tell you what you get in one, and how I used it.

First, though, I don’t want you to miss both the sweet discount and giveaway at the bottom. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway and use the discount code.

After reading recently that STEAM jobs are on the increase, I’ve been looking for easy ways to incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in my unit studies, but that takes a lot of time.

Too, nothing takes the steam (corny pun – I couldn’t resist) more out of a hands-on project then missing items to do them with.

Knowing that the crate comes with everything that we need in it to learn about Poland is a huge time savings tip.

Right now 3 countries are available: Poland, Japan, and Morocco with more coming!

(Confession – the paper and template for the rooster are missing in the picture because Tiny couldn’t wait to get started.)

Look at what you get in each crate:

  • materials for a math project,
  • materials for a science project,
  • materials for an art project,
  • materials for an engineering project,
  • one student activity book, which includes instructions for all STEAM projects, and
  • one country scrapbook style guide, which includes back ground information, fast facts and landmarks about a country.

What you do not get in a crate are items you normally would have in your homeschool room like rulers, pens, pencils, scissors and glue.

One of the things I like most about the crate and ideas for each subject is that they were uncomplicated and not lengthy.

It has just the right amount of laid out activities without telling you what to do each day.

If you’re new to unit studies, you may want a unit study that is more comprehensive, but that can also be overwhelming.

Right now in this season of my homeschooling, I want the freedom and wiggle room to learn at our pace without day to day lesson plans.

For example, for the first week and half or so we worked on the art project.

Look at my post Polish Paper-Cutting (Wycinanki): Day 10 Hands-on Learning.

The student activity book, or guide, has one or two pages of explanation with a hands-on project.

After reading the art activity, we took our time working on the art project. After learning about the beautiful art of polish paper cutting, we researched art patterns as well as read about the history of Poland.

In addition to the 8-page student activity book, the 4-page scrapbook style country guide has background information and quick facts about Poland.

Then, we took another couple of weeks watching a few YouTube videos and reading books from the library.

Both guides are springboards if you want to research and read longer about a topic like we did.

What I also like is that each project your child can work on independently. While I love teaching my kids at the middle school and high school level, I know it’s important to choose resources that support a child’s natural desire to learn independently.

Having each day’s lesson plans laid out is not exactly the way to do that.

Instead, giving your child guidance, some background information, and bringing the information together under a geography topic gives a middle school or high school student a beginning point.

Having an idea for each subject in a geography unit study also keeps your geography study balanced. Following a unit study approach means that you normally want some starting point for subjects about a topic and it means to introduce it in a balanced way.

I know I’ve been guilty of being unbalanced while covering unit study. While there is nothing wrong with digging deep on a topic you and your kids are excited about, a few subjects could be overlooked.

Using STEAMworld, gave us not only ideas to cover more in-depth, but hands-on projects for each subject.

I’ve confessed that when the boys were little that I took a hands-off approach to teaching because it either intimidated me or sounded like a lot of work for maybe a little return.

After homeschooling longer, you learn that kids retain information better when they are engaged and through hands-on projects. However, the next mistake in learning how to teach unit studies is that you can complicate hands-on projects. It’s almost enough to make you quit unit studies.

That is another reason I’m tickled to use the the country crates. Simple, but meaningful projects while learning about Poland keeps unit studies from being either boring or overly complicated.

However, the best reason I love STEAMworld is the focus on STEAM.

When it comes to geography and history it’s our first love; I can easily add in more content. But my boys have always loved science and want more ideas when we are doing unit studies.

STEAMworld may be a good fit for your family:

►If you love STEAM and want to include a framework for geography and history with it.
►If you love STEAM and want to fold it into your unit studies.
►If you want all the important supplies for hands-on projects at your finger tips and not have to worry about gathering all of them.
►If you love in-depth geography and history and prefer to add it yourself while having ideas for STEAM.
►If you prefer to have a beginning point and an easy hands-on idea for each subject in STEAM.
►If you want to encourage your kids to work more independently in unit studies, the guides are not bulky, but helpful and simple.
►If you prefer to do your own in-depth planning and don’t need to be told what to do day to day.
►If you don’t want to come up with a hands-on idea for Science,Technology, Engineering, Art or Math. An idea is provided for each subject tied to the country you’re studying.
►If you have multiple ages of children and want them to work together on a topic, but not necessarily on the same lesson. There is enough wiggle room in the guides to allow each child to work on a sub-topic that may interest each one.

I think you’ll love these country crates and I can’t wait to see the other country crates that are released.

What I love too is when a company is generous and hosts a sweet giveaway in addition to giving you a discount.

Be sure to enter the giveaway because there will be two winners and you have several chances to win. You never know; you may win. Don’t forget to use the coupon, as well as to share with your friends.

Hope you win!

How to purchase it.

►Product Name: STEAMworld Country Crates. Includes everything needed to do the activities. Materials included for science, math, art and engineering. Basic homeschool supplies like scissors, glue, tape and pencils are not included in the country crate. There is a duo option for extra material to include siblings.
►Website: STEAMworld Learning.
►Suitable for grades:
4th to 8th, but so it’s  so flexible to include all of your children.
►Format:
A physical product that will be shipped to you.
►Cost: $39.95. Remember to use the code: steam2017 for a discount.

You may also love reading 5 BEST Books to Create an Around the World Unit Study (and Hands-on Activities), Geoscavenge – A Rock and Mineral Hunt: Day 6 Hands-on Learning and 11 AWESOME Ways to Learn Geography (Other Than Labeling a Map).

Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Geography, Giveaways, Hands-On Activities, History Resources, Homeschool Curriculum Review, Middle School Homeschool, Product Review, Science, Sponsored Posts Tagged With: art, geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, middleschool, poland, sciencecurriculum, STEAM

John Muir Spring Unit Study (and Hands-on Geography Ideas)

February 27, 2017 | 7 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have a fun John Muir spring unit study. Too, look at my pages Best Homeschool Unit Studies and Homeschool Geography for hands-on and simple ideas and tips.

No matter the age, most children still have a love for picture books. Recently, we read John Muir, America’s First Environmentalist and loved that book.

It looks like you could use it for about middle school down to elementary. It’s just a great book no matter which ages you use it for. Not only are the pictures beautiful but a short biography read gives us a needed break in our day.

John Muir Spring Homeschool Unit Study. Include all of your children by doing this free hands-on spring homeschool unit study to kick off spring while learning about John Muir's love for the great outdoors. Click here to grab it! | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Today, I decided to do a quick John Muir spring unit study as a way to celebrate spring and our love of reading picture books.

Look at this roundup and ideas for a multi-age unit study. Don’t you love including all of your children?

John Muir  – the Inventor, Environmentalist and Explorer

Muir and his inventions @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus. A machine which helps you to rise from bed.

After reading the short biography, you find out that John Muir was not only an adventurer and nature lover, but an inventor. What a great way for a young person to spend his time.

Download this 2 page pdf to learn about a few of his inventions.

LANGUAGE ARTS

Grab some quotes for this 2 page pdf for copywork or write a persuasive essay about John Muir’s stance on preserving nature for generations.

SCIENCE

Nature Journals

John Muir had a love for nature journaling! See some ideas @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

For the younger kids, about first or second grade, grab this free 3 page pdf John Muir Made a Difference with a free printable to jump start their nature journal.

Also, look at this hub page by my friend Barb for nature journal ideas and tips. You’ll love this round up.

And if you haven’t already downloaded this free WHOPPING 968 pages of Anna Comstock’s Handbook of Nature Study, it’s a must have for studying about science and nature.

Muir's dream of Yosemite becoming a national park comes true | Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

For your high school kids grab this free 8 page pdf lesson about Campsite Conversation which teaches about different points of view regarding how the environment should be cared for.

Glaciers

This is a helpful one page worksheet with questions and answers for key to learn about glaciers.

GEOGRAPHY

In California

For about third or fourth grade, grab this free 4 page pdf John Muir in California to study about California landmarks.

For your high school kids, grab this free 6 page pdf John Muir’s Vision Lives On which is about land issues and how to preserve the natural beauty and issues surrounding that.

Muir off to explore Florida @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Around the World

You’ll love this free printable board game for learning about the places John Muir traveled.  Around the World in 76 Years.

Backpacking and hiking

The reason John Muir knew that the wilderness needed to be preserved was not only because he spent time outdoors, but he spent time hiking and exploring.

Grab this free 245 page unit study about backpacking and hiking.

Muir had a love for ice, the mountains and exploring glaciers. Look at some hands-on ideas @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Hands-on Activities and Ideas

Learn about the power of ice.

John Muir had a love for snow and blizzards and soon his obsession turned to glaciers. Look at this easy hands-on idea of how ice shapes mountains.

Make an easy sand clock.

Also, he loved his inventions and was interested locks, water wheels and clocks. Look at this easy hands-on sand clock.

►Make a yummy metamorphic edible rock recipe.

Spending much of his time outdoors as he investigated mountains and cliffs, look at this easy Metamorphic Edible Rocks & Notebooking Pages.

More John Muir Unit Study Activities

  • California Landmarks With Naturalist John Muir | How To Make A Poppy Craft
  • 7 John Muir Environmentalist Facts and Fun Teaching Ideas

Muir Unit Study

►Make a simple compass out of things around the house.

And then learn how to make an easy homemade compass.

►Do this easy hands on activity with an egg to see how a plant digests their prey.

Also, Muir had a love for plants. Look at this easy hands-on activity to see how carnivorous plants digest their prey and grab the free notebooking pages.

►Make an easy pendulum clock.

Muir made a machine that helped him to rise from bed because he was focused on time. Make this easy pendulum clock.

I know all your kids will love this short picture book. Be sure to add  John Muir, America’s First Environmentalist to your collection and use it for a fun nature unit study.

Are you still in a spring sort of mood?

I have a couple more free unit studies you can do which have lapbooks.

Click here to grab my North American Robin Unit Study and Lapbook, then strawberries are the very first spring fruit, so grab my Free Strawberry Unit Study and Lapbook and if that is still not enough, grab this Toads and Amphibians Lapbook and Unit Study.

Happy Spring!

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

This blog hop is organized by iHomeschool Network, a collaboration of outstanding homeschool bloggers who connect with each other and with family-friendly companies in mutual beneficial projects.

Click the image below to visit all the other blog articles from the homeschool moms of the iHomeschool Network.

7 CommentsFiled Under: Geography, Geography Based, Hands-On Activities, Science, Science Based Tagged With: art, geography, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, John Muir, middleschool, nature journaling, science, spring

Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert)

January 10, 2017 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Doing sand art gave us a huge appreciation and admiration for those doing professional sand art because it’s not as easy to work with as it looks.

Have fun with sand art for studying about the desert. Day 2 of Hands-on Learning Activities. @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool PlusContinuing on with our hands-on learning activities adventure, we did what we thought was going to be an easy art lesson, which is to study and learn about the colors of the desert. Well that part was easy, but we got so tickled doing this easy art activity that we laughed most of the morning.

Look at the supplies Tiny gathered up to do this activity.

►box or two of salt. I normally have a box or two of cheap Morton salt stored.
►food coloring. I have the basic colors and some neon ones too.
►several ziploc bags
►sandpaper. I used the small sheets we had, but this could be done on bigger sheets. I just used what we had, so I didn’t have to haul in anymore stuff to my house. But, the bigger pieces of paper would look fantastic for this lesson.
►pencil for light sketching and drawing, several paint brushes and plain Elmer’s liquid glue
►tempera paint for the colors of the desert

Instead of buying sand, we made it cheaply by combining just two ingredients, which are salt and food coloring.

Depending on how deep you want your color, you can add up to 8 drops or as few as 4 or less. We made several different colors and shades and put each color in a ziploc bag. We did this the night before, so it had time to dry.

Simply mix salt and food dye to make desert sand.

Lay out your bags flat on the kitchen counter or in a hot area like the garage so the salt can dry.

The next morning, we had a bag or two still damp, but we proceeded forth. We’re not very patient people. If we had placed the baggies in the garage, they would have dried faster since the kitchen counter was a bit cool.

Next, we lightly sketched out some desert scenes on the sand paper.

You want simple lines and not complicated detailed ones to keep this easy if you use more of the sand than the paint.  Or, at least that is what we experienced. If you want to use equal parts paint and sand, then choose a more detailed scene.

We found a couple of desert scenes we like on the internet and sketched them out quickly. Then we applied liquid glue on the areas we wanted sand.

Chose a color, snipped a corner of the baggie and poured the sand over the area. It is hard to keep the colors separated and it gave us a real appreciation for the detailed work required on professional sand art.
Add some paint to your scenes and remember since you’re using sand paper, it’s a natural textured background for the areas you want to leave blank.

We had a huge mess today between some of the wet dye and paint and trying to get the right colors in the right spots, but we had a ton of fun as we read more about the desert.

Hope your kids like this as much as we liked getting messy!

Grab Day 1: Make a Hair Hygrometer here, look at 365 Days Hands-On Homeschool Activities – One for EVERY Day of the Year for more ideas and look at my category for hands-on ideas for your unit studies.


Hugs and love ya,

Signature T

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities, Science Tagged With: art, desert, earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling

Free Art Notebooking Pack – Grade 2 (Other Grades too)

August 11, 2016 | 6 Comments
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This art series I began a few years ago to fill a need in my homeschool year and today I’m so TICKLED because I have the last grade, which is the 2nd grade finished.

Free 2nd Grade Art Curriculum and notebooking pages. Pssst, there are grades 1 -8 too. Grab them over @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus
Homeschool Art Curriculum Notebooking

You will need two things to get started.

 Homeschool Art Curriculum & Notebooking Pages

Then choose a grade level or several depending on how many kids you have.

Yep, I have free printables for all the grades offered, which are Grades 1 – 8.

Free Homeschool Art Curriculum and Notebooking Pages. Grades 1 to 8 @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

And don’t forget that you can use just one packet with ALL of your kids (print one copy for each child) and save your sanity by teaching them all together. Or, print one copy for your older child and do another level with your younger children. You decide, you’re the teacher.

Also, I wanted you to know that even though the free art curriculum that I am following to create printables divides the art into grade levels,  I did not create the art notebooking pages baby-ish.

This way whatever the ages of your children are, they can use any grade level guide of their choosing along with the printables I created to have a complete art program for each year.

If you cover one artist per month, then each grade level will take you one year. So free art for a year!

One last thing I need to remind you is that I also create TWO SETS of the SAME art notebooking page, but each set is slightly different.

I like things perfect workable and to have options and I love for you to have them too.

Look below at the graphic I created to show how each set is slightly different.

One set has all text boxes in case you have a kid or two like I do that doesn’t want to sketch the art.

Especially at the high school level, my oldest son just wanted to make it more about art history.

So he wasn’t interest in sketching every piece. He just wanted to read the background information about each artist, read about the artwork and move one. Oh yes, I used some of these packets for high school art credit.

The second set has one small sketch box instead of the text box because then I have another kid who wants to sketch the art that we were learning about. Too, I keep the sketch box not too big so it doesn’t become a project to sigh about.

How to Use - Art Notebooking Pages 1

So the art is the SAME for both pages.

Too, this allows you to choose from either set depending on the time you have for that month. For example, one piece my sons may want to write, so I would print off that page. The next art piece they would want to sketch so I would print off that page from the other set.

Give your child options and don’t think you have to use ALL the same pages from one set. I mixed and match depending on the mood for the day or month.

I have a more pictures from each set to show you. This is how the pages look from the set that has sketch boxes and

3rd grade Artist Study Packet 1 with 3 text and 1 sketch box 23rd grade Artist Study Packet 1 with 3 text and 1 sketch box 3

this is how the pages look from the set that has ALL text boxes.

3rd grade Artist Study Packet 1 with 4 text boxes 13rd grade Artist Study Packet 1 with 4 text boxes 2

Again, BOTH sets have the same art and are the same except for that one box.

HOW TO GET THE FREE HOMESCHOOL ART CURRICULUM FOR GRADES 1 TO 8 AND 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!

Also, you may love to read these posts.

  • How To Teach Homeschool Art Like a Pro (When You’re Not),
  • Homeschool Art (Why Video Based Teaching Rocks),
  • Desert Sand Art: Day 2 Hands-on Learning (Colors of the Desert).

Hugs and you know I love ya,

Signature T

Don’t forget to follow BOTH of my Pinterest accounts for more AWESOME pins.

Visit Tina Robertson’s profile on Pinterest.


Visit Tinas Dynamic Homeschool ‘s profile on Pinterest.

6 CommentsFiled Under: 1. My FREE Learning Printables {Any Topic}, Free Homeschool Resources Tagged With: art, artnotebookingpages, elementary, freehomeschoolcurriculum, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling

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